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| Sunday at Grandmas |
Monday 20 October 2014
autumn leaves
I love the Fall; crisp mornings and warm afternoons. I love the crinkly leaves under foot, new school clothes, new schedules and goals. September means a new "mom calendar" that I can start to fill in. I like preparing for the winter by stacking wood piles and making lists of things we need to replenish in our food storage, by sorting through everyone's winter clothing to see who needs new boots. I love the bonfires outside and raking leaves to throw kids into. I love how surprised I am with each passing day that still has sunshine and warmth...
Thursday 16 October 2014
kittens and art
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| Peter is a big help in the kitchen... |
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| Kittys and cars in the morning |
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| Sophia 6 yr and 9/10 |
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| Brett 10 yrs |
Brett has just finished reading "Farmer Boy" (which is one of our family's favourites) and has been lamenting the fact that his life is nothing like "Almanzo's". It just so happened that tonight we had a load of wood dropped off that we needed to haul and stack in the garage. Work gloves went on and the wheelbarrow was brought out. Gabriella, Lily and Sophia were not that thrilled to play farm boy, but Brett was lovin' it! In order to make his dream come true, I made us a nice roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes...sorry no pies (my mom hasn't taught me how to make them yet!).
Monday 13 October 2014
what a week!
I knew this was going to be a busy week, but wow! We had quite a day of music and mayhem on Wednesday. Juliann came over to talk about music for the play and to hear the fiddlers. Berdine came a half hour after Juliann arrived and went promptly to the music room to work with Eric on the concert we are all putting together for the seniors on Thursday. Steve and Ethan arrived shortly after Berdine to play the fiddle with Lily for Juliann. We had to move into the garage with them as the music room was occupied. Analaea and Eliza then came over to work with Berdine (but had to wait). The fiddlers moved into the music room to see if Berdine would play the piano with them. Gabriella joined in on the cello at the start. Juliann ran upstairs to our master bedroom where the girls were trying on their costumes to check that they were going to be ok, while I directed the ensemble in the music room and attempted to record them. When I came out of the music room, an old friend had dropped by to say hello and see the house. The kitchen was brimming with noise and extra kids that weren't my own. By this point, I don't even know who is in the house or why? Fiddlers leave, Juliann leaves and the rest of the afternoon was spent with Berdine alternating between myself, Gabriella, Eliza and Analaea. Berdine leaves, I dish up our dinner and Heather arrives to mentor Gabriella. Heather leaves as Gabriella and I put on our shoes, pick up Eliza and head out to our "Messiah" practice. 10:30 we roll home, and I roll into bed - exhausted but happily satisfied. Although it was crazy, I was living my dream of music in my home!
Thursday's concert went very well despite the fact that I lost the fiddler's music and they had to play from memory (not nice of me!).
Friday calmed right down...we started the day with a walk along the creek to throw some stones in the water. Turns out Brett threw himself into the water (chilly!!).
The morning was filled with sunshine and fresh air, breathing gratitude into the children's hearts. Mom had been busy making meals and running errands all week. It was time for her to slow down and take some time with her younger ones. She and Sophia found a cuddle spot on the couch to read "On the Shores of Silver Lake", while Brett practiced his violin. He was practicing "Ode to Joy."
Who can tell whether it was the inspiring music or the fresh air still lingering in his lungs that caused him to stop his practice and break into operatic voice to finish the last refrains of "Ode to Joy", quickly morphing into "Angels we have heard on high." Whatever the reason, his boy tenor voice rang through the family room without him even realizing that there was another soul present to hear. Sophia and Mama continued to read, Lily and Gabriella passed through the room, Peter slept and Mike worked.
A change out of their jeans and into their skirts signal to the girls and their mother that it is now time to attend the temple. Talk turns to whispers as they enter and prepare to serve. Opportunity to change gears, change clothes, change thoughts and feel the peace that is so abundantly available to them. They felt it in the morning surrounded by His beauty and they felt it this afternoon in His holy house.
Arriving home, Dad was busy in the kitchen preparing a picnic dinner for his sweetheart. They were heading to Waterton for a date to see the fall leaves and walk along the waters edge. The wind was fierce, blowing the leaves, the lake, themselves, so they turned to keep the wind at their back, stopped for a swing and ducked into a cafe for a little hot chocolate before returning home.
The children reluctantly dragged themselves to bed for mom and dad to enjoy a movie together. A half hour past and Gabriella poked her head in, inching closer to the couch…Lily's door opened, "I can't sleep with all your laughing," she muttered, feigning tiredness. 10 more minutes and Brett slid in sheepishly asking if "we" (the children) are allowed to watch? And so, the Parker family have closed their day together rehearsing scenes and lines from the silly movie that will live on for a few more days, weeks and months, when someone suddenly remembers a line and acts it out to the guffaw's of the group!
What do big sisters do with a little brother that won't stop pulling at their flamenco skirts? Give him a tutu of his own!
Peter was mesmorized!
Thursday's concert went very well despite the fact that I lost the fiddler's music and they had to play from memory (not nice of me!).
Friday calmed right down...we started the day with a walk along the creek to throw some stones in the water. Turns out Brett threw himself into the water (chilly!!).
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| good form for thai chi |
Who can tell whether it was the inspiring music or the fresh air still lingering in his lungs that caused him to stop his practice and break into operatic voice to finish the last refrains of "Ode to Joy", quickly morphing into "Angels we have heard on high." Whatever the reason, his boy tenor voice rang through the family room without him even realizing that there was another soul present to hear. Sophia and Mama continued to read, Lily and Gabriella passed through the room, Peter slept and Mike worked.
A change out of their jeans and into their skirts signal to the girls and their mother that it is now time to attend the temple. Talk turns to whispers as they enter and prepare to serve. Opportunity to change gears, change clothes, change thoughts and feel the peace that is so abundantly available to them. They felt it in the morning surrounded by His beauty and they felt it this afternoon in His holy house.
Arriving home, Dad was busy in the kitchen preparing a picnic dinner for his sweetheart. They were heading to Waterton for a date to see the fall leaves and walk along the waters edge. The wind was fierce, blowing the leaves, the lake, themselves, so they turned to keep the wind at their back, stopped for a swing and ducked into a cafe for a little hot chocolate before returning home.
The children reluctantly dragged themselves to bed for mom and dad to enjoy a movie together. A half hour past and Gabriella poked her head in, inching closer to the couch…Lily's door opened, "I can't sleep with all your laughing," she muttered, feigning tiredness. 10 more minutes and Brett slid in sheepishly asking if "we" (the children) are allowed to watch? And so, the Parker family have closed their day together rehearsing scenes and lines from the silly movie that will live on for a few more days, weeks and months, when someone suddenly remembers a line and acts it out to the guffaw's of the group!
What do big sisters do with a little brother that won't stop pulling at their flamenco skirts? Give him a tutu of his own!
There have been many first for Mike as we have moved to the land, this one was probably the funnest!
Peter was mesmorized!musical musings
Yesterday was not such a great day. I have been feeling like I have too many things to do and I find myself worrying about how busy I am and missing out on living in the moment. My worry led to impatience and frustration with the family. Too bad - it is still taking some effort to be calm and positive, however, there is much to be grateful for.
Last night the kids and I worked hard on the house to get it clean. We then brought out a new game and played. It was hard but fun. We played again today, it is called "10 days in Africa". We should have a good grasp on the African Continent after playing it for a while.
Today was all about music! We started the day working on violin with Brett. Gabriella and I went to her voice lesson with Cidelle C. then came home to Lynda O. already in progress with piano lessons. After a few hours of piano at our house, it was time for me to take a turn in the teachers chair giving voice lessons for the rest of the afternoon. This evening Sophia and I are going to learn a song on the Ukulele.
Quick dinner and Brett is off to Martial arts lessons while Lily and Mike at the church for Young Women's and Bishopric meeting. Peter saw me brushing Sophia's hair and wanted to have a turn at it.
The music continues into the night!
Brett came home from Martial Arts wielding his new sword. I love it when the kids burst through the door with something to say or show!
The house is a MESS, I have things that I am MEANT to do and things that I would LIKE to do, but what I WILL do tonight is snuggle my little girl to bed with a bedtime story...It will be more rewarding than anything else...especially in the long run. Though I really do LOVE a clean house, especially when someone else cleans it!
Last night the kids and I worked hard on the house to get it clean. We then brought out a new game and played. It was hard but fun. We played again today, it is called "10 days in Africa". We should have a good grasp on the African Continent after playing it for a while.
Today was all about music! We started the day working on violin with Brett. Gabriella and I went to her voice lesson with Cidelle C. then came home to Lynda O. already in progress with piano lessons. After a few hours of piano at our house, it was time for me to take a turn in the teachers chair giving voice lessons for the rest of the afternoon. This evening Sophia and I are going to learn a song on the Ukulele.
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| C and F chords (the start of twinkle twinkle) |
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| Peter hard at work up and down |
Brett came home from Martial Arts wielding his new sword. I love it when the kids burst through the door with something to say or show!
Conference weekend
Conference Feast
The day began as all Saturday should begin...a pile up on mom and dad's bed! That is quite a pile up with 7 people!
As is tradition, we prepared for our conference feast, everyone bustling about to do their part; Lily preparing everyone's baskets with goodies; Brett cleaning up the lego so we could walk in the room; Mom fiddling with the TV to get conference working; Peter toddling; Mike giving everyone time updates "10 minutes!"; Gabriella playing the piano up to the last minute; Sophia skipping around with her "bingo sheets".
Wonderful messages from Conference. Some that stood out to me were about the need for me to be engaged in the savior's work. I took that to mean that I could attend to the needs of others more - both temporal needs and spiritual needs. I have been given callings within our ward that I can strive to put my whole heart into, really caring about the individuals I serve.
Complaining about assignments because of lack of time and lack of skill isn't benefiting me or the people I serve or my family who watches my example. Gratitude and a willingness to try are always a better choice.
The other message that I need personally is about studying the scriptures and turning my mind more frequently to the things of God.
Between conference sessions I had a great talk with a dear friend who helped me by recounting to me her sons path of learning as he decided that being a musician would be his lifes work.
Steve, Ethan, Lily and Gabriella got together to play their violins and cello. They are preparing to play a piece in the upcoming play and needed to make a recording. My dream coming true - collaborative music in my home. It was awesome!
More conference
Outside to get some fresh air and let Peter roam.
A quick walk with Eve to see the unveiling of Becky's cabin redecorated! Stunning!
Tradition- curry night with the adults (this time at Rachel's) - awesome curry and soul satisfying conversation as we discussed gospel principles from the priesthood session of conference.
SUNDAY
Breakfast at the Verdons - french toast, berries, whipped cream and sugar - YUM!
cub training between sessions of conference at the Creeds - wonderful people.
Lots of hugs and cuddles today from my kiddies - thankfully they haven't grown out of this - I hope it is just a part of our family culture. Peter just like to bite! Lily made some hot scones for the afternoon session.
Everyone is running outside to get the ants out of their pants.
Tradition - Sunday Sundaes for the 8 and up kids to discuss their favourite part of conference over a sundae. Yes, we are fat with all these traditions!!
"Messiah" practice for Gabriella and I tonight.
BED, SWEET BED.
The day began as all Saturday should begin...a pile up on mom and dad's bed! That is quite a pile up with 7 people!
As is tradition, we prepared for our conference feast, everyone bustling about to do their part; Lily preparing everyone's baskets with goodies; Brett cleaning up the lego so we could walk in the room; Mom fiddling with the TV to get conference working; Peter toddling; Mike giving everyone time updates "10 minutes!"; Gabriella playing the piano up to the last minute; Sophia skipping around with her "bingo sheets".
Wonderful messages from Conference. Some that stood out to me were about the need for me to be engaged in the savior's work. I took that to mean that I could attend to the needs of others more - both temporal needs and spiritual needs. I have been given callings within our ward that I can strive to put my whole heart into, really caring about the individuals I serve.
Complaining about assignments because of lack of time and lack of skill isn't benefiting me or the people I serve or my family who watches my example. Gratitude and a willingness to try are always a better choice.
The other message that I need personally is about studying the scriptures and turning my mind more frequently to the things of God.
Between conference sessions I had a great talk with a dear friend who helped me by recounting to me her sons path of learning as he decided that being a musician would be his lifes work.
Steve, Ethan, Lily and Gabriella got together to play their violins and cello. They are preparing to play a piece in the upcoming play and needed to make a recording. My dream coming true - collaborative music in my home. It was awesome!
More conference
Outside to get some fresh air and let Peter roam.
A quick walk with Eve to see the unveiling of Becky's cabin redecorated! Stunning!
Tradition- curry night with the adults (this time at Rachel's) - awesome curry and soul satisfying conversation as we discussed gospel principles from the priesthood session of conference.
SUNDAY
Breakfast at the Verdons - french toast, berries, whipped cream and sugar - YUM!
cub training between sessions of conference at the Creeds - wonderful people.
Lots of hugs and cuddles today from my kiddies - thankfully they haven't grown out of this - I hope it is just a part of our family culture. Peter just like to bite! Lily made some hot scones for the afternoon session.
Everyone is running outside to get the ants out of their pants.
Tradition - Sunday Sundaes for the 8 and up kids to discuss their favourite part of conference over a sundae. Yes, we are fat with all these traditions!!
"Messiah" practice for Gabriella and I tonight.
BED, SWEET BED.
Friday
I have discovered a great way to get loads of nutrition into my kids in the morning - waffles. RECIPE: left over porridge
pumpkin and or apple sauce puree
ground flax seed
hemp of chia seed
almond milk
coconut oil
ancient grains or gluten free flour
loads of frozen berries
Mix it up, pour into waffle iron and viola! Delicious, health packed waffles (and the kids think they are getting a treat).
This mornings view - I love waking up to this! I remembered to pray with Mike and read a few verses of scriptures - lessons learned - 5 minutes can make a difference in your marraige - a few verses of scripture can give you a healthy perspective of your own life.
Today's goals = Meet Peter's needs. Hold him, play with him, feed him earlier, communicate with him.
= show and speak gratitude for family members. Praise them.
= stay away from junk food while shopping in Lethbridge.
Kids are waking its time to put on some good music to set the tone for the day. Because I am needing to learn my parts for the "Messiah", we will be listening to that for the next few months.
A long afternoon in lethbridge but opportunity to have a long mentoring talk with Gabriella.
This evening it was a rush out the door to a community meeting that Mike was hosting.
pumpkin and or apple sauce puree
ground flax seed
hemp of chia seed
almond milk
coconut oil
ancient grains or gluten free flour
loads of frozen berries
Mix it up, pour into waffle iron and viola! Delicious, health packed waffles (and the kids think they are getting a treat).
Today's goals = Meet Peter's needs. Hold him, play with him, feed him earlier, communicate with him.
= show and speak gratitude for family members. Praise them.
= stay away from junk food while shopping in Lethbridge.
Kids are waking its time to put on some good music to set the tone for the day. Because I am needing to learn my parts for the "Messiah", we will be listening to that for the next few months.
A long afternoon in lethbridge but opportunity to have a long mentoring talk with Gabriella.
This evening it was a rush out the door to a community meeting that Mike was hosting.
Thursday's living
I usually start my day, head swirling, with ideas for learning, menu's to be cooked, groceries to be bought, lessons to drive to and self improvements to be made! Inevitably I end my day feeling defeated, underachieved, overwhelmed and SURPRISED that another day has opened and closed with so little accomplished. I know that I am missing the TRUTH about my life by focusing my mind on all the things "undone". This blog is my attempt to record what we ARE doing and celebrating in the little steps we take each day towards living, loving and learning!
Oct 2 2014
Woke up to piles of snow -
Prayed with Mike this morning - opened my heart about my concerns for our children - prayed with unity and purpose - a great way to start the day
Watched Gabriella encourage Lily about something she felt embarrassed about - thought to myself, "what beautiful women they are growing into."
Straightened lily's hair
Helped Brett with Violin, learning notes, counting rythm, working on technique and songs. I wasn't frustrated and it was really nice to learn music together.
Peter and I drove Lily to school and looked for costumes for her play "A Christmas Carol"
The creativity and happiness of children is such a beautiful thing. Brett and Sophia hopped out of bed this morning and positioned themselves under a blanket to greet me as a giant wiggly worm. I thought to myself, "what would my day be like, if I started it with so many giggles..."
Prepared dinner - roasted veggies
Listening to "Story of the World", making bread and writing in our blog. The littles took their piece of dough and made a mini pizza while singing Italian Opera! On to making slingshot snowballs and snowcream (however we had no cream or syrup and honey and almond milk just doesn't taste the same).
Listening to Handel's "Messiah" while working on math and cursive.
Peter is awake and being used as a target for little slingshot snowballs (lots of laughter, including baby giggles). Sophia is singing "Do You Want to Build a Snowman"
Peter is rolling - rolling chairs, suitcases, cars, and anything else he can find with wheels!
I find that as I write, I am becoming much more present to the joy around me. I wish I could record the sounds of Peter's yodels and giggles mixed with the spontaneous, full voice singing and peals of laughter!
Received a phone call that frustrated me (from a family member) - prayed for help, talked with Mike, felt hopeful about my ability to be calm with my loved one.
Phone call with a friend - listened and learned about relationships and healing childhood pains. I will try to implement listening from the heart when I feel annoyed by someone else. Slowing down and living in the present is the task. I wonder if it's possible to keep time as my servant not my master. It seems that "time" is the culprit --without it, I could be content to flow with moments. Isn't that what I am trying to do with this blog; record and live in the moment regardless of the pressures of performance in "time".
Taught voice lessons
A lively dinner - Peter squawking, kids talking about their day, mom praising her own cooking, dad eating in silence - general positivity.
Gabriella playing her beautiful music. Having an accomplished musician in the house is dreamy! She brings so much light into our lives with her music, singing, playing the cello and the piano. It brings her joy and fills our home with good vibrations!
Lily diligently working on her math, without complaint; Mike assisting her from the kitchen.
Peter's nose pressed up against the window, screaming to get out and be with the terrific two who are still slingshoting snowballs and eating icicles!
Snuggles with Peter before bed, coercing him to let go of the big truck in his hand with promises of play in the morning.
The usual songs - "I love you so much and Dreamers holiday" - yet I feel prompted to sing more, to take this quiet moment to teach of the Savior even to one so young. For him it is likely not a teaching, but a remembering.
The pictures I have taken today seem to be inspiring the whole family on to more and more creativity. S & B donned cloaks and light sabers (using long bubble wands from the dollar store) for a play fight between star wars characters. After our scripture study they set up a scene from the scriptures with playmobile and ponies! They have had a good day, a fun day, a day to remember... As I have shared the blog with our family, it has seemed to fill us all a little fuller. Our life seems rich when written on page. The activities of today, while still present, seem to morph into a memory to be rehearsed at the dinner table or in the car, laughing and embellishing while speaking over and in between one another. We are trying a little harder to hold on to the images of love captured digitally.
Mike leads the family in devotional. 2 short movies that provide inspiration for living outside oneself. I think a follow up to our brief discussion this morning. The true story of the inspiration behind Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" - how relevant for Lily and Gabriella's play. I rub the shoulders of our oldest daughters, the desire to share my feelings of love through touch is a conscious decision. Sophia wants some too. We read some verses from the Book of Mormon and talk about how to apply them to our situations - and they definitely apply! Kneel for family prayer (we remind one another to kneel and it makes a difference). It feels good to be working together with my husband.
Getting close to bed time. I fight the urge to think of all the things that haven't been checked off my list today. I haven't found time to take care of myself, yet I am fulfilled. There is no greater joy for me than a happy home so it turns out I did take care of myself today.
Oct 2 2014
Woke up to piles of snow -
Prayed with Mike this morning - opened my heart about my concerns for our children - prayed with unity and purpose - a great way to start the day
Watched Gabriella encourage Lily about something she felt embarrassed about - thought to myself, "what beautiful women they are growing into."
Straightened lily's hair
Helped Brett with Violin, learning notes, counting rythm, working on technique and songs. I wasn't frustrated and it was really nice to learn music together.
Peter and I drove Lily to school and looked for costumes for her play "A Christmas Carol"
The creativity and happiness of children is such a beautiful thing. Brett and Sophia hopped out of bed this morning and positioned themselves under a blanket to greet me as a giant wiggly worm. I thought to myself, "what would my day be like, if I started it with so many giggles..."
Prepared dinner - roasted veggies
Listening to "Story of the World", making bread and writing in our blog. The littles took their piece of dough and made a mini pizza while singing Italian Opera! On to making slingshot snowballs and snowcream (however we had no cream or syrup and honey and almond milk just doesn't taste the same).
Listening to Handel's "Messiah" while working on math and cursive.
Peter is awake and being used as a target for little slingshot snowballs (lots of laughter, including baby giggles). Sophia is singing "Do You Want to Build a Snowman"
Peter is rolling - rolling chairs, suitcases, cars, and anything else he can find with wheels!
I find that as I write, I am becoming much more present to the joy around me. I wish I could record the sounds of Peter's yodels and giggles mixed with the spontaneous, full voice singing and peals of laughter!
Received a phone call that frustrated me (from a family member) - prayed for help, talked with Mike, felt hopeful about my ability to be calm with my loved one.
Phone call with a friend - listened and learned about relationships and healing childhood pains. I will try to implement listening from the heart when I feel annoyed by someone else. Slowing down and living in the present is the task. I wonder if it's possible to keep time as my servant not my master. It seems that "time" is the culprit --without it, I could be content to flow with moments. Isn't that what I am trying to do with this blog; record and live in the moment regardless of the pressures of performance in "time".
Taught voice lessons
A lively dinner - Peter squawking, kids talking about their day, mom praising her own cooking, dad eating in silence - general positivity.
Gabriella playing her beautiful music. Having an accomplished musician in the house is dreamy! She brings so much light into our lives with her music, singing, playing the cello and the piano. It brings her joy and fills our home with good vibrations!
Lily diligently working on her math, without complaint; Mike assisting her from the kitchen.
Peter's nose pressed up against the window, screaming to get out and be with the terrific two who are still slingshoting snowballs and eating icicles!
Snuggles with Peter before bed, coercing him to let go of the big truck in his hand with promises of play in the morning.
The usual songs - "I love you so much and Dreamers holiday" - yet I feel prompted to sing more, to take this quiet moment to teach of the Savior even to one so young. For him it is likely not a teaching, but a remembering.
| "Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: | |||||
| The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star, | 60 | ||||
| Hath had elsewhere its setting, | |||||
| And cometh from afar: | |||||
| Not in entire forgetfulness, | |||||
| And not in utter nakedness, | |||||
| But trailing clouds of glory do we come | 65 | ||||
| From God, who is our home: | |||||
| Heaven lies about us in our infancy!" William Wordsworth |
The pictures I have taken today seem to be inspiring the whole family on to more and more creativity. S & B donned cloaks and light sabers (using long bubble wands from the dollar store) for a play fight between star wars characters. After our scripture study they set up a scene from the scriptures with playmobile and ponies! They have had a good day, a fun day, a day to remember... As I have shared the blog with our family, it has seemed to fill us all a little fuller. Our life seems rich when written on page. The activities of today, while still present, seem to morph into a memory to be rehearsed at the dinner table or in the car, laughing and embellishing while speaking over and in between one another. We are trying a little harder to hold on to the images of love captured digitally.
Mike leads the family in devotional. 2 short movies that provide inspiration for living outside oneself. I think a follow up to our brief discussion this morning. The true story of the inspiration behind Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" - how relevant for Lily and Gabriella's play. I rub the shoulders of our oldest daughters, the desire to share my feelings of love through touch is a conscious decision. Sophia wants some too. We read some verses from the Book of Mormon and talk about how to apply them to our situations - and they definitely apply! Kneel for family prayer (we remind one another to kneel and it makes a difference). It feels good to be working together with my husband.
Getting close to bed time. I fight the urge to think of all the things that haven't been checked off my list today. I haven't found time to take care of myself, yet I am fulfilled. There is no greater joy for me than a happy home so it turns out I did take care of myself today.
Let me tell you a story of Alexander the Great. Once a upon a time in Asia Minor, in a city, there was a knot that no one could untie . The legend is that the person who unties this knot will rule all of Asia Minor. Alexander studied the knot and took out his sword and sliced the knot in half! "There!" he said. And sure enough, he conquered all of Asia Minor.
THE END Brett age 10
THE END Brett age 10
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| Studying Africa |
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| Grinding the wheat |
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Homemade honey and oatmeal bread
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