Family Birthday's

The birthday boy... my nephew Noah, had a special request.... movie & his favorite mexican restaurant. We all enjoyed a super afternoon, with all the family & friends who mean so much.
Rituals show up in the funniest places. We've been to this mexican restaurant more times than I can count, & I hope there are more to come.
This photo is taken in the spot we photo the kids, all 4 precioius, together with their ritual baloons, after their ritual taco/enchilada/double beans/double rice/mild salsa dinners.
Sprite, please.
Life is good. The little things mean the world to 'little guys' as we call them, affectionately.

August is almost here... Jack will be 7, Henry will be 4. And today we had a beautiful day.

Count your life by smiles, not tears.

Count your life by friends, not years.

Bible Museum near Memphis TN

Smithsonian is advertising Museum Day 2010. There are numerous locations of great interest I'd visit if time, schedule & money all came together, but one I will be visiting come mid-August is one I've been to before, in fact several times.

The Biblical Resource Center & Museum is an excellent resource for historical point of reference for the Bible and all things related to the Bible. Their objective is to make the Bible more visual, more relatable regarding the world history that is widely available through secular museums. That's not their official museum statement- it's mine. I have benefitted greatly from the museums collection of Biblically significant replicas made available through such resources as the British Museum. The kind that make the skeptics sit back and take a sip of their frappacino, so someone else might comment first.

Leslie & I are meeting up in Collierville come mid-August, to visit and to celebrate our kiddo's b'days which happen to fall 5 days apart. She asked me, 'what should I do to prepare for a visit to the museum?'... I hadn't thought about this, I'm usually running errands with my Mom when I run to the museum. I might be dropping off lunch to my Dad, or running down to see B'Lou. and I often run into Jacob Shock the new Executive Director, who's credentials in Egyptology bring a whole 'nuther level of excellence to an already rockin' staff devoted to serving God through an unusual venue. But one open to all denominations & faiths, determined in their efforts to hold up and give testimony to God's Holy Word. It's accuracy, it's infalibility, it's relevance to a world standing in need.

So what did I tell Leslie? Look up their website, then read the Biblical accounts of the stories represented in the artifacts. Read about Jehu, read about Pilate, read about the Assyrians, read about the Moabites, the languages represented on the Rosetta. Then these little artifacts which may otherwise look less impressive to a 7 year old might be more significant & more memorable.

There is also an exhibit which explains How We Got the Bible.

Call ahead and schedule a group trip, or just drop by. Visit the only Bible Museum on a town square in America. You won't be disappointed.

Other attractions in the Memphis area well documented, but on the Collierville Square, there are some pleasant restaurants, amazing shops, & a beautiful park to relax. Trains line the opposite side of the square, and if you play your cards right, I think the ice cream stand that also serves super yummy burgers is down a side street, just behind the former mayor's office. (the gas station on the East side of the square).

Homeschool Classroom Preview

Well, we are about 2 weeks away from the official start of 1st Grade. Last year was 'the year that would be Kindergarten'. And this year started well, as soon as Kindergarten ended, about May.

We moved May 1. And it's taken all of 2 months to sort out books, make arrangements for supplemental classes, decide what Jack's education would look like in our new environment & home. I read at Simply Charlotte Mason yesterday, and Educating the Whole Hearted Child, as well as chatted with some of the other mom's at Homeschool Tae Kwon Do class. These are some great gals, with experience here locally & convictions similar to mine. What a blessing.

Anway, I won't try to spell out the details today, but I did get the bare minimum pulled together in regard to books, where we'll store his books, and expanded into the storage area that is our central living room(we don't have furniture to fill it up yet, so the boxes just sit).

Craigslist produced an excellent sofa & large chair last week for $150 that if I'd only had a truck, I'd have long since been lounging on them. Never-the- less, I'll keep scanning & my cheap-dream furniture will appear. It always does.

I've temporarily borrowed Jack's desk to sew a 1 piece quilt for Henry. We did paint his bed and when I have 3 more items on the wall, I'll post the before & after of the boy's room. Working on a camp/frontier style room that doesn't have scooby doo anywhere. You'll see-- just give me a couple more days.

Ok, drumroll for the pictures that must be lumped together because I can't seem to post pictures in a more reader friendly fashion. By the way, the view from the desk out the back door offered a glimpse of a doe & a fawn a couple of days ago. There are too many walls in that room with little natural light, but I've tried to utilize it so we maximize what's available. Can't believe I'm going to show you the stuff (including homeschool materials) still in boxes stored in our living room! The room with the sofa is our family room, that has a view on the garden & slip-n-slide yard. Looks a little sparse, but I'm holding back on decorating... it's a rental you know. I don't paint rentals & I'll just have to pack it all back up. It's warmer than it really looks.

Bluegrass, 4th of July, & a Confession

So it was a country 4th of July, parades with horses & big trucks, bands and Boy Scouts, re-enactors & church floats. We found ourselves at a wonderful party after church on Sunday where Henry got to ride his first donkey. Well he was actually able to sit on the donkey after he decided he was 'done'. Stubborn they are. I made chocolate pies with my mother's secret recipe from Dimple Clouse. (wish I could share). I called it my 'First Try, Lumpy Pie'. But it tasted good.

Confession time... my boys held chickens for the first time, before I did. That's right, all my chicken talk has been, well, hypothetical. We are almost there, almost chicken owners. And I've never even held one, till July 3, 2010. You think about it, those legs can be a little intimidating. But these sweet girls were just precious, gentle, soft. I've died and gone to chicken heaven. I have to admit, I kept noticing how it felt like that package of chicken in the grocery, but I have no qualms about the chickens being used for a tasty Sunday dinner. For Jack, the jury is still out. He continues to suggest we could just keep them for eggs. I don't argue. He's a precious boy. The look on Henry's face really says it all. He was completely taken with chickens, horses, ponies, pigs(which I handled well through all the squealing & screaming.)He's a farm boy, and he didn't even know it.

These guys(below) played and played unthwarted by the loud trains that would pass right in the middle of their playing. Eric works with one of the fellows in the band. They had a wonderful sound and an even better message.

So we find ourselves mid July, looking forward to school. I'm excited for the seasons to change, to see fall leaves. Have pumpkins and wear a sweater. Read 'If You Give a Moose a Muffin.' Yep, I'm ready for Fall. But birthday's are just around the corner, so I better wait till August has come & gone before shifting gears. Feeling so blessed. So thankful.

Adjusting takes Time Lifetime Meds #29

It's been 2 months since we made our big move to Georgia. What seemed like a plane crash landing with sparks coming off the plane, is now beginning to seem much more, well, peaceful.

We find ourselves 'missing home', wearing familiar colors, (on UGA's campus no less-- totally on accident), and then we find ourselves pulling out a 'Dawgs' shirt and not thinking anything of that either.

We just keep walking the path, trying not to sit down. That's life isn't it. Some days it happens so naturally, some days are a struggle, full of unfamiliar. Then one day it looks a little more like 'home'.

191-205

blueberry patches

fresh corn

new friends

welcoming gifts

blessed worship with christians

kids playing with kids

Tae Kwon Do class & camp

foster parents for kids in need

fireworks

good food

riding in the back of a pick-up

magnets for fetching keys down a drain in a parking lot(yes this happened...)

petting zoos with chickens & pigs

4th of July parades

fresh laundry

LIfetime Meds #29 Counting so I won't miss the blessings so abundant.

Galatians 6:7-10

'Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all , especially to those who are of the household of faith.'

Some Fun Summer Read Alouds - June

Georgia seems to have an amazing library system. As I understand if I have a request for a special book, say one on a homeschool reading list that may not regularly be shelved on my local branch, I can request it from ANY branch in the state. Really. The on-line services for my new card are excellent, well done & easy to use. Tools for any avid reader.

Our most recent visit to the library was our smaller local branch. I re-fell in love with the library. It is small but not tiny. Book selection was amazing in the kids department. The librarian brought back memories when the librarians were happy to help you, and were not frustrated by the number of people only there to use the internet.

A book recently mentioned to me by fellow Tae Kwon Do mom spurred me on to collect a pile of books that we could read together during the hot days of June. A Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease is an excellent resource for parents & teachers, with an amazing amount of research regarding the impact of reading aloud. I had bought this just before we moved & I dug through everybox I hadn't opened yet to find it. Laura (TKD Mom) said it was a MUST READ. & I think she's right. He has an informative website with articles that he mentions in the book. His research is extensive, (not like my 6th grade reading report on horses.) His main focus seems to me to provide inspiration for the lifelong love of reading. He doesn't negate phonics or providing the tools, but has the handle on necessity to inspire by exposure & immersion in reading.

His stories about helping communities who lack resources will get your juices stirring if your looking for ways to give back.

So what did we pick out after becoming more motivated to read aloud? Books on creatures & outdoors seemed to be the theme, and sounds in the night.

I take literally the instructions to read books that appeal to me ('if it doesn't appeal to you do you really think it will appeal to them?) and consider also that boys like wild rough and tumble books too( not all wildflowers and butterflies.) I also realize they don't need endoctrination or an education in coming up with 'icky' stuff on their own. I don't buy or check out disgusting books. Ever.

So here's some fun fiction story books. We loved them all.

My Truck is Stuck (excellent & fun predictability) (thanks Leslie)

Two Bad Ants (amazing illustrations & real life ant-action)

Alan Lee, Leave that Cricket Be!(follows our Ancient History exposure theme as well, and is helping the kids understand why you can't keep bugs in jars overnight)

The House in the Night(amazing illustrations, poetic, beautiful)

Stellaluna(classic, informative for us as we have bats around our house, by author of Verdi, one of our favorites)

The Snail House (just looked to sweet to pass up)

EEK! CREAK! SNICKER! SNEAK! (boys, noises, icky characters, hillarious)

Big Day on the River(librarian's selection for story time, very cute)

Me First(we just need this book sometimes, and the illustrations are sooo cute)

The Book of Dragons(numerous ancient stories & some good classic stories, some intensity tho)

I'm sure we'll find some more before the summer's over.

Our regular read-aloud besides Bible reading is The Year at Maple Hill Farm.

Can't wait to see what July brings in the way of books.

What books have you enjoyed with kids this summer?

Why I love my husband... Lifetime Meds #28

Even after fussing at each other all the way to church on Father's Day... I still think he's the best Dad in the world.

He takes the kids on adventures I might not otherwise.

My husband poses like this in his office, when he takes us for a tour.

He puts the tub toys back in order, with style. He also poses action figures all over the house for the kids to find.

He orders the kids movies like 'Little Rascals' 'Sinbad' & '3 Stooges' that I would never buy.

He's not 'a big kid' or a 'kid at heart'. He just wants the kids to be happy, have a laugh, & enjoy life's experiences. He's one great Dad, rolling with life's punches, enjoying each day.

So thankful am I. Even if we drive eachother crazy along the way. Happy Father's Day, Babe. I am proud of and grateful for you.

#187-#190 One Thousand Gifts, Counting with others at A Holy Experience.

Reverence - Lifetime Meds #27

Teaching kids to pray... hmmm. Right now, Henry has the motions down, but our content is really, mmm, questionable. 'Thankyou God for Godzilla, & Scooby Doo, and let us go to the big pool tomorrow that's really deep, AAAAmen." And there you have it. And during someone else praying... he's praying, sort of speaking in 'Henry tongues'. A prayer unto itself, loudly enough so that he can't hear you say, 'it's not your turn to pray.' This kid will not be denied....

Enter our discussion about reverence. We've been struggling with alot of changes, so we're playing alot of catch up on alot of different issues. Currently, reverence in prayer & chain of command are the 2 biggies.

Praying what's on your heart is one thing, but the silly stuff just doesn't cut it. Afterall, we're talking to the Creator of the Universe, and even tho this is Abba FAther, there are still issues of what's appropriate & courtesy, and it is my job to teach it. Canned prayers are not what I'm suggesting, but respect during someone else praying or using it for a platform for power & control. Not going to happen.

I don't worry about my children's faith in God. God is big, bigger than I can ever describe Him, but my confidence & seriousness about Who He Is speaks volumes. Am I serious, respectful, but trusting enough to even laugh when I'm happy & thankful? Do I share my joy over good times to my Father in Heaven, who I believe watches me while I do whatever my hand finds to do? Do I stop the tears just because I may not be able to speak the words if I cry?

Perceiving the difference-- is my prayer & request to God just now. Wisdom to parent well. Not perfectly, but well.

Reverently thankful to the Giver of all for:

#177 Rivers in which to play, with slippery rocks & breathtaking views

#178 Brave children

#179 Strong Husband

#180 time to enjoy it

#181 health to carry me through the day

#182 worship & fellowship with believers in Christ

#183 God's strength to carry me through during transition

#184 Christ who redeemed me and made me presentable before God

#185 Opportunity & a bright future

#186 a lesson today on Psalm 1 & Psalm 15

Join me with others at A Holy Experience in thanksgiving for One Thousand Gifts.

I call it my Lifetime Meds, (dose #27)

Be blessed, friend. ('blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly... but who meditates on the Word of God day & night... he will be like the tree who is planted by the waters.' Psalm 1 loosely paraphrased)

School & Summer

This fall Jack will attend a program (1 day a week) that will focus it's activities on one particular time period. This year the students will focus on the Medieval period, so this summer we're enjoying a little catch-me-up on Ancient History. We've been using Victor Journey through The Bible to guide our Bible study, and are utilizing fun books like The Magic Tree House (Pompeii) to stimulate our mental time-line's so he's got a handle on 'what came first' & a little bit of the why. It has become extremely interesting to me to consider that Ancient people had a perspective highly influenced by the Flood rather than the appearance & life of Christ. Consider how that would change one's outlook on God.

He has also been participating in Tae Kwon Do training, with a group of other homeschool kids. And I would have to say this has been a great thing for us. I have met several other moms & Jack has begun to learn a skill, in a healthy group setting. The instructors of the school take their influence in the program very seriously. This is a martial arts school afterall. They are not 'buddies' they are called by their surnames. (Mrs.& Mr.) The tenets of the program include character elements I can stand by, and hope that he will embody. Courtesy is the first level, which is a great foundation for teaching a potentially dangerous skill. In conjunction with this new element of our activities, we found ourselves going to see the new movie 'Karate Kid', with Jayden Smith & Jackie Chan. (Wow... haven't seen a 'rocky' style movie in a while that I allowed myself to get totally sucked into!) It's rating is there for a reason. There are themes that young children will not be able to digest, and the martial arts is what it is. The bullying factor has in its arsenal potentially fatal moves. But, the message is positive. The good guy just doesn't win, but he doesn't quit, he conquers his fear, he chooses to embrace the art learning from a teacher that teaches self-control, not the control & dominance of others.

It's not a perfect movie, there is a scene including an adult allowing themselves to wallow in pain while intoxicated, to be pulled out of the moment by a young child. Really? The child stumbled into it(he wasn't supposed to train that day), but it was a really tough scene to explain. I didn't shy away from this, but its a tough one to explain while you're waiting for the championship match(in a quiet theatre). In my opinion it is a very telling unintentional commentary on our society. Our kids are called on to handle so much more than they should. Even if its their own parents caving into going to see a movie way over their head, just so they can see the 'Karate Kid'. Guilty as charged.

So we've seen the Karate Kid. And what to do now. Just like approaching the idols in Canaan, we'll talk about beliefs that influence the country of China, & read some fables & folk tales.

We read Lon Po Po, the chinese version of the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

We also read the The Funny Little Woman (Japanene) who wound up meeting with the Spirits after she followed rice dumpling down a cavern in her floor. Yeah, you heard me. It reminded me of the book One Grain of Rice, a mathematical folktale, with a precious moral of generosity.

But this is ancient history. Realizing there were other cultures besides the Children of Israel, and their lives were meaningful & full of culture & influence is important especially considering the activities like Tae Kwon Do which lean heavily upon them.

One added blessing of being a part of the TKD school, is the summer camps offered. One of the homeschool Mom's who has children enrolled has added an additional feature to the camps by reading a series called The Five Ancestors written by Jeff Stone. These feature different characters & a unique moral dilemma. On top of the related skills activities about the culture related to the book will be included. Jack will be participating in the week of The Crane. I can't wait!

We are working on some outside activities although our hopes are still to build our homestead with chickens & maybe even horses. Things that will probably keep us at home more than we are now. But just having moved, we need to connect with the outside & meet people. Build our infrastructure. So that's what we'll do for now. The garden grows, the baby birds keep us busy(regularly falling out of their nest), and until we get back from Florida visiting Poppa, we'll wait on the chickens. Till then, I'm headed to our local Farmer's Market to get some summer produce.

On my errands today...

saw these delightful places. Looks like a great start to the weekend to me. Hope you enjoy yours.

Raw Milk & My Rights to Drink It

Land of the free-- home of the brave... this is where I get annoyed at our great country. Food issues. Perhaps I'm channeling my great Uncles who were dairy farmers in Springfield but this urks me.

I was reading a New Life on a Homestead about a recent case in Springfield, MO, about a family undergoing legal battles regarding selling fresh, left-over pre-ordered raw milk in a parking lot. Go here(article above) and here to read more.

Kendra I believe captures it when she quotes the powers that be in regard to this. 'There is no fundamental right to consume the food of one's choice...' Kendra found this is from the Food and Drug Administration, regarding the consumption of raw milk. I can't weigh in personally on raw milk, but as a Buy Local supporter, this bothers me. Alot.

After watching, Food Inc. which is a documentary about the food industry & it's hold on people in our country, I began to see how vital regulation is to the big industry. If people (like me) are willing to eat what is in a twinkie/zinger/coke/cheerios, we need 'big brother' to watch over our feeble minds, especially involving the consumption of foods like meat(see the movie regarding a particular piece of legislation regarding meat). But isn't that the point? If we are supporting local food, which is beneficial for so many healthier reasons, we won't need either of these. The twinkies or the administration that deems them healthy. These folks with their raw milk are not feeble minded. And they are selling to a group of individuals that have taken responsibility for their food choices & I'm sure their way of life. As it stands now, they are facing up to 180 days in jail for this infraction. For being practical. Resourceful. And actually teaching their kids through a family business how to be responsible contributors to their community. Seems like there are better things to do with taxpayer dollars than bother these folks.

You can your support & donate at Facebook.

If you want to read more about another independent free-thinking farmer, read about Joel Salatin in this article at Mother Earth News titled 'Everything He Wants to Do is Illegal.' These farmers need our support if we want options in our food choices. Find your local CSA or farmer's market perhaps listed here. Vote with your dollar.