National Bible Bowl Practice

For the kids competing in the National Bible Bowl competition, this week I made up some board games to make class a little more fun! One game was like 'Clue' where they had to guess who did it, you know, 'it was the Dragon, with sword in Pergamum!' :) The other game was similar to Life. If you landed on a square with something that the seven churches of Asia were doing correctly you got to move forward. But, if you landed on something like 'Lukewarm' that Laodecia was admonished for, you moved backwards! :) Silliness I know, but I love that these kids put so much into learning scripture and that they enjoy my quirky Bible humor. They are such an awesome group of kids!

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The picture of Richard, Caleb & Blake was taken during drama practice today. These are the three musketeers. I really loved this candid shot of them just being them! They are the best of friends and I just love the camaraderie when they are together. They are very different personalities, but they bring out the very best in each other!

Everyone who competes in the games
goes into strict training.
They do it to get a crown that will not last,
but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
I Corinthians 9:25

Nerf-A-Ganza

The award for most awesome mom goes to my friend, Ms. Tami! She invited a dozens boys with an arsenal of Nerf guns to her home for a battle. The boys went to a nearby park, suited up in teams and battled to be the last man standing! Caleb took his Strikeforce Nerf gun and thee magazines of bullets to the battle! The boys had a blast! Caleb came home exhausted but said it was the, 'best day ever!' Way to go Ms. Tami, brilliant idea!

Israel cut them down,
leaving them neither survivors nor fugitives.
Joshua 8:22

Shoes for Orphan Souls

Today we were able to visit Shoes for Orphan Souls in Mesquite. Shoes for Orphan Souls is part of Buckner International and has been helping children for over 100 years. They collect new shoes, via volunteers, then the shoes are delivered (via shipping containers) through Buckner staff working overseas. They partner with over 100 humanitarian relief organizations to deliver shoes to orphanages and children in need throughout the world. They have sent shoes to 68 countries! Since 1999 they have delivered over 200 million shoes! Not only do the shoes protect these precious feet from disease and injury, but in some countries if the children cannot afford shoes and close they are not permitted to attend school. The greatest part of this work is that many of these children live in orphanages and this pair of shoes may be the only thing that belongs to them. Every pair of shoes is packed with a love note stuffed in the toe! One day I would love to meet the container and see those sweet faces!

“The King will reply,
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did
for one of the least of these,
you did for me.'

Matthew 25:40

Museum of Nature and Science Archaeology Program

The Museum of Nature and Science hosted a Home School Archaeology Program today. The focus of the class was Ancient Technologies and Engineering. Youth were allowed to touch artifacts to gain an understanding of technologies and the progression of engineering innovations. An archaeologist from the museum helped the explore ancient marvels including the Terra Cotta Warriors and the Egyptian Pyramids. Following the class we checked out the museums latest exhibit, 'Midway Math.'

I applied my mind to study and to explore
by wisdom all that is done under the heavens.
What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!
Ecclesiastes 1:13

Romeo, Gnomeo, Where for Art Thou

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,We began today with a trip to the Dallas Winspear Opera House for their production of Romeo and Juliet. It was presented in five acts, in French with English subtitles. This was their 2010-2011 Educational series. Composer Charles-Francois Gounod wrote this opera in 1859, and today it was performed with outstanding orchestra. Because it was part of the educational series, during one interlude they brought the curtains and house lights up so the youth could watch behind the scenes as they made set changes. The opera house was a packed house filled with students from all around the metroplex.

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Following the opera, we headed to Cinemark for the new movie Gnomeo & Juliet. It is a spin on Shakespeare's Capulet & Montague feud only they are garden gnomes. The Capulets are the red hatted gnomes and the Montagues are the blue hatted gnomes. It was a cute movie and much only about half as long as the three hour opera! Fortunately the garden gnomes learned to put their grievance aside for the betterment of the neighborhood!

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against

anyone among your people, but love your
neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

Leviticus 19:18

Toastmasters

Yes, I did snap a picture of Caleb giving his Intro and 1st Point at Toastmasters, but at least I didn't use the flash! He is currently working on a 4-6 minute speech on Leadership, that he will present next Tuesday. Tonight they worked on body posturing and capturing the audiences attention. He's just so cute, er uh. . ., such a handsome young man!

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To these young men God gave knowledge
and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning.
Daniel 1:17

Valentine's Day 2011

Once a month our homeschool families from church get together. Sometimes we get together for educational purposes, sometimes games and silliness. These are the families we laugh and cry with. They are the people who know us best. We've shared eachothers homes, meals, joys and saddness.

This month we got together for Valentine's Day. The kids exchanged cards and candy. Some made crafts while others played card games, and still other swung from trees. Above are the cards Caleb and Abigail made for the party and a couple of the crafts they brought home.

And our hope for you is firm,
because we know that just as you share in our sufferings,
so also you share in our comfort.
II Corinthians 1:7

Girl Time

Abigail spent much of the day with other homeschool friends at Ashley's house. They made sugar cookies, rolled out the dough and cut out the heart shapes. Once the cookies were baked the girls iced and decorated their cookies. They also made heart squiggly characters, book marks and designed their own bags. Ms. Tami said she was amazed at how much pizza they ate! Abigail had a wonderful 'girl' time!

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.
Job 8:21

Teen Game Night

Caleb and his homeschooled friends from Toastmasters and Drama got together tonight for a game night. The kids ate goofed off, made lots of noise and had alot of fun! It is a brave mom that lets this many kids in her home!

. . .and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening.

II Corinthians 12:19

What's in the Bible?!

What’s in the Bible? is a new DVD series from VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer designed to walk kids and families through the entire Bible.

The DVDs are well done and geared toward children, yet answer BIG questions, like how did we get the Bible, and how did man decide what writings to include. Great information, which many adults could not answer.

Today What’s In The Bible published one of my craft projects on their website and Facebook page, check it out!

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One of my favorite characters in the What's in the Bible DVDs is their Sunday School Lady. Her catch phrase is, 'Never mess with a Sunday School Lady!' My Bible Bowl kids amended her appearance to look more like me and with the 4 horsemen that we are currently studying in Revelation!

whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

I Corinthians 10:31

Homemade Magic Shell

One of our projects while we were snowed in was to try a recipe we had found for magic shell chocolate. You know that chocolate that hardens on cold ice cream and then slowly melts in your mouth! We found a recipe that melts chocolate chips with coconut oil. Because the coconut oil has a low melt point it stays runny at room temperature and hardens quickly when introduced to cold temperature. Pretty yummy, and a fun project!

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:27

Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables, a one-act musical based on the novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery performed at the Jewish Community Center. The main character, Anne Shirley, and 11 year old orphan girl, had no television, fast food, or vacation away from home. In 1900, the United States of America had 45 states. Most people were farmers. Anne relies on her imagination for entertainment, which usually gets her in trouble.

The New York touring group that performed stayed around after the performance to answer questions. Jon had read the book to the kids a year or two ago, and Abigail was so excited that she re-read it over the weekend and finished as they were dimming the lights for the play. This one has always been one of Frankie's favorite.

I applied my heart to what I observed
and learned a lesson from what I saw

Proverbs 24:32

National Bible Bowl Practice

Our National Bible Bowl practice took place in the hallway today. The kids spend a lot of time in a classroom setting and I wanted them to see each other and get encouragement from their peers who are preparing for competition. Today we finished up the book of Revelation. Next Sunday we will begin the games, and quizzes to make sure we know the information. I have never taught the book of Revelation but have learned so much with these kiddos!

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Yes, that is my baby in the floral dress and her Wizard of Oz striped socks. In her defense she was wearing tall boots, before she took her shoes off. . . and laid in the floor . . . in her dress . . .

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Impress them on your children.

Talk about them when you sit at home
and when you walk along the road,
when you lie down and when you get up.
Deuteronomy 6:7

Home Depot Day

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After almost a week of being snowed in, today we got out of the house today! The first Saturday of the month is Home Depot's Kids Workshop, the projects usually require a few nails, screws, and a little sandpaper. Today's project was the heart shaped shelf!

The wise woman builds her house,
but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 14:1

Frozen Bubbles

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With the temperatures below freezing, bubbles that you blow will freeze. When they're far below freezing, the effect is much more impressive. Head outside and find a location sheltered from the wind and experiment with blowing bubbles. Look carefully at the surface of them, and see what happens when you pop them! Hint: Chill your bubble solution beforehand to help them freeze more quickly.

The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
Job 37:10

Snow and Ice in Dallas

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I grew up loving the snow and ice what’s not to love, it generally means, no school, building snowmen and hot cocoa. As an adult snow and ice are not quite so enjoyable.

When you know there is storm coming you must be prepared, groceries on hand, flash lights with fresh batteries maybe even a space heater or two. But the responsibility doesn’t end there, I have several trees and plants outside that must be cared for.

The children worked quickly with me, the day before the storms arrived to cover our fig tree and the grapes and blueberries. The weather had been warm enough that the fig tree had begun to bloom. With gentle care and protection, our Brown Turkey Fig will make thru the Dallas blizzard of 2011!

The one who guards a fig tree will eat its fruit,
and whoever protects their master will be honored.
Proverbs 27:18

Bloggin' Along

Several years ago I started this blog because Jon’s job had relocated our family to Texas and most of our family was still in Oklahoma. It served as a great tool for Grandparents to keep up with what my kiddos were doing. It also helped the grandparents understand what the kids were talking about when their communication skills were still developing.

As our children have grown older and many family member have gone to receive their reward the blog has taken on a new purpose. Being a home schooling family my children all have laptops and each of them check the blog almost daily. They love to read about our adventures. I’m sure it is not surprising because they are the stars of almost each adventure.

Then I got to thinking, long after I’m gone the kiddos will have this memoir of their childhood narrated by their mom, how cool is that. I would like to continue to include our fun and add to it ‘lessons learned’ that I want the kids to keep with them, long after I’m gone.

My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
-- Proverbs 3:1-4