Down to business

So we are about a month in to the new city/new house. There is still a lot to be unpacked and put away, but most importantly, there is a feeling of peace of mind. Our house...in the middle of our street...our house. Feels great to know that we can paint a wall, put a nail in the wall and that no one is going to say anything!!! As far as other homeschoolers/unschoolers, we have found that Victoria has hundreds (!) of families in the area who live outside the public school system. Amazing and they are very friendly. DH has been asked about possible music lessons for some of the kiddos and there are co-ops and classes available for the older guys. We are looking forward to getting to know more people and create some meaningful experiences for the boys. I think we are going to try something a bit different for W10 and D9, where they use the morning to work on a particular subject and then have time to field trip or socialize in the afternoon. We went to the library yesterday and signed up for cards, so I can only imagine that the librarians will get to know my family quickly! D9 has been less critical of his reading skills, so I am hoping he will take advantage of library resources. Croquet has been the sport of choice over the past couple of evenings and the boys have learned that it is a game of skill and chance. Too funny to watch them as they have donned British accents when they play! "Pip, Pip, old chap" and "Oy!" I have no idea where they got the impression that you must be British to play croquet!!! Our science experiment of growing crystals has been successful. I'll try and add photos this evening. Enjoy the week!!!

Moving & shaking

Moving day fast approaches and our excitement grows to begin our new adventure. More to come...

New year...new adventures

The Year of the Dragon will mean big change for our family. I have been offered a new job in my hometown about 120 miles from Houston.

One of the advantages of homeschooling is that we can move around freely without the hassle of changing schools. School happens where you are. There is a nice size homeschooling community complete with coop classes and activities, so the hardest part will be making the effort to meet new people.

We will be nearer to my side of the family, but leaving behind a lot of loved ones here in Houston. Social media communication aside, I hope that they will visit in person sometime.

We should be able to see our Austin friends more frequently and lots of trips to the beach will be in order. Lots to do to get packed and moved.  May the ancestors continue to guide us.

Peace & blessings.

Happy New Year 2012

Our family rang in the new year ay my parents' home.  It was a blessing to be able to toast to the future while considering past blessings. May your journey be bountiful and the path less trod.

The gift of chocolate

Easy Pain au Chocolat recipe | Family Kitchen

Walking in a lego wonderland

Lego bricks are amazing tools for learning. Here are lego people exchanging secret Santa gifts next to their houses. Enjoy!

Holiday fun

It's always a blessing to spend time with my family and with a new baby, it adds another layer of joy.  We have been learning about cultural traditions around the world that make America a unique place to be. I am looking forward to making some tamales and dumplings with the boys.

We were also working on being on sustainable regarding decorating that we created a tree from branches of a pruned tree. The boys made ornaments from recycled paper and we put a string of lights. Added a handmade wreath fashioned by W9 to make things complete.

Tomorrow is the solstice - shortest day / longest night of the year. Our plan is to light a candle for each of our family members while giving thanks to the Creator and the ancestors that have gone before us.

No matter what your traditions are we wish glad tidings of peace to all. Have a safe and prosperous New Year.