When Does This Get Fun?

In my writing, I find myself continually 'dropping' into youth culture. I write about other things, yes, but youth culture comes up frequently.

So, in studying this week for a story involving Christian concerts I came up with mosh pits. My first search led me to mosh pits in general, but I found nothing Christian about them. So I did a search for 'Christian mosh pits.'

As an aside, some time last year I spoke of this topic in our church kitchen and a young man walked past just as I asked if anyone knew about them. His comment? "Mosh pits are awesome!" This young man graduated from high school this year. I am going to see if I can interview him. He also calls himself emo, another aspect of youth culture that I looked into last year. Something else about this young man...last year he wore a very long Mohawk. Though still accepted in our church setting, there were obvious signs of people backing away from him. Once, he shaved his head, leaving a long strip on either side of the Mohawk that had not previously been exposed and then spent some time in the sun...I'll leave the rest of the details to your imagination.

But, back to mosh pits. I found it interesting that the general consensus, at least on the Internet, is that there is very little difference between secular and Christian mosh pits. The biggest difference is lyrical. The style of music? Usually punk, metal or something similar. I did not catch any reference to Techno, but it could be part of the mix too, I guess.

One You Tube I watched showed the dancers on the floor in front of the stage. While the band played, the kids began to jump. This is no two-step, ladies and gentlemen. A large trampoline would serve the purpose well. And, something distinct about the jumping - Their heads loll. Like rag dolls. The jumping began to draw more dancers in, like water droplets that are attracted to others and slide into the larger, congealed mass. The bulk of the crowd in the center held, writhing and twisting, until, as if according to some unseen signal, floor began to appear in the middle, like the parting of the Red Sea. The opening widened. For a moment, the jumping was maintained on the two sides of this expanse and I began to think of clicking off the video. Is this all it is? Then, suddenly, whatever invisible restraint that held them apart dropped away and both sides of the pit ran, ran! into each other: collided without any attempt to soften the impact. I stared, and I think my jaw dropped onto the keyboard. Ouch!!!ouchouchouchouch!

Mosh pits include such activities as slam dancing. This phenomenon involves the jumping of two or three people, as high into the air as they can, and then violently (their word, not mine)slamming their upper bodies together while in the air. Okay....

Then there is crowd surfing. Ever been passed from hand to hand, over the top of a crowd? My daughter saw this once when she was twelve. They dropped the boy on his head. Skull fracture.

The one that made me really wonder, however, was stage diving. Typically, this is done backwards, to avoid injury to softer body parts. I'm sure I don't need to explain this. So if you dive off the stage, backwards, into the wall-to-wall crowd, how do you know they won't drop you? Apparently, this is not a big problem for the kids. I think my chiropractor would cringe, however. Security is typically not in favor of this activity. Just let them try to stop it. Do the words 'mob' and 'riot' sound similar? If not, you need to find a better dictionary.

A recent interview on WayFM revealed yet another injury caused by these activities. The lead singer of a popular Christian band dove off the stage during his last song, microphone still in hand, and broke both of his front teeth out when the mic was violently thrust into this face. Ok, maybe it's just me, but I wanted to say 'duh!'

The scene includes large, flashing lights and music so loud that you can't hear for days afterwards. Stimulus overload. Sensory bombardment.

Mosh pits have etiquette rules, too. The main one? If someone falls down, pick them up. Now, I ask you, why does this even need to be said?

I see two reasons. One, the kids who are jumping are not using their consciences. Or they are not expected to. If they were, they would not need to be told to do this. Two, this is a highly emotional experience. Can you feel the beat? Throbbing and pulsing, reaching into your head, stirring your feet, energizing your soul? Don't we all tap our feet (or at least one foot!) to music? Adrenaline rush, to the max! In fact, they call this 'adrenaline music.'

It's extreme sports on the dance floor.

The emotional, adrenaline-induced high that is achieved first by the music and then the gyrating movement, and then the painful physical contact is unequalled. It's addicting. Literally. Emotionally. Spiritually.

So if you're addicted to extreme dance, I'll bet 'regular life' can seem kind of boring...

Another fact I came up with in my research - this is a wonderful place for pedophiles and gropers. But ladies, if you raise your voice and point your finger, rest assured that your honor will be defended, violently.

So, a question. In the secular community, at least at the Raves that I researched, there is heavy use of energy drinks and stimulants, such as Ecstasy. The purpose of these stimulants is to give them the energy to maintain the activity level for long time periods. At the Raves, the kids often dance with a water bottle in their hands. They have learned that the prolonged excess energy has put many of them in the hospital for dehydration. Another serious side affect of the stimulants is heart failure. The body wasn't meant to sustain that level of activity, and adrenaline for long time periods. My question is this: Are these stimulants prevalent in the Christian scene, too? I use the term Christian loosely here, you understand. Christian means 'of or pertaining to Christ.' What would Jesus do? Would he jump into the pit and throw himself violently against the others, pushing and shoving? I'll let you answer that one.

Hubby's doing well

My husband's surgery went off well, though I get to tease him about the nonsensical things he said while under the anesthetic. His arm seems to be healing well and regaining movement. He's back at work and, though tired and achy, he's doing well.

Probably taking a few days off...

My husband is having surgery tomorrow on his shoulder, so I may take a few days off from blogging to baby him. He deserves a little babying. ;-)

VBS, round 3

So, I wonder if we could do a Principle Approach VBS...that would be a lot of fun to write. Anyone one to join me?

VBS, round 2

Our lessons this week are as follows:

Choose to Believe 1 Jn 4:14
Choose to Act 1 Jn 3:18
Choose Forgiveness 1 Jn 1:9
Choose to Obey Ps 119:60 & Ps 19:59-60
Choose Jesus Josh 24:15

Don't try to put it into an acronym - there isn't one.

They've gone to great effort to make this special for the kids - the decorations are unbelievable, oh wait, that would violate the first day's choice!

VBS and a little 'extra' time

A lot of us take our kids to VBS during the summer. My friend told me she does about 3 every summer! Some moms, like my friend, think it is wonderful, while others find it to be detrimental to their child training. I've seen both, in my experience. I only have two who are still young enough to go, and two more who are helpers, which is a good thing, too. (My life is changing drastically...I also have two who are working!) Wow! Just think on that a minute!

So this week I have some time alone with my 14, almost 15ds. What will we do? We'll study the Bible (he wants to study the 10 Commandments in depth, and we've gotten on this kick about Open Theism, Molinism, and other 'heresies'. I believe that in order to understand the ideas of liberty of conscience, one of my other blogs, we must have a clear understanding of the nature and charcter of God. Without that, LOC can go awry very quickly. So, while talking with Hamlet, some of these things have come up, and Josh is excited about determing not only his own belief but how to answer the questions of others. So, off we go! Our first quest? Winkie Pratney. 2nd will be Charles Finney. Who knows who/what is next?! All surrounded by searching the Scriptures, of course.

Since I process verbally, talking to Hamlet and to my children is as good as any good cup of coffee for me.

Another thing I'm doing is writing. I simply can't help myself! The words boil in my mind until I type them (furiously) and spin them to some good end. Am I good? Well, I really have no idea! Some have scoffed at my writing, while others have told me they couldn't put down the story they got hold of. I'm learning not to be discouraged by the negative responses, though, truly, this is hard for me. The fact is, whether I'm good or not, I HAVE to write. I have a sense that God has given this to me. He is my biggest Cheer Leader (bet you didn't know that was one of His names!). If I do it to honor Him, then He is pleased.

I write to share biblical truths with others. That being the case, I have felt that I must publish. Either that, or give my stories out freely, which has been considered. I'm checking out self-publishing, as I know I'm not good enough to go with a standard publisher, simply because my name is not known. It has become apparent, in my research, that they care only about the income they will make off a writer, and not the content. I'd rather go for good content and leave the income to God. My coach told me that 'books sell because they sell.' It makes no difference if it's good or bad writing. I see this to be true, even for my own purchasing of books. I will buy books whose authors are known to me. We are creatures of habit. Fortunately, God does not make His choices by tradition.

Did I say God makes choices? Hm! Off to do more study! (Can you just hear the glee in my 'voice'?)

Hamlet...take 2...truth, isolation and faith

Well, I think I found him - it sounds like him, anyway. These discussion forums can be very intriguing. It is quite stimulating to talk with such heavy thinkers, especially Hamlet. Well, some of them, anyway. In a recent conversation, questions were raised about exposure to 'wrong' ideas. In this particular forum, which is secular based, there are a number of atheists who post. I find this good for my ability to reason. I watch, mostly, and post little. I feel a little like a lamb among wolves, simply due to the fact that I know so little about their arguments. I'm afraid to speak up, lest I fall under attack like the cute little aliens in Galaxy Quest. On the other hand, I find that the questions scratch an itch in my mind. None of the questions or arguments challenge my faith in God. On the contrary, if I change my mind about something I believed, based on Scripture, then I've grown. I am not swayed by their heavy handed blasting of God, though it saddens me. And not all of them do this. We are challenged to be in the world, but not of the world. These are real people, who have real questions, and maybe I can learn something or be used by God to teach.

In the movie, Thr3e, I found the premise challenging. Ted Dekker uses the circumstance of a young man who is in seminary, writing his thesis on the good, the evil and the person stuck in between. In the process of writing his thesis, an unresolved conflict comes to the fore. His Aunt, who raised him, states that children should be 'isolated with the truth.' But it is very clear that 'her' truth is a conflagration, fanned by intentional deception. The Uncle, when asked when he has left his house, wonders, "why should I leave the house?" And the Aunt states that evil and confusion (not a direct quote) are 'out there.' Hm! Isolated with the truth...

The Scripture says that 'You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.'

My mind is spinning some questions from the forum that might be raised as a result of this statement - Whose truth? and Free from what?

Food for thought.

I lost Hamlet!

Some of you know that I have spent time talking to a young man who refers to himself as Hamlet. I have learned a lot from him. I'll check again, but the apolgetics forum seems to have been wiped out. I can't find it! I don't care so much that I can't read the posts anymore - but it does bother me. What really bothers me, however, is that the connection to Hamlet seems to be gone.

Lost! Lost!

I feel like I've lost a friend.

Oh Hamlet, Hamlet, wherefore are thou?

Writing and Publishing

I like to write. There is something liberating about it. Words can spur us on, or take the wind out of our sails. They can inspire or leave us bereft. Words can form the basis for a revolution and under gird a reformation.

The Word of God, now, that's something else. In creation, God created by the use of words. He spoke everything into existence. Well, not everything - Adam and Eve were formed... but it was words that taught them about God, and words that were used to deceive them. Michael Card says that, when Jesus came to Earth, God 'spoke the incarnation.' Mr. Card is good for word pictures. Jesus chose not to speak at times. But when He spoke, Oh, the truth that came forth! We are told in Matthew that we will be held accountable for every careless word. Ephesians tells us to only use words that build up, encourage and meet the need of the moment. We are told to speak truthfully to one another. And we are told to let our 'yes' be 'yes' and our 'no' be 'no.'

Words. It is said that men only have a small allotment of them each day, while women have three or four times as much. Hm! It's odd, but I can FEEL them! They stir me up inside and bubble out; they flow over the top like too much root beer float. Well, ok, I process verbally, so that's part of it.

Ted Dekker has inspired me to write - he uses words that catch the reader. Sometimes, after they catch, they grab hold and then toss you up against the wall. Oh, to write like that!

The Joy of Cooking

We got a new toaster. The old one got dropped the same week we bought it in '04. I guess it's pretty good that it lasted this long. So, our new toaster is kind of cool - it toasts corn tortillas. Since the novelty is still firmly in place, every time I turn around there's a corn tortilla in my toaster. At least one. Usually two or more.

So Jon and Daniel were toasting some the other day. Frequently when they do this, the middle of the tortilla will bloat out and look sort of like a pillow. Daniel thought it would be cool to slap both sides of it and flatten it out. What he didn't expect was the mushroom cloud that came out the top...

So whoever said cooking can't be fun?

Runs with Dogs, and other necessary diversions

Along with the necessary teaching of why the lid must be kept on the toothpaste, how not to burn the rice and why the warming drawer is essential for keeping the dogs out of dinner, there is the in-between diversion of fun. I believe that God created fun. It is part of that 'rest' that is mentioned on the 7th day of Creation. It is part of that intimate contact with Him, when we laugh uproariously and God joins in. It's that crazy, hysterically funny moment that catches us off guard, and we hear Him say "Ha! Made you laugh!"

Right now, in our family, there is this spontaneous occasion of running with the dogs. Ok, so it isn't always with the dogs. Sometimes, since our kitchen has two doors, a child will come around one corner and I simply have to scream and run the other direction. The dogs can't observe this, of course, and get right under foot in the middle of it all. Each of us has a unique laugh and sometimes the laugh itself instigates more laughter. Snorts, not withstanding.

There is something about laughter that cleanses the soul. It rushes in like an incoming tide and then recedes, leaving gold speckles on the sand. In laughter, two souls can connect and meet in a place where no other emotion brings them together.

Laughter is God's way of bringing completion to our days.

The Best Laid Plans...

Ok, so we're not finished yet!

But it's ok...it's just a little more. We'll work a little on it next week and conclude all the grading.

I always get to the end of the school year and then the next beginning and wonder how I can accomplish 'school' with all the rest of what we're supposed to do during the day. Somehow, when we 'quit' school for the summer, our schedule is just as full as when we had classes.

We're planting seeds - we'll see if they grow. So far, no one, outside of our family, if optimistic. They all say that either the deer, elk or bunnies will get the plants, or the dogs will. Hm! We'll see!

We're going through rounds of eye doctor appointments and dentist appointments, fixing parts on the cars, selling things - lots of things this year! We're cleaning out the house and the yard. Next we'll work on the garage...We're going hiking next Thursday.

I am still running around waiting until the last minute to pee, since every event seems carbon bonded to the next. (You think I'm joking? Just ASK a homeschool mom!) Life is full. And I'm enjoying it.

2 more days and an updated website

Well!

2 more days of school.

We spent about 2 hours today on Grammar. Some of it was notebook grading, and completing the last assignment. Tomorrow we finish the last assignment.

I have a funny to share - in the middle of the lesson, I took 2 papers from my 17yo and proceeded to staple them. Just as the staple hit the paper, he jolted and pretended to be shot...such is life with a houseful of boys!

I have a sense that I am completing this school year with my tank still full. I'm not drained or feeling like I'm 'hitting the wall.' Hallelujah! He has restored my soul. Just as He said.

I have just updated my website in order to make it a little more user-friendly and perhaps a little more appealing to more than just moms. I'd love to hear feedback on this - is it better?

We planted seeds yesterday - hopefully my children have better green thumbs than I!

That's all for now - time for sleep!

New Study!

So we're meeting with another family (they have 9 children, we have 6) to do Bible Study together. We're going to meet about once a week, over the summer and into next year. We decided to study Matthew first and make comparisons with Isaiah. Age range? 4m to 17. It's noisy and a little crazy, but what fun! We're adding in the 7 principles to study as we go. And of course the biblical principles that we come across in our reading. Very cool. The other family just left, and my kids have gone to bed...I think I forgot to eat dinner! Wow!

We're cooking up some good stuff for Liberty of Conscience and I'm about ready to start blogging on that again. I'm excited about our study and our conversations on the topic.

Grades. My house is a mess. Last assignments. laundry, ironing, please don't look at my kitchen floor! Breathe in, breathe out...it's all gonna be ok!

Next stop, hiking! And lots of suntan lotion - I fell asleep in my deck chair the other day and got a rather colorful response! Ouch!

Got my new glasses - I can read again!

Bed time! Can't do tomorrow without sleep!

Almost there!

Today we have 'off' because Daddy is home from work. Becca's dance recital is tonight, so that's our focus today.

I got most of the final grades done yesterday (still have to add in the last assignments of course) and piles of papers sit on our craft table. No one touches the table upon pain of death. Ha! Next I have to grade notebooks. With the CA home school challenges of late, I feel it is quite important to have everything in order. Not that I didn't see the importance of it before, but now there is 'pressure' to have a quick answer ready if anyone challenges our home school.

I've gotten most of next year planned out, changed it several times, and settled on a tentative schedule. I'm excited about next year! One new challenge that has come up is Human Physiology. I think I might use the Apologia as a guide and teach from it. It is an AP course, requiring Chemistry and Biology as prerequisites. I'm quite certain that the book is actually too advanced for us, but I also feel confident that I can teach from it, just using it as a guide. We have the Chemistry book and I can probably borrow the Biology book.

More of our classes will include the whole family next year. I am excited about this. We're going to do an inductive study in the Bible with another family - maybe Isaiah. Along with this we'll study the 7 Principles. Our history course will include Government (as always), Geography, Literature and writing (for research papers). We'll review World History, then launch into American History and Lit. This will be a time line overview, so that each child can cover what they need, according to where they are in their study. Over the summer, the younger kids and I will study from The Light and the Glory. And for the school year AFTER next, we'll step into The Story of Liberty, along with the study guide they provide. I have settled into a rotation kind of plan, and it seems that about every 3 years we'll cover in depth three levels of history, adding supplements as we go. American History will include a 2nd layer of Government, as I envisioned before. I see that the study of American Gov't must continue, in layers, for the rest of my life. I hope to instill this in my children. Joshua in particular was impressed with David Barton and his command of the subject. Inspired, is the word.

We're still finishing Grammar, R&S Social Studies, the primary History book and our sciences. Almost there!

Wrapping up the School Year

We're ending school the last week of May. That means I have 3 weeks left to wrap everything up. I'm a little behind...or the hurrier I go, the behinder I get, or something like that.

Becca's dance recital is next week and we still have a little to prepare for.

In 2 weeks I'll collect notebooks for grading.

I use an Excel spreadsheet to list classes, in quarters, and list their grades. If you know the right codes, it will actually assign percentages to each letter grade. (I'm so smart!) Unfortunately, I've forgotten the codes!

May is always a 'messy house' month. Things just don't get done because I'm scrambling to pull the last bit together.

So I'm behind in haircuts - have to do it all before Monday because Brian has CAP.

Brian is serving at the Fire Fighter's Memorial tomorrow - his unit does that every year. I was interested to hear that it was CAP who was called out to help with the search and rescue for the plane that went down the other day. But not Brian's unit. We are farther away from the crash site.

So we have 4 weeks of Physical Science. Physics will end the last week of May. Grammar will be finished by next Friday. History/Social Studies/Health Science will be done by the end of May.

Government, well I'll be hard pressed to cram the rest into 3 weeks! I'll have to see when Ami is leaving - maybe she can meet in June for a couple of weeks.

We have a graduation party at church on May 22. A friend is graduating TOMORROW!!! (Brian graduates next year. Since Josh and Brian have been studying together, I may be able to graduate Josh next year as well - we'll see. He'll only be 15 this summer.)

Brian has a shooting course next weekend - I think the focus will be on hand to hand combat on one day and maybe gun training the next, I'm not sure. They call it a Personal Protection Conference. He'll even learn defensive knife handling. I'll have to ask him for some tips!

I must have been out of my mind to schedule a photography session next weekend. I'll have to reschedule. I've already had to reschedule an appointment for next week - there's just no time.

In the midst of all this we had to change our address to a PO Box due to mail box theft in our area, AND I was sick for 4.5 days. Sigh!

So how do I have time to blog? Well, the boys finished their school work and went paintballing! I have just my 5yo at home at the moment. I hardly know what to do with myself!

Back to correcting math homework!

No Way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No, it's not Mocha this time!

School's almost out for the summer!!!!!!!! Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm already planning for next year. I have to get grades done. I need to stop getting sick!! Summer plans are already made. I may be moving my mother out from GA (we can't decide what's best). Two friends and I are going to write a book. I have to figure out how to get the PayPal buttons on my website - anyone know html well enough to help? Still thinking about buying Curves (if it's still for sale). A friend is helping me put the ACH sessions on MP3 to sell on my website (very cool!).

There's a sense of rushing to get everything done. There's a sense of almost freedom - we're almost finished! There's a sense of burn out - "do I have to do school today???"

So what did we do today? Played Rock Band! The Rolling Stones - Sam would be proud!

Mocha

OK, so I don't have her picture up yet - I've been sick all week, give me a break!

Just before the snow melted in our back yard, Josh looked out the window to see her lay down on her back. It was icy and on an incline. You guessed it - she slid the whole way down the hill head first!!

The other day I looked over to see her lay her head on the floor. He rear was still up and leaning on the wall. While I watched, she slid her rump down the wall and thudded into a laying down position. I laughed for ever.

Lots of laughs, to be sure!

We can't decide if we should call her BDH, for Big, Dumb and Happy, or Stampeding Buffalo, or Bull in a China Closet, or what!!

She chased Josh around the corner to our dining room the other day and slid on the tile, right into the bathroom! She's so big she couldn't turn around!

Daniel looked up the stairs the other day and saw her standing there...his comment? "Oooh, big scary dog!

Music Anyone??

Brian just bought himself a Rock Band set...Electric guitar, drums, mic. It's a computer game for those who are not familiar with it. You outta hear it!!!!!

NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She did it again!!!!!

So, I guess if she gets the butter a 4th time, it's OUR fault and not hers, right???

No way!!!!!!!!!

Mocha ate a whole brick of butter!!!!! It's time for a good dog whippin'! (get it, whipped butter??)

A Day of Preschool

The boys brought home a large play set that is being given to us...yesterday, after half of it was brought home, Josh saw me look out the window and said, "Don't look Mom." So of course I looked...yikes! I imagined all sorts of shenanigans to get it to stand up like that. I said, "Joshua..." He responded calmly with "I told you NOT to look!" Anyway, that has been their project today, to set up the rest of it. It's quite a project.

So, since the lumber jacks were all out in the yard today, I had Becca and Drew to myself. We got a lot done, too! Becca received a nice promise book for her graduation present. She asked me what 'joy' meant. So we looked it up in the 1828. Joy is based on the expectation of good. And since God is good, we can expect good. No matter what the circumstances. Hallelujah! Well, I've been all out of sorts this week, so guess who God spoke to through that little message?? Me, of course! Out of the mouths of babes.

Co-op This Week

For co-op this week we discussed forms of government. I think maybe I did a little too much for the age levels, but the older kids seemed to get the idea. The other thing I thought, afterwards, is that we ought to do the group time first. Then the kids aren't as antsy. Anyway, we played a game. The first part was to demonstrate a Democracy by voting on a punishment for the crimes of two of the young ladies in the group. The boys all voted for execution. (Go figure!) Next we demonstrated a Republic (after reviewing Ex. 18) by separating into 3 'towns' and electing representatives. At first I thought that the kids were too antsy that day to 'get' the message. But at the end, when I asked which model represented the needs of the individual better, I got the right answer. :-) Cool!

Doggie Pictures

We'll get one of Mocha soon and post it, too. It will be titled, "Big, Dumb and Happy." :-)

Government Class

Ok, so we haven't reached the Constitution yet...I don't know why I'm surprised. It always takes longer than I originally imagined. I think this is why I can't follow the Noah Plan - it's TOO structured. (Not very conducive to 6 grade levels, either.)

So we're wrapping up the Political Principles of the Founders on Monday, and THEN heading into the Constitution. I'm enjoying the prep in "Steve." To wrap up the previous section, the kids have to define American Federalism and how it is maintained or eroded. We've been discussing how this applies to the 'promises' of the candidate hopefuls... I have been intrigued by new information about how the 3 branches were set up. I used to use 3 lines in a triangle, with the points disconnected, to demonstrate them. Now, however, I see that this is somewhat inaccurate. Instead, as "Steve" shows, it is more like 3 circles, of different sizes (different percentages of power and responsibility are given to each circle), but with another percentage of overlapping (and conflicting) powers and responsibilities. Montesquieu outlined this separation of powers, but Madison expanded on it, developing a uniquely American Federalism.

Next year, I am looking forward to more of The Federalist Papers, more of Madison, more of Paine...and the beginning of Adam Smith, who helped to define the Free Market System for America, which is founded on individual liberty - to fail or succeed, and to act upon conscience in buying and selling.

For the Economics section of our work, we are going to focus on the 10 pillars, found in GACE, along with the Free Market section of "Steve." I've found "Steve" to be quite informative, at a ground level, something I have needed for my own learning.

As a summary of the political principles, I'm going to contrast American Constitutional Federal Republic with a time line of collectivism, beginning with the Garden and ending with Revelation. (Thanks to Ted for his invaluable help in this area.)

Some assignments they have been given...They are going to evaluate a particular issue, as presented by the candidates, and compare that with the model of Federalism, and/or the Free Market system. Another one is to write a letter to our representatives regarding homeschooling, in light of the CA issues. They are to examine the ideas of conscience in individual liberty as laid out by our Founding Fathers and present this as a case for individual choice in homeschooling. The test at the end of "Steve" requires that they memorize an outline of the Constitution, using the main ideas of each section.

On a completely different subject, my children went to 'take your child to work day' at Lockheed Martin today. (I couldn't go - I'm considered a security risk!) They came home with 'sticky brains' which, when thrown against a wall, or the refrigerator, will slowly crawl down the vertical surface to the floor. Remember, I have 5 boys - they're totally awed by this gooey toy. When they got home I was immediately confronted with, "Dude, Mom! Look at this!" (Yes, they really do call me 'Dude, Mom.'

Summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our summer schedule begins whenever we are finished with the bulk of our courses for the school year. That might be May23rd or June 27th, depending.

We plan to build garage cabinets this summer (personally, I'm an organizer, so I can't wait!). There are dead trees that need to be cut down and cut into firewood, and we'll probably have to go cut more to get us through next winter. Spring cleaning is part of the mix, and maybe inside painting...we'll see. We plan to hike once a week, and maybe swim once a week. Brian is hoping for full time work, as is Josh...I'm hoping to write next year's outline for school and maybe work on writing a novel.

We're planning for a veggie garden this summer. Broccoli, string beans, radishes, carrots, green onions, sweet peppers...Now, how to keep the birds, the squirrels, the rabbits, the elk and deer, the dogs AND the kids out of the planters...

I'm trying to decide if we ought to have our group birthday party this year...It's a family gathering, pot luck, gifts are optional type of party, outdoors usually. But I got to thinking about individuality and I'm wondering if this is a good idea or a bad idea...I'll have to think about this one.

Ted, Kim and I want to write a book on Liberty of Conscience. And we were discussing getting together our families for Bible study over the summer.

It feels like Summer outside today, almost!

Schedule, what schedule??

People often ask how I schedule school with so many kids and so many different levels of learning. I don't know, it depends on the week you ask me! One of the things I've learned, with this many children, is that no schedule is solid. Things change from week to week, depending on the kids, things I have to do to maintain our home, whether or not Daddy is home, if some are unwell, etc.

Now that I no longer have a Toddler, however, things, being fluid as they are, don't change quite as drastically. With the babies, into toddlerhood, it changed every 5 minutes!

We do follow a 'school year.' We're 'off' during the summer. I keep an Excel spread sheet of grades and they keep notebooks of their work.

This year, this is our schedule:
Monday 9-12 is Government and Economics (Bri, Josh, Jon). During class, Daniel, Becca and Drew do chores off a list I print for them (change sheets, vacuum, clean bathrooms, etc.) Then they go on to school lessons that they can do together, without me. Monday night, Bri has CAP. He drives himself now, and sometimes a sibling or two.

After Gov't, they have assignments for other classes to do - Physics, Grammar, Math, Physical Science, etc.

Tuesdays we meet at a friend's home, from 10ish to 12ish. We are going through the Chain of Christianity. Brian and Josh stay home and work on assignments. When we get home, we do lunch, chores and then prepare for dinner.

Wednesday, we're home. We sit around the kitchen table, or the computer and work together, but individually. Grammar, Spelling, COC reports, Math, 'Social Studies' (Rod & Staff), Bible, etc. We're finished by lunch, or soon after. Brian has Physics, which I try to attend, from 3-5 in Pine.

Thursday we're home too. Becca has dance in the afternoon, and sometimes she spends the night Wed or Thurs or both (depending on snow). Our plan today is the same as Wed, except Ted comes over to teach Physical Science to Jon and Josh from 1-4. I try to attend this class or work with Becca and Drew.

Every other Friday Daddy is off. So we don't 'do school' on those off days. Sometimes the boys will work with Dad on woodworking, or we'll go somewhere. They went skiing on some of those Fridays during the winter. The other Fridays, I'm trying to incorporate games that teach. We don't always get to those, but that is a goal. Drew likes alphabet bingo. We have a lot of good teaching games. Yatzee is great for math! Scrabble, Rummy Cube, 13 Solitaire, etc. are all games we like. Then, if we have time, we do bookwork, too.

Each of the kids has a day that they are supposed to cook dinner. They must prepare and plan ahead (a good lesson to explain Providence!). While cooking we manage adding and multiplying fractions, if needed, too. Even Drew has a night to cook, after much expression of his desire to do so. :-)

What courses are they taking?
Sciences: Physics, Physical Science (both Apologia), Health & Safety (Abeka)
Math: Ray's Arithmetic, mostly, and Saxon drills
Social Studies: Rod & Staff
Grammar: Rod & Staff (really, really like this one!)
Spelling: WRtoR (we're behind in this...)
History: Story of the World, Streams of Civilization, a whole plethora of books, and the internet
Government: A Guide for Teaching and Learning the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, "Steve" for short, Common Sense, The Federalist Papers, the Red Books, including GACE
Economics: Bob Jones (it's ok...), and several others, including GACE, and "Steve"
Literature: Abeka, World and American, and the internet (we're really slow on this one, but plugging along)
Woodworking: all sorts of stuff
Home Ec: you name it - laundry, cooking, house cleaning, yard work, sewing, ironing, etc.
Art? Well, not this year. Josh and Becca like to take classes that are offered locally. And Becca is taking dance with CMA
PE? Sporadically, self-directed
Music? self-directed, piano, harmonica, djembe drum, guitar, violin, singing...no real plan here yet

What do they do in their free time? Walk dogs, ride bikes, skate, gaming (computer, game system, figures), watch movies, board games, Becca plays with dolls, makes jewelry, etc.

When do I study? From 6-8 in the morning or in between everything, whenever I can.

Off to change tires in town, and then off to co-op (today's Tuesday)

A New Friend

I met a new friend this week - her name is Pony. I'm very impressed with this lady, though I've never laid eyes on her. Her spirit of devotion to God was very evident in her email. If you think of it when you read this, please pray for her, as the Lord leads.

Today was full of not-so-fun things. I've filled out half of the paperwork for my mother's return to Colorado. I've filed her taxes. I've filed my taxes, but I have to send Brian to the PO tomorrow to mail our state taxes. I have to stay home and nurse our dog, Akita, who apparently got into something like fiberglass. She is bleeding internally. It seems to have stopped, but we're not out of the woods yet (never mind that we LIVE in the woods!). I had to shorten government glass to take her to the vet.

Government class was fun, until it ended abruptly. We're into Federalism, de Tocqueville and Locke's 'social compact'. Republicanism and Democracy. And a look at the French Revolution. We were just about to head into the Free Market System when Akita's condition became apparent.

Due to nursing Akita, we have to miss our co-op tomorrow. We're sad about that, but I don't see any way around it. Next week, for co-op, we'll finish Biblical instructions regarding view of government.

I'm tired, hopeful (for Akita), disappointed (about tomorrow), excited (about my website) and pressed (with a lot to do).

Inspired by Pony, I'll quote part of a verse - 'we are pressed, but not crushed...' God is faithful, always. No matter how tired or stretched you feel, REMEMBER. God is faithful, always. Look for His Hand in the pressing and stretching and you'll find it. I promise.

A week of fun new things

So this week I've been looking into lesson maps, courtesy of Lisa from Me and My House (http://frommeandmyhouse.com/led.htm). I'm really excited about these, being a visual learner. It's funny how you see things, or hear about them, and they pass on by. Then all of a sudden, there they are again and they hit you like a smack to the forehead. It's not like I've never heard of these before. I've even seen Lisa's before.

As an aside, my health is improving, including my mental perception of all that I have to do. For this reason, perhaps, looking at lesson maps doesn't seem overwhelming anymore...

At any rate, I sent a sample over to Lisa of an event map and she sent it back, expanded (from her car, no less!!!!) into the finer details, with pictures et al. Very cool! I've provided a link to her PIPEline page on my website in RMCHC News. It's worth the look. I'm going to use this for Drew's report on the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses - hey if an almost-6-yo can do it, anyone can, right?

Now if I can figure out how to post it on the website...I posted a page, but not the 'map'. It's on the "On the Table" page in "Lesson Plans".

Another new thing: Ted, Kim and I are talking about writing a book on Liberty of Conscience. Wow! I couldn't have picked a better combination of support for such an endeavor. Although I'm not so sure I'm up to Kim's level of writing, perhaps the 3 of us will work from different angles and give a more rounded view than we would have by ourselves. God often works in 3's....

It's Saturday - dh is working, the boys and David have plans to go help the Bucholz move this afternoon. House cleaning is the order of the morning - to loud, uplifting worship music. Can't clean without the music.

But for the moment...it's quiet. Shhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's Snowing!!!!!!!!

So this is a week of new things...

New dog - Mocha. She's a chocolate lab, and twice the size of Toby. With a curly tail, like Kita. We're going to call up Raina (who gave her to Josh) and have all the kids stand around the phone and chant (to the tune of 'we like to move it, move it'), "We like the Mocha, Mocha! We like the Mocha, Mocha!" That ought to make her laugh.

New computer. From Raina, too. Like we need another computer. But this one is Windows 98. Most of our old games for the computer are in this category and won't run on our newer computers. So now Andrew has a whole host of Pre-school through 6th grade games that we thought we'd be getting rid of. Science, math, reading, puzzles, creativity, coordination. All sorts of good stuff. Andrew is only a little more excited than Josh. AND, they can play the old Frogger. Be still my heart!

So what's on for today? Shoveling! Lots of shoveling.

Andrew gets to play Alphabet Bingo. And 7 Pieces - I don't think they make it anymore, but it's an awesome game. There are 7 pieces of hard, purple plastic, in traditional shapes (square, triangle, etc.). Andrew made a rabbit out of them yesterday. The biggest challenge? Make a square out of all the pieces. I believe it is Asian in origin, but don't quote me on that.

Probably no Science with Ted - too much snow.

So test on Module 11, 'Steve' (the name given to our Government book), Spelling, Grammar. We'll see how we do. Physics. Checkbook balancing on Microsoft Money (Daniel).

For Bible? I don't know - Becca's not here! Praying for something special for Andrew who wants to read the Bible every 5 minutes. (Not that I'm complaining, mind you - there could be much worse obsessions!) I'm leaning toward an introduction to Individuality, which he already has heard a lot of. Bible will be the only officially PA lesson we do today, although Government follows PA in the text.

Andrew's math lesson? He wanted to know how many days he has been alive. And he wants to learn about plants. Yesterday we looked at pictures of the life cycle of moss, ferns, flowers and trees. Since we just watched the Bee movie, he was particularly interested in how bees spread pollen. Today he wants to learn about frogs...off we go. He wants to explain the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses to our co-op...You know - I think he'll pull it off! He is currently talking a lot about writing computer games. Not sure if that's because we're setting up computers, or if that's a clue of his future.

I am studying 'Steve' to prepare for Monday's class. It's very interesting. The Political Principles of the Founders is the name of the section. Federalism, the different forms of a Republic, and our American form of Republicanism. Lots more. Tocqueville's view of the American 'experiment.' His view is worth quoting, and I may do that in my 'conscience' blog, because much of his amazement with our form of government had to do with that, from what I've seen so far.

I would really like to engage Daniel a little more in our lessons. He's very quiet and seems to be in his own world so much of the time. The subject that seems to fascinate him the most is Science. Right now he's studying health, and he tells me all the time about what he has read, not as a matter of reporting on the text, but 'in the moment' when the particular subject comes up. For instance, he told Becca to sit up straighter because her posture was not good and it would cause her problems. Hm. I think my next task for him is to get Human Physiology prepared. I'll teach it to all of the kids, because they need to know how the body works (we're fearfully and wonderfully made). But my focus will be on Daniel, as I currently understand God's direction in it.

Time to correct Jon's Grammar, and teach Drew about amphibians....Off I go.

The Best Laid Plans...

Just a moment to sit - been running steady since early.

Our plans got way laid by the weather report. Spring snow up here can knock out the power and snow us in. Or out, if you happen to not make it home in time.

So! No book work this morning. Flash light check, fill water bottles (for the flushing of toilets) and tubs. Store run to make sure we have drinking water and anything else we might need for 3 days. Fire wood was offered, so we're picking some up this morning from them, since we're out, and the pellet stove doesn't work when the power is out. Laundry, ironing, dishes all have to be done now so that we have what we need.

It's 10:15 - ok, now we can get to school work for 3 of us. We'll have to unload the wood when the other 2 boys return. Becca went to the Bucholz so we don't have to drive her later.

We might be surprised and get only a dash of snow. But they're predicting 14 inches to 2 feet, depending on who you listen to. Spring snow is heavy, hence the power outage possibility. It is also slippery, so we don't drive in it. My husband lost his truck in the last freeze of last Spring. There is also a prediction of heavy winds through Friday.

So, then. Back to work.

"Black" by Ted Dekker

I'd like to put in a plug for this unique book. I am nearly finished with Black. The next one is Red, and then White.

In Black, Mr. Dekker sets the stage for the Garden of Eden and the Fall. He does an excellent job at showing the contrast and the loss that was brought by the Fall is palpable. His portrayal of the Deceiver, Satan, is poignant. The tale is spun in such a way that I have nearly stood up in the middle of reading to cheer on the hero or to rail at the archenemy. It reminds me of the boy in the Never Ending Story and how he became part of the story.

I don't recommend the story for younger children, because it is a little scary. The demons are quite vivid and could cause night mares. It relates to the kind of portrayal that Peretti gives in his books. However, Heather, if you're reading this, I think Isaiah would love it.

I can't wait to pick up Red and find out how the Fall is 'fixed'.

Teaching is so much fun!

Monday's class was cancelled - due to, I'm fairly certain, a prompting from the Holy Spirit. I kept thinking that I wanted to do class, but felt that I wasn't supposed to. Not having anything in particular to base that on, I waited until the last minute. By that time, my husband was staying home, having strained his back, 'big' snow was coming (we only got about 5 inches), and then I got a call from Georgia that I needed to spend the morning taking care of the medication fiasco that my mother was experiencing. So I spent the morning on the phone, the fax or email to try to help get her taken care of. I'm so frustrated with the medical community! The doctor put her on Zoloft, for depression (which I still need to research so we know what side affects to watch for) and the order was MIS-READ. So the packaging company is packaging it wrong, according to the original order and she's getting TWICE the dose she was supposed to. She's confused and disoriented and she even fell last week, and didn't break her fall. Fortunately she didn't break a bone. Or worse. When I called, the receptionist got on it right away and sent in new orders. However, because Mom's doctor has changed in the interim, the packaging company won't recognize the orders...you get the picture. So they are currently overdosing her because no one wants to take responsibility. Never mind that they MIS-READ the original orders and they aren't even following THAT! As they say about lawyers, 90% of the medical profession give the rest a bad name. Ok, no more ranting. Today she sees her new doctor and the new orders will be put through...

Tuesday's co-op was fun - I enjoy this link in the COC the most, I think. We began with Jesus' teaching on Government. I had a lesson plan all ready...wouldn't you know it, a child asked a question and we took a tangent, then another question or statement came up, and off we went again. So I only hit one point on my lesson plan. This is why I write outlines. I rarely write a solid lesson plan anymore - because I rarely follow it. Children are very perceptive and they ask the best questions! I like my lesson plans to be fueled by questions as well, and it's fun to see the gears working behind their eyes. The leading idea was met, in part, and will continue next week. Part of the lesson plan included a brief look at the Letter and the Spirit of the Law - thanks to my helper, Priscilla.

I'm really leaning toward having a Boston Tea Party event for this group. I think the boys would love it. Who doesn't like an opportunity to play act an event in History? Ok, well, some might not, I'll admit, but these boys will love it. Every year I like to have at least one event to get the students involved in the history. One year we did a Pilgrim play and had a wonderful artist (thank you very much, Bri!) paint a backdrop for the Mayflower. It was fun. We even invited the community to come and watch. This group is younger, though, and the details of the play would be cumbersome for them, unless we shortened it. Maybe next year, with Kim's permission, since she wrote the script. I am surrounded by a host of talented people! One year, I really want to do a New England Town Hall Meeting...I think the kids would really like that, too. Another one I'd like to do is a section of a Shakespeare play.

Next week, I'd like to begin reports - I've left a link on the website, "Patriots" to give some guidelines for what opportunities there are for study.

Today? Major book work! Apologia Science, Grammar, Math, Spelling, Reading, History & Geography. Whatever we can get to. First order of business? Bible and prayer. Ok, maybe breakfast is first...

Friday, already????

Where does the time go? And why is the laundry never done?

Crazy week, but next week we're on track. Two of my children want to be baptized, so tomorrow we're meeting with a deacon. :-)

I'm having fun talking with my friend, Ted, about Liberty of Conscience (my other blog).

Much time taken up this week with driving here and there, and calling Georgia to handle my mother's medication, which is still not resolved.

Daddy took Becca to the Denver Zoo today for her birthday. It's becoming a yearly tradition, and she really looks forward to it.

We're behind in lessons, so we'll have to address them on Saturday, most likely. It seems that the more I have to do, the more I get done. How does that work, exactly?

I struggled with a sore throat again this week, so I'm a little slow, and feeling like I'm getting NOTHING done. Time to reveiw my vision!

Tuesday...

Well! Interesting day!

We went to coop and shared chili and cornbread. The kids had a blast seeing friends that we haven't seen in awhile. Daniel and Drew shared their reports, and so did Ivy. Topic of Moms' conversation? Asperger's! We have 2 in the group. Discipline for an Asperger's child is tricky at best. The object is to reach the child's heart - sometimes Asperger's looks like there IS no heart! It can be very frustrating and draining. My 13ds has shown so much maturity this year, in spite of some days when things are difficult. It takes time and the child's understanding that you want what is best for him/her.

Before coop I got a phone call from Georgia. They changed my mother's medication (without telling me) and now she is so confused that she goes to bed in the middle of the day because she thinks it's night. Argh! That's what I will do tomorrow morning - make calls to Georgia. I had a blessing though, from my Aunt Linda. She and my Uncle will drive my Mom out to CO, along with all of her things in June. I won't have to go out to GA and drive a UHaul back!

This afternoon I heard from Norma - what a wonderful surprise!

Then off to the chiropractor - I feel much better now, thank you very much!

Tomorrow we get a treat - we're going hiking with some friends (I hope it doesn't snow...it kind of looks like snow out there). Bri has a Physics class at 3:00 but he can drive himself (as long as there is no snow). We'll do our schoolwork in the afternoon, if there is time, but it's ok if we miss it tomorrow.

Then Thursday, Josh got a job at MOPS at our church, then has Physical Science along with Jon at 1:00 with our friend Ted.

Then a visit with Norma and Joseph - maybe youth group, too? Brian can drive Josh there, but not Joseph...

Had a God-sighting this week - I went to look at rooms for my mom when she moves out here, and they had a check for me. They forgot to give me back my deposit! The timing is quite interesting, since I'll need that for another deposit in June. :-)

My 5ds wants me to read the Bible to him every night now. And every night, after a verse here and there, he will put his hand on my arm and say "that's true, Mom!" And always, when Becca hears the Bible being read, she joins us.

Still haven't heard from Amy...

I posted the test for the Declaration principles on my website, in case it is of value to anyone. We've been having a fun conversation on the bibleprinciples elist about how to start and keep going with PA. What a wonderful bunch of ladies, full of wisdom! I feel blessed to be a part of it.

Between now and Thursday at 1:00, the two boys have to study for Science, and gather materials for the experiments. I think Josh still has to take the module test, too.

I need to study the Principle of Politics from 'Steve' tonight. Off to do that now! Dinner in 1/2 hour or so. No hubby tonight, but he's home tomorrow night.

It's a different week than I thought we'd have! Next week, a little more book time!

Monday, in review

Well, like I said, the best laid plans...

Actuallly it went quite well today. Up at 7, not 6, but Ami didn't arrive until 9:00, which gave me about the same amount of time I was hoping for. My mother is unhappy, but expressing it as if she is happy. Up late because Josh didn't get home from his Mexico trip until almost midnight. When he left he was my height. Now he's an inch taller. Go figure!

Government class was a blast! We all kept talking over each other, because the topic was so engaging. The Declaration is barely given 2 pages in the Bob Jones text - nearly 100 pages in the Guide (which we call 'Steve' because the title is so long). Next week, I must have a test on the Declaration principles ready and we'll talk about the next section in the book, principles of politics. Then, on to the Constitution. Yeah! Class ended at 12:00.

Unfortunately, the youngers had a hard time getting back into the swing of things after their week-long break, so we didn't finish chores until about 2:00. Daniel finished his report and put together a power point of pictures to accompany it.

His plan for dinner is leftovers - I'm relieved. It will only take a short amount of time to put it all together. :-)

Josh had a great time in Mexico, and, I suspect, will want to go on more missions trips. Good for him! I think they share in church next Sunday.

My Asperger's son, age 13, had a hard day today - probably because we ate pizza yesterday. Drats! It wasn't until about 4:00 that he settled down. Sometimes weekends are the undoing of Mondays.

Still some stuff to do, but I have a moment to breathe. 17ds and 14ds left to do all sorts of things and then go to CAP. Brian looks so smart in the BDU's. The youngers are having some down time and 13ds has sequestered himself, needing some time to be alone. This is ok - he'll come out more resolved to reflect a good attitude.

Before dinner - pay bills, balance check book, schedule more propane, schedule to go see Behe on the 16th, plan for coop tomorrow, research Georgia law on something for my mother, other misc. stuff...I have 1.5 hours.

Only 4 children home for the evening. Whew!

In reflecting about Government class today, I thought it was interesting that the topic fits my other blog - on correcting a wrong in society. How cool is that!? I'll have to get that later, though...Gotta call Beth for an order from my website.

The best laid plans belong to the Lord. It's just that sometimes He's on a different schedule than I am! Thankful for His wisdom for today...

Monday's Plan...

Well, the best laid plans...this is what we're SUPPOSED to do tomorrow. (I'll let you know if it works.)

Up at 6:00 to put the final touches on the Government class. (First I'll call my mother in Georgia - she has Alzheimer's) I've decided that I can only lay down the basics from the text for Economics right now. Otherwise I'll go insane trying to figure it all out in order to teach it. So we'll just continue through the Bob Jones for this year's pass at the subject. Our conclusion will address the 10 Pillars from GACE. Next year, I'll lay down another layer.

Ami arrives between 8:00 and 8:30 for class. Josh gets to bow out, since he's arriving home from Mexico (Missions trip) tonight at 11:30ish. Tomorrow we'll attempt to conclude our foundational lessons on the Declaration of Independence. We'll finish Common Sense, too. The class ends at about 12:00ish. Included in the class is my 17ds, 14ds, 13ds and Ami who is 17.

While we're in class my 11ds, 9dd and 5ds will have lists to follow: change the sheets, clean their bathroom, vacuum certain areas of the house, dishes, laundry, care for the dogs, empty trash cans, etc. They will also help Drew go through his PreSchool lessons. I have put my Writing Road to Reading phonograms on the computer, on a Power Point lesson. Daniel and Becca can sit with Drew and go through the review lessons. I still have to learn how to put sound to the Power Point, so I'm sure the sounds they use are correct. I'm also working on a math lesson on Power Point. I found a great website that will quiz the basics and grade their progress, too.

At 12:00 I'll inspect the youngers' chores and then we'll have lunch.

After lunch I'm helping Daniel (11) write 1 or 2 more paragraphs on his report of Prince Henry the Navigator. This is due Tuesday for coop. The others each have their assignments: Brian has to finish his Physics module (Apologia) and study for any tests that might take place tonight in Civil Air Patrol. He is also supposed to work on the preliminary steps to building a swinging chair, which his dad will work on over the weekend with him. R & S Grammar, Ray's Arithmetic, Streams of Civilization and Abeka Literature ought to occupy him through the afternoon.

Jon will review his report on Oceanography and then he has lessons in Grammar, History, Social Studies, etc.

Drew (5) needs a review of his Power Point lesson to give on Tuesday at coop - the currents of the ocean. The highlight of this report is the fact that if you flush your toilet in the Northern Hemisphere, the vortex will go one way and if you flush it in the Southern Hemishphere, it'll go the other way. How cool is that?!

Daniel and Becca will work on any assignments that are left undone and that they can do on their own.

Then Daniel has dinner duty - what is he making? I can't remember - better go check the calendar. Dad is not home Monday night, so we might have left-overs instead. I think he's supposed to make Elk Stew, though. Oh! That means he has to start it in the Crock Pot during Government class (did you hear everything come to a screaching halt??)...Glad I'm typing this today and not tomorrow!

Brian has to leave by 6:00 or 7:00, depending on the schedule tonight, for CAP.

Josh will be unwinding himself from his trip to Mexico - all day, I'm sure! I can't wait to hear from him about all that he saw and learned.

Monday evening, I have to prepare for coop - we're concluding our study of the Explorers.

Monday night's reading...hm...Farmer Boy or the Ballerina Book? Eenie Meenie...

Bed by 10:00, to the reading of Black, by Ted Dekker. He's a very creative writer, and I look forward to those few minutes of hopping into another dimension.

If there's time, before dh gets home (around 9:45), I'll listen to a Bible study by Winkie Pratney on cd, sent to me by a friend.

Think it'll all happen?

Salvation at Easter

We had last week off for Easter Break. One night, can you imagine?, I only had 2 children home, my 5yo and my 9yo. The house felt very quiet. So I was sitting there, enjoying the quiet moment, when Drew, my 5yo walked quietly up behind me and asked, "Mom, how do I ask Jesus in my heart?" Needless to say, Becca, my 9yo and I gave a brief Bible study on how to be saved and what it means. So Drew prayed with us to receive Christ that night. Immediately afterwards, Rebecca asked what it means to be baptised, so off we launched into another Bible study...

In case you were wondering...

Friends who have not viewed our daily lives often ask what we do, or 'how do you DO all of that?,' or 'what is your life really like?'

So, for that reason, I'll post a few days here and there. Maybe it will help someone who has a whole passel of children who is also trying to home school and manage a household.