Homeschool "Breakthrough"

I've been lacking the necessary motivation for homeschool since our Thanksgiving break.  We've been doing a lesson here and there, but haven't really put in a "full" day of school since the break.  It's hard with winter break just around the corner to go fully back into "school" mode. 
Even though my motivation has been lacking, we did have a really good day today.  Last year we used curriculum that introduced cursive (intensive) for Ethan.  Poor kid, we had constant struggles with cursive and about 3/4 through the year I finally said, "Enough, we'll put this aside till next year."  I couldn't fit a full English unit into this short period of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks, so I pulled out some other material that I bought but decided that I'd save for Josiah.  For something different I thought I'd pull out one of the English units and have Ethan work through it.  Today we came to cursive...and there were no tears.  AND, his handwriting was SO much improved AND he was proud of himself for doing such neat work.  Phew!  I was really dreading coming back to cursive.  Major breakthrough! 
The second thing was something Ethan said.  He was working on Roman Numerals (which, quite honestly confuse me and give me a headache)...adding Roman Numerals!  Yikes, I thought it might be a little too much for him (because it took him awhile to finish), but he loved it!  He asked me to make him MORE problems with Roman Numerals.  Seriously! 

Giving thanks to the "older" generation

This past week we attended the Deacon's Banquet for our church.  It was a nice event and I could tell it was something really special for the deacons and their wives, especially those of the older generation.  The speaker was a counselor who at one time was part of NFWBC.  I can't remember his name, but I remember a story he told.  A man he was counseling came to this part of his "life" story and broke down.  He was remembering the church he had grown up in and that as a teenager his father had just decided that they weren't going anymore...and that was it.  He remembered how the people at church had loved him and always had a cookie and juice for him (specifically some of the older people) and a hug.  He felt he belonged...and then it was gone.  The story made me think of some people in my own life, especially those of the "older" generation who have loved, hugged and given me that sense of belonging in the churches I've attended.  So, I thought I'd just mention them and thank God for them.  (Note:  older is relative, but I'm thinking mostly of those who are older than my parents or at least have children that are older than I am).

CSBC - (my church as an older child and youth through my college years) & Ronald Community

• Gene Wilson - Love this man!  He would always come up and give me the side shoulder hug and lots of smiles.  I knew he was ALWAYS glad to see me (because he told me so)...he even drove the bus that picked me up for a lot of my childhood years.
• Dr. Powell - there aren't enough words to describe this man...those who know him know why!
• Frank & Tommie Sue Johnson 
• Dwight & Janice Bolton

WVBC

• Byron & Iris Moore
• Katie Handley
• Treva Wilson
• Butch & Geneva Manry
• June Lamb - she rocked my firstborn baby in the nursery during his first year
• Dislcaimer:  the following I don't think are "older" enough but I will mention them anyway - Beverly Selland, Ann Lancaster, John & LauVonne Melton, Perry & Kay Peddicord
• I think there are others that I'm missing...but I'll add to it as I remember.

NFWBC

• Trinidad & Betty Ann - two of my boys favorite things each Sunday are going to the library (Betty Ann) and getting doughnut holes from the greeters (Trinidad). 
• Linda Renfro - has been so kind to our family.

Last 2 weeks - Fun in Fort Worth

Hello again.  It's been a crazy last two weeks at our house, but it was a good kind of crazy.  My memory doesn't keep up with our activity though, so I can't really tell you everything, but I will share what I remember.  Let's start with November 18th (Thursday) when Casey's parents arrived.  It seemed to take forever for them to get here...just ask Josiah.

This is how I found him.

I opened the blinds and he made himself comfortable.

On Friday evening was Casey's graduate recital.  And no, he hasn't graduated yet, but that's just what it's called (graduate level thing).  He did AMAZING!  We are SO proud of him and all his hard work.  His voice professor told him that he should be really proud of himself because he did so well.  From what Casey has said previously about his prof. (whom he really respects), he doesn't just hand out compliments like that.

Grandpa & Grandma w/ boys

reception

 

Me and my handsome man

 Saturday and Sunday were a little uneventful for me and the boys as they had come down with a cold.  So, we stayed home and Gma & Gpa went out and about with Casey.  Monday we visited the Botanical Gardens.  It was a perfect day, except that it was pretty breezy.  For lunch we went to Dickey's bbq and then drove around a little and fought our way through the grocery store to get everything for our Thanksgiving dinner.

Casey worked Tuesday, so the boys and I took the grandparents to the Museum of Science and History.  It's one of our favorite places to go.  The planetarium shows are great and there are so many fun things to explore and create.

Grandpa takes on T-Rex

Ancient Egypt exhibit

 Wednesday I spent at home getting ready for Thanksgiving.  I made a gluten free pumpkin pie that was really yummy and an apple crumble that was less than mediocre.  It wasn't awful, but definitely not great.  Thanksgiving was a nice day at home playing games and eating!  Lots of eating.
Friday afternoon we went to the zoo.  I love the zoo.  It's one of my favorite places to go. I've taken many, many pictures from our trips, but I'll just post this one cute little picture this time.   

The Meerkats are so cute! 

On Saturday the grandparents, Casey and boys left me at home with my heat pad (pinched nerve in back) and went to the movie theater.  They saw Megamind and I think they all enjoyed it.  That evening we all went Downtown (cue music).  We ate dinner at Uno's pizza.  They have a gluten free pizza...yay for me!  After dinner we walked around and browsed the coolest Barnes and Noble bookstore I've ever been in.  And, got a few books too!  Sorry, no more pics from me....
Sunday we went to church.  The youth pastor filled in for our pastor who was sick and brought a great Word.  For lunch we went to the Chef Pointe Cafe.  Now, this is no ordinary cafe.  It was featured on Guy Fieri's Food Network show called Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.  Chef Pointe is a gas station (still operable) with 5-star food inside.  YUMMY!  Well, at least my previous meals there have been fantastic.  However, now that I'm gluten intolerant it left me with a plate of greens and grilled chicken - BORING!!!  I did enjoy seeing everyone else eat their amazing food...I should have taken a picture!
And that was about the end of our crazy busy, but fun week!  We did a few things on Monday too, but by then I think we were all exhausted...I know I was anyway...and my kids too!  Phew.   It was so nice to have grandpa and grandma visit and spend some time with us. 

Choosing to SEE

Mary Beth Chapman wrote a book recently called Choosing to SEE.  I did NOT want to read this book.  I had seen it out on book shelves and heard a lot about it, but I had already decided that it was not something I wanted to read.  A little over two years ago their 5 year old daughter was run over and killed by a vehicle that their son was driving.  Devastating!  I remember hearing about it on the news when it happened and honestly just grieved for their family.  I don't "know" them, but have been very familiar with Steven Curtis Chapman's music and followed their story as they've adopted three little girls from China.  There are some things I just don't want to read about.  It wasn't because I knew it would be a sad story, but because sometimes looking at the frailty of our lives is just too much.  I can't fathom losing a child.  Just the thought makes my gut hurt and eyes begin to tear. 
So, I didn't want to read the book, until I heard the prologue.  In October a few friends from seminary were able (once again) to attend Beth Moore's taping at Life Today Studios for the Wednesday's with Beth program.  It is an intense weekend, but SO very good.  In the very last session before closing Beth brought up Mary Beth Chapman.  I don't want to give it away, but it was GOOD...arm tingling, not-a-dry-eye-in-the-place GOOD.  The sessions that we went to last year are just now airing, so this one likely won't be out for awhile yet, but the book is.  And, Beth Moore wrote out her "part" in the story and it is the prologue for the book. 
My friend gave me the book to read yesterday.  I started into it a little yesterday and loved it.  It is honest and real and it is more about her life and struggles with God than just about their little girl.  I got to the hardest part today and had to put the book down and walk away for a bit.  It is heart wrenching, but they testify to God's faithfulness.  As she shared about their adoptions and their heart for orphans I felt my own heart being stirred towards something I hope is part of our future.
So, get the book and read it!  If you tend to shy away from topics like this (like I do) because they are so hard, please reconsider.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

We ended up sitting to the side or behind her for all the sessions so I wasn't able to get as good of a shot as last year.  During the last session I could see myself on the camera whenever she came my direction...just a little distracting!

Storms

One thing about living in north Texas is that it is flat, very flat.  So, when a storm is coming, you can see it.  There aren't any mountains blocking the view.  When we moved here last August I was amazed at how routine the storms seemed.  I finally asked a "native" Texan, "Does every Thursday start off nice and beautiful and end with a magnificent thunder and rain storm?"  It had done that about 4 weeks in a row, so I thought maybe this was usual.  She was surprised and said, "Really, I hadn't noticed that."  Sure enough, Thursday rolled around and with it the storm.  It eventually stopped that cycle, but I was thinking how nice it would be if we could see the storms of life coming with such predictability.

Sometimes, we can see the storm coming and there is nothing we can do but hunker down and go right through it.  I kind of feel that way right now.  There is something brewing.  It may just pass over, but it could get powerful and kick up some stuff too.  I don't know what "category" of storm it's going to be, but I do know how I want to respond.  How I respond is all the "control" I have over the situation.  I can't control how others respond.  We've been warned in Scripture that storms are coming; it's a part of life.  Scripture uses "when" instead of "if" to prepare us for trials and troubles.  I think we prefer to read "when trouble comes" as "IF trouble comes."  Somehow "IF" is more comforting, but it's the "when" that grows us up in character.

So, at least now I know why I am camped out in the book of James (still).
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
"...let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind."
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
"Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Responding to God

It's 9:45 pm and I just got my kids into bed.  Long day, longer night, but so worth it.  Josiah went to bed in tears, something to do with toothpaste, but I told him everything would be fine in the morning.  Two hours past bedtime and he is done in! 

Anyway, the boys and I headed up to the church tonight for an evangelistic "event."  The preacher is good.  He went on a little about how people in the "buckle of the Bible belt" go to church for 10,000 reasons and none of them have to do with hearing from God.  A few other comments too, but I did manage to refrain my "amens" and "that's right" to myself.  I've mentioned this to Casey a few times, but I feel so out of place at church.  Not sure if it's a "southern" thing or what.  But, if God speaks, heaven help me if I don't respond to Him!  Especially if I sense something during my quiet time and only kind of respond and then hear it again (a little louder) the very same night.  Well, let's just say, I've learned that it is better to obey right away.  (Isn't that what I always tell my kids too?)  Half the time at the response (altar) time I'm expecting the whole body to be down front, and I look around and see only a handful....  I know, everyone "responds" to God in their own way, but I kinda think that as a believer if you can't respond publicly IN CHURCH, then you aren't going to be responding much outside either.   I had this thought tonight and laughed a little to myself, but I wonder if people think I'm getting saved every time I go forward.  Sometimes I get kind of weird looks, but that could just be me too.  :>)  I just want more of God.  I'm not satisfied to just "go to church."  I want and need Him too desperately to take Him casually.

So anyway, after the service was over I sat and talked a little with Ethan.  We probably sat there for 10 minutes or so and I shared with him what God showed me and he shared with me some thoughts and prayers he thought of too during the message.  It blessed me like nothing else to hear my son sharing about God with me!  It was huge for me.  Thank you God for that time with Ethan!  We ended our time by praying for Josiah to respond to God too.  It was a very sweet time.  I am truly blessed. 

I don't get Halloween

Well, this might get me into trouble, but I don't think I can keep it in any longer, so here it goes. 
I don't get Halloween.  Well, let me rephrase that.  I don't get why Christians celebrate Halloween.  Please, someone, explain to me why Christians celebrate Halloween?  I asked Casey the other day, "Are we just super-conservative, weird, Jesus-freak type people for not participating?"  Most probably think we are.  I guess that's okay with me, but I really do want to understand why the those who love God think that it is just another fun day.  And, maybe more, why do churches have harvest parties and such and encourage it?  I've been told that it is to create a "safe" alternative for kids.  If we need a "safe" alternative then shouldn't that be the first hint that it's not a good thing? 

Now, I'm not getting into all the history of the day, because in modern day it's pretty irrelevant.  What is  currently celebrated in America on this day?  Ghosts, witches, vampires, blood, gore, darkness and death is what I see around me as we get closer and closer to the day.  A little trip to any retail place will reveal that. So why celebrate that?

I don't have a problem with kids dressing up and being cute.  Mine have a bucket of super hero costumes that they like to wear occasionally.  I don't have a problem with candy (once in awhile).  I don't have a problem with games and having fun.  I DO have a problem when the Church doesn't look any different from the world.  I guess mostly I just find it frustrating because I don't have an answer.  And maybe because I just don't get it...and yes, I think most things are black and white, so that's probably part of it.

And, just in case I haven't mentioned it lately, I love you dear, sweet friends (and family) regardless of whether or not you celebrate Halloween with your families. 

"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phil. 4:8