Thuisonderwijs met drie jongens

End of December & January

2012-02-02T09:27:00.003Z

I've decided that I don't have a lot of time to blog anymore. I want to keep the blog going though, because it's a brilliant way of documenting what we are doing. I'd like to tell a little bit more about the changes in our HE (home education) style. I've answered quite a lot of questions about it IRL or via email, but I haven't talked to 'everyone' yet. I started off HEing (with workbooks) when

Our walk of life in 2011

2011-12-31T17:06:00.000Z

Make your own slideshow at Animoto. This clip didn't take me a lot of effort to make, not like the ones I've made in the previous years. So I have missed a lot of special moments/people in s clip, but I still enjoy watching it. Hope you do too! Have a blessed and special 2012 everyone!

How a kidney stone can make you feel very settled...

2011-12-22T15:26:00.001Z

It was very very painful http://youtu.be/BLO5beZY4zc (can't embed this one, but had to add it, Helma said....;)) But....... I have realised how settled we feel here, and how settled we really ARE! Without our friends here, it would have been more difficult for Job and me to get through my days in hospital and me not feeling well after that, at home... One friend came over in a rush on Saturday

November!! (aaarg)

2011-12-06T22:39:00.000Z

A lot of changes and generally being busy (and not in the mood for blogging) meant: no news for more than a month! Changes: from unschooling to not really unschooling anymore. Big change. Good change. I don't regret unschooling; it has been very good for us as a family. I've really tried/done it. But now it's time to change. An other change is our move back to Holland. No definite plans yet, no

October week 3

2011-10-30T14:06:00.000Z

We had a very busy week last week. I decided to skip the Monday meeting, as we had lots of plans for the rest of the week. The boys wanted to go to Haytor on Tuesday, so that's what we did. This is the first banana (or any other fruit except for strawberries) that Boaz has been eating in yeeeeeeeears!!! :) On Wednesday we went to Torquay Museum again. We went with our Christian Home Ed

October week 2

2011-10-16T22:03:00.001+01:00

An other week and enjoying the nice weather! On Monday we went to Occombe Farm with our local HE group to chat, play and go for a walk. On Tuesday we went swimming and afterwards played at home On Wednesday we went to Haldon Forest with the Christian HE group.Boaz made some new friends..And the boys had cake after the (for them) long walk (first picture) :) Thursday wasn't a very good

October week 1

2011-10-13T09:04:00.002+01:00

Walking to church on Sunday morning....it really looks like Autumn! Don't know if this was Sunday (don't think so, must have been later that week), but it certainly didn't *feel* like Autumn! On our way to a date with friends (on Monday) and to collect this fella :) there was an incident with the car. I must have been driving over a stick that pushed itself through the motor protector. A hole in

September

2011-10-09T14:22:00.000+01:00

A recap for the month September Apart from the 'normal' things, like learning all the time, reading, playing, computer, play station, eating, visiting friends, having friends over, we also...... went to Torquay Museum this month. We will revisit this museum next week, hopefully I'll think of taking picures :) had a Not Back to School Picnic at one of our favorite spots nearby: Elberry Cove

PowerWood Week August 2011

2011-09-11T17:28:00.000+01:00

Last month, we went to the first PowerWood week ever organised. We had a good week, although our most 'overexcitable' child left earlier ;). It was a bit too much for him. We were lucky to go with two friends (and their kids), so we all knew some of the people there already. Boaz and Levi loved running around, playing with the other kids. They also loved the camping. Adam and I weren't too

Lego goals

2011-09-07T20:42:00.000+01:00

I did this, not the boys ;) My goal for this fall/winter: make all of our lego ships again. We've only got one ship (out of A LOT of ships/castles/trucks/cars/.......) built up. You can see a lot of the other parts in the first picture ;).I don't really like playing with lego, but I really like building it. The boys love to be with me in this room, listen to music, chat, build together or do

Wales, Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales

2011-08-30T08:20:00.000+01:00

View Larger Map This is what we did last week. We had planned to see (parts of) Wales and the Lake District. Going to the Yorkshire Dales was a bonus! Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales was beautiful. We had planned to visit Cardiff as well, to see the Roald Dahl Platz, but due to traffic, we couldn't make it. This was our first hotel, near Cardigan. During breakfast, it was really

Five days Super Seven (+5) and Jut & Jul or Tweedledum & Tweedledee

2011-08-19T20:47:00.000+01:00

Boaz & Emma on a rock at Haytor Evi checking out the books.. Yes, two babies!! :) Chris & Stan Stan & EviWe went to the Home Ed meet at the Miniature Pony Centre on Dartmoor Our trip on Dartmoor Haytor Levi (Spiderman ;)), Emma, Nienke & Boaz Anne in the river in Buckfastleigh, near the steam train Fun in and around the house Boaz & Emma really enjoyed playing and

Our liebchen.....

2011-08-13T19:48:00.000+01:00

Turned 4 today! Time flies....it seems only (well...not yesterday, but also definitely not 4 years!!) such a short while ago that he was born. If the boys would have gone to school, he would have gone this August/September. Sometimes I wonder how it would have been, my three boys in school. Out of the three, I think Levi would have been the 'best' 'school' child. My guess is that he would have

Elberry Cove

2011-07-28T12:36:00.000+01:00

Our trip on Monday to Elberry Cove, near Paignton, was with our local group. Two friends (Heather and Sarah) already posted about it, but I want to show you some pictures anyway. We thought that the building on the beach was a prison, at first, but Heather told us she thought it was a bath house. I've looked it up and (of course ;)) she was right. What a beautiful place. Have I mentioned

Escape to Dartmoor on a Sunday afternoon

2011-07-25T20:18:00.002+01:00

After two days of giving too much attention to and feeling too overwhelmed with the horrible attacks that happened in Norway, I needed to escape. To clear my mind, to feel something else..... So off we went, to Dartmoor.The boys are reading the Animal Fact Cards that I mentioned here, an other hit! Tried to find Merrivale, but don't think we did; it wasn't really well signposted. But we

Audio books; the favourites at the moment

2011-07-22T08:52:00.000+01:00

Personally, I still prefer a 'real book' over an audio book, but the boys, and especially Adam, love audio books. The favourites at the moment: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the BBC radio collection/dramatization. I bought them from Amazon, second hand. The Story of the World. We don't 'do' the Well Trained Mind (although my kids do have quite well trained minds ;)), but I

Parenting Course

2011-07-19T20:54:00.002+01:00

I went to Simone's Parenting Course, over a week ago now. It was like coming home (not the first time I've had this feeling or experience, but definitely in my top 10!!). It encouraged me that we are doing ok. It made me grateful for the fact that we've known about Attatchment Parenting and Home Education (and later about Unschooling) when Adam was still very little. I'm more and more convinced

Homesick, New Books & Nostalgia

2011-07-08T13:42:00.000+01:00

Two weeks ago, I suddenly got homesick. Luckily, it only lasted for about three days. It was really weird, because I hadn't felt like this for over more than a year. Job not being at home for three days didn't really help ;), so I gave in to look at the website of the Book People and order some books for the boys. The one the boys like the most is Steve Backshall's Deadly 60. He's on TV with his

Tintagel

2011-07-03T20:51:00.000+01:00

We visited Tintagel today. The village and nearby Tintagel Castle are associated with the legends surrounding King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table. Beautiful place. Beautiful coastline again, but I'm finding out that most of England's coastline looks quite the same ;). And when we came home, Job made a lovely meringue pie, we ate pizza and watched a film :), a perfect

Orchestral Concert

2011-06-30T22:30:00.000+01:00

Today we went to a classical concert, together with a lot of other Home Edders and also some schools. The theme was "Let’s Go to the Movies" and the symphony orchestra played a selection of film music for children. Great opportunity for the kids to hear music that they recognise, and see which instruments play it! Super experience!

Seven!

2011-06-28T20:40:00.000+01:00

Boaz turned seven last Sunday. He wasn't interested in blowing out the candles (he was interested in the cake though.....and later in the evening he wanted to blow out candles) and he was a little bit disappointed that he didn't feel any different from the day before. But he was a happy Birthday Boy :) Today, friends surprised us with an after party!! ;) And no, he didn't want the (suggested by

Parenting Course / The visual-spatial learner / PowerWood SummerWeek

2011-06-25T17:18:00.001+01:00

http://www.visual-learners.com/ In two weeks, I'll be going to a parenting course, led by Simone de Hoogh. One year ago, she spoke on the Dutch Home Ed Festival. One of the topics was 'visual-spatial learners'. I wasn't there, but when I heard about it, it sparked my interest right away. So when she said she organises courses, I decided to go to one of them. There will be a lot of other

Strawberries!!

2011-06-23T09:52:00.000+01:00

Photo by Vic :)) We went for a PYO 'Pick Your Own' in Netherton with friends this week We waited for more friends to arrive Just how Levi likes it!! :) We looked for strawberries We picked them Ate them Paid for them Went for a picknick afterwards Played a little Watched a little Talked a little Enjoyed the view I must say, we were quite lucky, regarding the weather! It has

Lynton

2011-06-21T10:02:00.000+01:00

Lynton... on the other side of the water you can see Wales! My boys <3 Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Exmoor

X

2011-06-10T09:53:00.000+01:00

Happy Adam, thanks to @Helma www.echthelma.blogspot.com He turned 10, our first born. And he had the day he wanted (I must admit that I wasn't prepared at all. Normally I make a special cake and (of course) buy presents. But this time, because of all the traveling and no time to buy anything in Holland, it just didn't work the way it normally does). But Adam's wishes were simple: he wanted

Holland!

2011-06-07T17:54:00.001+01:00

I don't know what we were thinking, but a week after we got back from Prague (and for Job even a business trip to Barcelona in between), Job and I went to Holland, to get some things done in our house in Holland. Channel tunnel On our way to Holland. On our way back, same place... And a massive detour, driving through Guildford.... It's really hard to sell your house at the moment

Prague!

2011-06-06T22:38:00.000+01:00

We went to Prague with the boys, two weeks ago. When my youngest brother had his baby last November, I started thinking about going to Prague. I could have gone alone. But I knew Adam was desperate to meet both my brother again and his cousin for the first time. So we decided to go together and make it an interesting trip for the boys. I did some research before we went and ended up on this

London!

2011-05-21T12:00:00.001+01:00

For the first time in years, Job and I spent two days somewhere else without the kids (3rd time in almost ten years....). Job's choice was London. Good choice. Of course, two days is not long enough to see everything, but we managed to tick off a lot! London Eye Houses of Parliament from the London Eye London Eye Royal Albert Hall (not been inside)The National Gallery Tate Modern V&A Victoria

Lundy with Liz!

2011-05-17T15:17:00.000+01:00

Even before we moved to Devon, it was on my to do list: a visit to Lundy Island. And last weekend I did it, with my friend Liz. Ready to board..... I must admit: at this point I was feeling a little bit sick.... Happy sight!! It's a beautiful place. Not as 'special' as I had expected, but I'm glad we went. We had a fantastic day! The Island itself it quite 'empty' (just like some (beautiful)

Visitors May: Aunt and Uncle

2011-05-16T21:23:00.000+01:00

My aunt and uncle came to stay with us for a couple of days. We had a really good time.We did the same trip as we did with Helma and Ries.Hound Tor/Postbridge on DartmoorFound an other Geo Cache! Levi loves having guests! He is the one that gets most upset about them leaving. And he will talk about them days or weeks after they have left. Thanks J&R for the set of pictures! I wasn't

Visitors April part III: RHAJS

2011-05-07T09:07:00.000+01:00

They stayed for a couple of days....Had some trouble with getting into the UK (invalid passports) ;). You can read their side of the story (and more photo's, I just realize I didn't take a lot!) here, in Dutch. Job has fixed my mobile regarding the weird colours of the photo's....these are still a bit strange.... We had: A girls' night outA boys' night

Visitors April part II: bro and sil

2011-05-06T17:18:00.000+01:00

They only stayed for 2 days, but we had a great time! Most of the photo's are taken by SIL (sister in law) :). I know, the trampoline again, but everybody just loves it! :) Levi felt very comfortable with Giel! :) Got this book, really funny! Should be available in English too... Saturday chores :) Leef Boaz and Giel Near us Fun! SIL :)) Levi and Kirsten

April I

2011-04-21T15:56:00.001+01:00

Heather's yumyumyum mango and coconut ice cream with strawberry sauce! Time for an update :)My mother came to stay with us for 4 nights! We had a great time with her.We did a Civil War Day.We got new chickens, still looking for a cockerel.We made ham/cheese/chive muffins.We had a friend of the boys for a sleepover.My friends organised a surprise lunch for me on my birthday!I got my DISHWASHER!!

Recap for March!

2011-04-03T14:17:00.000+01:00

I haven't been blogging properly for several weeks.So, here's the recap. I've had a couple of Mom's Nights OutWe've been swimming, but not many timesWe've been playing with friendsWe've had a family staying overwhen Job and I went for an evening out in BristolWe've been to the beachWe've played at homeWe've been to playgrounds Just the stuff we normally do. Job and I have felt really inspired to

Funny :))

2011-03-16T07:37:00.000Z

Thanks Maupert :)

Playing to Learn?

2011-02-23T19:43:00.000Z

.prezi-player { width: 550px; } .prezi-player-links { text-align: center; } Playing to Learn? on Prezi One of my nieces sent me this presentation by Maria Andersen. It's quite long, but interesting. And it has some nice webpages to explore... Thanks H.!

Thuisonderwijs goed alternatief voor school

2011-02-22T10:57:00.005Z

Good article (in Dutch) about homeschooling as a good alternative for schools (97 parents want to homeschool their children after the Islamic College in Amsterdam will be forced to close; a big 'homeschool' hype at the moment in Holland). In Nederland bestaat ten onrechte een negatief beeld van thuisonderwijs, vindt drs. Elly Stouten. Kinderen die thuis les krijgen zijn doorgaans net zo goed

Concentration

2011-02-15T21:16:00.000Z

How we do it; strewing part 1

2011-02-12T08:21:00.000Z

Lydia asked me how we 'do it', homeschooling and "Alison" asked me to describe our day(s)... First of all, our 'week', roughly. Monday - at home (most Mondays) or group meeting with the most local HE groupTuesday - helping out at a friends house, boys play with the boys there Wednesday - Christian HE group meeting, or if I think it's something the boys won't be interested in, we stay at home

Our origami champion

2011-02-09T08:01:00.000Z

In December 2010 I bought an origami calendar after a succesful art workshop and recommendation from a friend. It was supposed to be for me, but in the beginning of February, I still had 365 days to go.And then Job found it (I left it where anyone could see it and I thought that one of the boys might like it). And immediately he completed one month! And he's good at it!

Blessed

2011-02-07T09:08:00.000Z

Last week, we received a letter from Compassion. I had asked them if they could find us an other sponsor child. So I was very excited to find out who it was! I chose not to choose myself. That's something I would find hard to do; so many kids that have been waiting for a sponsor for a long time....I'd rather let someone else pick and trust it's the child that we're 'supposed' to sponsor. It's

Writer's block

2011-02-04T16:02:00.002Z

Yes, I'm still here. And doing fine (not too bad, as they say here ;)). Thanks for all that have been asking :). After removing (because it didn't feel 'safe') my last post about our adventure in Haldon Forest, I just didn't know how to get started again. This blog is mainly for my own documentation; for the kids maybe, when they are older and interested in what we did, all these years. It's

Selling our house....for REAL!

2011-01-19T09:27:00.002Z

Our house is online finally; on funda.nl. It's for real now! To be honest, I'm not feeling sad or anything. I just hope it will be sold very soon. It wasn't my house anymore from the day we left, in 2009. I do have very fond memories of living there; the feeling that we were on holiday for quite some time after we moved on the 29th of April 2005. On the pictures on funda it looks grey and dull

The way things work

2011-01-11T20:57:00.003Z

I found this in one of my email groups. My boys love this kind of cartoons that explains interesting and complicated matters. If you go to Youtube, you will find more episodes. That reminds me of these series from the 80's. Some of you might remember them. We've bought the 'Er was eens....de mens'/'Once upon a time...man' series, (starting point is evolution, noticable in the intro and the

And a good one for this Sunday...

2011-01-09T09:16:00.001Z

Just watch this. I got it from Jessica, who's blog I read.... And feel free to start sponsoring a child (through Compassion) too :) I hope that we can be a blessing for our sponsor child too; it encouraged me, watching this. http://www.compassion.nl/ http://www.compassionuk.org/ http://www.compassion.com/ Enjoy!

I just wanted to share something with you....

2011-01-08T20:30:00.001Z

I've read some books about them and I've watched a documentary before, and every time it touches me. How they believe in God is not my believe, but the 'physical life' they lead, being so much closer to nature, the sense of community life, not being overwhelmed with everything that's out there in the world.....I sometimes envy their simple life.... On the other hand, their life is (too) full of

Our "puzzle 2010", or Happy 2011 everyone!

2010-12-31T11:59:00.000Z

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Hermits

2010-12-30T17:03:00.005Z

I haven't been blogging properly the last few weeks. I didn't feel like it, we were too busy, and after that, I was too tired ;) and too hermitty ;). We've been doing so much, the last year. And the last couple of months our 'schedule' with outdoory things became busier and busier. Luckily with quiet weekends and quiet evenings, but still: pretty busy for a family that loves staying at home too.

The digital story of the nativity

2010-12-25T19:07:00.000Z

Teach less math in school.

2010-12-14T08:21:00.000Z

In 1929, the superintendent of schools in Ithaca, New York, sent out a challenge to his colleagues in other cities. "What," he asked, "can we drop from the elementary school curriculum?" He complained that over the years new subjects were continuously being added and nothing was being subtracted, with the result that the school day was packed with too many subjects and there was little time to

Enthusiasm!

2010-12-11T18:12:00.000Z

Enjoy 3yo Jonathan conducting with passion! He made me smile. Thanks mum, for sending me this :)

Unexpected visit

2010-12-05T14:36:00.000Z

In Holland, on the 5th of December, this man (Sinterklaas) comes to (almost) every house in the country. With his horse and helpers To bring presents and sweets We didn't think he'd come to England. We weren't prepared..... But this morning, someone was at the door, and delivered this: Thank you so much Helma & Co. for all the (funny) presents! You guys made our day! :)

TED talks: Conrad Wolfram: Teaching kids real math with computers

2010-12-03T08:52:00.000Z

Interesting idea, what do you think?

This is what happens.....

2010-12-02T10:09:00.001Z

....when your child likes Shaun the Sheep, Sonic and Mario and is working on a Christmas stable ;)

Nikki's fudgey fridge nibbles

2010-12-01T13:22:00.000Z

It's cold outside (not as cold as here (-25!!). And we are home, for a change (on Wednesdays). So I'm making one of Nikki's recipes. She's got some really good chocolaty recipes! It's a shame she doesn't have a blog ;) Fudgey fridge nibbles 100g butter 100g sugar 20g cocoa powder 1 egg 1 small packet rich tea biscuits (crushed) 50g raisins & coconut Melt together the butter, sugar and

Home Education rises in popularity in Holland.

2010-11-30T08:57:00.001Z

Good article in Dutch: Read it HERE

week 47

2010-11-28T22:53:00.000Z

I like summarizing my weeks. When you think you've had quite an ordinary week, it turns out you've actually done quite a lot. And that something new is learned every day.... On Monday I had an check up appointment with the chiropractor. It has been a big big help for my back problems to consult him. I would recommend this to anyone with back problems. We had the kids checked several months ago

Week 46

2010-11-21T22:47:00.002Z

Again a busy week. On Monday, we went to see Julia, baby Taisia and the rest of the family. I'm the lovely friend with 3 sons (obviously) ;)))). It had been ages since we visited them, but/and/so it was good to see them again and catch up! Boaz went to Beavers. He wasn't really eager to go, but once he got there, he was happy. Tomorrow, Job will go with him (he wasn't at home last Monday),

Guess how much I love you, mum?

2010-11-18T04:27:00.000Z

After I had picked Boaz up from Beavers, he asked me: Do you know how much I love you, mum? "From here to the sky, and then to the moon and the stars. Then to God and back." Do you know that feeling, when your child says something to you that really touches you and almost makes you cry? Well, that's what happened to me last Monday :)

Busy week & house for sale?

2010-11-14T20:24:00.000Z

We've had a busy, but good week. Monday: a visit with our local HE group to Cockington, a very old village nearby. Adam was (again) intrigued by the glass blowing. We should go back in spring or summer!Boaz went to the local Scout group in the evening. He actually really liked it. I wasn't sure if it was going to work, but he is very determined to go again. Tuesday: a visit to friends was

New life!

2010-11-09T09:32:00.000Z

The last few weeks I've been waiting for some new arrivals :) And now they're all there! Yeah! A HE friend from Holland got her precious daughter. They had to travel far, but look at this beautiful girl! :)) Then Caroline with the twins..... Car 37 weeks pregnant Caroline's and Chris' twins, Stan and Evi (they arrived two days after I had left the country! ;() After that Julia's (my '

Rockpooling at Goodrington Beach

2010-11-06T08:58:00.001Z

Yesterday we went to Goodrington Beach, that looks like this in summer, when we don't go there ;) and looks like this after and before the summer :) We went with the local Natural History (homeschool) group. It's amazing to have groups like this here. And very fortunate for me, because I don't do this easily on my own (with the boys). Adam loved being here/outside. He even went in the

Happy family

2010-11-04T16:29:00.000Z

Last (long) weekend, Job's brother, our SIL (Sister In Law) and niece were staying with us. We had a great weekend. The boys loved their uncle and aunt spending time with them and they adored their little niece. Adam said to me: it was about time, we really needed to get to know her! All Saints bonfire at our church Bo Lego building She really wanted to have a go on the Play Station! Happy

I love our homeschooling/unschooling life!

2010-11-02T20:24:00.000Z

I'm sure people will draw different conclusions after seeing this animated Sir Ken Robinson speech, but after seeing/reading this, I'm (again) so happy with our choice! Enjoy!

A long week in Holland

2010-10-28T18:53:00.002+01:00

Last Sunday, the boys and I came back from 10 days in Holland. A week with mixed feelings: -great to see friends & family again (several times)-not feeling well all week -Levi being very happy to be with Lieke, Simeon and Jesse again -getting really sick in the second half of the week-a trip to the Ontdekhoek with friends -Adam being very unsettled due to a changing friendship....(he told me he

Kightshayes ~ Tiverton

2010-10-14T17:37:00.000+01:00

Wow, the ceilings and walls throughout the house: amazing, beautiful (sorry, just one picture and not even the most beautiful wall ;))! We went to Knightshayes yesterday. A Victorian country house in Tiverton. I'm not particularly fond of old houses, but I really liked this one. So well preserved! Even my kids (who, just like me, don't always appreciate the beauty of old buildings)

Commando Challenge 2010

2010-10-11T20:44:00.001+01:00

Last Saturday, Job did the Commando Challenge (with his team) near Exeter. This way, they were sponsoring the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. I decided to go and watch with the boys. We had no idea how much we would be able to see, but it was dry and because we had had a quiet week, we just went. It was quite a hassle to get to the right place, but we ended up next to the finish (where we saw the

Baby shower

2010-10-06T07:45:00.000+01:00

On Monday night, we had a baby shower (in the Hare and Hounds in Kingskerswell) for Julia. She has written a post about it herself which I can't rewrite in a better way, so read it here: SPOILT ROTTEN Here some pictures of the evening: Who is who?! We should do this more often. It's great to go out together and spend some time with lovely people!

Organic cows

2010-09-29T21:28:00.001+01:00

Yesterday, we went to West Town Farm, an organic farm in Ide, where we were invited to join an art project....the goal for the artist: 1000 model clay cows for organicARTS exhibition in September! We heard stories, went to see the cows in the field, some of us took the opportunity to dig up some clay themselves, and we clayed.... Some clayed cows.... Some clayed er....some kind of creature

Look what I got!

2010-09-23T15:12:00.001+01:00

After reading this post, I wished I got something funny in my mailbox (or something that the postman would have to give to me in person, because the package would be too big ;). I was actually very surprized when he rang the doorbell and gave me something in a big envelop! NOSTALGIA! I had been talking about it with her, she found it somewhere and sent it to me! Thank you so much! Big kisses

Our week in Holland, or: best of both worlds....

2010-09-17T06:55:00.000+01:00

Two days camping in northern France. Relaxing.... More relaxing with friends in Holland A baby-belly (and no, I'm not pregnant!)...I was hoping that the baby would be born before we'd leave... A present from Janneke. All the boys love it! Shopping with Lieke in Utrecht, me stadsie!! And there he was, little (well, not so little for a baby...) Seth! Came out in time! ;) Happy chappies! I think

Not Back To School Party 2010!!

2010-09-13T13:23:00.003+01:00

A good way to see (and, to be honest, not speak all of them properly ;)) your HE friends in Holland, is to organize a Not Back To School Party.And so we did, Caroline and I... Like we did last year, and me and Jen the year before. Caroline, so beautifully pregnant with twins!! 220 Home Educators in the Speeldernis. I think everyone has had a great time. We did! More impressions:

HE BBQ

2010-08-30T12:43:00.001+01:00

Last Saturday, we had the CHR HE BBQ (nice word ;)).I didn't realise I should take pictures until the very end.So maybe not the most catchy pictures, but let's just use them as my family journal :)We had a great day. This group feels like my extended family (thanks Inge, for that ;))

How to address the organic issue to your kids.....

2010-08-27T15:15:00.000+01:00

Thanks Lydia for sharing :))

Some homeschoolers do have a cupboard under the stairs...

2010-08-25T16:48:00.000+01:00

But these pictures show you that it can actually be a light and cosy place! Boaz and Adam had fun throwing balls for the dog... Adam was over the moon with the cat on his lap. I know he doesn't look like it, but he's obviously very serious about it ;) And of course we had poffertjes with our favourite poffertjes friends!

10 years today :)

2010-08-24T07:50:00.000+01:00

Happy

2010-08-22T15:24:00.000+01:00

With my man who went all the way to Plymouth to get the swing set and built it... With my boys who love the swings... With the garden and today's produce... And with myself, for the brilliant idea ;) to jump on the trampoline 3 x 20 minutes a day, in stead of running....I'm just not convinced my knees like the running.... :~( (still trying, but I think I've found an alternative...)

FIL and MIL

2010-08-21T07:45:00.001+01:00

The last week, my father in law and mother in law have been with us. We've had a great week.They have been enjoying sitting in the sun, reading books, drinking lots of coffee :)), playing with Levi, going for walks, enjoying the steam (again for Boaz and Levi), doing the dishes with Boaz, buying nine books, playing the piano, building the slide, celebrating Levi's birthday, jumping on the

Our baby....

2010-08-13T21:00:00.000+01:00

.....turned 3 today! And we love him, he is just as special as his big brothers! And as every day, but especially on the 13th of August, our thoughts and prayers are with our friend Fleur, who's husband André died two years ago. Big hug for you!

Tipton St John & Dawlish Warren

2010-08-12T22:55:00.001+01:00

Two trips in two days. So a quiet day tomorrow. On Wednesday we went to Tipton St John. Quite difficult for me to find, as I couldn't use the SATNAV this time. But we got there in the end and had a nice picnic. Boaz' favourite part of any day: a big field where he can run around and wander off ;) Today we went to Dawlish Warren, a crowded beach during the summer, but we were lucky to have an

Cornwall ~ Job's choice

2010-08-08T20:08:00.002+01:00

Today we went to Cornwall. Last minute decision (still feels special to be able to do that!).Land's End......Job picked the destination. Boaz wears this t-shirt a lot when we go out...Maybe you noticed...I want to be able to track him down easilyAs he likes to wander off..;) I know that a lot of people really like Cornwall. We did too. But personally, I think Devon is more beautiful! Or

Cricklepit Mill & The Quay ~ Exeter

2010-08-06T14:07:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we were in Exeter. The capital of Devon. I didn't really expect to see a lot of nature there, but we did: we went to Cricklepit Mill and the Quay (pronounce as 'key'). It reminded me a little bit of Holland...Nice, flat, kids learning how to sail and even some BIKES!!! The boys and I made a little detour (ahem), but managed to find the other families :). photo by LMAdam enjoys anything

Crealy and a tough run afterwards....

2010-08-05T16:51:00.000+01:00

Yesterday, we went to Crealy. An other theme park. We went with the Sundaykidz from our church. I would never go during the holidays, but I won't say no to an invitation :). The boys had fun, Boaz had a blast with Job in de karts. I just know that I'm going to avoid theme parks during the holidays. Not my cup of tea. I had my blast in the evening. I finally found a running group not too far

Poffertjes!

2010-08-04T21:59:00.001+01:00

photo by AL We had poffertjes with friends on Monday :) This is a recipe, but there are different ways to make the batter. I only use milk, whole wheat flour (or sometimes selfraising flour when less healthy ;)), a little bit of yeast/sugar and a pinch of salt. Who wants to do a poffertjes party in september/october?!

Our weekend

2010-07-26T08:29:00.000+01:00

We didn't do anything really special, but I love that kind of weekends.... Washing the car with daddy Eating potatoes from the garden Flowers from our neighbour A surprise package for me!!!! Thank you so much C! Now we can finally eat proper nasi (I think nasi is for the Dutch the same as curry for the Brits) again! And Job has the real peanutbutter again ;). Adam got a package too! His last bit

Khan Academy

2010-07-25T21:55:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Julia R.! She just shared this site. And I think it's great. Perfect for my boy who doesn't want to learn from workbooks :)) Khan does the French Revolution The introduction to the atom Basic addition And much more. Check it out! I'm sure you'll be able to find a subject that has your interest! The Khan Academy is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of providing a

Zullekes (you can use this word for anything in Belgium, I discovered...)

2010-07-23T20:53:00.002+01:00

We had friends from Belgium (one of Adam's best friends) over for a couple of days. We've all enjoyed it very much. It's a very energetic family, so we did a lot :)). We went to Decoy Park, played and went canoeing (sorry, no pics...I was in the canoe) Reading Playing Drawing A birthday girl with a typical English breakfast We went from Buckfastleigh to (hippytown) Totnes by steamtrain And

New group ~ Embercombe

2010-07-15T23:13:00.000+01:00

Today we've been investigating a new group. A more nature based group. Boaz was really happy there. He found a big stick and two friends that liked climbing trees as well.... It's going to take place here, in Embercombe, Higher Ashton (near Exeter), from October 2010 on (or maybe even earlier. If you want more information, send me an email or comment and I'll pass you the contact info of the

Prickly Ball Farm

2010-07-14T22:48:00.001+01:00

Today we were at Prickly Ball Farm in Newton Abbot. I didn't really know what to expect, but it was great, for all four of us. Adam enjoyed (very, very much) cuddling the animals, Boaz enjoyed running around, the go karts and the playground, and Levi was happy that he could escape to my arms sometimes, to get away from the "scary" animals. Plus: we had a good time with friends. The farm has a

River Dart Adventures

2010-07-09T17:20:00.001+01:00

Yesterday, we had fun at River Dart Adventures in Ashburton.Again, a great place to spend some hours. We didn't go until after 4pm, because they'll let you in for free after 4-ish (!!) Thanks Andrea, for showing us around. We definitely want to go again :).

Friendsick

2010-07-05T21:22:00.002+01:00

No, not homesick, because home is here, but friendsick (didn't know it is actually an existing word, thought I had invented it myself ;))). We've settled in well very quickly (I think), but sometimes I just want to be able to see bellies grow IRL (see here and here), to visit my friend that lived eight doors away (see here).....You know, just the 'normal' things. I was thinking about it today

My handymen (proud!)

2010-06-30T08:13:00.000+01:00

And now I need to be the handywoman to make buy cushions...;)

Our wild rover.....

2010-06-26T20:52:00.003+01:00

......turned 6 today!! Happy birthday Boaz! We love you! :)

Swimming in the Atlantic!

2010-06-22T23:31:00.000+01:00

Not completely sure if it's actually and technically the Atlantic Ocean where we've been swimming today, but it sounds great anyway! ;)) We went to Bigbury on Sea! With Burgh Island.....We had no idea about the times of the tides and we were just in time to get back to the beach..... We have beaches in Holland. And they are nice. But this is different....although it's sometimes hard to

Homeschooling in China

2010-06-21T20:34:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Willeke and Ina

Sunny weekend

2010-06-20T23:18:00.001+01:00

We've had a very sunny weekend, with one of Job's friends + son staying with us! Job took them to Dartmoor and Exeter, but they had fun around the house too :). Now it's time for a week off :). Relaxing, good weather, day trips: visiting a place I've been looking forward to it for months :)), enjoying life!

Castle Drogo

2010-06-16T22:38:00.000+01:00

Today we went to Castle Drogo, a very spacious and 'modern' castle. Job calls it the 'fake' castle (built in 1910/1920). I'm still amazed by the beauty and peacefulness of this part of the country. The boys enjoyed the after party :)

Decoy Park & Fraser's jump :)

2010-06-15T09:39:00.002+01:00

Yesterday, we went to Decoy Park in Newton Abbot with our 'local' group. Just a few minutes drive from our house. We hadn't been there before, but we're definitely going back there! (You pay for parking at the main entrance, but it's just 60p for the whole day! And the playground/park etc. are free) Levi's point of view..... Fraser's jump!!

Our big boy....

2010-06-08T07:34:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Helma (his godmother :)), for making this collage!Turns 9 today! Happy birthday Adam. We love you!

My first Mom's Night Out in the UK

2010-06-06T22:01:00.000+01:00

Three indecisive women went to Exeter ;))) Luckily we had already decided the movie we were going to see, Robin Hood! Great choice! I want to see it again (and that doesn't happen very often). After that, we tried to find a restaurant where we'd like to eat. That was a hard job ;)). We ended up in the Giraffe and had a nice meal together. Although choosing what we wanted to eat was again not