6 Years in Texas

.

Halloween marks our 6th year in Texas! Our families first visit to Texas was on Halloween 2001. We were surprised to find members 'Trunk or Treating' on Wednesday night church services. Especially coming from a small Oklahoma congregation where even pumpkins were a no-no! Anyway, this event is one of the first touch points that the surrounding neighborhood has with our congregation. Several bounce houses, lots of candy, hot cocoa and friends. This year Caleb & Abigail went as Luke and Leia. Frankie was the 'walking carpet', Chewbacca. Take a close look at Jon, he has tattoos on both arms, a do-rag, and biker gloves! Padme' went as herself!

Music to my Ears

.

Today was the first youth program put on by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. We enjoyed a production featuring the history of percussion in the orchestra, from drums first borrowed from the military band to exotic instruments utilized by contemporary composers. The most fun-loving group of musicians in the orchestra guides us on a multi-cultural journey full of curricular connections including science, history, and music. The repertoire included music by Dvorák, Beethoven, Mozart, Rossini, Copland, and concluded with Leonard Bernstein’s ever-popular Mambo!

Nimrod* would be proud!

In Bible and History today, we discussed the Tower of Babel. The Tower of Babel was probablly a ziggurat, because that was the common temple tower in the land of Babylon at the time. The architecture of ziggurats resembles pyramids, without the smooth sides. Following our lessons, Caleb and Abigail build a ziggurat out of Legos, complete with temple entrance.

*Nimrod was the Hamitic ruler that unified the people to build the tower.

What a Catch!

.
Brother played catcher and first base at tonight's game. The photos above are both of him in his catchers gear. He had two at bats with a double, 2 RBIs and a single. Monday night will be his last game of the Fall season. He has really enjoyed this team. Great coach and great parents.

The Mummy's Claw

Today we were “wrapped” in suspense and laughter at the horror spoof The Mummy’s Claw. The tale of an elegant British house party that becomes a madcap life or death struggle in the Valley of the Nile. Everyone convenes at the home of archaeologist Sir Nevil Blore’s ‘digs’ to solve an ancient puzzle. We literally had a front row seat to all the mayhem! It was a thrilling performance!

Mummy

CK transforms to Superman!

This is a fun pic from tonight's game! Whoosh, Caleb is super fast! If you know brother, that made you giggle. He is all heart, gives everything 110%, however speed, not really a word used to describe him! He has been getting faster since the kids have been running with Jon in the morning! Anyway, this was not his teams best game, everyone on the team seemed sleepy. Hopefully Saturday's game will be better!

My Little Cupcake

My baker wanted to do some baking today! She followed the recipe, mixed, filled the cupcake pan and decorated all by herself. I helped getting them in and out of the oven, that's all! She did lose one egg, trying to crack it on the bowl, it ended up on the floor. Padme' was very grateful! Abigail topped off her cupcakes with cherry icing and sprinkles, very yummy!

Under the Lights

Saturday evening means baseball. Caleb played third again tonight. He had a great play, the first batter hit a line drive to third, Caleb scooped it up and threw it first for the out. With two at bats, he walked both times. He made it home once and the second time he was thrown out at home. Good news is his team won, and he had fun.

Happy birthday Grandmother Bellamy!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

.

Yesterday I was working on school with the kids, and as I wrote the date out I told Jon, 'tomorrow is my Dad's birthday!' Jon said, 'Then you should go to Oklahoma and wish him a Happy Birthday.' With that, I packed a bag, loaded up the kids and drove to Oklahoma. Dad had no idea we were coming, he was so surprised. I prepared his favorite Tortilla soup and we enjoyed dinner with Dad and Michael & Misty. This morning we shared breakfast together followed by cake & ice cream, then we drove back to Texas. It was a short visit, but well worth it! I can't remember the last time Michael & I were together for Dad's birthday!

Fleating Moments

.

Jon's busy season at work is winding down. He's been getting home late, but the kids want to stay up and see Dad. Usually he comes in, they take turns snuggling on him. It's been a pretty good thing for me too. Look at my big middle schooler curled up on Mom's lap! Those moments just don't come often enough anymore!

Johnny Appleseed

We met for our co-op class at church today. Donna taught the class about apples. Each of the students brought 2 different varieties of apples, this gave us an assortment of 14 different apples to sample. We also had on hand caramel dipping sauce, apple cake, and apple pie! We watched the Disney production of Johnny Appleseed, aka., John Chapman. We had 24 students in class today! It is such a blessing for Caleb & Abigail to be attending church with so many other homeschoolers! And it's good for mom too!

The Arboretum

We spent Columbus Day at the Arboretum. The weather was ideal. About 80, a little overcast, with a breeze. We took in a performance at the amphitheater by former Opera singer turned child entertainer, Eddie Coker. The kids sang along and danced with about 300 other school age children. Afterwards we walked the garden, so pretty! I think I snapped over 100 pics, imagine that! Brother is getting older, look how grown up he looks! They're all so pretty, what did you expect me to say!

Take me out to the ball park . . .

We finished off this Columbus Day with a ball game. Brother had thee at-bats, with one walk, a single and a double. The photo above on the left is Caleb batting and the image on the right is him coming home.

My treasures!

The babies looked so sweet, all dressed for church! I snapped this on our way out the door this morning. This afternoon Abigail's Tabitha class had a special tea. Each of the students have been paired up with a lady in the congregation. They exchange gifts and cards, visit with each other, and today they had a lovely tea. Abigail was paired up with Ms. Sheila she has had the best time! I forgot my camera (shock) but A friend took photos, so I will put those up later!

Salty French Fries, again!

Great news! Because of protests, McDonald’s has now decided to remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage, ending our 6 month boycott of McDonald's. As most of you know, in May after McDonald’s joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), when Caleb found out, he said, “Did they learn nothing from Sodom and Gomorrah?” At Caleb's urging, we wrote letters, etc. and began boycotting McD.

McDonald’s Vice President Richard Ellis, who started this whole mess, has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced.

In an e-mail to McDonald’s franchised owners the company said, “It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald’s remains neutral on same sex marriage or any ‘homosexual agenda’ as defined by the American Family Association.”

Following the Thursday announcement, we had lunch at McDonald’s and stopped and told the manager thanks for McDonald’s staying in the food business and out of the political arena.

Hark, what light from yonder window . . . .

Today the younger kids attended an all day Communicators for Christ (CFC) Conference. CFC's philosophy is that Christian must harness and use the skills of public speaking, and that everyone can! The skills of communication, thinking clearly and speaking articulately are not negotiable. They believe it is absolutely necessary for every Christian young person to become an excellent communicator, because once you become a Christian, you are His representative. CFC tours around the country with 1 to 3 day conferences for grades 3 thru 12. Caleb and Abigail took the one day Beginning Public Speaking classes today for the 3rd -6th graders. The kids read prepared speeches, did impromptu exercises, and spoke using humours props. As the kids get older, CFC offers debate and apologetics. The photos above show the entire group of 3rd - 6th graders.

For most of the activities, they broke out in smaller groups. The links below will let you see Caleb and Abigail in their first appearance before an audience of peers.

3 kids, 3 bathrooms. . . do the math!

You would think with 3 bathrooms that 3 children would be able to get ready for their day in peace! But no! This morning I hear all kinds of giggling, rustling and other noises not usually associated with teeth brushing! This was the scene I found upstairs! hmmmmmm