home school

  Our little venture into home schooling has begun. We got a late start, with the move but we are up and running. The boys would have been the new kids at school and if we move out of Ellen's later this year,  I didn't want all that transition for them. They need some sort of consistency in this wild ride. Kind of a scary thought that I am responsible for that routine now :/ I have discovered I am a wanderer at heart. Even if it is through books, I need to set out into new places. Enough moving around for now though!
  The older boys feel like they are missing out on middle school. I feel like I am sparing them trauma, ha! You can see it in Kaleb's face for our back to school snapshots.

  Ah well, I asked them to give it an honest try and if it doesn't stick I am okay with that. We did an online version of public school in Seattle but this is all me. Gathering curriculum, lesson planning, applying common core standards. I am trying to make it like school as they know it but adding some things such as a bible verse committed to memory every week. And I have given myself a lot of grace as we figure things out together, every week is different.

Personalizing binders and tracing body outlines. (The Bible was there to copy our verse, Psalm 139:14 I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.)

Painting a self portrait. Art is a big hit around here, so we are doing that almost everyday.

Adding the bodies different system to our outlines.

The boys also express a lot of interest in cooking so we talk about math and science that is involved when they make cookies. This is maybe my favorite part of home school :)

Another home economics lesson; breaking up chocolate for fondue.

We are experimenting with some iPad apps to help with learning as well. If you have recommendations, please let me have 'em.

Counting when it really counts...money!

 Audio books have been a huge help to me, this was a poetry book we listened to. They boys sculpted along about the subject matter.

Sometimes it gets weird. I love getting in on these moments when the moody teenage haze clears and he is just my funny kid again.

 Parker is a natural leader so he shapes a lot of what we are doing. He talked me into watching Parks and Recreation for school. We talked about that part of the government and they all planned a park including the resources and permits they would need to make that happen.

That was just the first two weeks! I am hoping to get better and better as we find our groove. Documenting is more important to me than the poor quality of these pictures, although hopefully that will improve as well.

and again

In keeping with the teacher's schedule, Labor Day weekend was going to be our best bet to drive back up to Seattle and haul back all our stuff. Just enough time to pack like crazy and say good-bye. Ellen had 3 of our boys stay the weekend with her and Parker stayed with his best friend in Seattle, it was nice for Matt and I to be able to power through it. Also, my parents came up to help. Such a blessing to have Ken play the worlds biggest game of Tetris in the U-haul and my mom packed up my entire kitchen. (a task I was ardently avoiding) They went off to the BSU vs. UW season opener Saturday night and Matt and I grabbed dinner at a favorite on Alki beach, Cactus. The sun was out and setting, a very peaceful night to let go of our time in Seattle.

We woke up to pack the last few things in the truck, like the mattresses we had slept on. There was even time to catch our beloved Pastor Eric Mason speak at Mars Hill in downtown. The old church building is spectacular and his message was about strongholds, especially in our mindsets. It seems like the main takeaway from Seattle for me is to challenge my mindset often. I love that the people of this city are so receptive and open to new ideas, wonderful for my wandering soul.

Speaking of wandering, we finally found an open Starbuck's on our 6th try! Weird.

Arrived early Monday and threw all the stuff wherever it landed. Yikes. 

Matt's brother Taylor spent one of his last days before going off to college doing the heaving lifting with Matt. I was worried we'd worn them out but they still had energy for this:

Some Idaho favorites so far, Cafe Rio (pork salads foreva!!!!) and the bait vending machine.

Also, love Friday night football in a small town.

All the really important things in life are the same. Loving these wild men that have been entrusted to me. I liken our family to a snow globe right now. Shaken up but I know it will all settle down... right before we move again!

chapter 2

 Another rushed post brought to you by moving across the northwest, starting a new job, and blending a family.

 We arrived in the 208 in mostly good spirits and I promptly started taking photos of the sky. Goodness! Idaho, you know sunsets!

 That full moon got all the blame for my wonkiness amidst the transition. Also good for wonkiness? Get yourself to Granny Annie's and have some ice cream.

 And maybe catch a slug or two for your hosts. We stayed with our good friends the Teels the first week. They are hospitality whizzes and forgave our fragile state. (And their girls love slugs, so the boys jumped right in)

 Plenty of coffee in a fitting mug.

 Part of the 2 week rush to wrap up our Seattle Experiment was to see Kelly and fam during their Idaho visit. Dan and Ellen were having a small celebration for their marriage and both boys wanted to be there. Here are the happy kids and the worn out guys.

 I had a chance to go back to school shopping with the Teel girls. They were most interested in Mrs. Field's Cookies at the mall. Maybe there is not such a gap between boys and girls ;)

 Cute hats on girls and cute hats on boys.

 Matt made the transition to teacher look pretty smooth. I thought we could all call him Mr. Archuleta but he said the students call him Matt. (what?)

 We are staying at Ellen's old place, just rearranged what was here and then held our breath to see if our stuff from Seattle would fit when we drug it back. (spoiler: it didn't)

 I cut Parker's hair! Part of my plan called Operation Teacher's Salary. He was pleased, saying it has a Macklemore vibe.

 And then I basically has a nervous breakdown. I am wound too tight for this moving every 2 years crap. Oh yea, this was all MY IDEA. I found this on Instagram the moment I was struggling the most.

 Yes and Amen, with a side of detox tea. (the stress diet has been killer. hello, Twinkies)

 Our house sold! Full price offer and buyer paying closing costs. Woot Woot! I knew that house was a gem and I'm so glad someone who loves it is moving in.

 Grandma Ellen's new place has a pool. Now tell me what is more fun than 7 cousins and a pool on a hot summer day?

For the first time in the 13 years I've known my sweet sister-in-law, we got to celebrate her birthday with her. She is patient and loving, makes the cutest babies and she let Collin blow out her candles. Miss this crew so much already.

Thanks for reading, the posts while half-crazed, are helping me bring it all into focus.