North Texas History

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.Today was Homeschool Day at the North Texas History. The main gallery houses an exhibit that tells the history in North Texas through artifacts and photos. In today’s class students had the unique opportunity to handle artifacts and learn not only about the time period they are studying, but about the importance of museums and the history in their communities. The children worked to classify their artifacts then took turns reporting their finding to the class. We had a great time with the Terry’s and Ms. Stacy’s crew!

Got It!!

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What a great night for a ballgame or two!!! Jon helped coached Caleb’s team at practice, while Frankie and I took Abigail to her game. I love the action shot of Abigail above. If you look closely you will see the ball in her glove! Padme’ accompanied Frankie to the game. Caleb and Jon joined us following their practice. The girl’s won their game and Abigail’s buddy Jodee scored a run!

Casa Manana's Peter Pan

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I don’t wanna grow up . . . is the theme of the classical tale of Peter Pan. Casa Manana’s Childrens Theater did a fantastic rendition of the Tony award winning live show. The performance had all of the magic anticipated including flying children, a flickering Tinkerbell, a flamboyant captain hook and even TigerLilly! It was one of Casa’s best performances! Following the performance we joined the Gungans at Dairy Queen for lunch!

Are You Smarter Than a 3rd Grader?

In conjunction with Leadership Training for Christ, I coached sixteen of our youth to compete in the National Bible Bowl tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Previous competitions have been held at Abilene Christian University and Oklahoma Christian University. This year, however, the Bible Bowl was sponsored by York Christian College and held during the Tulsa Soul Winning Workshop. This was Caleb's 3rd year to compete and Abigail's 2nd year. Many have asked what the test is like, so I thought I would share.

Do you want to see how you would score? Below is the test and answer key for this year's test. But remember - for a real 'Nationals' experience, have someone two feet taller than you walk around to make sure your eyes don't wonder, and that you don't discuss the questions. Also, don't forget each section of the test is timed. Oh, and there are no 'half credits', if you miss any portion of the question your entire answer is wrong! Whew! Good Luck! Caleb scored 236 out of our a possible 250, taking First Place in the Jr. Division. Abigail scored 200 out of 250, taking First Place in the Elementary Division.

Click here to take the test

Click here to view the test answer key

Jumptown!

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Sunday afternoon brought great fun with friends! We joined a host of friends at Jumptown, an indoor inflatables playground for a couple of hours of fun! Some of our sweet friends are moving and it was a fun send off with the kiddos! We celebrated Ashley's 9th birthday and Andrews 11th birthday with the biggest cupcakes you have ever seen!!!

Taylor's Birthday!!

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How fun, look at all those pretty smiles! Abigail's friend Taylor turned 9 and the girls celebrated with a fabulous party at the Natatorium! The girls went down the giant slide and floated round and round the lazy river! Taylor is one of those sweet spirits whose smile can light up a room! She and Abigail enjoy a lot of the same books, and they just really enjoy being together.

Recycle Center

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With the celebration of Earth Day, one of our field trip coordinators planned a trip to the local Recycle Center. How cool, you think. Let me break it down, think of lots of dump trucks, bring in LOTS of garbage to be seperated to go to recycling centers. Hard hats, flying debris, and quite the odor!!!! The kids enjoyed it, mom never got past the smell!! It is interesting to think of all the new products that will be created, but did I mention the smell!

Play Ball

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Caleb is now playing ball in the major league division of Little League. It is still rec ball and not as competitive as the select leagues. Jon is assisting coaching again this year. Tonight he played catcher. His team didn't win, but Caleb had a good game. Hopefully Saturday's game will yield better results!

Mad Money

Today was our second visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth. Upon arrival, individuals are enclosed in a Plexiglas chamber and given a full body scan. There is also a mechanical sniff test for explosives. All purses are x-rayed and physically searched. The security is un-believably strict. Even your tour is given by a 'warden' toting a stun gun. The tour is fantastic, lot of hands on activities in the printing process for young children. We took the tour with 60+ homeschool friends, and followed the tour with lunch with the Gungans.

Play Ball!

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Softball and Baseball season is in full swing, . . .get it! Abigail is playing with the same group of girls again this year. She loves playing catcher and is very good at it. Caleb, too is playing catcher. He has moved up to the Majors Division. The season has started slow for both teams, but the kids have had good games! Jon is helping with Caleb’s team, and I’m sure, if given the opportunity, he’ll be out on the field with Abigail’s team too!

Nasher Sculpture Center Home School Class

Today was another great class at the Nasher Sculpture Center. It was a continuation of the February class, just focusing on different pieces of Jaume Plensa. Very modern art, with various mediums, but all carrying the theme of language and people. The class is concluded with a hands on activity utilizing some of the aspects learned during the class.

Army Men & Game Shows

Outside of Bible Bowl, the kids absolute favorite LTC event is Drama! Again, they have to utilize the LTC theme to deliver a message, but they are free to use their creativity. Abigail’s 3rd-5th grade group’s skit was called, ‘Battle at the Rock.’ She played a war-worn 50 year old Christian.

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Caleb and the other 6th & 7th graders had a game show themed skit called, ‘Rockin’ Rocks.’ Caleb’s character was modeled after Thurston Howell III from Gilligan’s Island. His part required hours of character research via Netflix.

Chorus Performances

Chorus is one of those events that the kids always enjoy! Abigail competed with the 3rd-6th grade chorus and Caleb with the 7th – 12th. Ms. Vyneta always does an amazing job with the younger kids, she sings with the Sweet Adelines just like Jon’s mom and Aunt Cathy! She had the kids perform “I Will Call Upon the Lord,” “Rock of Ages,” and “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.” Of course they took gold; you can’t have that many sweet voice singing and not just be in awe!

Mr. Jordan worked with our older chorus with “King of Kings”, “Mighty to Save,” “Lord Reign in Me,” and “Celebrate Jesus.” Their older more mature voice left goose bumps on our arms!

The kids work so hard in preparation for LTC, and form such close friendships!

Oh, the random picture of Jon and I, well virtually every ‘roll’ of film has one photo Jon takes of the two of us. Even in the digital age, he’s kept up this silly tradition. One day when we’re long gone the kids will find these and smile, knowing their mom and dad loved each other.

The Rock Speech

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This year Caleb also prepared a speech. It’s crazy to think he’s old enough, but he did a great job. He also gave his message at Sunday evening services. I was so proud of him; I forgot to take a picture either time! Fortunately we had friends who video taped it!

Sign Language

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For Sign Language this year, the kids had the choice between a specific song or scripture. Both of the kids learned the scripture, II Samuel 22:31-34. When they enter before the judges they sign their name and then the scripture reference, before sign the scripture itself.

The Artist

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This year was the first year for Abigail to submit an entry in Art. There are several divisions: drawing, painting, mixed media and sculptures. Abigail did a painting of David and Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. LTC’s theme was taken from II Samuel, so there were about 8 events from II Samuel the children could chose to illustrate.