More filming

More filming, which is wonderful, can't believe they are still wanting to film more with Isabella. So we are still working on work books each day for an hour or so and still off travelling lots and inbetween filming series two Green balloon Club. We are still with the most wonderful team.

Raising girls

Have just read raising girls, a brilliant book. A real insight into how little girls feel and how one should treat them. The constant theme was self esteem and how important influences of both parents are in their life. It was a real eye opener and i am going to keep it to reread the section on puberty when it happens.

Ready for The States

We have to start thinking about New York and Chicago now, there is so much to arrange, the most important thing is a playdate with her american penpal that we met last time we were there. They have been emailing each other lots and we intend to get together lots.

Spain

It is time for Spain again. It always gives us lots of time for reflection when we are here. The day to day activities stop and we are able to try lots of new things. We are away with Isabellas cousin so there is so much playing going on all the time, it is wonderful. We have been on the beach and swimming lots, the fresh air is wonderful.

A routine

We are in a routine of sorts but not necessarily an academic one. I feel there is so much to offer children at all levels of living. We are looking into a sewing and knitting club also cooking. I could do with these life skills!

A change in legislation

I think it is terrible that no-one in a whole year has come to me to find out if my daughter is alive still. It would be lovely to feel there was a stronger support network provided with free resources etc. The trouble is if the councils start to get involved all common sense will be lost and they will have a right over parents decisions. That does not make sense. I believe I have the right as the parent to make decisions over how and what I teach but to have guidelines and help would be brilliant.

The holidays

With the holidays just around the corner. I have been finding out the best courses to go on. As a home schooler this is the time when I feel it is important for Isabella to mix lots. So other children recover from the term we are ready to play.

Richmond Business School are running a film editing and directing course all throughout the summer.

Dukes Meadow are offering golf and tennis throughout the summer.

Orleans House Gallery offer art courses for three weeks.

Sylvia youngs is offering a drama course

Richmond Gymnastics association offering gym course for the summer

All museums and Southbank areas have various activities for free on.

Things do seem to cost quite a bit however there are a number of cheaper options like Larks in the Parks around Richmond offering theatre outdoors.

Have fun this summer.

My job

It is getting harder working more and being with Isabella. But I wouldn't change it for the world. Filming commitments have really been so heavy over this year, it would have meant too much stress for us all if we hadn't taken this decision. I can't believe it has been a whole year though. Some people were very concerned with our decision. For me it has gone too quickly. We have all learnt so much about ourselves. There is still so much to learn and do. The next year will be even more exciting.

Places to visit

We are ticking off a few countries, Italy is next maybe in September. Then we have to prepare for a school exam in January. I believe in choices and so if Isabella tries for this school and gets in, we then have a choice with what we do September 2010. I still know there are lots of museums and galleries in London we still haven't visited. The Roald Dahl one is our main focus.

Summer Camps

There are so many wonderful things to do in our area in the summer. Due to Isabella not sociallising as if she were at school, the holidays are an important time for us to be with other children. Almost as if it were out term. SO we have booked Chicago and New York for three weeks. Then Orleans House Gallery have an amazing art course for the week. Then a week on a gymnastics course, run by Richmond Gymnastics association. Followed by a week of Tennis camp and the Golf camp at Dukes Meadow in Chiswick. Then I hate to think it but the summer hols will be over.