Cap and Gowns

Their caps and gowns came in!  I can't believe Abigail's graduation is getting closer.  Her senior year is flying by! 

Today several of the PEACH graduates got together for pictures in their caps and gowns.  Abigail, Gracie and Gabe looked adorable . . . I mean so grown up an ready to take on the world.  

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,

    and a word in season, how good it is!

Proverbs 15:23

Carmen at the Dallas Opera

Tonight was George Bizet’s Carmen on stage at Dallas' Winspear Opera House. The star of this opera is always the Bizet's music. His masterpiece of dramatic keeps Carmen in the top 10 list of the most popular operas. This is the second time we have seen it at the Winspear. 

Carmen is of course the infamous gypsy at the center of Bizet’s opera.  She warns the men she attracts immediately: she is not a woman to be tamed. When she sets her sights on a trusting soldier, Don José.  Falling instantly in love with Carmen, José willingly follows her into a life of thieving, ignoring the attentions of Micaëla, his hometown sweetheart.

When a dashing toreador enters the equation, Carmen finds her attractions shifting to the handsome bullfighter, pushing José to the brink of desperation.  I love the music but I still have flash backs of Gilligan’s Island when the Skipper as Polonius sang to Laertes (Mary Ann) in Hamlet set to the music of Carmen! You know the Toreador song, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be, Do not forget: Stay out of debt; Think twice, and take this good advice from me, Guard that old solvency. There’s just one other thing you ought to do. To thine own self be true.”

For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,

    and her speech is smoother than oil;

but in the end she is bitter as gall,

    sharp as a double-edged sword.

Proverbs 5:3-4 

North Texas Home School Homecoming

The baby girl is looking all grown up and fabulous!  Our girl and Gracie enjoyed their last North Texas Home School Homecoming  at Frontiers of Flight Museum. 

The homecoming event is for homeschoolers across North Texas.  Abigail's boyfriend Josiah came down as her handsome escort for the evening.  And Gracie was on the arm of Gabe.  They all looked dashing. 

This year's theme was 'Around the World' set with the beautiful 45+ suspended planes on the main floor of the Frontiers of Flight Museum.  Some 800+ home schoolers with their dates attended, plus plenty of parent chaperones!  

There is a time for everything,

    and a season for every activity under the heavens . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh,

    a time to mourn and a time to dance Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Meet the Teacher

This makes me smile.  This is the picture Abigail took and posted as her Meet the Teacher Day!  We decided there was no need to start school as long as Caleb was home so we waited.  This makes seventeen years of homeschooling between the three kids and the final year of teaching at home for me! 

I'm definitely going to enjoy every minute of this last year together! 

They cast lots for their duties, small and great, teacher and pupil alike. 1 Chronicles 25:8

Lyndon Johnson's Great Society

Today was a field trip day, which has always been the best part of homeschooling.  Sissy and I met up with Bailey's and other PEACH friends at the Wyly Theatre.

Last year the Dallas Theater Center put on a production of All the Way.  Today's The Great Society continues the story of Lyndon B. Johnson’s turbulent presidency.  

The play depicts the president's fight a “war on poverty” at home and his war in Vietnam begins to spiral out of control. The cast includes Johnson's political enemies as he fought to pass civil rights legislation and social programs.  It's filled with a cast of legendary characters—from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Bobby Kennedy and Richard Nixon.

The play is a fascinating piece of history that over glamorizes Johnson's presidency and boast his socialist policies.  It goes to great effort to make Johnson appear almost noble.  The play, which was billed as a student performance was laced with volumes of unnecessary profanity.  

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, 

purified seven times.  Psalms 12:6

Jr. Toastmasters International Speech Contest

This year the PEACH teens have competed in the Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics and now an International speech contests.  

Each teen presented a five- to seven-minute speech and were evaluated by Distinguished Toastmasters scattered through the audience. Abigail was awarded 2nd place with her speech titled, ‘Third Chances.’ 

Clearly she is in her element behind home plate calling the shots or on stage performing!

Hear, for I will speak noble things,

    and from my lips will come what is right,

for my mouth will utter truth;

    wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 8:6-7

Gotta Getta Gelato

This afternoon Abigail and the PEACH Juniors & Seniors had their monthly outing.  It was a smaller group but Abigail did send me a few pictures while they were out and about town.  I understand gelato was one of the high lights of day!  

From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;

daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor

Psalm 45:8-9

Slooooow Motion Action

Because her commitments for the day weren't over, we ran from her game over to Junior Toastmasters! Fortunately she didn't have to deliver a speech tonight but she did participate in Table Topics.  Her topic was the Superbowl, yes or no. 

She took the stance that she didn't watch the Superbowl because the average professional football game lasts 3 & 1/2 hours, but if you tally up the time when the ball is actually in play, the action amounts to a mere 11 minutes.

There are more commercials, interviews and instant replays than actual game time. She acted out a replay of a catch over and over complete with the slow motion action and reverse angle. Funny stuff!  I love how Toastmasters teaches the kids to think quick on their feet and quickly organize their thoughts, even humor! 

in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:15

The Science of Softball

This was another great evening for PEACH's Junior Toastmaster meeting. Abigail gave a Demonstration Speech the Science of Softball! She demonstrated various softball pitches and gave the physics behind the difference in baseball and softball.

Frankie took a great group picture of this year's Junior Toastmasters Club. In the video, the first words are Science is difficult.

O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. 1 Timothy 6:20-20

Searching for Fun

The PEACH Jr./Sr. Club got together for a photo scavenger hunt. The teens broke up into groups and then using their phone they took photos of the items on their lists.  Items like: 

• A member in a 5" hill
• A member hugging a stranger
• The team on an escalator
• The team in matching shirts
• The team trying food samples

There were plenty of fun ideas to keep the teens busy and enjoying spending time together.  At the end of the hunt the team who completed the most tasks won.  After the hunt all of the teams enjoyed lunch together in the mall food court. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart!

    Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting

Psalm 139:23-24

Give an Answer

For Junior Toastmasters this evening Abigail was assigned the role of Table Topics Speaker.  Table Topics are impromptu speeches. Abigail pre-selected topics that the member would randomly draw and then give an impromptu talk for one to two minutes.  

Table Topic helps improve confidence and impromptu speaking skills. Table Topics is intended to help members develop their ability to organize their thoughts quickly and respond to an impromptu question or topic.  Even Ms. Vogel the group's Distinguished Toastmaster participates in the fun!  

Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect I Peter 3:15

Of Sound Speech

We are in full swing of holiday celebrations!  Tonight the Jr. Toastmasters Club had their Christmas Party.  Tonight they enjoyed some down time with Christmas themed table topics and improv games. The group has had a great first half of the year and are looking forward  to competing in the 2018 Plano Rotary Speech Contest.  So much talent and heart in this group! 

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

What an Ice Day

Each month the PEACH teens get together. Generally fifteen to twenty-five teens hang out for no educational purpose whatsoever, with the sole purpose of enjoying hanging out with other high school home schoolers. 

Abigail and her friend Kayla take turns planning each moth's events. For December Abigail organized a teen ice skating event at the Dr. Pepper StarCenter where the Dallas Stars Ice Hockey Team practices. 

They had a great turn out of teens, Abigail and Frankie even joined in on the fun!  One of the Dallas Stars trainers came out and gave the kids pointers on pivoting and turning.  

Frankie loves skating and Caleb is pretty good at it even after suffering broken ribs at one skating event! 

Such a great group of teens enjoying lots of fun with no drama! 

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 

making the most of every opportunity Ephesians 5:15-16

Texas Bible Bowl Informative Speech for Jr. Toastmasters

Tonight Abigail gave her first informative speech of the school year with Jr. Toastmasters. It is a speech to provide the listener with information about a topic, the requirements include having visuals.  For Abigail's visuals she passed out the previous Texas Bible Bowl test, all six rounds! 

Want to try your hand at it?  Click HERE to print it out!  Just remember to pay attention to the times allowed on each section (time appears on the bottom of each page) and whether it is open or closed Bible (listed in heading)! 

If you want to participate in Texas Bible Bowl, I made my study materials available on Teachers Pay Teachers. 

Hear, O sons, a father's instruction,

    and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

for I give you good precepts;

    do not forsake my teaching.

Proverbs 4:1-2

A Toast!

Twice a month is Abigail's Jr. Toastmasters meeting.  Tonight Abigail delivered her Ice Breaker speech for the new school year.  

The group is filled with many familiar faces from last year's group.  This is Abigail's fourth year in a public speaking program.  Last year she served as an officer in Jr. Toastmasters but he softball schedule this year doesn't allow her to make that kind of commitment this year.  

Public speaking and communicating is an important part of our society. It allows us to form connections, influence decisions, and motivate change. It is a basic life skill.  It's also essential for Christians to be able to articulate their beliefs and have the ability to persuade others to a belief in Christ. 

The group is led by a Twice Distinguished Toastmaster, Ms. Vogel.  The kids love her and she really seems to enjoy working with this group. 

The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority.
Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.  John 14:10

HSAA Homecoming Football Game

Our family had a wonderful evening at the homecoming football game tonight. What?  Yes, we home school. Yes, homeschoolers have homecoming. Living in the Plano/Dallas area has its advantages! Tonight was the Home School Athletic Association’s (HSAA) homecoming football game. 

At half time HSAA honored all of their team sports including Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Golf, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Track & Field, Water Polo, Cheerleading and Softball.  HSAA also put together a beautiful color printed program for the evening with photos and game schedules for each of the sports.   

Abigail organized the PEACH Jr. Sr. Club event for this month to be attending tonight's game.  At half time she joined her team mates on the field for recognition.  

After the game the softball players headed over to Wendy's. It's great that they are are old enough to drive them selves and hang out together outside of the ball field! I love the discipline, integrity, and responsibility that team sports adds to the character of the girls.  It has become so rare these days! 

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, others may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of His return.  1 Peter 2:12

PEACH Kick-Off

Tonight marks the 13th PEACH Kick-Off our family has attended, and of course six of those years were as an officer or board member.  PEACH is our local homeschool support group.  The kick-off is the beginning of the school year event to help home schooling parents get plugged into the homeschool community.  

PEACH offers scouting programs, Jr. Toastmasters, a runners club, field trips and so much more to help new homeschooling families connected.  For the last 12 years I have helped coordinate field trips and for 4 years I maintained the website, monthly newsletter, Yahoo group and member data base.  

Now that Jon and I are on the last steps of our homeschooling journey it is nice to step back and let others take the lead.  Abigail continues her involvement in PEACH with the Jr. Toastmaster program lead by Twice Distinguished Toastmaster Ms. Vogel using the Jr. Toastmasters Program. She is also helping lead the Jr./Sr. Teen Program. Tonight at the Kick Off Abigail helped man both booths and answer questions for participants.    She enjoyed getting to see her friends and spend sometime together. 

the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant

Luke 22:26

Hannah's Farewell

Today my girl had to say 'see you later' to another close friend, Hannah.  Hannah and her family are relocating to Colorado to be closer to extended family.  

For the grandparents, Hannah is that friend who has joined us on a hundred PEACH field trips. She and Caleb are a year apart and the kids have done everything together from Drama Club, Speech, to Book Club.  Hannah has a beautifully witty sense of humor and is an amazingly gifted writer.  

After Caleb and Richard left for college, Hannah made sure that Abigail was still included.  Abigail, Hannah and of course Gracie have formed a sweet bond with each other. But beyond the value of kindred spirits has been the lessons these girls have learned in the past two years and the Godly way they have handled themselves.  

Just because we homeschool doesn't mean that we are immune to the 'mean girls' or their 'mean moms'.  Two years ago the girls had to deal with a pair of sisters who were fine with lying to manipulate people, something we quickly realized they had learned from their mom.  These three were the target of the the mean girls lies and gossip.  

The mama-bear in me would have preferred to confront the mom and kids with the lies backed up by witnesses to the truth.  You know, prove the sisters and Mom were liars and make sure everyone else knew how ugly they were being!  But these three young ladies choose to take a higher road.  They knew the truth, the never gossiped, they never set the record straight or put the sisters in their place.  These three choose to let there actions speak to who they were despite the sisters lying lips. 

I'm so proud of how the girls handled all the strife. Time would bear out the truth no matter how many lies that were told.  The mean girls would move on and re-create drama with other kids, bearing out their true character.  

With the dignity and strength these three have grown together and it was a bitter sweet good bye today.  But because their friendship is grounded in His Truth I know they will continue to seek out each other's wisdom and companionship no matter where life takes them. 

Keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from telling lies.

Psalm 34:13

PC's and Pizzas

Tonight was another meeting of our PEACH Technology Club for the high schoolers. Today they worked on building frequencies and their applications. 

The group was going to take a break over the summer but have enjoyed handing out and learning from Mr. Kleinfall so they've kept the meetings going through the summer.  

The nice thing for this mom is that the girl can drive herself to the meetings, AND the meetings are near the Papa John's where we pick up pizzas on Thursdays for the food pantry.  That means she can stop by and pick up pizzas and drop them off at the pantry's cooler on her way home.  Tonight she snapped a picture of the back of her car loaded with pizzas.  That's just the back of the car there are more stacked in the back seat. 

Praise our God, all peoples,

    let the sound of his praise be heard

Psalm 66:8

Playing Around with Friends

Abigail went with the Gungan's tonight to cheer on Gracie and their other friends in the PEACH Drama performance.  

The kids had a great time hanging out before and after the play. I couldn't tell you the name of the play or what it was about because all Abigail came home with was wonderful stories and pure joy from being with her friends.  

I did asked how was the play and the kids said it was 'fine.' So there you go.  Clearly and resounding endorsement! 

I'm thankful for the sweet friendship of these kids.  I'm thankful Ms. Donna was willing to drive several hours so they could all hang out. 

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11