I just remembered that I had wanted to get him a blanket for his badges. Any suggestions on what type to get? Or is there another creative way to keep the badges?

Lots of ideas here, thankyou. And I don't know what some of these are so will have to look them up :D Regarding socks, are yours a part of the uniform? We don't have any specific sock requirements. Unless you mean a particular quality or brand. I probably should have added in the original post that we are in Australia. So our weather is quite warm.

Thankyou, I hadn't thought of belt and buckle, nor seen those ones. I'd love to get him that book too.

I have no idea of what to get for my twelve year old son for Christmas. I have begun to think along the lines of Scout equipment - fancy compasses, gps somethings... Any cool suggestions?? Thanks!

When I started out I first heard that 50 grams of carbs or lower could get me into Ketosis, so that's where I started and it worked for me. I tested I was in ketosis by using a Ketonix. I no longer track. Once I became fat adapted I knew what it looks like and I haven't changed the foods I eat by that much. (It was Dr Pompa who said 50 carbs)

Primary: 'Art for Kids Hub' channel on YouTube is a favourite here. And free! I've also been recently inspired by following Cassie Stephens (primary school art teacher with lots of experience) on Instagram and on her blog - https://cassiestephens.blogspot.com.au Highschool: http://thevirtualinstructor.com

I don't know, but I remembered it was in the bible: 'Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD:...' Zech 2:6.

The older three have a membership, however child number four was asking for membership this week. So good timing, I'll grab one.

Reading my friend's post on facebook today saying that both of her children had slept in until 8am and she woke up refreshed and hopeful for the new year. 2015 was such a hard year for her on so many levels. Simple things like finally getting a good sleep mean so much. I hopped out of the shower today to discover a quiet house. I found that my husband had taken the six children with him to run errands around town. And he didn't hurry back home. That's my personal blessing for today.

Read humourous stories when you know that they are going to be around, so that your face is naturally shining happiness as you smile and laugh to yourself. Short term goal to change their perception :-)

Not a very experienced user as I've just plodded through it on and off the last couple of years with a few stops and starts. I'm only up to Unit 4. But I have been watching the new TWSS videos the last few days, and today as I was watching I thought to myself that the program will be the most successful with me driving the wheel and not relying on SWI at all. And that it would be more beneficial to engage with my student one on one. It has taken me a bit to get my head around how to use the program and where it is heading, so I haven't rushed into it. However I now feel more confident that I have grasped the overall long-term goals and that I do not need someone else to design the lessons and choose the sources. He speaks clearly and to the point in the new TWSS so it is not as confusing I am finding. In a podcast I recently listened to, Andrew suggested these two sites to get sources from: Aesopfables.com Britannia.com junior Even though I've had this program for a while and listened to Andrew's talks it is only just sinking in now how I really appreciate this approach to learning and also how I can easily apply it. It's the same approach that I now think is the best way to go for whatever the subject. Ie If learning to paint and wanting to improve one's technique, then copy an already existing great artwork and expand your skills that way, rather than trying to invent the wheel.

I had used CLE Science light units in the past with my young students, but it wasn't long before they didn't get done. We were doing Language Arts, Reading and Mathematics lightunits at the time, so I think it was too much of that form of learning. And the science ones are bland. This year, as a one off, I used the CLE Science Textbook: 'God's Marvelous Gifts' with my Grade 6, Grade 4, and Grade 2 students. It was an easy way to do science and have them all do it together. I read the chapter to them while they drew pictures to match in their exercise book. We then answered the comprehension questions together and I would write 5 of the answers on the board for them to copy down. The chapters are very short and it was an easy way to do it. The textbook is aimed at Grade 5 and there are lightunits that go with it but I haven't seen those.

I also don't buy new clothes for the children. Over the years I've bought "designer label" clothes as special items for them to wear second hand from baby markets. We are given the rest, it's rare I need to buy something. For myself I would like to have a few good quality items that would last longer and suit me. But I find the shops don't even stock what I'm after anyway, so I just go without. I mostly just live in shorts and singlet top :)

Oh, and we've just planted a garden and are trying to grow our own vegetables.

This reminded me of a comment I was going to include in my earlier post but forgot. I've always been surprised that the only person I know of directly who has shown disapproval of my growing family size has been my grandfather. At number #4 his comment was "silly girl", which he said when he spoke on the subject to my parents about. He's in nineties and so it surprises me that even his attitude (that I'm guessing he brings from his own experience and day) is against larger families and that I should go to work and have a career and so on. And I'm close to him, was spoilt by him above the other grandchildren in a sense, lived with him and my nan for a while, and he took me to sports and on holidays while growing up. So he is supportive and loving of me. Anyway, I also had quite a number of miscarriages. I had them before all of the first four living babies. So my own feelings of feeling blessed with living children is heightened as a result. For each child born it feels amazing to me and I'm not sure why it would be looked down upon. My husband is only a mechanic and was only an apprentist when we got married. Somehow the more children we've had the better off we've become. This surprises me even, and makes me so glad that I didn't listen to negativity about me not following a career. We both work very hard though, and my husband does a lot of work on the side to get by. Over the years I've moved to eating healthier, and that has been a bonus too. We too eat mostly from scratch and it's almost easier as well as cheaper. Recently I've become involved in getting a bulk food co-op running with a friend. This has saved me money in purchasing the food and is also even paying for some of the food. Two months ago I came down with Guillian-Barre Syndrome and was half paralysed and in hospital for two weeks. We even survived that period of time with my husbands work giving him four weeks off with sick pay, and extra time off after that with him using up his holidays, and then going back only part time. We were also blessed with my motherinlaw coming to stay and she lived with us through that time to help with the children, and my own mother was also support. You can never plan for the future. But I have learned that it is not set in concrete before it's even began. We decided to make decisions regarding the number of children we were to have as we went along. I'm still not sure what the future holds, but it doesn't occur to me that we couldn't afford another one. Our lifestyle is great, homeschooling is satisfying, we have friends and we have a life.

I have to say, I haven't put mine in team sports. Ballet when my youngest was only four. Swimming lessons on occasion. And since then we've done Circus, Gymnastics, and Roller-skating as the only regular commitments (with other home-schoolers mind you.) Even if I had the money and time I'd be struggling with my own personal enthusiasm about investing my afternoons and weekends to sports even doing it with one lol. In regards to having a few more children than the norm, I think that I like it because a part of me is a little bit rebellious as well. I am happy that there are not too many more serious restrictions placed on larger families for now though. I think that will change however.

Our first came out with red hair, and the next five all came out blonde taking after us. So I get asked that quite a bit too. One day at the library I was standing with the pram and four children, waiting to go in, and a lady began talking to me and mentioned my three children, and it threw me at first wondering why she couldn't count. I said something to correct her, but she corrected me and said "no, you only have three" pointing to the blondies. She ended up being embarrassed because she had assumed the redhead wasn't mine, but it was awkward after that as she wouldn't make eye contact with me again.

In the context of what is happening I read: "It is enough" as being that this is all they need for their immediate future. Obviously they haven't had time to go and sell their garments to buy swords, so Jesus tells them that it is enough for now, as he knows that he is about to be taken and allow this to happen (so they don't need extra protection so to speak). They will then need swords afterwards for the persecution that he knows will follow for them. When they flee they will need swords, because what's the point of even trying to flee if they are not allowed to be proactive in protecting themselves as they go? I see self defence as a natural response. If someone throws punch at me I put my arm up to block it. A sword blocks a sword, it makes sense to use a sword against a sword. Excuse me for this next part, as I haven't done a lot of reading on the subject, I've only just been thinking on it from reading this thread. The context for me is that I am in Australia and from the impression I get of Americans my perspective is quite different, and I am very separate from the idea of being involved in war. The only connection I have is that my grandpa served in World War Two, and I have some vague memories of stories that he told me. We don't own guns here. I couldn't tell you the last time I saw a gun in real life. Also, if my children wanted to serve I would be inclined to discourage them. But I think that this is more likely because I don't feel like I can trust the government. As Christians I believe that we have freedom of conscience to either serve in the army or not serve. In the Old Testament God used Israel to defeat other nations; he would also use other nations against Israel. So he used war to achieve his purpose. I believe he still works with nations today as well. So even though we as Christians are not belonging to this world, and we can try not to be a part of it, the situation still remains that while we are still here we are stuck in our temporary circumstance of belonging to a nation. Prophetically speaking when Jesus comes again it will be in war. I'm not saying that this is to be used in context for Christians today to go off conquering, but just to keep in perspective that God is also a God of war: 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh. Revelation 19. There will always be war on earth until Jesus comes back and deals with it once and for all.

When it came time for Jesus to be crucified he knew what was going to happen and the persecution to follow, so he changed the command: Luke 22 35 And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing. 36 Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

I remember when I was at four children feeling very satisfied. I'd wanted a big family, and that seemed to be it. I'd made it lol. Then when I fell pregnant with number five, I remember being at the library (after just finding out I was pregnant) surrounded by people and feeling soooo embarrassed that we were going to have five children. Which was wierd because both my husband and I come from families of five children. Then I fell pregnant with number six. My response was different again. I felt really happy and not the slightest embarrassed. My husband on the other hand did not even tell his friends or workmates because "It was none of their business." Which I've always found funny, because it's such a personal matter how many children you have, like you can hide it or hide a pregnant wife. So we had opposite reactions on that last one. But what I found was because I was happy and confident having six, I don't remember hearing negative comments, but instead I would reply very excitedly when I get to say that I have six children, and I've realised it's almost bordering on sounding proud. At least it must come across that way like I'm bragging because I'm super happy about it. I've had to try to consciously tone my response down so that I can reply casually "six". A close homeschooling friend has five children, so that makes me feel normal without really thinking about it I guess. I think our own attitude helps reflect our confidence and not worry what others say as much. And I'm like others here, a big family isn't mine, it's always one with an extra child or two :D

And this is where our foundations are so very different, and this is why we will not come into agreement on the true text of the bible. I believe that the holy scriptures were originally inspired by God in the sense that God wrote through the men, penning the exact words he wanted us to have still today. Even if it was unbeknown to them at the time that they wrote. God spoke through these men to give us a 'sure word of prophecy'. If the men had written it without the Holy Ghost guiding them, then the prophecy in our bibles would not be guaranteed as they may have made mistakes. Future events were unknown to them and kept hidden, so they could not possibly edit into the text great prophetic truths that would be hidden through typology and so forth.

Sorry, yesterday I was interrupted when I typed my comment and couldn't get back here. I'm not sure that I even need to list manuscripts for the time being. The argument that your side is putting forth is that "the church" kept the manuscripts locked up and protected. However this is strange to me, as somehow they could not produce a completed unchanged text! If they had protected them so well, where is this text? Where is the agreement? Why do the two main manuscripts (Vaticanus and Sinaticus) disagree so much? Why are they missing great portions including whole books? Vaticanus omits 46 chapters of Genesis, 32 chapters of Psalms, the books from 1 Timothy through to Titus, all of Revelation and so on. So where did the 5000 odd manuscripts and fragments come from that were remaining in agreement? The ones found in various languages, with the 2600 extra words that we still have in our King James Bibles? I can't see how anyone can argue that "the church" (referring to a controlling body that becomes the Catholic Church) kept the true uncorrupted manuscripts, when after all of the book burning and bible burning we still end up with enough evidence for a bible that is in agreement with remaining manuscript proof for the support of its text.

Wait a minute. So what do you do with the manuscripts that were translated into the local languages? What is your take?

It is not private interpretation to read in the bible that the disciples were commanded to take the gospel into all the world. And that's what happened. There is evidence that Britain recieved it in the first century, even in the time of Tiberius the emperor, under who Christ suffered. That Joseph of Arimathea was sent by Phillip from France to Britain.. God's word was taken across the seas, across Europe in the early centuries, Romania, Bulgaria.. I don't understand the viewpoint of one stream of church. The scriptures went throughout the world in an organic way. There wasn't a political church organisation overseeing what went where and having control and power over the scriptures for all people of all tongues.

Okay so you've just switched the topic from the spiritual battle that has been going on over God's words in relation to the RCC, to make it about me defending an outdated bible that can no longer be understood by the common person. I personally don't see it as an archaic vs modern English debate. Although I think that there are many things that can be discussed, pros and cons to both sides. I'm not against modern English. I'm not against having scripture in modern English. I'm against modern English versions that do not use the recieved text. I'm against changing the words of God, and deleting them. So while I realise that you see me as taking a hypocritical position, I don't see it like that. I can read passages in the NIV and go, "Wait, what is that saying?" I can come across harder words in the NIV that I need to look up in a dictionary. Many times I think that it is much easier to memorise something from the KJV than the NIV. God can give everyone a children's bible if that's what is necessary. But what I am interested to discuss and understand is what are the preserved HOLY scriptures and where are they today. Scriptures that have been set apart. If God inspired and wrote them, then surely he has preserved them and kept the words intact throughout history. All translations are not in agreement as you are arguing for here.