We found "Maryanne" from the Mike Mulligan kids' book!

Oh, how we enjoyed this kids' book here at home! There is a cute video as well that the kids loved to watch. The other day Husband and I were running errands on Michigan Ave in Lansing, when we saw ourselves right next to Maryanne herself! Cannot wait to read the books to the grandchildren and take them there!

 

Unpacking continues

It is wonderful to find the things that were packed back in SD and put away during or life in the rental. Last night I made the first dinner, and we are preparing the guest room for Number Five and family!

First day in the new house

Getting there!

Moving day

Last photos of the rental, precious last items taken by hand, moving truck.

We move tomorrow

The floors are done, they were refinished and oiled. The rug was professionally cleaned and we took a few items in the minivan today.

Packing and finding treasures!

Real treasures...

Tips for when the kids need to do the schoolwork at home!

Well, all Michigan schools are closed, so I’m on vacation—timely, since we move soon! Hardly a vacation—it’s been so busy with a contractor at the new home and packing over here.

Both principals at the schools I work are adding this text I wrote to their email to the family regarding schoolwork. 

Tips for when the kids need to do the schoolwork at home: 

1. Have them do schoolwork in the morning. We usually sat around a table together. Start with a prayer, the kids can take turns leading. You may want to pick a patron saint for your temporary homeschool! Make sure they know what to expect. Be patient, take a couple days to let the new routine set in.

2. Don't be surprised at how little time it may take to complete the work. Remember that at school there is a lot of waiting in line, etc.  Anything they do to help around the house may count as school work: baking, cleaning, organizing. 

3. With all the extra time, let them be creative: reading, writing, doing art, listening to books or watching educational videos. Let the house get messy. They can all help clean later! 

4. Lots and lots of playtime for the little ones! Remember to limit screen time for all kids. Pull out some forgotten toys from the closet. Do expect them to help with chores such as lunch and dishes. Encourage them to prepare meals in the kitchen on their own (age-appropriate).

Have fun discovering the joys of homeschooling! Read good books aloud! Make sure to laugh at mishaps, and keep it joyful! 

Magistra Ana

Traditional Michigan food, finally!

It took us only 18 months to try the UP delicacy--"pasties" used to be made for miners in the Upper Peninsula to pack for lunch while working in the mines. They are filled with just about anything, the traditional being meat and veggies including rutabaga.

At the antique mall in Williamston

Looking for a dish cabinet for the new house...

Michigan Winter

Husband and I will miss these windows... 

Old photos

Well, they are not so old-- and I am NOT saying I miss SD... but it just doesn't get cold enough here for photography like this.

We found a little house!

And just like that, we found a house-- thank you to good St Joseph, as Husband has been reading aloud his Litany at night. We went yesterday to look at three houses and this was the third--we put an offer immediately and it was accepted this morning. Perfect? No, as no house is. But we seem to have foudn in this one a combination of things we have been looking for. I can't wait to have our own things in it. The smaller space is a wonderful opportunity to further simplify our life.

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