Loved

For Christmas Maris gave our family an unbelievable cross stich:

It's a lousy photo but Maris stitched it herself over who knows how many hours - it's on linen and there are beads and special cottons and it's gorgeous. Every time I see it hanging on the wall in the lounge room I feel loved.

Maris & Mathilda

Maris and Mathilda came out to see the chicks and have dinner on Sunday night. The kids were so excited - Max spent all afternoon looking down the driveway for Mathilda.

Mathilda got the full tour - the hammocks, the fireplace, Honey, the goat pen, the dam, the mother & father duck (no sign of the babies that late in the day).

After dinner the kids showed Mathilda their favourite picture books - without a thought that Mathilda could possibly want to do anything else -a sign of a gifted teacher - when the children genuinely think she is interested in all the same things they are.

Maris and Roger and I mused about wanting more parents seeking an alternative education, and had a lovely night.

Max was so proud that Mathilda came for dinner - and remarked while colouring in that when he grows up he is going to live with someone who 'doesn't so much mind mess.' I think that's because I had everyone tidy their rooms before Maris & Mathilda arrived.