We decided in mid-September that we were tired of not getting anywhere on our plans for a homestead and we lived too far away to even look into any affordable land. So, the search began and ended quite quickly. We drove about 3 hours west toward the mountains and looked into some rental properties that were available on September 23, 2012.
The first property we saw was very small for a family of 6 with a mini library as my friends called it. I know that compared to the library I now very much miss, I have but a fraction of a library. Nonetheless, this one was too small for our family. This one particular property was a place we were not originally scheduled to see. This owner had another property that would need some work before we could move in, since it was not even stable on the foundation yet. We were only able to peak in the front door. I knew that this would work.
We continued looking at the other properties to weigh our options, but by the next day we had decided with much prayer on my part that, this was going to be our new home, temporarily.
We moved on November 3, 2012, 3 hours away from all our friends, family, church, library, and troops. It was really busy until we rang in the New Year with unpacking, new church, new American Heritage Girl Troop, friends and family visits throughout November & December. Our friends really stepped up to help us pack & unpack our things. It was such a blessing! I can't even put into words how much of a blessing they are!
We started official school subjects with the eldest right before Christmas which didn't really work out too well. We learned quite a bit about how to help her stay focused on the task at hand. We showed her the consequences of not finishing her schoolwork before, let's say, American Heritage Girl's mommy/daughter sleepover. Wow, when we put in perspective, all of a sudden she knew exactly what to do without all the whining. Amazing what a little incentive does.
The younger 3 children have just started official lessons the first week of January. We've been reading, watching science videos & playing a lot of educational games throughout Nov./Dec. We really enjoyed getting out the renforcement activities and reviewing things from August/September to refresh their little minds. They are ready to read in full force. We got some new TAG books and maps for them after Christmas with their gift cards from family. Also we received a wonderful telescope from Aunt Jess and Uncle Luke. If only the sky would clear up so we can use it!
After a week with the Flu/Cold yucky stuff, I am feeling better and ready to get back into the Math lessons this week. Then we will be back into the groove and flying ahead. Winter is the time when we do a huge bulk of formal lessons. Lots of Reading & Math also tons of books & good movies! Indoor experiments are so much fun on wet dreary days.
My daughters completed the Cake Decorating & (almost) Kitchen Scientist badges since we've been here. We have 1 more experiment for the Kitchen Scientist badge. They have done several community service projects for 2 different churches and are starting their individual badges to finish for their level awards.
My sons are working on the Cub Scouts Bear book and plan to complete it by the end of May. We just can't squish it in before the Blue & Gold this year. They said that was ok with them.
Now, that we have caught you up on some of the happenings here, I need to get ready for a new day of learning! Have a blessed week. In a future post I will tell about moving chickens & rabbits and all about our new temporary homestead.
