birth-DAY!

I can't believe it but Ryan has now entered his last year of single digits! Yesterday he celebrated the big 9.....with fun and excitement. We began the day with the birthday boy's special breakfast request: bacon and cheese omelets - Yum!

Ryan and his "tea light" candle (I couldn't find the candles!)

After breakfast he "hunted" for his presents which were hiding inside a new "military surplus" backpack he had wanted.

Backpack, WWII beret, "real fatigues" - oh my!

Later in the day we joined our dear friends the Glovers to celebrate Emma and Amanda's 10th birthday. It is not very often one shares a birthday with very special friends! The kids played in the beautiful 70 degree weather at the park while we enjoyed sweet fellowship with the parents.

Madison, Emma, Amanda, and Ryan

sweet brothers

Delightful.....

To cap the day off we went to none other than Joe's Real BBQ! After a full day of festivities the moms were happy to endulge in a meal they hadn't cooked, and the kids were full of smiles and excitement.

Reading bazooka jokes

What beautiful kids!

Driving home from dinner, Merl and I felt "full up". Full of wonderful food, but overflowing with joy in the rich friendships (as well as family) the Lord has blessed us with.

We are also thankful for our 9 year old BOY - full of life, energy, innovation, and love!

hope for, but not in....(politics)

Yesterday was encouraging.....hopeful.....reassuring......uplifting. I will admit - for the past 15 months since the election I have been discouraged and troubled. I have sort of put my political feelings aside - not able to deal with it. When I put too much thought and hope into "politics" I am discouraged. We have not, however, ceased discussing Civics in our home - nor have we forgotten the responsibility we have as Christians to respect and pray for our leaders whom the Lord has placed in power over us. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) Sitting and complaining about what is happening politically in our country is not an option here - involvement and understanding how government works is important.

Madison, Ryan, and I (Along with our friends) had the privilege of spending the day at our state Capitol yesterday for a government class. Presented by Teenpact, this is a class for Christian students which teaches the foundations of government with the legislative branch - but emphasizing the reminder that spiritual revival is the answer to America's problems, not politics. The purpose is to open the minds of young people to both their responsibility and their opportunity as citizen leaders and help them understand the principle of "higher authority" (Romans 13:1-2).

In preparation Madison and Ryan wrote letters of encouragement to our district Senators and Representatives. They received one very lovely letter back from one of them! I appreciated that I was able to attend and experience the day with the kids, yet hang back and let them interact and be in the class with no "hovering". It was like packing a week of school into one day and I got the day off! We learned more in a day of "hands on" activities than we would have in weeks of reading or worksheets. Young Teenpact interns and staffers run the class, and this is where my hope began to return......watching these 15-20 yr. olds speak and facilitate the class was inspiring. Their passion for government, life, and the kids was contagious. They are statesman (and women) of our future and we should be proud.

Look closely (click on pic) to see Ryan, Madison, and Rebekah approaching the Capitol

Ice breaker activities

After an ice breaker time, the kids did "sword drills", where they looked up scripture passages that guide Christians in submitting to authority, praying for leaders, following God's law, and playing an active part in government.

"sword drills"

We had the opportunity to walk through the Capitol grounds and pray for our leaders and military - a freedom that we treasure and hope is protected. The kids learned about public speaking and the importance of being able to communicate and articulate themselves.

Prayer for our leaders, military, and public servants

This monument was among many we looked at that honored soldiers, police officers, victims of 911, code talkers, historical figures, and our founding fathers.

Inside the capitol

All afternoon the topic was learning how a bill becomes a law and this was taught "hands-on" with discussion, skits, and role play. The kids had each written a bill ahead of time in preparation and during class, "introduced" their bill to the "mock" House. Every single child walked up to the podium and read their bill to the group of over 100 people - strong and well! They were articulate, confident, funny, and considerate. More hope.....

Madison and Ryan introducing their bill

After introducing their bills, they broke into "committees" to see how bills work in committees before being brought to a vote in the Senate or House. Following committee, they were able to go back to the "House" and debate their bill on the floor. They had to use the exact procedure and vocabulary of the process - very cool. These 8-12 year olds did an amazing job!

"committee"

Working to fill out their scavenger hunt questions

Congratulations, alumni!

Madison and Rebekah, one of the Teenpact interns

The day was a great reminder that even though it seems some of our original freedoms installed by our forefathers are slipping away, some remain intact and we still do live in a great FREE country. It was motivating and inspiring to be reminded that there ARE solid individuals in politics whose religion is not their party or issues, who are grounded in a rock much more firm. It was also a call to "real citizenship" as Tim Echols, the founder of Teenpact puts it.

"Believers in Christ are called to more than simply remembering to vote. As we live out Christ-like consideration for our fellow citizens, and Christ-like respect for the procedures and people involved in the political process---attitudes which can only come from placing our hope in Christ, we will be examples of "real" citizens. As believers we are called to something greater than earthly citizenship or electoral "success" -- we are called to be faithful citizens of heaven."

May the Lord guide us as we seek to faithfully live out our "dual" citizenship - with love and hope.

calmness

Calmness.....this is in the thesaurus for "patience"......probably wouldn't be a word to describe me. That is why I am working on it! We had a "wintery" and rainy week this week. I love the change in pace - extra time at home, and the opportunity to wear jeans and long sleeves! The other day the weather also gave me the chance to stretch! When it rains all day, my first choice would be to sit inside with my cup of coffee reading a book or on the computer - uhm.....uninterrupted and in silence. Well - since that would be virtually impossible unless I do it at midnight, I opted for something else. We had a productive day of school and then of course the kids wanted to go outside in the rain and mud! This is a common occurrence. As soon as one drop of water is out of the sky they are begging to go out and get wet. Oh yah - just my idea of a great time......8 or more articles of wet and muddy clothing, 6 sets of footprints (counting the dog) all over the house, dead grass, water......oh the glory of it all!

That is probably the LAST thing I'd like to do on a day like this, but guess what? I am practicing "calmness". So - out they went to act out some cartoon they had read or seen somewhere. Some of you who just love getting dirty and this kind of thing are laughing at me - go ahead and snicker. I know children are supposed to experience their surroundings and explore, and "feel" things....I just wish they didn't have to do it around me sometimes! Well anyway - I would call it success - whatever happened Thursday. Lots of muddy clothes, footprints, squeals, and yells. Still finishing laundry and I am not bothering to mop the floor yet until there is ABSOLUTELY NO sign of rain in the forecast! A stretch for me.....but isn't that what this journey is supposed to be?

These onlookers were not sure about fully experiencing the mud.

The 6 sets of footprints

Who knows what he is doing

Don't worry - just acting.....

seriously

Christmas is over, the new year is past - enough of the meaningful reflections for now and on to reality - because seriously.....

I am not kidding.....if you meet a nice YOUNG mom like me with four precious kids out anywhere - say - the grocery store and her children are behaving beautifully and you begin to chat with them and you ask them, "So, where do you go to school?" (This happens to us constantly.......uh, at least the question part). "Oh, we are homeschooled," they say. (It has taken about five years for them to figure out what to say but now we know what "grades" we are in, basically what we study, etc.)

Stop right there! Because I am telling you the woman is probably a FRAUD! Anyone who says they homeschool and has upwards of 2 or more children and any of them are under the age of 5, I am here to say that there is no possible way they are getting anything done which resembles "school". Those lovely children might say they are doing history, math, handwriting, language arts - oh and a second language - but let me just tell you that I am pretty sure this is more of what it looks like:

Everyone gets up with the best of intentions but for some reason, all of a sudden it is pushing 8 am and mom is still cleaning up the kitchen - she leaves to try and get a load of laundry going, but when she goes around the corner the dog cleans up what was left on everyone's plates. There don't seem to be any children around to school anyway because they have disappeared into the depths of the backyard to play "Heidi".... Not to mention that clothes are still on bedroom floors, bathrooms are not straightened, and the phone is already ringing. Finally once the mother/teacher gathers everyone to sit for their work, she remembers she forgot to make her coffee so that must take priority. But when she gets her cup out the 2 year old hollers "chocat milk?" Ok - fine, "whatever it takes to get you in the chair." So fifteen minutes later everyone has their drink of choice.....so just about when mom sits to begin preschool time with the little ones, 2yr. old has to go potty. OK - in the time that takes the 5 year old is pretty much done with her handwriting page and halfway done with math! Later, mom and little ones begin reading a favorite picture book on the couch - Mr. 8 year old just can't stand it because it is one of his old favorites and he has to listen in. Finally when the 2 little ones are released to go play, teacher/mom thinks she'll have some 1/1 time with 11 yr. old. Ha! That is after 2 more bathroom trips, constant redirection, trying to find something else to keep little ones busy, and rewarming her coffee 3 times in the microwave. Then she remembers she needs to call the mechanic. By then, 11 yr. old is done with her work and so is 8 yr. old so they settle in to read aloud while everyone colors - colors for 5 minutes before 2 yr. old has finished an entire coloring book in one color and has to go to the bathroom again! Better rewarm the coffee again. No - on second thought let's try something else - how about a science experiment? Well - only if 2 yr. old is far away......yes, far. No, on second thought I'll fix lunch and forget the whole thing -

Just one of those days - seemed one train of thought was not meant to be. One of those days I always think of all the families I spend time with in coops or in the homeschool community who have lots of kids and appear normal and appear to be learning and excelling - I am just sure they are a hoax too! Have to be. One of those "Can anyone really be DOING this?" days....

I always tell people - "Whatever it is you think I am doing - I am not really doing it!". The reality is - life. Homeschooling is sure a lot of trial and error.....it does not look like what we think it should most times. What DOES it look like? Different every day - with routine in there too. Some days look like this.........

The school planner is under there somewhere.....

Piles of laundry everywhere....

And other days look like this.......

Studious, sweet, hardworking

Look at the tranquil facial expressions!

So I am off to bed to dream of lovely scenes such as the above because tomorrow is a new day!

for the glory of Christ

Since many in our church congregation are battling cancer, our pastor shared with us an article by John Piper called "Don't Waste Your Cancer". It was written four years ago - but I thought worth posting - as it is challenging to say the least. Even though I am not fighting cancer personally - I have several dear friends who are. Someday I may face cancer - one thing is guaranteed - I will face difficult trials. These principles are very rich....I want to contemplate them seriously in preparation for the tests that are ahead.

a new year

Time persists on.....I wish I could take more of an opportunity to reflect and plan for a new year but it seems the tyranny of the urgent takes precedence. In a perfect world I could control all the circumstances around me - take time when I want it and put others on hold. This is not reality! Life is so not about me even though in my flesh I seem to be so fixated on myself. I hope this month to try to contemplate what will be in 2010.....every year is a year of growth and opportunity to grow more like Christ. Thank goodness I don't have to do it alone - without God's word and the Holy Spirit I would be a failure. Instead a grand Creator who fashioned me and has great purpose for me.....is not finished with me yet.......so I persevere.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile." Jeremiah 29:11-14

"......And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

Here are some tools I am using to prepare for 2010.....

Reflection Questions for 2009

Three of the Most Important Things You Can Do at This Time of Year

Five Steps to Real Change in the New Year

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Well after planning and packing for days and hours - we are loading up and shoving off for New Mexico in the morning. Who knows when we will leave - Merl is still trying to figure out how to fit all the gifts in the van - snow pants and boots for the day we hope to go sledding in the snow!

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to our dear friends and family who so bless our lives.......may the Lord Jesus Christ become real to you and yours this Friday.........

Blessings and Love,

Tracy