Spring is upon us

We have had a great week since I last wrote, busy, eventful and happy - well most of the time.  One of the things I love about homeschooling is the possibility to take time for when the kids interests are peaked, answering questions in an unhurried way and sharing their experiences. The past week has truly been a week of new beginnings for us and a week which made me realise just how much can be learnt from actually keeping my mouth closed to listen and watch.

The kids decided that they would make kites based off some instructions that come in a cereal packet - luckily for me they really were child friendly instructions and easy to follow via pictures so I had very little to do except smile at the enthusiasm shown.  This wasn't that long lived though as Jasmine realised flying kites inside is far from fun........a trip to the beach was needed. So paper kites in hand (A4 sheet and some wool) we headed down to the beach to find some real wind and real wind they did find.  Jasmine quickly modified hers with a stick and feathers to get the most out of it as Daniel watched on, more interested in collecting sticks and stones away from the waves.  The modifications then proved useful in telling the wind direction as the wool twisted and untwisted depending on the where Jasmine stood.....thankfully for me as I would have been the one trying to untangle it all!  The weather here has been so lovely  that impromptu trips like this have been possible and of course in Hokitika nothing is that far away.

Flying the kite at Hokitika River mouth

The weather has had other effects on our lives though apart from the ease of getting out and about. Blossoms have begun to appear, daffidols are blooming and the birds are in abundance.  Yesterday we were treated to greeting twin lambs in the paddocks in front of us.  They had just been born, literally, and the kids and I watched for ages as the mother carefully cleaning and cared for her young.  The thing that amazed me the most though was the fact that all the other sheep stayed out of that paddock (there are 4 which are interconnected) for the whole morning till the babies were feeding and the family comfortable.  It was as if they knew it was a special time and that space was needed for that bonding.  Maybe something for humans to consider..........support without being in the same paddock ay?! ;)  Anyway it has been lovely to see and for the kids to experience.  Now we wait and check constantly to see if any more sheep are having their babies.

Mama sheep and her twins.

Jasmine has had her own new beginnings too as she started Pippins (a Girl Guide group for 5 and 6 year olds) last week.  It is all new to me but thought is was a good way for her to meet other girls her age within a positive environment.  Today was her second time and she assures me that I no longer need to come with her...... we'll see how next week goes. It is a small group and they meet for an hour to play games, sing and share news.  Jasmine was a bit nervous about the latter as she thought she had no news to tell - Imagine!!!  Anyway that was very short  lived after I explained that news could be about anything that happen to her and so the flood gates opened.  It is really interesting watching from a far though and seeing how your children interact with others, how they tackle new tasks and situations.  She was in there boots and all so I think that all will be good. 

The biggest new beginning this week though is that we have had our offer on a wee cottage in Hokitika accepted.  Yes, we have found a home already that we can call our own.  I haven't really let the kids settle here as I nag them to be careful, put things back etc because it isn't our place and it is on the market with viewings happening often.  Now we can relax a bit - well maybe not Liam so much as it has a lot of jobs that need doing. 



Our future new abode.

Just as well Liam enjoys doing building work (I heard him say it once and I'm sticking to it!) and I enjoy making lists for him to do ;)  It has all we need - 3 beds, double gargage, laundry inside (currently we have to walked outside to ours) and cell phone coverage beyond one window sill.  There is also a B and B next door, very handy.  All going well we will be in around mid Oct so I'll keep you all posted.

Hope this finds you all happy, healthy and warm.
Arohanui Y
www.becominghealthy.co.nz