Video of Jonathan laughing

Packing House

    We have moved a lot since being married. 
                             Around 17 times in 14 years of marriage. 
I've kind of lost count.
           
            Let me be clear-- I hate packing!  But, I have figured out a system that works for me.

        

Packing can seem like an insurmountable task

1.  START EARLY!  I usually start packing as soon as I know we are planning to move. Or at least start sorting, organizing and getting rid of stuff which makes packing easier.

2.  DO SOME PACKING EVERYDAY!  I don't have the energy or time to pack for hours and hours.  So, I make it a point to pack at least one box everyday, or as much as I have the time/energy for.

3. KEEP THE ROUTINE AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE!  This is especially important when you have kids.  We will continue school until just a few days before we leave.  I still cook meals at home until about a day or two before hand.  I try to go about life as normal as possible to reduce the stress levels of everyone.  This depends a lot on...

4. PACK EVERYTHING...ALMOST!  I pack up "everything" of things that we don't use all the time- games, books, even most of the pots, pans, etc. etc.  I DON'T pack one pot, one pan, a few utensils, a few plates, our clothes, the kids favorite toys... Those essential things for daily living I keep out until the day before we go.  I make sure we have as many "non-essential" things packed as possible and leave the rest out so we can continue living as we prepare to move.

          We are excited to be moving to a new area.  Now, you'll have to excuse me.... I have some packing to do!

First Day of School!

Katrina and Heather reading about the Earth's crust, mantle and core.

I can't believe it's already the start of school.  We started a little early, because we always end up taking off for traveling, long Christmas break, etc.

 

Jonathan and Heather studying.

 This year, I'm doing things a little differently.  I'm using an approach called "self teaching". (Read more at her website here: http://homeschoolcoach.wordpress.com/)  For Katrina and Heather, they are self-directed in their studies.  Jonathan of course, needs my one-on-one attention.

Jonathan coloring in his devotional book.

The basic theory is to allow the child to decide when and what they will study, and then allow them to do so without much interference.... and to be available to answer questions, and to generally facilitate the learning process.



 

"Study Hall", doing homework in the afternoon with a snack.

I admit, I was a little hesitant at first. "How can this possibly work?"  Let me tell you that I was very apprehensive about whether my children would "choose" to not do a subject, or other tactics that would make my life difficult.

 

 

But, as of day one, it worked amazingly well.  If they didn't understand something in the lesson they would come to me for a quick explanation, and then do they work by themselves.

 

So far, so good.  My oldest daughter, especially, is a leader and she has always balked at my constant instruction, looking over her shoulder, and "reminding"...ok, nagging.  She is loving this new system where "she is in charge".  (Of course, she must be studying, and not just goofing off.  But, I think she knows that if she does start wasting time that I'll come in again and start micro-managing her life!)

 

 

The real reason I know it's working-- Katrina was happy and excited about school.  She even lead a science project for the other kids, on her own initiative- using play dough to create the layers of the Earth's crust.  Go for it, girl!

 





Where did Summer Go?...on the move again

Wow, this summer has flown by!  We made a trip to Dar and the coast of Tanzania, done projects and art, stayed up late watching movies, played outside, and other summer fun.  Last week, we made a trip to Nairobi, which was supposed to be just overnight, and ended up being four days-- our vehicle broke down on the way home and we ended up spending two nights in a hotel in the middle of nowhere!
  We were blessed though- no one was hurt, we were safe and together, and we were at a hotel that had a pool... and we were able to RENT swimming suits for the kids.  From the kids' perspective, it was a mini-vacation, but Bill and I were stressed out about the car! ;)  It all ended up alright though, thanks to those who gave towards our vehicle repairs.
    We will start school again on Monday, in the midst of packing for a move.  It seems that our family is always on the move, packing, unpacking.  We haven't stayed in one house for more than a year since Bill and I were in married student housing. (At least that I can remember) 
     Yes, we are very nomadic, but this missionary lifestyle lends itself to adventure!  Never a dull moment.  Now, we will be entering into a new area, and beginning "afresh" again.... Let the games begin!