One down, three to go...

except I hate viewing education in terms of "years" and "graduating." Those terms seem to imply there is a point in life when we are "finished" learning. I'm sure younger folks may think so, but the older I get, the more I learn that I don't know much!

I hope C.J. can learn this. His commencement was held Friday night and my parents actually showed up! My father-in-law and my niece drove up from North Carolina and attended the ceremony as well. C.J. was very happy indeed. I'm watching him wondering what his next step will be. He keeps changing his plans (boy, do I remember doing that at his age).

For the past several months, I have had to poor myself into helping C.J. pull his graduation together and finalize some classes he needed to finish. It is hard to let go, but my other three who are still relying on me to help them achieve educational goals need my help more than he does now.

I do not know what the future holds for C.J. I hope he makes good choices. He definitely has his faults (don't we all?), but I think the difference is when we let our faults rule us instead of vice versa.

Would I do things differently with C.J.? Oh, my, yes. I wish I had never sent him to school as a four year old. I wish he had never seen a video or computer game. I wish we had not had to travel in his early days nearly as much. I could go on and on...

My biggest wish for him is to NEVER stop learning...about His God and the wonderful world He created for us.

Dollywood and the spring of laughter

So, I'm a gypsy and love to travel. I love Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Dollywood. I think Dollywood is one of the most beautiful theme parks in our country. It isn't large (like Disney), but we can turn our kids loose and not worry about their every movement. The entertainment is superb. The food is quite nice and not outrageous.

Jonathan is the cautious one in the family...everyone knows that. All of the kids, EXCEPT for G., have taken after him in this regard. In a way, for an energetic, experimenter like me, it is a little frustrating. My oldest wouldn't go on a roller coaster with me until he was fifteen (happily, he enjoyed it and now, there's no stopping him). W. and B. followed suit, but W. was able to finally conquer her own preconceived fears this past weekend and B. did much better too. G? He was mad that he was to "wittle" for many of the big rides.

My dad wasn't (isn't) afraid of anything. He taught ALL of his kids that. If we wanted to swim, he just threw us in. If we wanted to ride a horse, he just stuck us on a horse. If we wanted to ride a bike, he put us on going down a hill. We were too little to be afraid.

Jonathan's mom (God bless her) was afraid of EVERYTHING. Fear. It is why she said she didn't like to do certain things like ride rides or horses or trams etc...She was afraid of giving up control and lacked confidence. She passed this on to her kids. How can you know you don't like something when you're really just too afraid to experience it? Jonathan is working on this area. He has come a long way.

In this picture, you will see a girl on the far left. Sitting next to her is her father. He rode EVERY ride with her. He didn't want her to miss ANYTHING. He spoke to her before the ride (explaining what was going to happen) and during the ride as well. His words described everything in tiny detail to her. It struck me that this is how our Lord wants us to trust Him. He doesn't want us to miss a beat and He will be right there explaining and loving, if we'll listen and jump on board with Him.

I will never forget her laughter and her obvious love of life. I will never forget the tenderness of her father experiencing everything with her. She was totally BLIND and totally unafraid to experience life.

To the right of the picture are B., W., and G. My kids knew what was going on and they immediately learned the lesson. Love life. Most fears are irrational and destroy our self esteem. I do not know the girl's name or her father's, but I want to thank them for teaching us all a lesson. That was the most unforgettable ride of the day!

How Are We Here?

I'm not talking about how did we (my family) end up in this state - that post would take two pages at least and I don't think that subject is as interesting as talking about origins of life.

Now, in my circles you must understand that the subject matter of the movie "Expelled" is really nothing new. I've known about those types of punishments, bandishments, shunnings, firings, etc...for any type of scientist trying to do REAL research on origins of life for over twenty years now. These aren't recent happenings - although the dismissals of professionals due to their research pointing to the direction of ID in the movie are more recent. It is simply the fact that more and more qualified and recognized scientists (especially in the field of microbiology) are coming to these conclusions.

If they publish any idea indicating their true findings, they are threatened with dismissal not only from their jobs, but faced with being scorned and shunned in their profession by colleagues. That is what this movie is about. It is not about Intelligent Design and all of the proof we have for it. Nor is it pointing fingers at evolution and dismissing it as quack science. It is warning the public that the great science and information we pride ourselves with in America has been tampered with...and not just a LITTLE bit...on a grand scale.

The cry from the Darwinists "If the Intelligent Design people have true findings and real research, let them bring it up for colleague and professional review and report their findings." All the while, they KNOW and laugh that "Yeah, right. Those ID people better keep their mouths shut! I think we've shown them what happens to dissenters." The few who have had the opportunity to have their research published are later dismissed as "quacks" and fired from their jobs (never to be able to be rehired again as personal attacks abound after such publishings). So, the Darwinists know they OWN the scientific publications, websites, museums, field reporters etc...ID research will not make it to the table...There's too much money at stake.

Interestingly enough, many of these ID paleontologists, biologists, anstronmers, physicists, etc...didn't start their research in search of a Creator - just the opposite. However, their research took them down paths that led them further and further away from spontatnious generation and most of evolution.

Richard Dawkins and his God-hating compadres were nervous and not very convincing when asked basic questions like "O.K., well how did the molecules for simple one-cell creatures combine. How did that happen?"

Their answers: "We don't know...quite possibly on the backs of crystals." Problem. Crystals don't move.

Another (and by far the most popular theory) "The earth was most likely seeded by highly evolved intelligent creatures from other planets that went through some type of evolution similar to our own." Another question...and how did those creatures get their start to life?

Answer. "I've already told you we don't know. They were just different than we think." Next question, "So, you do believe in Intelligent Design at some point? Just that they were aliens from other worlds." Answer: inaudible and contorted facial features out of frustration.

Look, this brand of Darwinism leaves no room for a Designer and it is not "new and fact driven." For thousands of years, people have come to the conclusion that there is no god (and then ALWAYS take the next step elevating themselves to god). As a matter of fact, these "top notch" scientists and apologists state "You must give up God first," and then, "There is no God and once you realize that, there is NO HOPE for humans. There is nothing. There is no reason for 'Why Are We Here'." They don't want God. How do you NOT want something if it doesn't exist in the first place?

We should be hopping mad that our taxes pay for institutions like the Smithsonian and state universities that not only supress important information, but FALSIFY other information. We should demand apologies and repayment for reporters, professors, astronomers, etc...who have had their lives ruined and been bandished from their field for even mentioning the words "Intelligent Design."

Moments of greatness

In the previous post, I wrote of an incidence that Br. had last weekend that is familiar to all of us - failure (or the "appearance" of it). He feels he failed, but many of us know that he LEARNED. I feel failure is only when you don't learn from the experience.

So, in this post, I have to write about success. W. has been involved in performing arts for years. She sings, acts, plays the piano, and dances. However, she gets VERY nervous. She knows it and still gets up there and performs. Some performances have been better than others. She says that the most nerve racking is playing the piano. Still, this girl WORKS HARD. She practices, listens, observes, and practices, practices, practices.

This past weekend, she too was involved in our 4-H district competition. There were twenty-five other competitors in her division (instrumental) and about twelve were in her age range. About half of the twelve were pianists. Two of the pianists were EXCEPTIONALLY talented and played very difficult pieces. Even though W.'s piece wasn't quite as difficult, she played with such emotion and proficiency, she was not only given a blue ribbon, she was asked to play her piece in the award's ceremony.

Big deal? Yes, it is. They only choose 1 person from each category to perform (voice, instrumental, dance, and drama). We were stunned. W. hasn't been playing as long as the other girls and even in the five years she's had lessons, she took about a year off.

I don't usually like to post stuff like this, but W. earned it. I'm also glad she could recognize the superiority of the other two girls. They really were and it was a total enjoyment to hear them. She told me she knew they were better, but it just felt good to play her piece to the best of her ability in front of judges.

When the words just aren't there!

Br. and W. had their district competition with 4-H. They had to earn enough points through auditions and a showcase to do this competition, so I was proud of them.

In a karate costume loaned by a friend, Br. had practiced "Kung Fu Fighting" for the umteenth millionth time in the car. He had shown us his dance moves (and this kid is all arms and legs - so funny). He seemed SOOO prepared.

But then, it happened...what every stage performer dreads most. He had just finished the first chorus and was moving on and a blank look came over his face and his body stopped moving. He forgot EVERYTHING.

His long eyelashes showed the shadows on his cheeks, while the expression on his face showed the shadow on his heart. It doesn't take much to upset him, so no amount of "That's O.K. That happens to EVERYBODY!" made one bit of difference to him. I think he has stage fright. What's more, he wants no part of presentations of performances.

You know, I think you HAVE to present yourself in uncomfortable situations many times. We have a whole year to work on next year. He has a beautiful voice, but he may not sing. I'll try to encourage him to at least do a presentation. If he stops dead in his tracks due to one bad incidence, I'm afraid he will give up "getting out there" for good.

Jonathan is a little on the quiet side. Br. probably gets that from him, but Jonathan is in TOTAL agreement with me that one of the BEST qualities we can give our children is the ability to vocally express themselves in front of others. He has gone through MUCH special training for communication and wishes he had been given more encouragement as a child to try speeches, presentations, etc...

In the mean time, it will take a LOOONG time to help Br. build up his confidence. He'll get there.

The parting of the sea...

Br. and G. spent a great deal of time creating this. I made some photo copies of some sea life and they colored, cut, and glued these to the blue construction paper. I hand drew a quick whale on some large paper and they both painted it. They were very proud of their work.

Once we hung the papers, we now had our Red Sea opened! Halfway through the Seder, we pretended we were the children of Israel looking behind at Pharoah's army and we had to run through that sea. Br. took the part of Moses and G. was Aaron. It really made me think of how our death to sin seems complete until our Savior, Yeshua, opened up the Sea to Everlasting Life.

Next week, Br. wants to start a unit study on Sea Life - wonder where he got that idea:)

Passover - Our first Seder in our home

Yep, we actually did it. Jonathan wanted to invite some people over to share it with us, but since this was our first to host, I just wanted our family around. C.J. could not get off work, even though he tried desperately.

We went to one hosted by a church last year and it was very insightful. However, it meant so much more going through the Haggadah as a family.

In the first picture above, you can see the "blood on the doorposts." Br. used red beeswax crayons on paper and cut the stripes out and we helped him tape them to the posts. It worked great because we were truly inside with this on the outside of the room.

The stripes and piercings of the matzah bread...breaking the middle one and hiding a portion and "resurrecting" it later in the meal...passing the matzah...passing the juice and wine...just what Our Savior was doing on this same day 2,000 years ago. Oh, how precious to learn more of how Our Lord worshiped.

Next year, we will invite over friends and family who are interested in participating with us.

Top Ten things people should know about homeschoolers:

1) Please don't tell them "Oh, I could never do that." They already know you probably couldn't.

2) Understand that home education IS LEGAL! If it was good enough for Abraham Lincoln, Patrick Henry, Einstein, Edison, Teddy Rooselvelt (the list goes on), it's good enough for me!

3) Be aware that 99.9% of homeschoolers do not live in "compounds."

4) Understand that we are VERY concerned about proper socialization. This is ONE main reason our children are being properly socialized in a proper time and in a proper setting - without fear of bullies, drugs, gangs, etc...

5) Know that we do pay our taxes so your kids can go to school. We spend extra money to homeschool. That is our choice and we get "no free ride" or "tax break."

6) If you decide to "quiz" a homeschool relative's/friend's child, be aware that we may feel free to quiz your child. However, we do not believe in "teaching to the test," so you may be unhappy with the performance of your child.

7) Please understand that many of us go to; the mall, restaurants, Merle Norman (for makeup), the salon, tanning beds, concerts...some of us may wear high heels with our jeans. Some of us wear skirts and jumpers, but that doesn't make us "weird." We just happen to like what we wear.

8) Please know we DO have a grip on the latest fads and styles - we simply don't care about them. We spend great fortunes on LASTING things like books, music lessons, art lessons, etc...

9) Be aware, we are not speaking a different language when we talk about "Miquon, McRuffy, Timberdoodle, Abeka, Konos." We know you are confused by these words. We were too at one point.

10) Yes, it is TOTALLY fun to be laughing while doing experiments in your pajamas in the kitchen!

And Finally...

Oh, if only superheroes were real, I would already know what G. would be when he grows up! Well, at least this week, spiderman has given him the urge to learn all things spidery and thanks to the book I picked up at the library sale for .25 cents, he has learned quite a lot! He asks me to read it to him twice a day at least. I'd really rather read Curious George.

He is full of super strength. I don't know how else to describe him. When I took him in for his three day check up at the pediatrician, he said he had never seen such a strong baby in his whole life. Well, that has only increased.

He and Br. are polar opposites. Br. could do 300 piece puzzles at age four. G. could care less! He is my daily workout, but he loves to sit on my lap and snuggle.

The Perfectionist

Well, I know where Br. got this trait! Thanks Grandma S! Now, I can't tell you how much fun it is to parent a child with this trait when the parent (me) has no such trait.

Where his older brother jumps in without thinking of the outcome, this one considers EVERY outcome possible before acting. Both of these traits have their strengths and weaknesses.

You know how boys go through this stage where girls are yuck? Not this boy. He has NEVER thought so. He says when he sees E., he can hardly talk. He says he feels like he forgets everything and just has a dumb smile on his face. HE IS NINE YEARS OLD! You don't know how hard I laughed, because this is the child who is NEVER at a loss for words.

The girl

Reflective, but not shy; compassionate, but not a pushover; driven, but not obsessed; that's my girl. She demands as much from others as she does herself. That trait can be a blessing and a curse.

W. really is her own person. So many people "assume" she is just like me. I'm not sure why because she is truly quite different (yes, I do hear the sighs of relief).

This girl hates to see anyone in her family hurt by the actions of words of others. This cuts her to her core. Once a person breaks trust with her, very rarely does she ever give second chances. Sometimes, there is a time and place for a second chance and sometimes, there is not. I need to learn to evaluate like she does.

The Oldest

C.J.



The oldest and now 18. He is outgoing and sentimental. He always pulls for the kids who have been served a harder lot in life.

I remember one time at a lazer tag / arcade type place when he was about ten, he hit the jackpot on one of the games and got hundreds of tickets. You know what hundreds of tickets can get you? One of those REAL toys.

One of his school friends was there with her family this same night. Kaitlyn didn't really have friends her age that she went places with. She was different. She had been born with many deformities and had GREAT difficulty with speech. But she loved C.J. and he never shunned her. He saw her there and knew she couldn't really play the games to win tickets the way other kids their age could. He went and handed her his jackpot of tickets saying, "Here Kaitlyn, why don't you go get you something nice with these?" Sometimes, impulsiveness is a very good thing indeed.

The Hubby

Almost twenty years. I can't believe it. How has this poor man put up with me for that long? If anyone has taught me "God knows who we need in our lives and when we need them," it has been this man. He is as patient with me as the day is long. I'm the hyper one and he goes along with the craziest of my ideas.

One would think that in order for him to be successful in the field he works in (mortgage broker), he would need to be greedy and misleading. He believes otherwise. He feels offering the truth about debt and compassion is the way to build a business. So far, his integrity on these matters proves him correct. I'm proud of him. He would say, "God has blessed me. I did not do this alone."

He doesn't come home and crash on the couch while I work alone in the kitchen. He pitches right in. He's not too good to change diapers and feels if a man is to show his wife how Christ is head of the church and GAVE Himself for it, that means he (my husband) is to show the same servant mentality in our home.

Is he perfect? No, but shockingly, neither am I. He's a work in progress, just like me. We screw up as individuals and as a couple. The difference with this guy from so many others? He has no problem recognizing mistakes very quickly and admitting them.

Yes, I do know how blessed I am to have him. I know the other side. I've gone through it with sisters and friends who had NO idea that there are men who are NOT physically, spiritually, or emtionally abusive and who are NOT into pornography. These women have NO idea what it is like to live with a man who encourages his wife to "go for it"; tells her to go sit down - he is cooking dinner; always calls to see if his wife needs anything from the store on his way home; and always calls if he is running late.

I'm glad my daughter has grown up with such a fine example set before her. I already know she will not settle for the other side - simply so she can be married. She is going to be picky looking for these qualities.

Hello to All

Why has it taken me soooo long to do this? I love sharing with people about my husband, children, family, and friends - so, you would think that I would have started one of these long ago.

Perhaps, I let other "important" things over rule from time to time and talk me out of doing things like "blogging." Maybe it is the fact that a blog is always going to be somewhat self-centered (me talking about my opinions, my family, my blessings, my faults, my devotions, my preferences, etc...) For whatever, reason, I have finally found the time to blog.

There will be posts on things near and dear to my heart: Messianic Judaism, homeschooling, my family, traveling, horses, dogs, reading, flowers, my parents and siblings, politics etc. You will (hopefully) read the posts and either be enlightened, encouraged, or enraged (o.k., this is the one I wish to stay away from, but is bound to happen from time to time).