Best moments

Sometimes the best moments of our time together are those moments when you're not trying. The weather was gorgeous yesterday and we were in the yard having a hula hoop competition. I heard an unfamiliar bird song so we looked to the nearby trees to discover it was a baby red-headed woodpecker. Amazing creature! He captured our attention until he disappeared.

Then more laughter continued as the hula hoop festivities continued.

Treasure your moments.

Scouting World News

Well, it looks like we are officially a scouting family! W10 & D9 are Weeblos and E8 is a Bear. J6 is looking forward to becoming a Tiger Cub. 

They are excited and had their first Pack meeting with some awards given out. D9 was so excited, he invited his grandparents who were so proud. I'll be adding these shots into a keepsake book for both sets of  grandparents and one for us. They are really awesome, professionally bound and printed. If you are looking for a great way to keep up with each year or personal achievements, check them out at Blurb.com

The weekly schedule includes the 3 scout meetings, judo, co-op guitar classes (husband teaching), library and park days.  Workbooks and learning how to repair bikes has been the latest projects between brothers and neighborhood friends.

Until the next pause...

When it all comes together

Despite suffering from some kind of respiratory illness that has affected a large part of our fair city, our family is taking it in stride. We've learned not to panick and to change our diet to increase our immune systems. The final step of that process logically is going vegan. We're not quite there yet...

I ran around this morning gathering items for our recovery.  When I arrived home, I was greeted by children working diligently on the workbooks that I bought at Target last weekend for .30 cents.

D9 showed me the Division workbook that he had figured out all by himself! I was so impressed that in less than two hours, he had been presented with a concept and had figured out the basics without any assistance!!! They were all working independently and asking each other questions as needed. So cool when it all starts to makes sense to them (and to us).

Not Back to School 2012-2013

The question is what do I want to learn today...tomorrow?  We are in the process of joining a homeschooling group to expand the opportunities available in our area and to expose our boys to widen their friend circle. 

Subjects of interest so far are: gymnastics, dance, martial arts, business, architecture and design, bowling, reading, watching documentaries, spelling, running and trampoline.

Narrowing down the things that we can't do for free is the trick...

7 months in...

So it's been 7 months since we moved from Houston. I hate the process of packing/unpacking because I never feel like there is enough time to get settled. We have to hit the ground running, so it becomes the never ending project.

In the meantime, the boys took swim lessons and for a boy who has been afraid of heights, W has gone from no diving board to jumping out as far as he can!  It's pretty awesome to watch our children conquer their fears.

The big talk this summer revolves around jobs and money. We've been researching entrepreneurs and discussing how age shouldn't stand in the way of accomplishing your goals. The boys interest are so varied: 

9 weeks in and we are still unpacking and finding our rhythm.  It's the perfect time to try different approaches to suit the needs of each of the boys.  I have been working on some Charlotte Mason techniques with D9 and E7 while suggesting different websites for W10. J6 has been busy with his own DS3, so when he pokes his head up, I'll see what he wants to pursue.

One of D9's goals has been to learn Spanish and I found out there is a great free resource through our local library. Can't wait to check out that information!

Enjoy the day wherever you are!

Peace.

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.