The Old blog remastered!

I originally called this the 'old blog reborn' but I kept hearing Derek Jacobi playing the Master saying 'reborn' and it felt evil!!!!

Not sure yet what I am going to do with this blog. I figured by linking it to An Unexpected Hug (my crafty blog) it might be a good way of getting more photos of our adventures into the public (ie family) domain!

Needless to say the kids have changed a bit since I last posted a photo of them on here ...

YAY!

Just in case you haven't discovered the new Blog - An Unexpected Hug - here is the latest posting. As the HUG blog is mostly about my crafting I am tending to post on there more often. Might be worth following me there!

Anyway here is the latest news!



OK it is Monday so I can divulge... On Saturday I went for an interview with the Gifted Kids programme. This is a one day school for gifted kids, based in an intermediate school. Basically it is all about developing thinking skills, nuturing passions and providing the kind of stimuli that Mainstream school hasn't the time or the ability to provide. It is all about reaching potential. Oh my god it is exciting!


I was convinced I had waffled badly. I was sure I had lost any chance of the job when Ant's satnav decided that the building didn't exist and I had to text for directions... and disclosing I have bipolar disorder... well I was in MY car so it was hard to miss the advert!


I was at Laingholm today, relieving for the day ( with kids who had got up at 2am to watch the All Whites- what were their parents thinking?) so was having morning tea when the deputy head waved a piece of paper in my face - telephone message saying to call to provide a reference! Tee hee! She said she would call at lunchtime!


The same lunchtime, I get a call, at school from the Head of the unit. I GOT THE JOB!!!!!



Someone is brave enough to employ me! Oh my god how scary is that! Of course I said yes immediately and now can start questioning a) my ability b)my sanity c) their sanity for employing AND THEN I can start enjoying the whole idea!!!!


Check it out...click the link!

Gifted kids Unit

And so as not to be outdone ( reposting from mom's blog)

Firstly here are the photos from Reuben's successful night. Here he is winning second place in the Basic Facts championship- behind Felix, the big kid!

And here is Reuben getting runner up in the Best Allrounder in the universe ever award!

Next year we are thinking of ringlets and a waistcoat!

So, then, yesterday, Reuben was off doing an TVC= television commeracial for NZ RU ) rugby union- (yes lots of lovely rugby players!) at exactly the same time as Caitlin was having her prizegiving. I managed to drop him and dash to her school.

I missed her getting her termly red star. She now has eight which is enough for a gold kauri already. She also got one for hard materials!

Miss W had come along, just in case I couldn't get there, so that C had a support team, and if she hadn't got anything, a shoulder to cry on!

Shouldn't have worried should I?

When I was there, they announced the top sports people of the year and Morgan, her mate, took the year 7 girl prize.

Then they announced the academic prizes... Year seven girls... Caitlin Ashcroft. Just as well Elaine had tissues with her. My heart really can't take this.

I can't work out though why I am surprised, but I always am. I know my kids are amazing and kind and generous and clever but they still surprise me.

Here's the trophy, already engraved ( which is a nice touch). She also has a little trophy to keep!

My kids both have very bright eyes tonight!

Boy, do I love them!

We are very proud parents

A new tv presenter

'What Now?', an NZ kids' program are running a competition for a toyologist. You have to make a one minute video reviewing your favourite toy and send it to them.

Here is Reuben's!

and here is Caitlin's.

Girls on tour

This week, Caitlin's class went to the Waitomo Glow worm caves. We had to get up at 5am, be at school for 6am, and arrived at Waitomo about 10. Thankfully only one boy was ill on the coach ( and who in their right minds gives their child CHOCOLATE MILK! ON A BUS TRIP! I ask you).

We were very lucky with the weather, slight drizzle and then beautiful sunshine.

Bushman's friend

You can write on it in pen or wipe your bum with it!

Caitlin and Morgan

I was not built for climbing through small spaces- thanks Trish

Half of room 15

After the caves we went to Woodlyn Park. It's an amazing place, looks like arun down farm but then you see a plane on the hillside, and a hobbit hole and a steam ship. All of them motel rooms for hire ( I am so taking Anton there for a weekend. Iwant to stay in the plane!)

It's run by Billy Black who does this amazing show with obviously well trained animals, like a Moon walking pig,

Emma and Morgan

Caught on camera at last

Anton's starring role

OK so blink and you miss him, around the 1.50 mark but still there he is!

And today he was eating strawberries off a naked woman ( on set you understand!) Bitter and twisted? Me? NO!

Not much news then....

I have not had a terribly good time of it lately, moodwise, so the blog gets rather neglected. Ihave tried to update a few times but then Blogger has been annoying so no joy. Here is the post I was supposed to post last weekend!

Wow! Am I glad this week is over! I didn't intend for it to be so full on but..

Saturday went to Cirque du Soleil performing Dralion which was AMAZING! Sort of beyond describing really. There are no superlatives worthy of being mentioned in the same country as the performers- just WOW!

Mind you I knew my head was off as by the end of the second half I was having trouble concentrating, almost as though I wasn't physically there. Sounds odd but then that is the week I have had ( and am still having)

Sunday Ant went off to do some advert or other, I was up all night with an upset stomach ( not mine!) and then we went to play community netball in Parau. As expected the primary age kids ran rings round us adults but it was a good laugh.

Monday- final netball coaching with a bunch of ungrateful pre teens. I wish I hadn't bothered making cookies and cake. AH well know better for next year

Tuesday- Oh god. Interview time for the Japan/ Korea trip. Of course Caitlin though it went badly. How was she to know that sign language is different the world over? The OK sign here means do you have a boyfriend? I think in Korea!

Results of that on Monday 31st

Tuesday was also the first performance of the Bay Music festival. BBI and assorted local primaries got together and sang, lots. C was stressed as the rock band trio were soloists in their school's individual item. They were , of course, fab.


Wednesday also saw a performance of the Bay Festival, oh and the table tennis team trials, which C had been pestering Mr Hill ( one of the Korea interviewing panel) about. Needless to say, she made the team beating a couple of year 8's 12-10 and 11-2

Wednesday was also the day I took the car to have its cam belt done, spent the day racing from Henderson to BBI to New Lynn and back to Henderson all in the search for photo frames of a particular size!

Thursday- the day of the mental meltdown. Managed to leave my camera in the loan car which started it all.

Friday- takes a breath! Barbara sent me the 'Secret life of bees' and I sat on the beach reading in the sun, then picked up my camera when I did the school run.






So then this week was fairly uneventful by comparison...

Not only did Caitlin get chosen to go on the Korea trip, but so did her mates Ruby and Claudia, from Laingholm. We are mighty proud. I was so convinced she would do it that I had already bought the Korean phrase book the morning before she heard!

Today we hear that she has achieved her bronze kauri award for receiving two red, green, blue and yellow stars ( and two extras). This is a BIG deal for a year 7. Most year 8's are hoping to get theirs before they leave!

I had to take the car in again as there was an oil leak, which they admitted was their fault- an improvement on the last time I too it in and they charged us twice.

Anton is feeling flush as our tax bill is relatively small so he is arranging to get the kitchen sorted ( new benchtop, cooker, floor), the gutters fixed, the drive done and who knows what else. He has just got his computer updated- new hard drive, ram and battery and is taking us to Rotorua for the weekend. I think this is as a direct response to a mate taking his wife to Hawaii for her 40th birthday. CARPE DIEM!!!!

Reuben has finished his latest wall chart and is very very proud of it, oh and is still rehearsing hard for the semi final of Idol on Monday




And did you ever think you would see this...



Isn't he gorgeous in his new hat?

Caitlin's Application to go to Korea and Japan

In Year eight, the children of BBI get the chance to go on a three week trip to Japan and Korea. The selection process started today and Caitlin is going to school with her folder in hand and a disk and a pen drive and a print out and a link to youtube just in case
Here is her powerpoint and the letters of application for you to enjoy




Caitlin Ashcroft, 15 August 2009
15 Staley Road,
Parau, Waitakere,
0604

Dear Miss McPherson, Mrs Loomans, Mr Hill,

My name is Caitlin Ashcroft. I am an eleven-year-old student in room 15 and I would love to be involved in the Korea and Japan trip in 2010. I hope you will consider my application.

I first heard about this trip at the open day in 2008 and I thought that it was a great opportunity and that I was definitely going to apply when I came here.

I think it would be fantastic to get the chance to see new places, meet new people and get to know other kids from Blockhouse Bay better too. Researching Korea and Japan has made me want to go even more. There are so many new things I have learnt and I really enjoyed doing the research.

I also love to travel to new places and have had much experience in doing so. Two years ago I came to New Zealand from the UK, so I have had practice being somewhere unfamiliar. Plus I don’t get plane sick! I’m not scared of being a homestay as I like meeting new people and although I will miss my family that will not stop me having fun.

As I realise it is a lot of money I have offered to raise funds to help pay for the trip to show I am responsible and determined to go. I have been doing this by making felt flowers and selling them on etsy.com.I have sold many to friends and family in the UK and one to someone I don’t know in America. This I have been doing since term one and I have raised quite a lot of money.

I believe that I am a worthy candidate as I am hard working, enthusiastic and have never had a detention in my whole school career. I feel I would be a good ambassador for the school. I hope I will have the chance to be involved in this incredible trip.

Yours sincerely,


Caitlin Ashcroft





Anton Ashcroft,
Senior Registered Psychologist,
15 Staley Road,
Parau,
Waitakere City.


Re: Caitlin Ashcroft


To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to you as I understand that my daughter, Caitlin, requires a letter of support for her application to attend the trip to Korea and Japan.

As her father, I would naturally recommend her wholeheartedly, but from a purely objective point of view I believe that Caitlin is a most suitable candidate for the trip.

Caitlin is a dedicated student, requiring little parental encouragement to complete her homework assignments, she is keen to learn and is already engaged in a wide variety of activities both in and out of school including netball, tennis, drama, choir, G and T writing, rock band and guitar. I believe she is already close to achieving her bronze Kauri award.

With regard to the trip Caitlin has already offered to pay the deposit from her own funds, and is currently selling her craftwork (felt flower brooches) online to assist with this.

Caitlin has evidenced her natural leadership abilities through selection for attendance at the Leadership conference whilst at Laingholm school. She is continuing to take a lead role within Blockhouse Bay through her role as Class Counsellor.

At home Caitlin is a real pleasure to spend time with and has great sense of humour. Whilst she will be greatly missed by her family whilst she is away, we know that she will gain a great deal from her experiences on this trip.

Yours faithfully




Anton Ashcroft

FOR SOME REASON THE VIDEO WILL NOT LOAD ONTO YOUTUBE> I WILL KEEP TRYING

The boy is in double figures

At last my baby is 10!

It was a busy day but he made the most of his special day when he is allowed to choose whatever we get up to!

So first he opened presents at 7am, dictated by the fact that his dad had to get to work. Amongst the favourites were Pokemon platinum for the DS, cuddle buddy from Caitlin, lots of books, a cross stitched pirate from Nanny ( and some smarties which lasted about two hours) and lots of lego ( Technics and starwars).

Then pancakes for breakfast, a trip to ten pin bowling and mini golf, lunch at McDonalds (with a quick sejourn to Starbucks for a decent coffee for Mommy), homemade meatballs and Caitlin's marble cake for dessert. Most of the rest of the day was spent putting his lego technic sand buggy together.



He says he feels much older!

It's been a busy holiday so far.

Mom and Roo have been to the Science day at Auckland Uni, where we both loved the Physics show, where we learned how to get rid of aliens. Anton took the kids ice skating.


While Ant was playing at soldiers the rest of us went ot the French Market and ate huge croissants and bought lots of cheese.On Wednesday we are going to watch Harry Potter at the IMAX cinema in town. We also have plans to go the Museum for their 'dangerous exhibition for boys and daring girls' and lots of other stuff while Daddy is away!

As if he didn't have enough work to do...

Anton has decided to join the Army. Here he is with his buddies in the Officers' Mess. They are just about to depart on a tour of duty in one of the worst hot spots in the world....West Auckland!






And with any army comes the young and glamourous hangers-on












Ooops, my mistake. Turns out he's filming something called "Spies and Lies" and earning £4 an hour for the privilege of dressing up as a soldier. He's off to Rotorua tomorrow to do the same thing for two days, before jetting out to the UK

"

Oh no! Caitlin has discovered alcohol!

In term 2 C's class did an inquiry project on drugs. Then they were asked to do a mini inquiry of their own focussing on one particular drug.

Caitlin chose alcohol, though only after a number of interesting hours in the library with her mum heard to say 'This cocaine one looks good!" and "How about heroin?'

The result? Another top score of 5A

Please help Caitlin's efforts to get to Korea

Caitlin has begun her quest for world domination! She is trying to earn some money towards a possible trip to Korea next year. We have said if she can earn some of the cost ( and that doesn't mean going begging to grandparents) we will help her out.

(JUST NEED TO QUALIFY THAT LAST POINT BEFORE C HITS ME- SHE MAY WELL BE ASKING GRANDPARENTS ETC TO SEND HER MONEY IN LIEU OF XMAS PRESSIES IN ORDER TO HELP HER REACH HER GOAL. IS THAT-ouch- OK, CAITLIN?)


With this in mind, we have set up a stall on a website called Etsy.

Caitlin has made some felt flower badges which she is selling. She has made them all herself, from cutting the felt to sewing the button and the pin in place

It's really my site so my stuff is on there too.


There is an icon on the right hand side of this blog which will take you directly to our page!

There may be family and friends' discounts but I wouldn't bank on it!

Come on over and have a look. You might find something you like!








Can you tell whose is whose?

Reposted entry from Jo's blog

Just in case people don't look at both blogs ( and why would you...) I have reposted this from my blog as the internet is proving difficult for various reasons as outlined below...



Anton has bought a time capsule for his mac as he thought he had lost his computer and all its work a few weeks ago. As a result of trying to install it, he has f&*ked up the settings on my mac so I can't get on the Internet at home. So I am sitting on the floor outside room 17 at Laingholm, with the kids walking the dog round the field, surfing using the school internet. Subsequently I am not able to go on Facebook to update anything. It is blocked at school!

So a quick update on life in NZ


Roo has made the gym team for the second year running! He is more impressed by the fact he has finished Age of Mythology however! The whole family is impressed with the first piece of news. He has finished the cue cards for his presentation at school too. He is a bright little cookie and I am very very proud of him. Oh he gives good cuddles too!

Caitlin...

has unofficially earned her kauri award, which is exceptionally rare ( like never ever done before by a year 7 in the first half of the year). I had a long conversation with her head teacher at book day yesterday who was impressed by her competitive spirit and determination. He is sure she WILL be going to Korea next year!

went to character day as Hercules Poirot- pictures to follow with an internet connection at home! And got a yellow star.

is working on Trash to Flash ( in my sewing room with some friends today... must go and clear the floor!)

Is hormonal but we don't like to talk about it!

Is going to present her Suffragette video to a group of teachers ( and get a green star for her trouble)

Is dragging members of the family to another weeding day ( dad's turn) for half a green star- can you see a pattern emerging here?

Went on a trip to Tree Adventures and challenged herself 20 metres up in the air( and so did her mum!)

I am sure there is lots more but my fingers are getting tired..


Anton...

is pfaffing with the computers and Jo is about to kill him if her computer doesn't start to work soon

Is working for the Dept of Corrections as a consultant on three times the pay of his last job

is still at Serenity which is reopenning soon

is working with Simon on editing and designing books ( Simon is a graphic designer)

is thinking of investing in property with some other friends


Jo is not having a good day.

Sewing is going well but can't upload pictures coz of the internet ( though I might be able to put some of the pictures on here)

Has applied for a job at Woodlands Park school ( but they want Maths and Music and I offered them IT and Science and Soft Materials)

was asked by the head of BBI to put her name on the relief list.

Is being hormonal too

Has been running well in the 10kms and is thinking of doing the half marathon in July (In my opinion she is incredible.From Caitlin)


Loves her kids to bits


Needs to blog when she is feeling better!


It's been a busy week and everyone is suffering I think. Hopefully photos to follow

And again

So it is the end of term. Two weeks off for Easter. As usual school ends with an assembly. In fact both schools end with an assembly at the SAME TIME! So one of me and two kids to keep happy... no problemo! I went to C's assembly as she was hosting it ( another coup!) and stayed till the last possible moment before heading off to get Roo from school. Took him for a coffee and wedges at the Hardware before going back to BBI to get C who had had a a piano lesson, before coming back to Tititrangi to watch Roo at his kung fu grading. TWO HAPPY KIDS, NO PETROL!!!

And you can guess the next bit. C got another star- for an excellent consistent approach to the term. She now has two red, a blue ( for sportsmanship) and half a green ( for weeding!). SO over 1/4 of the way to a bronze kauri award and only 1/4 of the way through the year. She also got a level 5A for her inquiry project- so not big headed at all then!

Roo did brilliantly at grading. Master Eagle spotted him again doing a complicated balance and complimented him. He will definitely get his next stripe and I have finally ordered his kung fu shirt so he will look the part!

A Team Ashcroft creation

A Team Ashcroft creation
Originally uploaded by rydalcat

Reuben and I have worked together on a few ideas for art/sewing projects. This is the first to be completed. It hangs in his room.

It is about life being a journey with obstacles and an ultimate prize.

Can I stop yet?

Reuben is getting a bit cheesed off with his over achieving sister!

Today Caitlin came home clutching her latest piece of artwork, based on a beach.

She grinned and began...

"We had orienteering today and I made the 2nd 11. The teacher said if I do some fitness training over the holidays I will do really well. ANd I beat Morgan ( a majorly sporty kid!)

And I went to school council today and presented our ideas list and the teacher in charge put them on the minutes with details of how to action them.


And Mr Merrill said it would be a shame to waste my talents so I'm in Rock band and I need to learn all five songs, singing and chords and harmonies" Then she paused for breath!

Just an ordinary Friday then!

Reuben's class won the Laingholm tug of war competition too.

History homework update

Caitlin presented her video today.

She came home beaming! She received tonnes of positive feedback and her teacher said she had to present it to the head teacher. On top of that she was told she had nailed the project and was the only one worthy of a level five! In fact a year 13 would be proud to call it their own.

Cool!

History homework

Caitlin's class were given an Inquiry to do based on a famous conflict of their choice. They had to discuss the causes, resolution and impact of their cause and present it effectively. No more death by powerpoint in the Ashcroft house- oh no! We only make documentaries now!

Just a quickie

I have not been too well lately, a glass of wine feeding into head issues ( off the lines was not the half of it) and now I have my physical stress response of backache. Anadin extra does not exist here so I am still searching for the cure!

Anyway enough about me:-

More news from Blockhouse Bay Intermediate. Caitlin has been elected School Councillor for room 15. She is so chuffed about this. She began the week saying she was worried it was a popularity contest and she would lose. She asked a few of her friends who said they were waiting to hear the arguments before they voted- rather grown up I thought. Two troubled nights of speech writing later- after all, all the great politicians have help with their speeches ( not that she listened to my advice!)- she has duly been elected. Apparently the others tried to be funny and it didn't work but C wanted to be serious and added the odd jokey comment!

She is happy for a lot of reasons. Councillors get to go to the leadership conference, that she attended last year, and they get a star, though I can't remember what colour. C is determined to get the necessary stars for a kauri award at the end of the year so the stars are her motivating factor.

She has also made it into a netball team. There are four in each year and she is in the 7D team. The A team is made up of giants apparently! Needless to say, C's team didn't have a coach so after much soul searching and arranging of lifts to gym for Roo, I volunteered. I figured that if they couldn't play without me then I had to offer. I'm quite looking forward to it!

Roo is pootling along. He is determined to be in the running for All rounder of the year next year ( I think as C didn't get the award just a nomination) and is plotting his campaign ( banking road patrol, cool schools mediator, gym, swim team, athletics)

Caitlin is off shopping today with the 'bluey' she won at school. "Good efforts' get rewarded with a blue slip which is put into a weekly raffle and the winners get $10 to spend at the Mall. I am off to register for a 10k run I'm doing tomorrow and Roo is off to t ball. It's all go!



CAITLIN"S SPEECH
In my opinion room 15 is the best class in the whole school and if you elect me class councillor I will make sure it stays that way. Room 15 will have the strongest voice in the entire council because I would not be scared to stand up for what my class wants. You see that bit of wall there; I have already negotiated with Mrs Loomans that we can use that space to put up an ideas list that I would be able to present to the council. If you wanted a school swimming pool or a new bench or even windows that don’t fall out then put it up on the list and I would present it.

Although I am not the sportiest or the coolest person in the running what make’s me different is that I listen to everybody because everybody’s opinion matters. I am good at taking responsibility and I would not be scared to stand up in front of the school. I am good with numbers so collecting and counting money will be no problem and I am very organised so I can balance my regular schoolwork with my other responsibilities. I am also not afraid to take leadership and I know how to get my point across.

I have had a lot of experience in presenting my ideas and those of others as I was on the enviro council at my old school and represented the council at the school board meeting. I also was a school councillor in England when I was six when my main achievement was getting a decent pencil sharpener for my class.

By voting for me you will get a councillor who is dedicated and who listens to all your ideas. Because together I think that we can make a difference in this school.