Our Whole Family

We’re moving to the Netherlands!

Kristen — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:25:39 +0000

Just before Valentine’s Day of this year, we were shocked and excited to receive orders to the Netherlands! It was the first pick on Jimbo’s dream sheet, so we figured it was a long shot. For years we have jealously watched House Hunters International, longing for our own chance to make an overseas move, so we are thrilled to soon be calling ourselves expats!

These last few months have been a whirlwind of checklists and preparations. After a month of intense pack ups, online yard sales and bitter-sweet goodbyes, we are finally about to embark on our new adventure. Over the next 3 years, I plan to make Facebook-style posts to this blog for our friends who aren’t able to follow us on Facebook Vaarwel!

Around the world in 180 days (give or take)

Kristen — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 16:30:31 +0000

Our family loves travel, experiencing different cultures, and food. So it seems natural that we make world countries and cultures the focus of our learning for a year (or two). While most curriculum has children learning US history and “social” studies at this age, I desire for my kids to see the bigger picture of where they fit into God’s world, and to get a glimpse of what life is like for other children around the world.

We started last year using Galloping the Globe from Geography Matters and letting Eliana pick the countries she wanted to learn about. We used a world map from AAA and found lots of the recommended real books at our library. I REALLY like GTG, but it doesn’t have a lesson plan to follow, which I normally like, but that was difficult with the new baby.

We are continuing our world culture study this year using Children Around the World from WinterPromise. Although I tweak it, I like the lesson plan they provide and some of the real books they recommend, but I haven’t been thrilled with the WP published books.

One of the things I really like about WP, though, is the suggested family gatherings they have for each country. Two weeks ago, we celebrated our Switzerland study with a fondue night with alphorn music playing in the background. Last week, we studied Spain. We celebrated what we learned by having a fiesta complete with a table full of tapas and flamenco music in the background. Eliana taught daddy about the bull run and the tomato festival.

Of course, we learn math, reading, and spelling in addition to this, but the country study (which includes a bit of history, science, art, music, literature and geography) is the highlight of Ellie’s day. It is also helping create in her a heart for the nations which is something that I’ve been working on in myself as well.

It’s been a while

Kristen — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 02:13:02 +0000

It’s been a while since I last posted. One reason is that we switched cell providers and I never installed WordPress on my new phone. Another reason is this precious little guy.

Our little Gideon Elijah was born at a home water birth during the biggest snowstorm of the 2015 season. He is now 7 months old (and, yes, I am just now announcing his birth on our family blog).

Finding a new routine that includes homeschooling Eliana, giving enough attention to Silas, while tending to the needs of a newborn/infant has been a challenge. And finding our place in our new location has been difficult as well. But, we are blessed, and are enjoying our growing family (while looking forward to our next move).

So that’s what’s new with us. We hope this post find our blog followers well!

Meal for Monday

Kristen — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:04:04 +0000

I had some requests to share meals we typically eat, so I’ll try to do that more often. This morning we had yogurt parfaits. You can make these with whatever you have on hand. We use whole fat plain organic yogurt, sweetened with a little raw honey and pure vanilla. Then I added a layer of organic granola and topped t with fresh fruit. This morning I used chopped banana, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries (this pregnancy has me on a berry kick). Sometimes we use Cascadian Farms Fruitful O’s instead of granola. This easy breakfast is a big hit, and super healthy!

Excitement is in the Air!

Kristen — Fri, 29 Aug 2014 21:47:04 +0000

We are excited to announce that we will be welcoming a new addition to our family this coming March! These past 6 weeks of moving and morning sickness have taken their toll, but hopefully both will be evening out soon. We covet your prayers as we continue this adventure!

Learning to Finger Knit

Kristen — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 20:42:44 +0000

Eliana and I decided we want to learn to knit together. I learned that in Waldorf programs, they begin by teaching the children to finger knit. I found a great tutorial on youtube, so today’s “not really officially starting back to homeschool just yet” lesson was how to finger knit. It was fun!

Proudly displaying her first 10 minutes of learning and work

Isabelle modeling the finished product, a new scarf!

My own $3 Life Hack!

Kristen — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 20:08:56 +0000

Last week, the kids and I stayed with some sweet Connecticut friends. While we there, Eliana praised the toy holder they had in their bath and wanted to get one for our tub. So I searched for one that was cheap, easy to get, would allow the toys to drain and dry, and would be easy to clean. I couldn’t find any pre-made holders that fit the bill, but I found lots of DIY solutions online, so we headed to Walmart to find a solution of our own. Here’s what I came up with… and for only $3!

Two small crates from the school supply aisle – $1 each. The kids got to choose their own color.

A package of 9 suction cup hooks – $1. I used 4 of them.

The crates each hang on 2 suction cup hooks. The kids can remove them, dump their toys out, then hang them back up! And for only $3! I’m proud of myself!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Kristen — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 15:50:59 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day!

Eliana's candy and love verse

Silas' candy and love verse

Valentine's day gifts

Heart pancakes and pastured pig bacon

Learning to read

Kristen — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:26:35 +0000

Silas is helping Eliana with her Explode the Code online today. He likes to homeschool, too.

Eliana at Silas’ age

Kristen — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 06:26:16 +0000

I just imported all the posts from our old Life on the Water blog and was looking through a few of them just to check them. I came across a post I made when Eliana was Silas’ age. It’s neat to remember back. Click to read about Eliana at Silas’ age.