David Barton on Daystar's Marcus & Joni Show

Under the 'you might he homeschooled if' category, this morning the kids and I headed out to DayStar Studios for a Fourth of July special Marcus and Joni taping with David Barton.  David Barton heads Wallbuilder, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious, and constitutional heritage.

Mr. Barton has been very active in the homeschool community and is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library-museum of tens of thousands of original writings, documents, and artifacts from early America. His is an expert in historical and constitutional issues and has participate in several cases at the Supreme Court. 

I think it was Glenn Beck who said taking in information from David Barton is like taking a drink of water from a fire hydrant.  We were fortunate enough to hear Mr. Barton speak in October 2012 at Glenn Beck studios. The man is such an amazing wealth of information.  David's son Tim Barton speaks around the country on behalf of Wallbuilders and we were privileged to hear him in 2011 at a Reclaiming Texas for Christ Conference.

After today's taping we went through the drive-thru at McDonalds, guess who we saw leaving McDonalds?  :)  

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Caleb's Birthday

Our baby boy turned sixteen today, time passed so quickly!  The day began with our breakfast in bed tradition, Caleb requested Krispy Kreme donuts and chocolate milk.  Yes, he has a sweet tooth just like his dad! 

 

The day was filled with festivities appropriate for such an auspicious occasion. Caleb's big gift was a left-handed compound bow, complete with plenty of accessories.  Caleb drove out to Texas Archery Academy to shoot some targets. 

 

We rounded off the day much like we started with more sweets! Fortunately his metabolism can support such a diet!  Love my young man and the amazing things he has already accomplished!

 But because my servant Caleb
has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly,
I will bring him into the land he went to,
and his descendants will inherit it.

Numbers 14:24

Sixth Floor Museum Living History

Caleb and the Sixth Floor Museum's Youth Advisory Committee are working on an ongoing audio-visual Oral History Project exploring the history and culture of Dallas and the 1960s.  They are working to preserve personal recollections of life and death of President John F. Kennedy.

 

The Youth Advisory Committee is trying to preserve these reflections for those born long after 1963, to help keep President Kennedy's legacy relevant to future generations.  

 

The museum's website hosts a 'How to Record an Oral History' video and today Caleb and other members of the youth committee filmed new sections for the website.

Choose my instruction instead of silver,
    knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 8:10-11

Monsters University

Monsters Inc. was one of those defining movies in my children’s childhood.  Much like I would point to Bambi as the animated film of my childhood, Abigail has a fondness for the quirky tale of monsters who extract children’s screams to harness the power for their world. 

Part of the draw was the wispy haired toddler, Boo who became endeared to her monster scarers.  At the time the movie came out Abigail was the same age as Boo and their simplistic mannerism were similar. 

Abigail from not even a year old has carried around a ‘Little Mikey’ doll as her teddy bear.   This one eyed, horned, four-legged stuffed animal has prompted more than a few strange looks from on-lookers.   As odd as it is, this doll has taken on the form of plush toys, socks, birthday cake and more merchandising than should be allowed.  With such a fondness for this story it was with great excitement we anticipated the release of this prequel movie.

We invited several friends to join us at the first matinee showing of the film and it did not disappoint.  The girls giggled and cooed through the entire film.  This mom was practically giddy at the joy on my girl’s faces as they stared at the big screen.  

When I was a child, I talked like a child,

I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.

When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

I Corinthians 13:11

Father's Day 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so glad the kids are home from camp in time to celebrate Father’s Day with Jon.  Even though it has been a long week, we all still got up early and pounced Jon in bed with breakfast and presents.  Breakfast is a loose term for the chocolate donuts and Dr. Pepper that Jon requested for his morning sustenance. 

It has become increasingly amusing getting all five of us in bed with breakfast and gifts as the kids have gotten bigger!  And has made for an even more amusing sight al be it slightly unsanitary by the fact that Padme’ thinks if the kids are on our bed she needs to be there too.

 

Father’s Day is one of those days where I could lament the loss of my own Father or the passing of Jon’s father some 20+ years ago, but I choose to celebrate today as the tremendous blessing the children have in Jon as their Father.  My kids are simply amazing people to me and most of their most endearing qualities they acquired from Jon. 

 

Jon has taught all three of them how to ride a bike, their phonics, and math facts.  He has read the Bible to them every morning of their lives and wonderful classics at bed time.  He is quiet and patient yet strong and steadfast.  I am simply not eloquent enough to pen my admiration and love for him and the blessing he has been to the children.

 

After church services this morning at Jon’s request we prepared lunch.  Rather than serve the fine china the girls dug out our mismatched camping gear.  Caleb grilled T-bones and I prepared all his favorite side dishes.   I’m thinking such great dads should get more than just one day per year!

 

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead,
bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4

Off to Camp Blue Haven

This morning Caleb and Abigail left from the Brown Trail Church of Christ via a chartered bus for Camp Blue Haven in Las Vegas, New Mexico.  They are in for a ten hour ride, fortunately the bus is equipped with T.V. screens  and plenty of snacks!  Abigail was teasing Frankie about hiding away in the luggage compartment so she could come with them.

They will stop and spend the night in a hotel along the way and arrive at camp Sunday morning for worship services in the mountains. Once they reach the camp all electronics are stored away and there will be no contact until they arrive home next weekend. 

They will have a fabulous time and I'm excited to here about their wonderful adventures.  It sure will be quiet around here this week!

Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise,
    in the city of our God, his holy mountain.

Psalm 48:1

Happy Birthday Isabel!

Happy 15th Birthday Isabel!  We are so blessed with great friends in our homeschooling community and tonight was such a good reminder of the best parts of homeschooling.  We got together with quite a few other families, some we knew others became new friends, at Harold Bacchus Community Park to celebrate Isabel's 15th birthday. 

 

Isabel was our amazing musical director for the OZ play.  She has won several ribbons at the Texas State Fair for her mad cake decorating skills, she dances in Philippine fold dances, she has done mission work in the Philippines and I'm sure a host of other things I'm leaving out!

 

The kids had a great time playing games with water balloons and water guns.  Isabel's mom made the most amazing cake ever, talent flows freely in this family!  Thank you Isabel for including us in your special day!

 

remember the Lord your God,
for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,
and so confirms his covenant,
which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Deuteronomy 8:18

A Little More Softball

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More softball pictures from tonight’s game, Abigail was once again playing catcher.  As the temperature warms up I sometimes get worried about her playing in this heat under all that catchers gear.  But she doesn’t complain and loves to be right there in the middle of the action. 

Tonight she had a couple of great hits and it is very rare for her not to make it to at least second base.  Jon is usually coaching 3^rd base and will take a few more chance when it’s Abigail for rushing 3^rd.

 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me;
my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task
the Lord Jesus has given me—the task
of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Acts 20:24

Teen Speaker's Club

Abigail's Pool Cake




Comparison Speech

Our homeschool group, PEACH, hosts a Youth Speakers Club for Jr. & Sr. High schoolers .  This is the first year to offer a speakers club, in years past Caleb has participated in Toastmasters and a Speech and Debate Club.  In this Speaker’s Club youth are assigned and deliver nine different styles of speeches. 

 

The club is supplemental to their school courses in a workshop style class that provides emphasis on various styles of speeches and on speaking and leadership skills.  It has been a great asset to help the kids overcome nervousness, and organizing and presenting their ideas in a logical and convincing manner. 

Today the kids celebrate the conclusion of this year’s program with their final speeches followed by trophies and a pool party. 

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,  keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
I Peter 3:15-16

Classical Book Club

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Our homeschool group, PEACH, hosts a Classical Book Club for 6^th through12th graders, meeting every other month to discuss books of excellence while learning Biblical discernment in reading literature. 

This school year they voted on the book selections and read:

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

Black Ships before Troy by Rosemary Sutcliff

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan

Mysterious Island by Jules Verne

Ben Hur by Lew Wallace

Today they met to discuss The Taming of the Shrew followed by dinner and end of the year pool party.  Later in the evening they watched a theater production of the Taming of the Shrew with Marc Singer as Petruchio.  My favorite is the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton movie, but not as well suited for the younger audience.

A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls
together and burned them publicly. When they calculated
the value of the scrolls, the total came
to fifty thousand drachmas. 
Acts 19:19