10:15 this morning........
Ring, Ring (telephone ringing)
"Mom! It's the realtor on the phone!"
"Is your home available to show today between 12 and 1 pm?"
I look around in panic..."We'll be ready" Say a quick prayer, as I start making a plan of action in my head.
"Justin, go mow the lawn and make sure that the yard is in order. Everyone else up to the bedrooms!" 20 minutes later the rooms are in order, dusted and vacuumed. "Jesi, clean your bathroom. Ashly, vacuum the hallway. Josiah, Cara, and Mathias, go put your knights and castles away - in the basement!" I do a quick cleaning of the master bath and hang the clothes that need ironing in the closet.
2nd floor is now cleaned and everyone is banned from going up there!
"Jesica, sweep and mop the kitchen. Ashly, help the younger ones clean the basement." I wipe down the counters and make sure that the dishes are all put away or out of sight in the dishwasher.
"Mom! Basement is done!" Great! One more thing to cross of the list!
"Ashly, here is more ironing that needs to be hung! Josiah, vacuum! Cara, dust. Mathias sit on the couch and read a book!"
"Lawn is finished, but there are some weeds that need pulling."
"Josiah and Mathias, go help Justin pull the weeds!"
Whew...almost finished!
1st floor is now ready to go.
"Mom! We're hungry!" Quick check my watch. "Ok, I have time to make PB&J, but you have to eat it outside and make sure the plates get in the trash!"
11:45 I do a final walk-through, touch up a few areas, and pray again that this will the THE family.
11:55 we pile into the van and are off to the library.......
1:10 we are home again. The realtor didn't leave a calling card, so we aren't sure if he has been here or not. The younger ones go down to the basement to watch the movie they borrowed from the library. The older ones are checking their email and chatting with friends. I am here blogging and enjoying the clean, quiet house, while my Baby Sara sleeps.
I was wrong....Baby Sara is awake...crying....again... (deep sigh)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
"Silent Glory"
My friend Tonya (please visit her site and view her beautiful products!) shared this new site with me. While surfing through it I found an article written by my friend Stacy. I had read this article before, but after my previous post, thought it worthwhile to share with y'all.
http://www.prairiemuffin.org/?p=13
Silent Glory
By Stacy May 24, 2008
Homeschooling has brought me to a richer understanding of how deeply God’s plan for the Church involves families. A properly functioning Christian household stands as a light in a dark world, a burning torch lifted high, drawing those who are perishing to Christ.
Yes, math is important in many ways. Grammar can give order and shape to the words we have to say on His behalf. Phonics teaches us to read, equipping us with the ability to understand other’s thoughts and ideas. Good literature enriches our lives and teaches us valuable lessons. Logic teaches us to think in an orderly way. History, my favorite, reminds us of the past and teaches us about the future. There’s so much more to learn…always. But is it all about academics? You may think I’m heading toward the importance of a good Bible or character curriculum, and while these are very important; there’s more, so much more!
Reading, writing, math and history can all be taught in a group-schooling situation. Any academic subject you can think of, including Bible and character, can be taught in a good Christian school. It can even be taught very well in some situations. But if my children were in school six to eight hours a day, who would be influencing them the most; my husband and I or their friends and teachers? Who would be shaping their thoughts, molding their personalities, swaying their convictions, and influencing their affections?
Where would my daughters get their ideas of how a godly young woman should dress and carry herself? How would they have time to learn to plan meals, grocery shop on a budget, and learn to cook the meals they plan? How would they possibly have time to sew, garden, visit the sick or aged and help care for younger siblings? Would they truly grasp the importance of the gentle art of hospitality and homemaking? Or would they be around enough to observe the godly interaction between a Christian husband and wife?
Where would my sons learn to be godly men? Who would teach them to lead their families and their churches or to take dominion in their calling? Would it be from the well-meaning schoolteacher, principal or football coach? How would they develop their opinions of women or learn to treat their future wives? Would it be from the boys’ locker room at school? No, thanks! Why not from their own father; isn’t that God’s plan?
Many people in the world will tell you that you’re wasting your time as a homeschooling mother. After all, “you need a life too.” Wouldn’t it be more glamorous and rewarding to have that high paying job in a nice quiet office downtown? The voice of the world mocks motherhood: telling mothers that what they are doing is irrelevant, and, in fact, someone with credentials could do it much better.
Many women struggle with a life devoted to the family. Perhaps they love material things, perhaps it is the reward of hearing your child praised as being the best math student or soccer player. Perhaps it is simply the fact that raising children is a slow and laborious process; not the fast and easy to satisfy impulse that our culture prefers. We all have our particular area of weakness or temptation. How many women are tempted to think that their “ministry” is a calling, apart from, and outside of, the family?
Reality check!
Your children—your families—are your ministry. There is nothing more sacred or God-honoring than a woman diligently working within the role in which God has placed her. If you are a Christian woman who is home training your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, educating them for His glory, then you are doing a mighty work for His kingdom. You are functioning in your God-given role as wife and mother and you, dear sister, are blessed. A Christian homeschool is inclusive of more than acute angles and prepositional phrases.
Hopefully, our children are learning by example the vital parts they will play in their future families, churches and society. Prayerfully, God is molding them now, in your homeschool, to prepare them for the role they will play in taking dominion of a society at war with God.
As you watch your children grow and learn, imagine your future grandchildren—educated and trained well in the fear and admonition of the Lord, truly loved and knowing how to love; wielding their bright swords of faith; equipped with a godly worldview, and fully prepared for the task of reforming the church and changing society.
Your children will not only grow older, as you train them daily, but wiser and stronger. You have the privilege of watching in thankfulness and awe as God sharpens your children into mighty, straight arrows of glory for His kingdom. The fruit of your efforts will long outlive your homeschool.
Generations will benefit from your obedience and your reward will be seen in eternity. That’s what it’s all about.
http://www.prairiemuffin.org/?p=13
Silent Glory
By Stacy May 24, 2008
Homeschooling has brought me to a richer understanding of how deeply God’s plan for the Church involves families. A properly functioning Christian household stands as a light in a dark world, a burning torch lifted high, drawing those who are perishing to Christ.
Yes, math is important in many ways. Grammar can give order and shape to the words we have to say on His behalf. Phonics teaches us to read, equipping us with the ability to understand other’s thoughts and ideas. Good literature enriches our lives and teaches us valuable lessons. Logic teaches us to think in an orderly way. History, my favorite, reminds us of the past and teaches us about the future. There’s so much more to learn…always. But is it all about academics? You may think I’m heading toward the importance of a good Bible or character curriculum, and while these are very important; there’s more, so much more!
Reading, writing, math and history can all be taught in a group-schooling situation. Any academic subject you can think of, including Bible and character, can be taught in a good Christian school. It can even be taught very well in some situations. But if my children were in school six to eight hours a day, who would be influencing them the most; my husband and I or their friends and teachers? Who would be shaping their thoughts, molding their personalities, swaying their convictions, and influencing their affections?
Where would my daughters get their ideas of how a godly young woman should dress and carry herself? How would they have time to learn to plan meals, grocery shop on a budget, and learn to cook the meals they plan? How would they possibly have time to sew, garden, visit the sick or aged and help care for younger siblings? Would they truly grasp the importance of the gentle art of hospitality and homemaking? Or would they be around enough to observe the godly interaction between a Christian husband and wife?
Where would my sons learn to be godly men? Who would teach them to lead their families and their churches or to take dominion in their calling? Would it be from the well-meaning schoolteacher, principal or football coach? How would they develop their opinions of women or learn to treat their future wives? Would it be from the boys’ locker room at school? No, thanks! Why not from their own father; isn’t that God’s plan?
Many people in the world will tell you that you’re wasting your time as a homeschooling mother. After all, “you need a life too.” Wouldn’t it be more glamorous and rewarding to have that high paying job in a nice quiet office downtown? The voice of the world mocks motherhood: telling mothers that what they are doing is irrelevant, and, in fact, someone with credentials could do it much better.
Many women struggle with a life devoted to the family. Perhaps they love material things, perhaps it is the reward of hearing your child praised as being the best math student or soccer player. Perhaps it is simply the fact that raising children is a slow and laborious process; not the fast and easy to satisfy impulse that our culture prefers. We all have our particular area of weakness or temptation. How many women are tempted to think that their “ministry” is a calling, apart from, and outside of, the family?
Reality check!
Your children—your families—are your ministry. There is nothing more sacred or God-honoring than a woman diligently working within the role in which God has placed her. If you are a Christian woman who is home training your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, educating them for His glory, then you are doing a mighty work for His kingdom. You are functioning in your God-given role as wife and mother and you, dear sister, are blessed. A Christian homeschool is inclusive of more than acute angles and prepositional phrases.
Hopefully, our children are learning by example the vital parts they will play in their future families, churches and society. Prayerfully, God is molding them now, in your homeschool, to prepare them for the role they will play in taking dominion of a society at war with God.
As you watch your children grow and learn, imagine your future grandchildren—educated and trained well in the fear and admonition of the Lord, truly loved and knowing how to love; wielding their bright swords of faith; equipped with a godly worldview, and fully prepared for the task of reforming the church and changing society.
Your children will not only grow older, as you train them daily, but wiser and stronger. You have the privilege of watching in thankfulness and awe as God sharpens your children into mighty, straight arrows of glory for His kingdom. The fruit of your efforts will long outlive your homeschool.
Generations will benefit from your obedience and your reward will be seen in eternity. That’s what it’s all about.
"Home-schoolers threaten our cultural comfort"
Earlier this week this article came to my attention.......Hmmmm
Some food for thought.....
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=274594&pub=1&div=Opinion
6/8/2008 9:39:01 AM Daily Journal
You see them at the grocery, or in a discount store.
It's a big family by today’s standards - "just like stair steps," as the old folks say. Freshly scrubbed boys with neatly trimmed hair and girls with braids, in clean but unfashionable clothes follow mom through the store as she fills her no-frills shopping list.
There's no begging for gimcracks, no fretting, and no threats from mom. The older watch the younger, freeing mom to go peacefully about her task.
You are looking at some of the estimated 2 million children being home schooled in the U.S., and the number is growing. Their reputation for academic achievement has caused colleges to begin aggressively recruiting them. Savings to the taxpayers in instructional costs are conservatively estimated at $4 billion, and some place the figure as high as $9 billion. When you consider that these families pay taxes to support public schools, but demand nothing from them, it seems quite a deal for the public.
Home schooling parents are usually better educated than the norm, and are more likely to attend worship services. Their motives are many and varied. Some fear contagion from the anti-clericalism, coarse speech, suggestive behavior and hedonistic values that characterize secular schools. Others are concerned for their children’s safety. Some want their children to be challenged beyond the minimal competencies of the public schools. Concern for a theistic world view largely permeates the movement.
Indications are that home schooling is working well for the kids, and the parents are pleased with their choice, but the practice is coming under increasing suspicion, and even official attack, as in California.
Why do we hate (or at least distrust) these people so much?
Me thinks American middle-class people are uncomfortable around the home schooled for the same reason the alcoholic is uneasy around the teetotaler.
Their very existence represents a rejection of our values, and an indictment of our lifestyles. Those families are willing to render unto Caesar the things that Caesar’s be, but they draw the line at their children. Those of us who have put our trust in the secular state (and effectively surrendered our children to it) recognize this act of defiance as a rejection of our values, and we reject them in return.
Just as the jealous Chaldeans schemed to bring the wrath of the king upon the Hebrew eunuchs, we are happy to sic the state’s bureaucrats on these “trouble makers.” Their implicit rejection of America’s most venerated idol, Materialism, (a.k.a. “Individualism”) spurs us to heat the furnace and feed the lions.
Young families must make the decision: Will junior go to day care and day school, or will mom stay home and raise him? The rationalizations begin. "A family just can't make it on one income." (Our parents did.) "It just costs so much to raise a child nowadays." (Yeah, if you buy brand-name clothing, pre-prepared food, join every club and activity, and spend half the cost of a house on the daughter’s wedding, it does.) And so, the decision is made. We give up the bulk of our waking hours with our children, as well as the formation of their minds, philosophies, and attitudes, to strangers. We compensate by getting a boat to take them to the river, a van to carry them to Little League, a 2,800-square-foot house, an ATV, a zero-turn Cub Cadet, and a fund to finance a brand-name college education. And most significantly, we claim “our right” to pursue a career for our own "self-fulfillment."
Deep down, however, we know that our generation has eaten its seed corn. We lack the discipline and the vision to deny ourselves in the hope of something enduring and worthy for our posterity. We are tired from working extra jobs, and the looming depression threatens our 401k’s. Credit cards are nearly maxed, and it costs a $100 to fuel the Suburban. Now the kid is raising hell again, demanding the latest Play Station as his price for doing his school work … and there goes that modest young woman in the home-made dress with her four bright-eyed, well-behaved home-schooled children in tow.
Wouldn’t you just love to wipe that serene look right off her smug face?
Is it any wonder we hate her so?
Sonny Scott a community columnist, lives on Sparta Road in Chickasaw County and his e-mail address is sonnyscott@yahoo.com.
Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 6/8/2008, section 0 , page 0
Some food for thought.....
http://www.djournal.com/pages/story.asp?ID=274594&pub=1&div=Opinion
6/8/2008 9:39:01 AM Daily Journal
You see them at the grocery, or in a discount store.
It's a big family by today’s standards - "just like stair steps," as the old folks say. Freshly scrubbed boys with neatly trimmed hair and girls with braids, in clean but unfashionable clothes follow mom through the store as she fills her no-frills shopping list.
There's no begging for gimcracks, no fretting, and no threats from mom. The older watch the younger, freeing mom to go peacefully about her task.
You are looking at some of the estimated 2 million children being home schooled in the U.S., and the number is growing. Their reputation for academic achievement has caused colleges to begin aggressively recruiting them. Savings to the taxpayers in instructional costs are conservatively estimated at $4 billion, and some place the figure as high as $9 billion. When you consider that these families pay taxes to support public schools, but demand nothing from them, it seems quite a deal for the public.
Home schooling parents are usually better educated than the norm, and are more likely to attend worship services. Their motives are many and varied. Some fear contagion from the anti-clericalism, coarse speech, suggestive behavior and hedonistic values that characterize secular schools. Others are concerned for their children’s safety. Some want their children to be challenged beyond the minimal competencies of the public schools. Concern for a theistic world view largely permeates the movement.
Indications are that home schooling is working well for the kids, and the parents are pleased with their choice, but the practice is coming under increasing suspicion, and even official attack, as in California.
Why do we hate (or at least distrust) these people so much?
Me thinks American middle-class people are uncomfortable around the home schooled for the same reason the alcoholic is uneasy around the teetotaler.
Their very existence represents a rejection of our values, and an indictment of our lifestyles. Those families are willing to render unto Caesar the things that Caesar’s be, but they draw the line at their children. Those of us who have put our trust in the secular state (and effectively surrendered our children to it) recognize this act of defiance as a rejection of our values, and we reject them in return.
Just as the jealous Chaldeans schemed to bring the wrath of the king upon the Hebrew eunuchs, we are happy to sic the state’s bureaucrats on these “trouble makers.” Their implicit rejection of America’s most venerated idol, Materialism, (a.k.a. “Individualism”) spurs us to heat the furnace and feed the lions.
Young families must make the decision: Will junior go to day care and day school, or will mom stay home and raise him? The rationalizations begin. "A family just can't make it on one income." (Our parents did.) "It just costs so much to raise a child nowadays." (Yeah, if you buy brand-name clothing, pre-prepared food, join every club and activity, and spend half the cost of a house on the daughter’s wedding, it does.) And so, the decision is made. We give up the bulk of our waking hours with our children, as well as the formation of their minds, philosophies, and attitudes, to strangers. We compensate by getting a boat to take them to the river, a van to carry them to Little League, a 2,800-square-foot house, an ATV, a zero-turn Cub Cadet, and a fund to finance a brand-name college education. And most significantly, we claim “our right” to pursue a career for our own "self-fulfillment."
Deep down, however, we know that our generation has eaten its seed corn. We lack the discipline and the vision to deny ourselves in the hope of something enduring and worthy for our posterity. We are tired from working extra jobs, and the looming depression threatens our 401k’s. Credit cards are nearly maxed, and it costs a $100 to fuel the Suburban. Now the kid is raising hell again, demanding the latest Play Station as his price for doing his school work … and there goes that modest young woman in the home-made dress with her four bright-eyed, well-behaved home-schooled children in tow.
Wouldn’t you just love to wipe that serene look right off her smug face?
Is it any wonder we hate her so?
Sonny Scott a community columnist, lives on Sparta Road in Chickasaw County and his e-mail address is sonnyscott@yahoo.com.
Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 6/8/2008, section 0 , page 0
Sara's checkup
Sara is now 4 months and 9 days. Today she went for her check-up and weighed in at 15lbs 5oz and is 25.75 inches long. The dr., without even examining her, said she looks like a very healthy, happy little girl. She is, especially when she is at home in her familiar surroundings.
Yes, she drools A LOT!
Sara can now play with rattles and reaches for everything. The other day she caught me off guard and grabbed my glass of water and dumped it all over me and the table. She also is beginning to roll over from her back to her front. She still needs a bit of encouragement, but it won't be long and it will natural for her to roll. No more just laying her on the bed!
Sara is also getting so long that she won't be able to sleep in her bassinet much longer. We then will need to decide whether we set up her crib or just use the porta-crib until we move....
Sara, and the other children, are such a blessing in our lives. Each stage has it's advantages.
Infant - you get all the snuggles and smiles no matter what you do.
3 yrs old - You are still the world to them, but they are beginning to show independence. (No you may not stay at the library by yourself!)
6 yrs old - They love to help to grown up things like mop the floor (you do a great job Cara!)
8 yrs old - Play is still more fun than work and their imagination is amazing. (Army men for Josiah - best purchase after his sword)
11, 13 and 15 yrs old - They can be placed in charge of many tasks, be left on their own, all the training pays off, fun to be around and do adult things with. (thanks y'all for watching your siblings, making cheesecakes, taking care of laundry....the list goes on and on. You 3 are my right hand.)
Justin's birthday - part 2
Here are a few pictures from Justin's birthday celebrations.
Cookie Dough Cheesecake bars - YUM!
Paintball gun and accessories, Father Gilbert Mysteries on cd, and a scarf Ashly crocheted for next winter.
Baby Shower
After 4 months of trying, we finally were able to schedule a baby shower for Jana and baby Elizabeth Peiffer and baby Sara and me. Here are Jana and I with our beautiful daughters.
Elizabeth Peiffer
The day was so special and a wonderful time of fellowship with the ladies of Providence. Janice read us a poem that her grandmother wrote. What a blessing to have a written heritage such as that.
Elizabeth PeifferJessica McDonald and Sara
Stacy wrote a prayer for each of the girls and the parents - Thank you, Stacy.
Several other ladies also wrote words of blessing and encouragement for us and our daughters - Thank you. We are blessed by your words.
Then we had the fun of opening gifts. Girls clothes are so fun and cute! Thank you to everyone for coming to the shower and celebrating God's gifts to our families.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Selah
Our favorite Christian music group is Selah. Recently this group has gone through deep trials. First, the Smith family lost their baby girl, Audrey Caroline, shortly after birth. They knew that she was going to pass from her mother's womb to Jesus' arms soon after birth. On their blog, "Bring the Rain" you can read the full story of the valley they have been walking through.
Second, Nicol Sponberg, who used to sing with Selah, lost her baby. She went into check on him after putting him to bed and found him not breathing. Being a mother of 7 children, these stories just touch my heart at it's core. (Remember to shut off my music before playing video!)
Todd Smtih "I Surrender All" from Matthew Singleton on Vimeo.
As I read "Bring the Rain", I am strengthened and encouraged by the strength Angie finds in her faith in God. Days are not easy, yet she has surrendered everything to her Lord. Her blog is now one that I follow. I have bad days, but when I look at what their family has gone through, my "bad" is nothing.
If you are wondering why their blog is name "Bring the Rain", Listen to this song by Mercy Me. (Remember to shut off my music!)
Food for thought: Do you have a faith strong enough to say these words?
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Now I lay me down to sleep....
Kids say some of the cutest things...Especially our Mathias.
Tonight I said prayers with Mathias. He is getting pretty good at saying "now I lay me down to sleep..." on his own. I guess I haven't paid that much attention in the past because tonight this is what I heard him say:
Tonight I said prayers with Mathias. He is getting pretty good at saying "now I lay me down to sleep..." on his own. I guess I haven't paid that much attention in the past because tonight this is what I heard him say:
"Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my sword to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my sword to take...."
Those who know Mathias will understand why this is cute. He hardly goes anywhere without his sword (or his guns). This sword (and full armor) was given to him for Christmas 2006. He literally has played with it every day since then. This sword is plastic and has fought many *battles*. So many in fact, that this sword consists of many layers of duct tape. By the way, he does not wear carpenter jeans. They are sword pants. The loop on the side is not for a hammer, but for a sword or gun. Thank you Mathias for making me smile once again after a long day!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Our first born is 15 years old today!
Birthday greetings we bring you
Birthday greetings today
May the Father in Heaven
Bless and keep you always
Where did the last 15 years go? I can hardly believe Justin is 15! It seems like just yesterday I was In Panama enduring 28 hours of labor and now he is talking of Driver's Ed!
During the past 15 years Justin has grown from an 18", 9lb 9oz baby to a strapping young man of 6'1" and who knows what weight - 150? 160? His shoe size has grown from a tiny size 0 to a man's 13! His shirt size from a 0/3 months to a large tall or extra large. How did this all happen? All I did was blink and he goes from snuggling in my arms to being a young man...
I will have to say that Daniel and I are proud of the young man that Justin is becoming. Justin loves his family, is honest, reliable, a hard worker, loyal, trust worthy, and most importantly he loves the Lord. To us that is the most important thing that we could have taught him these last 15 years.
Daniel is traveling this week, so we haven't had a chance to really celebrate. That will come on Friday when everyone is home. Tonight we did grill burgers, baked some fries, and make Snicker salad. On Friday we will have another one of his favorite meals: Italian sausage, garlic buttered red potatoes, salad, and cookie dough cheesecake.
Here are a few pictures form the day. The rest will be updated on Friday when we celebrate!
During the past 15 years Justin has grown from an 18", 9lb 9oz baby to a strapping young man of 6'1" and who knows what weight - 150? 160? His shoe size has grown from a tiny size 0 to a man's 13! His shirt size from a 0/3 months to a large tall or extra large. How did this all happen? All I did was blink and he goes from snuggling in my arms to being a young man...
I will have to say that Daniel and I are proud of the young man that Justin is becoming. Justin loves his family, is honest, reliable, a hard worker, loyal, trust worthy, and most importantly he loves the Lord. To us that is the most important thing that we could have taught him these last 15 years.
Daniel is traveling this week, so we haven't had a chance to really celebrate. That will come on Friday when everyone is home. Tonight we did grill burgers, baked some fries, and make Snicker salad. On Friday we will have another one of his favorite meals: Italian sausage, garlic buttered red potatoes, salad, and cookie dough cheesecake.
Here are a few pictures form the day. The rest will be updated on Friday when we celebrate!
I have to explain this picture! Justin normally walks around the house with bed hair and then throws a cap on when he goes outside. Today I *threatened* him with the camera. All birthday boys have to have their picture taken.....Here he is doing his hair. Don't worry, all the toiletries are mine. Justin does not wear headbands...
Yes, he did do some studying on his birthday. I know it is June, but we are behind a bit.
Justin playing with Sara
Monday, June 9, 2008
4 months old
Can you believe it? Our baby is 4 months old already!
Sara is such a joy! Everyone loves her and most of the children love to play with her - even when she is fussy. She nurses well, sleeps great and shaares her smiles with all of us.
Sara loves to snuggle, especially at night with her Mama. Her hand-eye coordination is developing and she is learning to grab things. Most everyting ends up in her mouth.
We are sad to see her growing up so fast, but look forward to seeing her learn new things.
We love you Sara!
Mathias wins a prize!
Our library is building a new library. In honor of the ground breaking, they had a coloring contest of Bob the Builder pictures. Mathias won his age group! He got to pick a new book of his choice. Way to go Mathias! 
ICHE Convention
This past weekend was the Illinois Christian Home Educators annual convention. At first Daniel and I weren't sure we were going to be able to attend. We were hoping to have moved by now. However, that is not God's plan right now. The convention was held at Calvary Church in Naperville. They have finished a MAJOR construction/addition project that is amazing. It almost doesn't resemble a church. One wing looked and felt like an airport terminal.
On Friday, Sara and I got up early and headed out. I was able to hear a few speakers through out the day and do a bit of shopping. On Saturday, Daniel joined us and few listened to a few more speakers. Norm Wakefield is always one of our favorites. This year Inge Cannon came close. She spoke on the difference between schooling and educating. We like to think that we educate more than school our children. Schooling involves bringing the school home and running it as such. They are able to regurgitate all the facts that we feed them. Educating on the other hand is being a tutor - working side by side - and teaching them the love of God, wisdom, and knowledge. This is described in Deuteronomy 6:4-9:
On Friday night we had the Bandys spend the night with us. They are from our church in Peoria and were attending the convention. The children and young adults had fun playing card games and videoing themselves, while the adults had a chance to get to know each other better.
On Friday, Sara and I got up early and headed out. I was able to hear a few speakers through out the day and do a bit of shopping. On Saturday, Daniel joined us and few listened to a few more speakers. Norm Wakefield is always one of our favorites. This year Inge Cannon came close. She spoke on the difference between schooling and educating. We like to think that we educate more than school our children. Schooling involves bringing the school home and running it as such. They are able to regurgitate all the facts that we feed them. Educating on the other hand is being a tutor - working side by side - and teaching them the love of God, wisdom, and knowledge. This is described in Deuteronomy 6:4-9:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
and with all your strength.
“And these words which I command you today
shall be in your heart.
You shall teach them diligently to your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
when you walk by the way,
when you lie down, and when you rise up.
You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,
and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
You shall write them on the doorposts of your house
and on your gates."
Besides the encouragement that we receive from attending the convention, the fellowship rates high on our list. Saturday morning Daniel and I missed a whole session. We tried to attend, but as we were walking down "the terminal", different friends kept stopping us. What a blessing it was to be able to fellowship with friends we usually see just once or twice a year.
The biggest blessing of the weekend was the fact that our children were able to stay home alone. Not only did they stay home alone, but they cleaned, did laundry, made beds, and cooked for our company and Sunday's fellowship meal. And they did it all with minimal arguing! Thanks Kids!
On Friday night we had the Bandys spend the night with us. They are from our church in Peoria and were attending the convention. The children and young adults had fun playing card games and videoing themselves, while the adults had a chance to get to know each other better.
Playing Dutch Blitz
Naomi and Cara cutting out paper dolls
Grace and Jesi playing on the violin
Emil and Sara
Sunday, June 1, 2008
No Time Like the Present
This blog post combines 2 of the most encouraging blogs I read: Biblical Womanhood and Delighting in His Riches.
Encouraging article: No time like the present
Encouraging article: No time like the present
Google Reader
Sometimes in the past few weeks I discovered, with the help of my dear husband, the joy of Google Reader. On my side bar I have a list of blogs which we follow. These are not all the blogs I follow, just a sampling. Google Reader allows me to follow tons of them and feeds me the updates as they are posted. So no more jumping from blog to blog to find updates. It's all in one place for me to read at my leisure....do I actually have leisure time? Not really, except for right now. Everyone is downstairs watching some Star Wars movie while I'm on my laptop with Sara sleeping next to me. What could be more leisurely and relaxing?? Well, 1 thing is...the Sunday night foot rub that begins in about 30 minutes...
Friday, May 30, 2008
Sara is growing up
Our little Sara is growing up. She is now big enough for her exersaucer......
Sara checking herself out in the mirror.
Father and Daughter
On Mondays and Fridays Daniel works from home. His "office" is the rocking chair in our bedroom. So there he sits all day with his computer and Bluetooth. You'd think that sitting there all day would make him thirsty and hungry. Well, it does. Out of concern for her Daddy's wellbeing, Cara has taken it upon herself to become his secretary. Here she is taking care of her Daddy.
Memorial Day
I know this post is a few days late in coming. It was just one of those weeks.
Once their bellies were full of food, the young people and children went back to their games. Us older people did what Presbyterians do best - relax with a nice glass of wine and the men smoked cigars. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of that.
This past weekend was Memorial Day. David and Anna Price hosted a campout in their "orchard". The forecast was rain, but most of us decided to brave whatever the weather might dish out.
So Sunday after worship, those who were camping headed out to the Price's home. After unloading all the 15 passenger vans, tents were set up and a fire started. The young people and children played games consisting of Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, and kickball.
After they tired out, it was time to cook hot dog, brats, sausages, and whatever else cooks over a fire on a stick. There were a lot of us to crowd around the fire, but we all were able to get some food. Then came the s'mores. Now I just love s'mores. What can be better that graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and chocolate - lots of chocolate???
Once their bellies were full of food, the young people and children went back to their games. Us older people did what Presbyterians do best - relax with a nice glass of wine and the men smoked cigars. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of that.Finally some of us started to head to bed. Did I mention the fact that I wasn't sleeping in the tent? Sara and I took the warm and dry way out. We slept in the house! Thankfully we chose this. At around midnight the first line of storms came through. Daniel said this part was worse than the line that came through 2 hours later. A few of us sat up watching the storms come through on the computer. Jeremy was a faithful meteorologist and kept us abreast of how strong the storms were. For the most part everyone remained dry - not everyone, but most everyone.
In the most the fire was started again and things were laid out to dry. Breasfast was served. Some families brought bagels and yogurt. We bought the breakfast of campers:
As you look back through the pictures, take notice of the fathers. What do most of them have in common? Check Daniel out in this next picture. He fits in real well with the men of Providence!
Monday, May 19, 2008
CPC Presbytery 2008
This past weekend the Covenant Presbyterian Church held Presbytery. For 2.5 days the men, with the young men observing, met together to discuss church business. Most of the men traveled with their families, which gave the women, children, and young adults the opportunity to renew old friends and make some new ones.
Sara sleeps through her first baseball game.
One of our group wins a t-shirt in the t-shirt toss.
(l-r) David, Jeremy, Garrison, Justin
My Beloved and I
Running the bases after the game.
On Friday morning the ladies and children packed lunches and headed over to Wildlife Prairie Park. We had never been there, so this was a treat for us.
Thursday morning our family left for the Peoria area. We had decided to take 2 vehicles so that neither of us would be relying on someone else to transport us everywhere. Daniel left in the van to go get gas and I took the car and ran to the bank. The plan was then to meet at the gas station in Mazon, IL. So we are on the road and I realize that I am not wearing shoes! I have my slippers on. So back home we quickly go. Thankfully we were only 15 minutes from home. That did put us a bit behind out time schedule, but not too much. We made it to just outside of Bloomington/Normal before we had to make our next stop to feed Sara.
Relaxing at the rest area while Sara eats.
Finally we made it to the Evans' home where they had a delicious meal waiting for us. During the afternoon Daniel and Bryan Evans went and picked up our camper from the McDonald's home. After that we set up camp and got ready for the Peoria Chiefs baseball game. About 90 people from our group were there. We had tons of fun despite the fact the Chiefs lost.
Sara sleeps through her first baseball game.One of our group wins a t-shirt in the t-shirt toss.Mathias and his "angry eyes"
(l-r) David, Jeremy, Garrison, JustinMy Beloved and I Running the bases after the game. On Friday morning the ladies and children packed lunches and headed over to Wildlife Prairie Park. We had never been there, so this was a treat for us.
(l-r) Jesi, Susanna, Melinda, Sierra, Adriana, Ashly
Cara on the Gullywhopper slide
Sweet Hannah
Train ride
(l-r) Jean (CA), Stacy (IL), Heather (CA), Heather (AZ), Sheri and Sara (IL)
For the dance, a local home school family provided the music and the calling. This was our first time attending a dance like this and we had to much fun. Josiah, Mathias, Sara, and I did not dance, but it was so much fun watching those who were!
Jesica with Garrison and Ashly with Nathan square dancing
Justin with Susanna and Daniel and Cara sashaying during the Virginia Reel
Some of the Providence young adults and children singing "Shalom" to all the visitors
Saturday was a day of relaxing....In the afternoon several families got together and the Evans'. Good food, fellowship, blue grass music, and dancing were enjoyed by all!
All weekend we had been camping in our camper. The first night was a bit cold. The second night was warmer and we were exhausted! Saturday night was an adventure. The Evan's home gets a fair amount of wind, but Saturday night the wind was so fierce we thought we were going to be blown away. I just couldn't take anymore of it and began to be worried for our safety. So into the house we went, sleeping bags and all. Everything else was put into the van and car and the camper taken down. All this was accomplished in less than 30 minutes.
Sunday morning was worship at Providence. Dr. RC Sproul Jr. gave the message. We had never heard him in person, only on CD, and we were blessed. He has such a gift for speaking the truth of the Gospel. After the service I had the opportunity to meet another PW, Jane.
What a blessing this whole weekend was for our family. We were able to spend the time with like-minded families. These families share not only our doctrinal beliefs but also share in our family's generational vision. We felt part of a sommunity with families from California to Connecticut. Lord Willing we plan to attend next year's Presbytery in Tennessee.
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