My own personal chef

You know, life's pretty good. The day started in bed ... obviously ... with a cuppa brought to me, followed by scrambled eggs, and the DVD player. Sounds a little extravagent, I know, but it was unsolicited. Josiah made a near perfect coffee, Beth made excellent eggs for both myself and Elsie, and Elsie is very persuasive with her arguments for watching movies in the morning rather than the evening, when we all just collapse into bed, too weary for anything.

We continued with our insects and spiders studies for the three youngest children, and I noticed that they have all learnt so much about insect anatomy.

Emily pleaded with me during last week to help her to read. Six months ago she had no desire to break the code, now she is so ready. We began with looking at some sounds and the letters that represent each. No problems. This is easy mum!

Josiah took Lilly and Matilda up to the wood pile and collected banksias. What did they collect them for? Just to make a pile. I don't know why, but that was their reason.

They returned from the expedition to start the outside cooking fire and to cook the cheese sandwiches. Josiah did this willingly. He kept the fire going so he could put the roasting chook on for dinner. Two and a half hours later, we were sitting down to a perfectly roasted chicken and a delicious salad. And I hadn't lifted a finger. Like I said, life's good.

Mind, though, the cooking with gusto comes and goes, so I make the most of it when it comes.

Another day closes at Wallaby Scrub. It's cold outside, but warm in here. The oldest four are huddled in blankets on the couch enjoying a DVD together. Their giggles sound wonderful. It does't get much better than this.