Endeavors in Homeschool Land

Good bye 2011!

2012-01-02T22:46:00.000-08:00

Since last I wrote we've had an amazing summer, a wild fall and a fantastic holiday season full of wonderful traditions. Which is great. We also had a few changes. Which could've been a bummer, but turned out great as well. The lastest of those was on Christmas Eve.

Wait.

Back up.

Billy & Ricky are growing up (read plotting their exit). So when the day arrived that they sat and discussed their favorite holidays I was, well... flabbergasted. Rest assured, after picking myself up off the floor due to the shock of the clinging going on, I took note of their voiced special memories. Christmas Eve was at the top of the list.

Oh great! We always go to the same snow park & eat dinner at the same funky diner. Also, we had guests.

THERE WAS NO SNOW!

I called many ski lodges, no one had any snow. No one expected any snow till well after New Years.

Plan B. & a family meeting later we decided on going to ice skating in Yosemite.

We all piled in the cars and headed up the highway. After a short pit stop to grab some lunch & shop at a favorite store, we were on our way to behold the beauty of Yosemite. It never gets old & is super-cool to share the awesomeness with people who have never been before, which was the case for two of our extras. After leaving the ice skating rink we headed out of the park & down to a favorite mountain top Mexican restaurant. It wasn't tradition, but it was incredible none-the-less.

Saying goodbye to 2011 was such a thrill on New Years Eve. We have a great time with this every year. I was so pleased to hear that my sons feel the same way. I feel like I got a tiny glimpse of what they'd like to incorporate into their adult lives...when that day comes. Then, of course New Years Day was filled with shooting guns & eating beans haha!

Oh this three week long Christmas/New Years vacation has been heaven sent. We were all just done. Our medicine? Well...there's been lots of video game playing, movie watching, book reading, texting, shopping, cooking, staying up late, sleeping in late, sleep overs, get togethers, junk food eating & general merry making.

I am thrilled to welcome 2012 with all of it's potential & wonder!

End of School Year-ness

2011-07-17T21:22:00.000-07:00

First of all let me just say "The good things are always the hardest things". I love, love, love this saying, or should I word it, "this reminder". Let's just say it had been a gnarly school year for sure, but it had also been a good one. This was my first year teaching two highschoolers....and all that (((THAT))) truly in tales. April, May and June had been a check list of sorts. The song of our lives sounded something like "that's done", "okay now this over here is done", "Imma release that""it's time to close that chapter" etc, etc, mas infeno!

On a side note & just for giggles, I want point out here that when I wrote "highschoolers", spell check told me my spelling was wrong. Wanna know what their suggestion was? It was assumed "preschoolers" was the word I was looking for.

Yeah.

Seriously though both of my boys grew physically, spiritually and academically. Growing pains hurt, for everyone.

While we were busy finishing up our last days of school at home, each outside thing (as we refer to any class/activity taken outside of our home) were slowly trickling to an end as well. This is the part of the blog where I tell you WHAT WE'D BEEN DOING ALL THAT TIME!

Let's Start with the basics:

Ricky finished his first year of Highschool well. He worked hard and accomplished much. He is already looking forward to starting Drivers Ed/Training next year!

This has been a year of growing for Ricky. He went from shopping in the boys section to shopping in the Men's section...in sizes bigger than Jeff or Billy. He is way taller than me, of course. We are sure before summers end he will be taller than Jeff! Heck, that may happen even before the month's end! Oh, and his voice, he has an incredibly deep voice. I mean really deep.

Ricky did awesome in Scouts this year! He had to change uniforms twice because he grew so, so much! Thanks to Granny for resewing patches! He looks forward to advancing in rank next year as he progressively makes his way to Eagle. He is also super pumped to be joining the Explorers Program! He had a wonderful time at the first training day he went to. All of this is such a part of who he is!

Ricky is still madly in love with singing. He never smiles bigger than a day spent singing! He has finished with both the community choir & the church choir for the year. However that's not saying much because it starts back up in three weeks. Even though one group only ended a week ago he is super pumped to get back at it!

Billy finished his Jr Year of Highschool. He is filled with excitement at the thought of being a Sr!

Billy also finished his first year as a part time college student, in Fresno City Colleges immersion program as an "A" student!! He told me that for the most part his classes were easier than things I taught him here at home, which was odd to hear. For those of you who are curious we didn't have any real problems setting him up as a life long homeschooled child in a Jr College. He tested in great & they glanced VERY quickly at his transcripts. The end. He was in the Latin/Jazz band, which counted as one of the two classes he was eligible to participate in each semester. Billy isn't fond of this particular variety of music, but it's a foot in the door so to speak. The first semester he took a computer class, the second a writing class. When I said "we didn't have any real problems", I was insinuating we did have a slight hiccup. That was in regards to the writing class. You see I had looked through the catalog with the knowledge of his academic experience thus far in my mind. I knew what he needed for filling in gaps. I knew what he was eligible to take ACCORDING TO THEIR TESTS. So it was totally lame to have to push for him to be placed in the class we wanted him in. The staff was worried that the class would be too difficult for him.

You know what?

After the very first assignment was turned in the teacher asked him if he wouldn't rather move up to a higher class. Grrr. Lame beginnings, but a great class non-the-less. Oh, & he is registered for Fall classes to boot!

Billy Finished the driving experience & passed both Driving Tests the first try no problems! While he collected permit hours he traveled in rain, over mountains, while it snowed, at night, on freeways, in busy neighborhoods with little children darting about, in fog, in 5:00 traffic & in holiday traffic, in the Bay Area. Breathe. He is a good driver. Really.

On to the Traditions:
There are signs in life that mark particular occasions. Those exist for the exodus of the school year as well. For my boys it goes like this;

CHEFA's Sqaure Dance. It is a wacky, zanny, silly, just-let-loose-laugh-and-enjoy yourself kind of night!

CHEFA's Formal...and After Party

The Vincent Family Evaluation of the School Year. This time around we took a picnic dinner to Lost Lake. It consisted of Applesauce & Raisin Biscuits with a ton of ooh so gooey, glazey frosting (Ricky) Homemade Lemon/Limeade with Strawberries & Raspberries blended in (Billy), Fava Bean Salad & Triptrip cooked in a garlic oil (Me).

The Vincent Family Congratulatory Dinner. This is where we dress nicely, go to a restaurant of the boys mutual choosing and tell them how wonderful they are. This year they chose Olive Garden. We normally present them with the badges that they've earned via the Contenders Program we utilize in our school. We had a scheduling glitch with that one though...oops!

AND. Then there's ALL the End of the School Year Parties! Which of course includes one in our very own little school. We bought the boys a few little gifts to enjoy over the summer, made a "Welcome to Summer sign (which is still hanging up) & ate yummy food. This year Ricky BBQed us his version of a BBQ sauce, bacon & onion ring sportin' cheese burger like a local restaurant serves. Usually he makes his own onion rings, but this day he didn't have the time, so he used frozen. We ended our night at YoDiggity.

Annnd..... then there was the steady stream of the Graduations, and ALL the Graduation parties! Parties, parties, parties galore. I tell you man, it was a jungle out there! I'm talkin' College, High School, Jr High & even cute little Kindergarteners.

As you can see we'd been tying up loose ends with the curriculum side of things and wrapping up all those FUN muuuusssttt does. Quite frankly the big shabang had all but reduced my brain to confetti. So yeah, bye now! hm-mm buh-bye! That was soooo my theme song the last month & 1/2.

Yes we do actually celebrate holidays!

2011-07-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

Okay first of all. I know I haven't written in 300 years & then I bombard the blog with gobs of entries. So first let me explain a few things. Some of these entries have been sitting in draft for what seems like a lifetime. Written, yes, but waiting for me to upload pictures to go along with them. Some have been sitting there for so long, like this one, that the title keeps changing & the content keeps growing. I blog for two reasons, to share our lives with all you all & to mark a memory to pass down the family line. So here we go...

In April my groom & I celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. He wasn't available to sneak away on the actual anniversary date. However I received a bouquet of flower delivered right to our doorstep. It was custom made with daisies, because they are my favorite flowers. Peach roses & baby's breath were added, because that's what filled my wedding bouquet. White carnations were added because that's what sweethearts exchanged when we were in high school. Yes it added to his total lovability! later that week I convinced him to play hooky from work & we slid off radar. We spent a dreamy afternoon hiking up at Pine Flat Reservoir. You should maybe see the magic for yourself someday. With all the wild flowers & green carpeted hills it is beautiful in the spring. However that's not why were there. I don't know about you, but I have yet to meet a couple who didn't need to press restart on their marriage. We did, presumably you did too. Pine Flat is where we did just that many, many years ago. It's basically a memorial for us.

But wait there's more in April ... Easter & Ricky's Birthday...on the same day. First things first. What did we do about Ricky? Since both boys were gone the whole week before Easter on a local missions trip we decided not to try and fit in a party this year. Ricky is growing up, but he is still tender to tradition. I had to think out-of-the-box. We decided to ask our friends from Give Me Some Sugah to make him up a gift basket. If you follow the link you can see what they made for him. We had this delivered during choir practice as close to his birthday as possible. All his classmates sang him happy birthday. This was the closest we could get to an actual event to let him know he is special to us.

We have a tradition of waking up our kids singing them the birthday song. The Shugert family called earlier than we had anticipated waking Ricky up, to say happy birthday. So while he was yet sleeping, with the speaker phone on, they sang to him! Very cool way to wake up! Even though we had Easter to attend the day of his birthday we still busted out the photo albums to reminiscence Ricky's life, such as when he would make bows & arrows from bamboo growing in the backyard. I hold the last 14 years close to my heart.

Speaking of Easter. My Mother in Law hosts a thoughtful meal. My Grandparents played a big role in my growing up years. That fact that my Grandfather was Armenian was evident in our meals. My Mother in Law tries to include some of those foods on Easter for my sake. That is very thoughtful indeed. We had a great day full of good conversation & lots of yummy food. They also had a small time of recognizing Ricky's day.

May brought us Mothers Day & Billy's Birthday....on the same day! Yes that again. It's neat, but also a pain to schedule events. We decided on no party for Billy either. Since we didn't have outside family to add to the mix Billy & I busied ourselves via the internet scoping California for some fun activity, we hadn't already done. We decided on visiting Solvang. Ever been? Such a cute Scandinavian village! We had so much fun. We got our Danish pastries on at Olsens's Danish Village Bakery eating almond rings, kringles & tarts. We went to Ingeborg's Chocolates where we had some chocolate covered honeycombs & marzipan goodies. We had aebleskiver, frikadellar, medisterpolse & rodkaal among other unnameables at a smorgaasbord restaurant (is that redundant? I wonder?) called The Red Viking.

We didn't just eat. However maybe it's a good thing we rented a surrey to tour the town in. It's called pedal off the snacks as you munch, munch, munch! After we felt like we'd shopped & ate our way through downtown Solvang we hopped in the car & went critter searching. We went to Pacific Breeze Alpaca Farm, Ostrich Land Ostrich Farm, Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch & Seein' Spots Miniature Donkeys & Mules Rescue. On the way home we stopped at Oceano Dunes to watch the waves & birds as we ate our picnic dinner.

Later that week we celebrated the gift of Billy's previous 16 years life with dinner at the in laws. The next day Billy & Ricky took the money they got from both sets of Grandparents, us & money they had earned along the way to the store. They bought themselves a movie, a few video games & a new 360 game system.

The In Laws hosted a Family Reunion at the end of May. Lots of good food & fellowship. It's always a pleasure to see extended family, to show my sons their "people". My Mother in Law is a genealogy buff. So it is at times like this that she really sparkles. She has binders full of information on each section of the family line complete with photos & news paper articles. She says something to the effect of "if you don't want your family to know about your life choices, make sure you don't get published, cuz I will put it in here" Anyway people pretty much sat around visiting, looking at photo albums & her binders. Holidays in this family usually lead to a long walk after eating a large meal. Those who chose to do so on this day in late May got rained on. Just another testament to this years odd weather patterns.

On to June for my birthday we went to Manresa Beach. We brought the cast iron dutch oven & had a beach bonfire! Jeff made us fillet sandwiches with a buckaroo sauce for lunch. Billy made us another version of lemonade. This version had blender-ized fruit that had been frozen into ice cubes & popped into a thermos with the juice. Ricky made us a chocolate cake that had coke & mini marshmallows in the batter (I know, but trust me it was delish!). Then we all went for a shell collecting walk. After that Jeff & Ricky went boogie boarding. Billy started the fire again. We made Red cabbage with potatoes, onion, apples and bacon. We played Corn Hole & Ladder Ball, so fun! Before we went home we stopped off and got some of Gilroy's famous Garlic Ice Cream. Yum!

Then of course there's Fathers Day, which played out a lot different this year. We actually celebrated Jeff & all his Dadliness the Monday before Fathers Day with a special dinner & speach. This was because the actual date had us up dark & early taking our sons to buy last minute items they forgot to tell us they needed. Then get them to our church parking lot, while it was then bright...but still very early. They were leaving on a missions trip to Mexico. After dropping them off we went home to prepare for heading up to Millerton Lake. This is where we stayed for most of the day. We were with our great friends, the Solteros. We were together honoring the life of their oldest son who recently passed. The day ended at the In Laws where we had a celebratory dinner for both of the Jeffs (father & son).

July leads us to our latest event, 4th of July baby! Independence Day is important to this freedom loving family. Which was also played out unorthodox-like this year. The reason why, the bad news, was Ricky being on tour with our church youth choir during this holiday. That took the wind right out of my sail. BUT. I picked myself up by my imaginative boot straps & carried on...to Bass Lake. Yes, we missed him. For one Jeff nor Billy would sing all the crazy patriotic songs with me. Okay so maybe they aren't exactly crazy songs, maybe it's just the way we sing them. Maybe. We all texted him on the 4th. I also put a crazy tall 4th of July hat in his luggage. If you know Ricky you know two things. #1 He loves hats, the sillier the better. #2 he is a goofball. That made my momma's heart feel better, more connected to him. Know what though, there was good news on this end too. We were able to have a special day with Jeff, Billy & I setting our timers to OFF! As a result Billy ended up sharing many of the thoughts rolling around in his head. We eagerly soaked it all in. For lunch we had fettuccine alfredo with peas & prosciutto. Yes cooked lakeside, what can I say, I had a craving. We ALSO had the traditional dinner of BBQed chicken, watermelon slices, blueberries & goop, baked beans & coleslaw cooked lakeside. Oh & Billy made incredibly delish brownies to boot! Yeah...we didn't go hungry that day. We had a wonderfully lazy day lounging around eating, reading, swimming, taking leisurely walks & just breathing in the fresh mountain air. Then of course the evening was topped off with the shimmering display of fireworks over the lake!

My Sons

2011-07-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

My boys are growing up on me. They are more independent with every passing year. That's as it should be, yet they are working me out of a job. I have enjoyed every stage of their lives...every age. Challenging? Sure, but also a joy.
Let me tell you a bit about my affectionate, fun loving, bold, reckless, adventurous baby boy. Oh how he loves to sing all through the day, every day. He also loves to give big bear hugs & is full of sweet gestures. He is incredibly generous. He is supportive, loyal & kind. He is a real prince charming. He genuinely wants to help people. He is the hardest worker you will ever meet. He loves to work with his hands, he loves to tinker with things. He is an intuitive problem solver. He is willing to be anyone's ever ready sidekick, he doesn't feel the need to have the light shine on him. All of these things make him a great leader. I've always thought it neat that Ricky was born in late Spring as the trees are full of lovely fruit & grapes are heavy-hanging on the vines, they are busting full of enthusiastic life, so is he! Speaking of food, he loves to bake us up yummy treats & he really rocks the BBQ! Ricky is outgoing. He is creative. He's gentle, but he is a mans man! He is action defined! He is Mr. rough & tumble through & through! He is our bold & adventurous thrill seeker! He is our lover of outdoors & emergency preparedness is his game. He loves all things martial arts. He loves to converse with anyone on politics, theology & weaponry. He is funny, he loves to laugh & I love to laugh with him. Oh I just adore this guy. Ricky is always my youngest baby, yet nearly a man.

Now let me tell you a bit about my devoted, reflective, quick witted, talented, ever eager first born son. He loves to play all things percussion, his favorite being the West African djembe. His love for circling the globe doesn't end with instruments. He's also into cooking us up exotic foods as well as trying new foods cooked by others. He's eager to travel the globe seeing artifacts & Gods creation. He loves exotic animals, whether in land or sea. His sometimes gruff seeming exterior is instantly melted by small children & the elderly, letting you see his truly gentle spirit. His intellect is visible in his writing & speaking expressions. Given enough time, he could see straight through a brick wall. His words are as smooth as butter & and as meticulously piercing as a knife. He shares his brothers love for martial arts as well as discussing politics, theology & weaponry...imagine what my living room looks like! He loves to run, it seems to free his mind & challenge him to new heights. Billy isn't always active; he stealthily watches people & he really likes just. being. together. Billy has a keen discerning eye for the finer things in life, he recognizes quality or the lack there of. When Billy creates things they are done with precision & focus. The year that Billy was born, his birthday landed on Mothers Day. Yes, that's right, he was my very first Mothers Day gift! I should've known then, it was a sign of things to come, he has never gone"the expected route". So many circumstances made his arrival a difficult journey. Billy is my miracle, I am so grateful to have him. Billy has a deeply sarcastic, dry sense of humor & I love it! The more he grows, the more fun it is to talk to him. Billy is morphing like a caterpillar he's coming out of his coma a new ((awesome))) creature. Billy has grown up so much this year. He has experienced many firsts such as his first job & first college classes. He received his drivers license as well. I have heard good reports back on his work ethic & I can attest to his calmingly (is that even a word?)great driving skills. I have one official year left with my oldest baby, I cherish it, I cherish him.

High Energy (mostly ) Christian Playlist

2011-04-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

Okay so here's the deal, the guys & I joined GB3 last month. It's a fitness club literally 5 minutes from our driveway. I never really thought this day would come. I am more into doing the outside thing. However we live in Fresno, time to face the facts. Bleh! Besides GB3 set an excellent (frozen) price for the 4 of us! The three guys are well beyond happy to get their iron pumpin', which makes for easy PE. I however think that it's incredibly boring. Like fall asleep boring. I refuse. Unfortunately 6:00 am is when our 4-pack needs to go to the gym in order the get back home in enough time for family devotions and math w/ Dad. I don't thinks it's unfortunate because it is so early. I am in love with early morning-ness! I am bummed because not many other people are interested in watching the sun rise as they exercise. This basically means no fun classes, like Zumba are available for me. Therefore I decided I needed to compile all my "Get Your Fanny Movin' Chica!" songs. Contrary to popular belief, I am electronically challenged. So after deciding which songs would crack the metaphorical whip, asked Jeff to upload them onto the ipod. Here is that list. Starting with my "calm" warm up song & going from there.

Warm Up (& cool down)
#1 Manifesto-The City Harmonic

#2 Hold Me- Jamie Grace & Toby Mac

#3 Say Hey-Michael Franti (not Christian)

#4 Shackles- MaryMary

#5 Pocketful of Sunshine- Natasha Bedingfield (not Christian)

Time to get funky
#6Extreme Days- Toby Mac

#7 Outcast- Kerry Roberts

#8 J Train -Kirk Franklin & Toby Mac

#9 Movin'- Group 1 Crew

#10 Boomin' -Toby Mac

#11 Never Let Me Go- Family Force Five

#12 Extreme Days- Toby Mac

#13Soliders- Out Of Eden

#14 Phenomenon- Toby Mac

#15 No More - Beckah Shae

#16 Supersonic -Family force Five

#17 Rawkfist-Thousand Foot Krutch

#18 Whip My Hair -Willow Smith (not Christian...and yes it is a little girl. Let's just say I totally have some people that inspire me to sing with her when she says "Don't let haters keep me off my grind, keep my head up and I know I'll be fine, keep fighting till I get there...I'm down and feel like giving up? I whip my hair back & forth!!......)

#19 Faith, Hope & Love- Beckah Shae

#20 Catchafire-Toby Mac

Yes, I am aware it is heavy on Toby. I didn't set out to do that. Let's just face it. He has wild, crazy, voluminous ENERGY! When his music is pumpin, so am I. After the fact I have thought of other songs (Toby & not) that I could've added. Maybe they will got into volume two of "Get Your Fanny Movin' Chica!"

ROLLER COASTER OF LOVE, OR YOU KNOW, MARCH.

2011-04-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

When my sons were younger we didn't do much. We had an easy, breezy life. I remember feeling lonely and bored some days. Other days I was content to just be. For the most part I loved our gentle, quiet life.

As my sons have become teenagers that has rapidly changed. Jeff & I made the decision to ride this wave, to embrace this exciting time with our sons. However I do wish Spring wasn't quite so incredibly busy.

At any rate I've been buckled up and ready for the spring sensation roller coaster. I love my children. I love providing opportunities for growth, fellowship and fun. Love is my source of energy. I find joy in exposing them to wonderful people, great events and exceptional works! Joy is what drives me forward in this season.

Let me share with you a bit of our March Madness. This is always pretty interesting as we not only deal with all the hub and bub of a rise in activity level, but a side issue. I was walloped again by my yearly storm of life, you know the crazy makers paradise! Grr, boo, hiss! Something I will never "get over". Something I have released to God time and time again. Something I leave in his hands again as I go about today. I am talking about the death of my little sister. Also the knowledge of the lingering death of another little sister. I hate March for this reason. (***for those who don't know, my two sisters are victims of Frederich's Ataxia, a form of Muscular Dystrophy.***)I hate everything about the disease. I hate that it overtook them. I hate that I carry the burden of not sharing in their fate.

This year March got even worse. My sweet, sweet Jacki & her family lost their son. He was 24 years old. A parent should never have to bury their child. Although this was a difficult situation, it was also a joy. We got to watch as God brought this family together. We were able to cry with them and rejoice with them as well. We had a wonderful visit at a pizza party and shared memories together at the memorial.

Billy & Ricky at Pizza Party

The last time we saw AJ. Shown here with little sis Kayleen.

Life is delicate, March reminds me of this...every year.

March brings good with it as well. For one can you say, "RAIN, RAIN, Glorious Rain"!?! I do realize that not everyone in this country feels the same way about water right now. For their situations, I am truly sorry. BUT. For just a moment let us shelf that and be utterly grateful for rain in such a baron land. I just love springtime in central California. It is absolutely magnificent, extra especially so this year! I just love all the green and the blossoms are incredible!

Our neighbors front yard

Speaking of weather this spring. It snowed in Fresno! No joke, really it did! And. It snowed in the central coast mountain areas. We were hiking in the Bear Gulch area of Pinnacles National Monument the day it happened. At one point we were in a cave with an amazing waterfall flowing down the side and snowflakes floating down through open cracks onto our heads. I'm glad we were there for this wildly breathtaking natural event.

A shot of the Pinnacles with snow freckling them

Ricky climbing in one of the many, many caves.

A sky-lite view of snowflakes falling into the cave.

Billy & Ricky climbing a staircase out of a cave.

Every March we get to celebrate the birthdays of two very special girls. Elizabeth & Trisitea are not technically my nieces, however that is how we tell the story. Let's let Marilyn Monroe pick this one up for us as she amply puts it "Sometimes things fall apart allowing better things to fall together". Having these two not-so-little-girlies in our lives has been a huge joy for my guys and I. Jeff & I have had the privilege of taking them to a play, out dancing, to a "fancy" dinner and given them "jewels". I have painted fingernails and tootsies as well. I have gone on creek side picnics and other such imaginative play. Even Jeff has played along with ballerina and tea party when they'd beg. Ever hear the one about the uncle whose "nieces" had him wrapped around their little fingers?..I'm just sayin' is all. Anyway. We've both read countless bedtime stories and said nightie-night prayers. Heck even Billy and Ricky have joined in with jacks, jump rope, hula hoops and taking baby dolls for walks. This year they began teaching the girls a bit about piano and drum playing.

The "March" point? Two years ago, when she turned 10, we bought Elizabeth a hope chest. It is delicate and feminine, just like her. I have had a blast contributing to it ever since. This year Trisitea turned 10. I sheepishly confess that I was terrified to give her a hope chest. In my defense she isn't very...shall we say "girlie". I was afraid she would be utterly disappointed. We did manage to find an old seafaring trunk, which is gold for a tomboy! BUT. That isn't even the best part. She was thrilled with it yes, however she was mostly thrilled that she was getting this extra special "I'm a women-to-be gift. Wow. Who would've thought all this time I wasted in worry? She was on the other side of the coin eager with anticipation at HOPEFULLY receiving the same jester her sister received two year prior. As I sat munching on the sugary nirvana that Elizabeth created for us all to enjoy my mind drifted from the party. It was so special to know that what I do matters, it really matters. I will never forget that day. I will never forget Tristiea's excitement. I will never get over how she scanned the remaining packages after she got the hope chest in search of "just one more package from me". When I handed it to her she said "is this what I think it is?, Is this the first gift for my hope chest?" Awesome. Purely awesome!

In March we went to a dinner theater performance that CJ, our "nephew" was in. He played his part well, we enjoyed the food! Oh my, my and the dessert was de-vine! I should mention that this particular play was put on by a local charity. The proceeds from the play went directly toward water wells in Uganda. We were thrilled to support the cause...and CJ.

In March Billy & Ricky searched out and designed knives for this years Fine Arts Faire. They each made two. They spent any "extra" time they had working at their papa's shop. Jeff & his dad were overseers for this endeavor. The boys were really pleased with the outcome of their products, as were we. Unfortunately they came home from Winter Camp sick and so were unable to attend the Faire. However we did bring the knives in so they could be on display at the Faire. They had rave reviews! We are pleased for them.

Ricky working on knives at Papa's shop

In March Billy & Ricky went to the Rock and Worship Road Show, follow the link if you've never heard of it, or you know, you're curious. http://therockandworshiproadshow.com/artists/ We dropped them off at noon in front of Starbucks, across the street from the Savemart Performance Center, with a backpack full of waters and snacks. There they met up with a clump of other teens. Together they marched off to begin their long wait. This concert series is a mere $10 and is 1st come-1st serve. Which translates...wait in line for hours to insure your tickets get bought, hence the backpack. Late that night to avoid traffic jams we met again at Starbucks.

In March Billy & Ricky went to Aquire the Fire. This is a two day event meant to help ignite the desire to live a God pleasing life in the hearts of teens. Check it out if you want to by following this link. http://www.acquirethefire.com/ This is something we've been wanting to send our sons to for several years. In the past, it just never seemed to work out. Therefore this year we were so pleased to be able to send them! Jeff was so excited he even upgraded their tickets. They met up with friends while they were there leading to a great time of fellowship in between sessions and during meals.

In March our church hosted A Night to Remember. This was to teach young men how to treat young women. Our sons had to dress formally, use table manners, speak kind words, listen attentively etc..etc..etc..Think of it as Christian Charm School. It was an event filled with great, unforgettable lessons.

Billy and a bunch of friends

March Madness is behind us, thank you Jesus for that. It's hard to finish the last leg of schooling with summer vacation on the horizon and all the wrapping up of the school year activities. In that sense Easter break is like a bit of heaven. It gives me a chance to exhale before resolving to tackle the remainder of the school year. Easter Break begins this weekend and I am oh so glad it does!

A Modern Day Hero...and a hope for us all.

2011-04-11T22:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated, along with his family, the life of an ordinary, yet truly remarkable man.

We listened as his sons talked about their Grandparents. How Grandpa would go tent preaching & Grandma along with the children sang songs and played instruments. They talked about the gospel, love (and music) that was clearly in that home.

We listen as his sons talked about how their father (upon growing up from little boy in tent services to head of his own household) continued purposeful shepherding of the church and most especially of his home. He never made his role as pastor more important than his role as husband and father...and grandfather...and great grandfather. They shared about the gospel, work ethic, nurturing, music, love and laughter in his home.

We watched as his legacy unfolded before us. We watched his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren honor him in their own special way, with music. They sang and played instruments individually, in small groups and as a whole family. Even his elderly, rickety brother and his wife were singing for him! The attentiveness that this man gave to guiding his flock was evident. It is so every Sunday as we worship with his family. We see their integrity. We see what God has done in the life of a faithful servant and his generations after him.

This man was Bob Parker. He was Pastor at Riverpark Bible church many years ago. He had been in "retirement" for several years. Though it is said that he never really caught on to that concept. As evidenced by his continued heart felt service to God & His people. This memorial had attendants from many of the churches he visited or was a short term pastor at during his "retirement". He was also cherished by members from the original "Riverpark" as well as those (like us) attending now.

It was a powerful picture of what life can be when our priorities are lined up correctly.

Not all of us can stand and say we have a legacy like the Parker family. A legacy that went even further back than Bob himself. Sadly many people have parents or grandparents who did not lead honorable paths. However a difference can be made right here, right now for future generations. We honor Christ by striving after His gospel. When we lay our troubles at his feet, when we release our hurts for him to carry, when we step back and let him worry about the vengeance we are free from harbored hate or malice. Loving and praying for our forebears comes more easily. Joy is readily available. Peace reigns in homes and in our hearts.

What will they say at your memorial? What will they say at mine? Let us all have the strength to do the things that lead us down the path we truly want for ourselves and our children and our childrens, children......

BBQ Cups, experience the yum!

2011-04-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting recipes, and writing a bit of a story about each one to boot! I do this for my sons despite the crushing fact that they don't seem to really care about this cookbook thang. I am banking on the fact that one day they will understand just how special this is. You know, a family heirloom sort of treasure. If not at least I have my niece Elizabeth. Five years ago she leaned over my shoulder and saw me writing out a story about a recipe. She was thrilled with my explanation about this endeavor. She continues to ask me about it. With the encouraging, "when do I get my copy". Or the annoying, "aren't you done yet".

On to the point. One recipe is from the kitchen of Grandma Debbie, my good friend Jenny's mom and Elizabeth's Grandma. Debbie made BBQ Cups while her kids were growing up. When Jenny became a momma herself she carried this on. One fine day (when the clouds parted and heavenly light beamed down on a kitchen platter) she made these tasty bits for my sons. They love, love, loved them! I asked for the recipe and as they say "the rest is history"!!

Anyway when I saw the following entry over at Rocks in My Dryer I just had to share it! She has such a great visual presentation, much better than any recipe site I searched! So anyway, go to the store, get the ingredients and get your cup on! You can thank me later for this wonderful, simple goodness...

BBQ Cups @ Rocks

Maintenance

2011-03-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

    These last few months have been a gnarly ride! This in turn left me functioning much like a zombie doing life. Not good. A month or so ago I tried, yet again, to find some comfort through a woman's ministry. I was trying to find a way to climb out of my funk. I only went one evening. However I knew right away it just wasn't for me. Maybe one day it will be the right thing for me to be a part of. For now it just isn't the right fit. However some wonderful things did happen while I was there that night, things that made going just then worth it. For instance I became aware of a few book titles I am definitely going to add to my summer reading list! I received a really nice ego boost from a sweet, sweet lady, which is always a good thing. I also became aware of an exciting movement. Now usually I steer clear of anything with the word "movement" attached. However this is different. This is exciting! Check it out. http://www.truewoman.com. I am now following this on Facebook which gives me regular ingestions of good things. As to the rest? For now, in all the emotion encompassing world, I feel safely afloat with just God, a few sweet girlfriends and Jeff.
    I am a lover of quiet time alone with God & my thoughts. To be certain, I have been in need of some knock down, drag out, cleansing, quiet time alone with God. This weekend, while my kiddos were out of town I got just that! I spent the weekend getting away from the madness, falling into the rest of Jesus and the wisdom of His words. I cried, I yelled, I laughed, I slept. Much peace and guidance came from these days events. It's called soul maintenance people!
    I love being a mom. However with my boys gone it was my "get out of jail free" card. You know, my chance to bust loose for a minute. That is exactly what Jeff & I did. Our plans did have a bit of a hiccup. However all is well that ends well. We got up Saturday morning and hit the road. We talked, and talked and talked. It was good. While we talked the car kept right on rolling along. Up and down we went to Soquel, back down to Santa Cruz for lunch, back up to Scott's Valley. We drove into the Santa Cruz mountains to view giant redwoods in Felton & beyond, down into San Jose for ice cream, back up, then down in Capitola just cuz it's so stinkin' cute and ended at Rio Del Mar for a picnic dinner on the beach. Normally I would say that level of driving wouldn't be stress reducing. However the scenery was gorgeous, I mean come on clearly California in the Spring cannot be topped. Also the conversation gave adrenaline it's purpose. I love you Jeff. I especially love that Snow White's in Aptos was playing the music of our young love. Good, good memories! This was total couple maintenance!
   The next day we spent at home. Alone. We slept in, which in & of itself was amazing. Jeff & Charity Vincent do not sleep in, at the same time. Ever. We tackled a big nasty project that we've been putting off for like a year. We spent the day showing some garage love. Which actually brought on more driving. We bought 4 storage cabinets for the garage from our friends. They live in Coarsegold. Jeff actually was a truck driver in a former life, I think. Haha. Just kidding, but he really does love to drive. Well I love getting lost in the greatness of working along side my man. We are a good team. Projects are always full of laughter with us.
   Jeff has his man-cave full of tools, exercise equipment, ipod base, BBQ gear, outdoor fridge and all other things manly set up for his grunt fests. The rest of the sports and outdoor adventuring stuff is nicely organized to boot! In addition, the game room aspect of the garage is functional as well. I guess these things are all really part of project manliness too. Oh and me? My itty, bitty corner is all prettified as well. The garage is home to a monstrous amount of "stuff". When "everything is in it's place" it functions splendidly. However the teeth grinding problem was WE NEEDED PROPER STORAGE!! We now have that. You may ask why I add this to a list of stress releasers. Well. This project has been haunting me. Angering me. My house remains fairly clean. The shock of walking into the garage ruined a perfectly good day...too many times to count. Home maintenance at it finest!
Now I look forward to some much needed dinner plans that are already in the works with some special ladies in my life. You girlies are all so different, all so necessary. You each represent a piece of my heart. This is called emotional maintenance my friends!

The hidden costs of a Winter Retreat

2011-03-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

The conversation that started it all....

R: "Mom can we go on the Winter Retreat?"

Me: "What? Wait. The Winter Retreat?" "Oh yeah, I guess it is still winter."

B: "Huh?"

Me: "Well we've had the windows open all week...and most of last week. The sun was shining so brightly we had the air conditioner on in the car a few days already. Sure doesn"t feel like Winter"

B&R: "Yeah weird, so can we?"

I was frozen for a moment, just thinking on winter...on snow. I love when it comes so softly. There's beauty in a heavy sky with quiet, gentle falling snow flakes. The world seems so still. I also like what happens after a crazy rush of white; a glistening blanket covers the landscape. Would it be redundant to say I love it? I have a great, vivid, technicolor memory of snow and evergreens. I really wish I could visit the high mountains more regularly, it's where I feel most tranquil.....

B: "Uhhh Mom?"

Me: "That will be nice. Playing in the snow sounds great. Those youth leaders sure know how to fuel the cheerfulness! Yes, you can go, wait, how much will it cost?"

Suffice it to say B&R went on the Winter Retreat last weekend. They had a superfluously fun time, learned valuable lessons and all that jazz. In addition, Billy came home with a black eye, scratches all over his eye and mouth.. and sick. Ricky also came home sick. WHATEVER! I had wondered about the weather extremes making them ill. However I didn't bank on sick kids being at the retreat. There were. They shared. My kids are extremely healthy so I am sure we will be through with this tomorrow..but still. Geezz!!! Oh, and the "battle wounds"? These are things you come to expect as a mother of active boys. I don't believe I've ever received both of them (at the same time) unmarked. That is just life with boys.

The Three Stooges...or Stages???

2011-03-02T20:51:00.000-08:00

CJ, Billy & Ricky met when they were 4, 3 &1

While they have been busy growing up together CJ has spent many weeks/weekends at our house. The older they get the harder it has become to facilitate such bliss. However recently they were able to celebrate the lives of George and Abe together. It was a 4 day weekend of teenage boy heaven! They concocted big plans to squeeze into the time they had together. In the effort to help I gave both of my guys $10...and Jenny sent CJ with $10 of his own. Billy & Ricky decided they wanted this to be extra special since it was likely not to happen again for a long, long time. Anyway they threw in more of their own money and a few gift cards to make the time look like they thought it should.

It all began Friday afternoon. They met at Starbucks in Riverpark. By the time they were retrieved that evening they had conquered sugary bliss at Starbucks, taken in a movie (The Eagle) at Edwards...where they added to the diabetic coma with soda and popcorn. Oh but they ended at Jamba Juice for that touch of health. Amazingly enough they weren't really all that hungry when we met up for dinner that evening. Even though we met at Harlem Waffles and Wings, weird. Maybe not weird to normal people, but we are talkin' 14, 16 & 17 year old males! I ordered food to go and basically left it hanging around...sure enough eventually my 3 little squawking birdies showed up for their dinner. They spent the evening playing board games watching movies, playing video games and gnawing the siding off my house. Well sorta.

My boys have separate rooms. So when "sleeping" came around CJ decided to spend one night in each boys room...Okay. So seriously. Are sleepovers really necessary? I mean isn't this the question we ask ourselves each time? At like 2:00 am! I know, I said yes. I deserve no sympathy. Speaking of which CJ spent the last night on the sofa. We have hardwood floors. He chose too though...well I guess I'll give him sympathy.

Saturday was great for Billy & CJ because Ricky was off with his Boy Scout troop for the day, they had some time alone. After they finally woke up, at like noon, they did an hour and 1/2 work out. Then they ate rich creamy goodness...acorn and leek soup. And. A. Loaf. Of. Bread. Though he will probably never admit it...I think yesterday was a bit much for Billy. I think his body wanted some real food. Also to set the record straight CJ ASKED for the soup. I wasn't going to even suggest he eat it. They then went for an hour or so walk. Upon arrival back at the house they ate more food. Then spent the remainder of the day watching movies and playing video games. CJ brought his 360 along for the visit, but no controllers. Since my boys have a 360 fund they bought a controller....and yes they walked to get it. Ricky came home in time for more food. Then the 3 of them returned to the brain atrophying state of video games and movies.

Bright and early Sunday morning we were up and out the door to church. Next we went swinging down to Hanford with a car full of gushing, exploding, rampaging hormones for a party with CJ's parents, then back home. Ricky went to choir practice. Billy & CJ? Oh, you guessed it...more mid-semester media mania...marathon?? mayhem??? Yeah you couldn't tame those stallions.

Monday Beaufort ~~Billy~~ had responsibilities to tend to. It was nice for son #2 to have some time alone with C.J. However Cletus CJ & Rupert ~~Ricky~~ slept in till noon, they're hilarious. Then in an effort to continue with the brain dwindling experiment the zonked men-folk, looking like they'd taken a dozen sedatives watched movies and played video games. Mean while I was bakin' up some acorn, butternut sqaush with apple sauce whole grain muffins. I ended up drizzling lemon and orange goop over the tops. Nutrient packed yummytime! They ate like a dozen each. Somewhere in there I kicked them out the front door (locking it) and made them go for a walk. Okay so...what of it? They needed it.

.....and, um, yeah, to all that your mind is dwelling on ....hmmm? No. I don't normally allow this. As a matter of fact I never have before. So why did I now? These boys have heavy loads on their plates. Life is tough. Work and schooling are stressful. They are on the last leg of the school year and really, really needed a break. Every teen-aged male inspires their parents to say "look another awww moment". Ten minutes later those same teens can bring their parents to the point when all they want to say to those ever hungry males is "get yourself a big-o bowl of SHUT UP!" It's a safe guess to assume these guys needed to numb out. So I allowed that. Sometimes in parenthood the right medicine is to lighten up...it's called grace.
Here they are now.
Cletus, 17

Rupert, 14

Beaufort, 16

2011-02-23T06:44:00.000-08:00

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge:

but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 1:7 (King James Version)

"It's his birthday and he'll eat if he wants to"

2011-02-20T21:55:00.000-08:00

Today we drove down to Hanford to celebrate the birth of a great guy, our buddy Nathan Shugert. He is Jeff's partner in crime. Well...I mean, is irritation a crime? A sport? A talent? An Art? Whatever it is they are beyond proficient. They are hilariously lame. They tease each other relentlessly, they rough house, they boisterously convince everyone else they should be in a mental institute...or have large doses of something...not sure what. Hmm...It's all in good brotherly bliss, but most of it I just don't get. I do admit it is fun to watch the proverbial twinkling of their eyes when they act out some goofball scene. I will also say that they are on the true playing field of Christian brotherhood. They hold each other up in prayer, and hold each other accountable. They are always ready to lend an ear or a hand No. Matter. What. I appreciate this man in my man's life, even the retardation.

We left basically straight after church to arrive on time. The almost hour long drive gave me reason to pause. I am glad we had today. What glorious weather, it makes me feel alive! Crisp clean air, blue skies... rare commodities around these parts! As I sat in the car I just let my eyes meander. I was lost in the green, like I had no cares in the world. At a frozen pace, I was lost in my own bliss. When we arrived I was ready for a nap.

Malibu & Lincoln (who calls himself Baby Zeus) were at the party. These two are Jenny & Nathan's little niece and nephew. We hadn't seen them in over a year...when you're talkin' 'bout babies that's a long time! They are incredibly cute. Oh and their new puppy Jasmine, she's ridiculously cute as well. I think the only thing that won my heart more was the deep blue sparkling eyes of Trisitea as she sat on my lap looking up at me. Okay so maybe she didn't exactly sit. Okay fine! She draped her long legs and arms over my short little body. I love my cuddle time with all my little peoples. I am so glad she hasn't decided she's too old to snuggle. BUT. Her warm self melting into to me made me want to take a nap.

As I sat and talked with Bob, Debbie & Jenny (Jeff & Nathan were yakin' it up in the kitchen) I discovered we all needed naps.

Instead.

We sang the birthday song as obnoxiously off key as possible. Watched him open his gifts. We ate a yummy meal. Megaliz the mixing Yoda (Elizabeth) made a cake from scratch. It was not to be missed. We had a plate made for eating later at home. (**And girl Auntie did eat it at home. YUM!! My birthday is June 9th, I'm just sayin' is all**) Then we high tailed it back to Fresno for Ricky's 4:00 choir practice. Yeah...

PS Ricky, who shares an interest in boyscout with Nathan, had spent the weekend making a special gift for him. Ricky was out in the garage with his wood burning kit and on the back patio with his whittling kit creating the master piece every chance he got. Unfortunately in the rush to get to the party we forgot to bring that & the gift Billy bought for Nathan to share with his family. I love my kid's generosity and kindness. I love that they have a man aside from Dad in their lives that they feel is worthy of being honored. I suppose, after all, that's why he's Uncle Nathan to them.

Facebook: pushed into it kicking and sreaming... in the end I LOVE IT!!

2011-02-20T20:45:00.000-08:00

I understand all the concerns in regards to the break down of society that so many are murmuring about here lately.

I get it, really I do.

However, Facebook has been fabulous for me. Well almost. Okay so I have one slight problem. I LOVE IT. Not the gismos and games. No, that's child's play. I love the people. I love them so much I can't wait to "talk" each day. The updated photos are just wonderful. The problem is maintaining Facebook can be a bit time consuming. This is why I took a three month hiatus a few months back. At first I really didn't think I would return to Facebook. However a few things changed my mind.

#1Sharing the music videos throughout the month of December had been so precious to me the year before last. I really wanted to upload a daily video once again. So I did. It sOoOo blessed me that since then I have been fairly consistent in getting a video or two up once a week. I love encouraging others. I love sharing talented christian artists in a non threatening way.

#2 Facebook had become the information station for me. It was like using the yellow pages. Whether setting a status to ask a question, or "searching" I found the inquiry was likely to be discovered at location. I liked being a part of a community of people who could give me advice on a local dentist or restaurant and vice-versa. Very convenient. I wanted that resource back.

#3 Facebook was the new way to deal with events. Invitations, thank yous, class assignments for my children etc.. Much information trickles through.Unfortunately when I backed away for three months we missed several bits of information. Oops. I really needed to get back in the "calendar" loop.

#4 I know it's silly, but when I'd log onto Facebook and a flower or hug or what ever was sitting there waiting to greet me I'd smile from my toes to the top of my head. It was sweet. Yes I could live without it, but you know...

#5 Some really awesome people from my past have found me via facebook. I just loved that. I missed re-learning about them.

#6 1st a history lesson: I refused to even look at Myspace. I reluctantly started using my email account (maybe 5 years ago). Sometime last school year I was bullied into joining Facebook. When I submitted to that, a new band of people started hard core on the "let's get Charity to text...or even use her cell phone" campaign. They won. It's only been since like June though. I can clearly hear Jenny yelling at me early last summer, "You mean to tell me Jeff bought you this really nice phone and you refuse to use it!" To me Facebook, email and text are the same animal. In the sense that you are visiting via electronics vs face to face. When I submitted to one it was easy to follow suit with the others.When I was off Facebook I began receiving texts like crazy!! I guess there was/is no escaping at this point. But. That's okay. I'd rather master myself then get rid of it/them.

because....

#7 Facebook had been a wonderful tool to see a little glimpse into the lives of all my people. To me it has been a relationship enhancer...not a stunt in relational growth.

Let me give you an example. Monica, my best friend from like 4th grade through high school found me via Facebook...last summer. After the total pick-myself-off-the-floor shock of it all we had some wonderful "talks". After catching up on life over the last 10 years or so we made plans for her to come visit my house. She was just as lovely as ever. She walked in with yellow flowers, my favorite color. We talked more, and more and more. We then decided to meet for dinner with her two sisters and her mother. It was a magical night. At a later date she and I met alone for dinner. Since then we have shared in at least 4 of her family gatherings. She has scooped me up and placed me right back into her family as if no time had passed at all. We have plans in the works for more fun times to be shared. I am so grateful that she found me. I have missed her so, so very much. I have enjoyed our long talks on the phone and in person. However as two busy momma's facebook gives us the ability to grab a moment to reconnect no matter the time of day. Can I just say that is big!

Of course Monica finding me and all that jazz is just an example. I have tons of great stories brought to me via Facebook. I just need to make sure I don't log on too, too much. I'm a work in progress, what can I say.

In which I say thank you...or bust!

2011-02-19T21:36:00.000-08:00

I have had a rough few months, proceeded by a rough life. So what? Who hasn't? It's really a matter of half full or half empty. The choice is, of course, left in my hands. And. I admit, I don't always make the wise choice.
Remember that one about when it rains it pours? Well that's where I reside. I'm sure that's where you all reside as well. I don't know that "it" ever isn't that way. Meaning I don't believe life is ever easy. I think sometimes our spirits are able to handle "it". Sometimes not so much. It's when I'm overwhelmed that I tend to feel like no one cares, or understands. Interestingly enough as I have been going through this where's-my-bonkie funk people have been praying for me.
How do I know?
Because they have told me so. Over and over again.
Now I am not the girl who bellows to all who will hear when I am down. No. I am the girl who hides under the rock. Yet ~~some how~~ God placed the desire to not only pray...but tell me they were doing so, in the hearts of many, many people around me; strangers, casual acquaintances and those I am close to. He ~~was~~ is there all along, if only I were to stop spinning long enough to look. Really. I know. Sometimes stating the obvious is what is needed.
All the trauma/drama/chaos that ~~was~~ is bothering me is not the point. I am aware. It's high time I act like it. So many wonderful things have happened over the last few months. Some of which you would have read about through my boys blog. However they had to give that up...it proved to be "just one more thing". At any rate...onto the good, good stuff.

~ In the recent Court of Honor Ricky was given badges and has moved up in rank. Boyscouts in general has been a wonderful thing for him. He has met some really neat guys and loves all of the "man" stuff involved. Today he went on a snow day trip. The weekend before last he went to a party one of the boys was having. He has been a busy guy making gifts for so many people. He loves life and he loves people. He is our joy.

~Billy had to prove himself in semester #1 at Fresno City College. It is now semester #2 and he received every part he tried out for in the Latin/Jazz band. Through his first job he has paid for a full week African drumming camp to be held this summer. He is moving right along with his goals. He has reconnected with a long-time-ago friend. Attending her party was a highlight. He has also made a new friend, attending that party was great as well.

~My older brother, Eric has added three new additions to our family. Crystal, his fiancee, Nathan her son, and Zoey their little girl. Zoey?...she is adorable...need I say more? We were so happy to be able to give Nathan a birthday gift. We hope he feels he is our nephew. He is such a character! We enjoy him.

~I had a lengthy loving conversation with my sis-in-law Angela. I hold it close to my heart.

~Parties are great and we have had a few this month here at home, just us four. Chinese New Years found us eating take out from our favorite local spot. While we ate we watched Gladys Aylward's story on Netflix. Next came Valentines morning complete with chocolates and a new movie. We also had a lunch of heart shaped raviolis in an amazing sauce. Let us not forget our 100th day of School Shindig...which was also all about food. However this time we played games. These were easy breezy days. Very roll with the punches. I have to say it touches a tender spot deep in my mommy-heart that my teenage sons REALLY want a 100th day of school party. Somehow everything else from elementary school is for babies. Yet. This. Is. Sacred.

~Jeff was diagnosed with Vertigo. Yet even though he missed a week of work and went Dr hopping we/he did not suffer too badly. We are truly thankful.

~It looks as though our previous landlords are going to make right on their poor choices. So that is a happy ending to a retarded story.

~The IRS was lame, as they very often are, I guess it was our turn to be bit by the unconstitutional nastiness of it all. And yet we survived. We were so blessed. We paid all our bills before their inappropriateness took place. We experienced much less drama than could easily have taken place. We are really grateful.

~I was able to help a good friend with a huge organizational project...and be an encouragement. I just love that!

~I have been approached by a few people over the last few months who have expressed their gratitude for what they see in my life...and in turn have brought to their lives. Wow. Just wow.

~So many wonderful people have resurfaced in my life. It is just unbelievable. I. Heart. All of you!!

~I have learned to say no. I have drawn healthy lines in the sand. Yet I have also opened my heart to a whole new level of understanding and acceptance. God is good!

Two main points have been relearned over the last few months.

#1 God is in charge. He knows what is best. He loves me enough to tell me no when that is what I need to hear. He loves me enough to comfort me through my tantrums. He comforts my aching heart. He knows.

#2 I have been given so, so much. I need to look at what I have, not what I don't have. I need to show gratitude. I need to say thank you...or bust!

A whirl wind of sorts or the birth of Zoey Lynn

2011-01-04T07:59:00.000-08:00

We have spent the last month and a half waiting for the phone to ring. I have gone to bed with my cell, Jeff's cell and our home phone all at my ear. Saturday I thought for sure it had finally happened!

False alarm.

It was my good friend Jenny announcing the anticipated arrival of seven adorable puppies. The momma dog was really struggling so it was with much fear....and later relief that I received that series of late night, early morning texts.

Back to the (human) baby. We have had her name spray painted (well basically) across our calendar in eager anticipation. We have made loose plans and then canceled them because she had not yet come. Such as a day trip to the Natural Bridges Monarch Preserve. Every year I put this day trip on the calendar. Every year I erase it. We waited till 11:30 the night before to cancel the trip.

Butterfly fail.

No baby, no leaving town.(imagine how we felt flying off to Maine)

Sunday was a day of crossing T's and dotting I's in preparation for Monday morning. We were making sure everyone was on the same page for the second semester of our school year. We had hair cuts, double checked all the teachers manuals, filed paperwork, updated calendars and day planners etc. I was exhausted and had a killer headache. Jeff offered to go buy dinner while the boys and I finished up our tasks. While he was waiting for our take out order he got THE phone call. So gnarly haired (no it didn't help that we just had our hair cut), funky PJ's and all we hurriedly got ourselves to the hospital where we began the game of "hurry up and wait" We arrived at 6:30 in the evening. We got home at around 3:30 in the morning. Poor Crystal, what a delivery!

No. We did not start school yesterday. That much was in our control. However the normal "Manic Monday" of it all was enough all on it's own. Not to mention the activities the boys are in did start back up, including Billy (Permit) Vincent stacking up the driving hours and starting his second semester of college. What a game that is, especially when you are drunk on sleepy!

Back to the baby. Our niece, my brothers daughter Zoey Lynn Steproe has made her debut. Lynn is the middle name of our sister who passed away several years back. Nice touch. Zoey has beautiful little lips and the sweetest rosy cheeks. She has dark hair, like me! She looks a bit like her Mom. Really though she looks a whole lot like her name sake. She has Rebekah Lynn's long beautiful pianist's fingers and her long, slender feet. I'm not quite sure what it is about her facial features, but the moment I saw Zoey, I saw Rebekah.

Emotions were flying. Family was bonding over the birth of our newest member. Trips down memory lane were taking place. For instance my oldest baby was born in this very hospital. He was even born in the same room as his little cousin. We now have a picture of him at sixteen years old holding little Zoey. We can place that next to the pictures of him as a fresh little miracle in the very same room. Isn't that cool!

Welcome Zoey Lynn, we are so in love with you. Thank you Eric and especially Crystal for all your hard work in getting her here. Congratulations Nathan you are already an awesome big brother!

Christmas & New Years

2011-01-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

Well our Christmas played out a LOT different this year. For one we spent our $$$ on a fabulous trip to Maine!
More on that later.
For now let's just say the timing of the trip...you know...basically...um...December, meant that we had to miss out on some of the seasons annual festivities of social-ness.
You know what?
We lived.
Imagine it!
Yeah, I know.
However we made sure to go to Coyote snow park & eat dinner at The Hungry Hut on Christmas Eve. This is a tradition that cannot be messed with.

Despite losing much of the month in travel we did manage to see most of our family (to get those memories in) and also get most of those treasured family recipes made. Speaking of which, I owe a big thank you to my brother Eric for his enjoyment in being as big a dork as I am, I love him for it! (Christmas carols sung loud & off key while baking, decorating and creating sugary bliss!!) Yeah we had a great December! Heck we even managed to squeeze in a long-time-coming trip to Laser Quest with the Shugerts. Yah Baby! We had planned on winding down the evening at the Colorado Grill afterward. Well the kids did anyway. You see Jenny spotted our local Thai restaurant and just had to experience it! Time to keep the silliness that ran a muck during the laser tag fanaticism in check? Not likely with this crew. Yes it's true our trip to the two separate restaurants left the kiddos at one joint on a soda & milk shake buzz. While Jeff & Nathan (needing no such stimulants) acted just as silly in the Thai restaurant. But really, would we want it any other way?

We managed to take an awesome break. To really unplug. Ricky especially needed this as he is obviously going through the same massive growth spurt Billy did a few years back. Ricky slept till noon everyday for two weeks! There was much leisure time the remainder of those days as well. Apparently Ricky was worn out from all that sleeping in!

2010 went out with a bang! I mean literally. The four of us had a great time on New Years Eve playing board games and gettin' some wii action. We were eating decadent sweets and a dinner fit for royalty. We were singing energy pumpin' songs and movie watching. Umm, what else? Oh just a little bit of dancing like crazy people, watching the ball drop while counting down, throwing confetti, shooting silly string. Then of course there was the running outside with noises makers, party blowers and a small amount of explosives shouting into the night air "Good Bye 2010, Hello 2011!!" Somewhere in there was a toast of Martinelli's complete with a speech and a midnight sweet......and a kiss from my honey.

New Years Day was perfectly, leisurely, nothingness. Well basically. What did we do? It's called Funky PJ wearing and HGTV Dream House viewing my friends! Billy did make pancakes some time around 2:00. Then it was off to the in laws for beans and a new movie.

Kissing 2010 Goodbye

2011-01-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

These are some of my favorite memories from 2010. There were so many wonderful moments to think back on it was hard to narrow down a list. Of course there were also some not-so-wonderful moments, but we aren't going to give those the time of day! Downers, we stick our tongue out at you! So there!

January: We had beans with the in laws, a family tradition going back generations.

February: J, B, R & I started Insanity. I kept up with them fairly well. (They are now doing P90X, not me)

March: Tabitha & Crissy found me on Facebook.

April: We finally made it to Death Valley, best of all we went with the Shugerts!

May: Ricky Graduates from 8th Grade. How special to do so with long time buddy Aubrey Lim!

June: Eric announces he's gonna be a Daddy. Little Kayleenie turns sweet 16. We got to go to Morro Bay with the Chavez clan. Hannah Orazem makes even Ricky appreciate Art co-op class. Monica finds me on Facebook. (sorry couldn't pick just one)

July: Mike marries Angela and that's just the beginning....

August: Billy get's a drivers permit, starts his first job and begins taking community college classes.

September: CJ goes with us on our annual Camp-at-a-new-location trip. I mean come on now!

October: Crystal announces she's gonna be my sis-in-law while she, Mom and I are shopping for little miss Zoey Lynn.

November: I ate Aunt Ceci's Cranberry Relish in her living room on a recycled glass plate. The amber color was my favorite!

December: J, B, R & I spend 7. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 days in MAINE! Yah Baby!!

Children Won't Wait by Helen Young

2010-09-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

There is a time to anticipate the baby's coming, a time to consult a doctor;

A time to plan a diet and exercise, a time to gather a layette.

There is a time to wonder at the ways of God, knowing this is the destiny for which I was created;

A time to dream of what this child might become,

A time to pray that God will teach me how to train this child which I bear.

A time to prepare myself that I might nurture his soul.

But soon there comes the time for birth,

For babies won't wait.

There is a time for night feedings, and colic and formulas.

There is a time for rocking and a time for walking the floor,

A time for patience and self-sacrifice,

A time to show him that his new world is a world of love and goodness and dependability.

There is a time to ponder what he is - not a pet nor toy, but a person, an individual - a soul made in God's image.

There is a time to consider my stewardship, I cannot possess him.

He is not mine. I have been chosen to care for him, to love him, to enjoy him, to nurture him, and to answer to God.

I resolve to do my best for him,

For babies don't wait.

There is a time to hold him close and tell him the sweetest story ever told;

A time to show him God in earth and sky and flower, to teach him to wonder and reverence.

There is a time to leave the dishes, to swing him in the park,

To run a race, to draw a picture, to catch a butterfly, to give him happy comradeship.

There is a time to point the way, to teach his infant lips to pray,

To teach his heart to love God's Word, to love God's day,

For children don't wait.

There is a time to sing instead of grumble, to smile instead of frown,

To kiss away the tears and laugh at broken dishes.

A time to share with him my best in attitudes - a love of life, a love of God, a love of family.

There is a time to answer his questions, all his questions,

Because there may come a time when he will not want my answers.

There is a time to teach him so patiently to obey, to put his toys away.

There is a time to teach him the beauty of duty, the habit of Bible study, the joy of worship at home, the peace of prayer,

For children don't wait.

There is a time to watch him bravely go to school, to miss him underfoot,

And to know that other minds have his attention, but that I will be there to answer his call when he comes home,

And listen eagerly to the story of his day.

There is a time to teach him independence, responsibility, self-reliance,

To be firm but friendly, to disciple with love,

For soon, so soon, there will be a time to let him go, the apron strings untied,

For children won't wait.

There is a time to treasure every fleeting minute of his childhood.

Just eighteen precious years to inspire and train him.

I will not exchange this birthright for a mess of pottage called social position, or business or professional reputation, or a pay check.

An hour of concern today may save years of heartache tomorrow,

The house will wait, the dishes will wait, the new room can wait,

But children don't wait.

There will be a time when there will be no slamming of doors, no toys on the stairs, no childhood quarrels, no fingerprints on the wallpaper.

Then may I look with joy and not regret.

There will be a time to concentrate on service outside my home;

On visiting the sick, the bereaved, the discouraged, the untaught;

To give myself to the "least of these."

There will be a time to look back and know that these years of motherhood were not wasted.

I pray there will be a time to see him an upright and an honest man, loving God and serving all.

God, give me the wisdom to see that today is my day with my children.

That there is no unimportant moment in their lives.

May I know that no other career is so precious,

No other work so rewarding,

No other task so urgent.

May I not defer it nor neglect it,

But by the Spirit accept it gladly, joyously, and by they grace realize

That the time is short and my time is now,

For children won't wait!

Secrets of Adulthood & My Personal Commandments

2010-09-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Okay so I was supposed to finish "Part B" of the curriculum posts, and I will get to that.

First I want to share something I've been working on for the last little bit. My friend Shirin over at http://theschneiderweb.blogspot.com/ has challenged me to read "The Happiness Project" http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/the-happiness-project-book.html.

Though I excepted the challenge it took me a while to order the book. Money just had to be spent elsewhere.

However when I finally did get it ordered, and delivered, I devoured it. Now I am going back through the book & starting my own "Happiness Project".

Thus far I have written my "Secrets of Adulthood" and "Personal Commandments" lists. I have them here below for you to read. These are supposed to be vague enough to cut across life's dilemmas. Maybe you will find some use out of my lists. Maybe you will be challenged to write your own.

This was much harder than I originally though it would be. I am fairly happy with the end result, although I may tweak parts of each list a bit. After I let everything gel for a while I am going to print these in a nice font, on nice paper and frame them. Look for them when you come to visit our home.

Secrets of Adulthood
1. Everyone has struggles, be nice.
2. "Be still & know that I am God".
3. Their fun does not have to be my fun.
4. Make the choice you know is right, it's worth it.
5.Work hard, so you can play hard.
6. Only God remains the same.
7. Keeping score is petty & weak.
8. It is what it is, make peace with it.
9. You will never be a master gardener, and that's okay.
10.Vengeance is better left in the hands of God, let it go.
11.Take time for simplicity.
12.Never lose sight of the legacy you want to leave.

My Personal Commandments
1. Don't let fear dictate
2. Focus
3. Stay in touch
4. Trust your instincts
5. Surrender
6. Experience the moment
7. Go to the green, water is life
8. Choose love, no exceptions
9. Show gratitude, always
10.Look into the eyes
11. Don't wait, do it now
12.Remember to have fun

Summer = Burning Pencil Muscles/ Insuring Ideas Come to Fruition....with teenagers

2010-07-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

   I've been filling calendars & placing papers into my ~~sanity keeper~~ binder. This has been done with the notions/ideas and skill-sets in mind that I want to bring into my little school. I've been reflecting on the things that I want to see accomplished as well as ~~guarding~~ planning specific times for a decompressing margin. I have spent much of June & July buried in a sea of curriculum, travel guides, teaching resources, web-inars, paperwork and books.

No. I am not done.

  Over the last few months I have heard many comments from my co-home educators about how I choose to home school...and how I ~~spent~~ ~~my summer~~ plan for it. Some are words of encouragement...others not so much. I am okay with all of that though. You see in the last ten years I've witnessed many different ways to home educate. As the saying goes, "The only thing homeschoolers have in common is the fact that they home school". Yes we are a diverse group indeed. We are an untamed people. We are not afraid to color outside of the lines. Jeff & I love this, we embrace it whole heartedly. Having said that, is it any wonder that we have raised two sons with enormous opinion? I know I shouldn't be surprised, but I am..every day right now. I am shocked by their intellect, vision and application. I have two teenagers who have been raised to have a voice...and boy do they use it!

  We interview our kiddos every summer in regards to the previous and up coming school years. We ask them questions such as "what did you think of the year?". "What did you like about it"? "What changes would you like to see take place?" What would you like to add...release"? Now please don't assume they have total power over the situation. They have thoughts, desires, concerns and we want to know what they are. This is a trust building activity on both sides (parent & child). It has been a good way to get many important issues out on the table for discussion. That and a built in excuse for drinking some ice cold sweet tea with giant handfuls of frozen cheese-its (the boys), Ritz with avocado slices (me) Wheat Thins and cream cheese (J). Um yeah anyway back to what I was saying...When they were little guys this was so cute and they were so easy to please. As every year passes this gets harder and harder to deal with. Quite honestly as they have become teenagers I question the sanity in raising them to express their own thoughts. Haha...

  At the end of the day I am glad they are willing to talk to us, oh what color they bring to an otherwise dull world!!! You see our boys are very adventurous. I get announcements such as "Mom I want to have a sled dog team, swim with sharks or join an ethnic band and travel to exotic places". "Mom, I've decided I'm going to trek across Alaska and then sail around the United States, then settle down to train others to explore all of creation". Oh and they don't just say things like this, they embrace them whole heartedly...they live out load for sure!! In all honestly I'm glad that they can test/check and argue with authority if needed.. I'm glad they dream big. I'm glad they have creative minds. Given carte blanch I wouldn't change a thing.

  I took a break from working today to come up for air. On a whim, as I passed a cranky teenager in the hallway, I squirted him with shaving cream...I missed, go figure. Let's just say it ended with shaving cream all over the bathroom floor...we were "skating" and laughing...good times!! I will miss them terribly when they are gone. They make me smile. I am blessed to be "Mother". I know this deeply. Life may be much easier... with less bathroom mopping jobs. I will certainly have my summers back. Dare I say I may even experience stillness and quietude in serenity on a regular basis? Nah....

What curriculum do you use? Part A

2010-06-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have been asked this question many times over the last little bit, so I decided to write it all down here as a reference point to those who want to check it out. I think this will be easier for everyone. This will eliminate the need to email the same information every few months. I won't have to remember titles on the spot and those who want this will have instant gratification! How's that for a win-win situation!
I have listed my top choices for as many subjects as I could deal with right now. I will have another whole post soon, Part B. I hope you find this and the next installment helpful.

Science
*Apologia Sciences      www.highschool.com/
*Home Training Tools      www.hometrainingtools.com/
*Tobin's Labs      www.tobinslabs.com/
*Answers in Genesis     www.answersingenesis.org/
*Institute for Creation Research    www.irc.org/

History
*Learning Adventures     http://www.learning-adventures.org/
*Veritas Press     http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Lamp Post     http://www.lamppostpublishing.com/
*Beautiful Feet   http://bftbooks.com/
*Streams of Civilization #1 & #2     http://www.christianbook.com/

Civics/Government
*Blue Stocking Press      http://www.bluestockingpress.com/uncle-eric-books.htm
*Teen Pact Leadership School     http://www.teenpact.com/
*Vision Forum     http://www.visionforum.com/
*Generation Joshua     http://www.generationjoshua.org/
*Constitutional Law for Enlightened Citizens     http://store.nexternal.com/hslda/storefront.aspx

Economics/Finances
*Economic Thinking      http://www.economicthinking.org/curriculum/EconomicsinaBox/
*10 Talents     http://www.10talents.org/www.10talents.org/Intro.html
*Blue Stocking Press (yes you just saw this in the Government selection)
*Foundations in Personal Finance    http://www.daveramsey.com/school/home/
*A to Z Home's Cool     http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/money.htm

Mathematics
*Horizons Math Series    http://www.aophomeschooling.com/horizons/overview.php\
*Fun Books     http://www.fun-books.com/mathematics.htm
*~Harold Jacob's Math Curriculum (can be bought from the website listed above, not just fun supplements)~
*Ask Dr. Callahan     http://shop.askdrcallahan.com/categories/Math/
*GW School Supply (wonderful manipulative)     http://www.gwschool.com/

Spelling/vocabulary
*Sequential Spelling     http://www.avko.org/aboutus.html
*Wordly Wise     http://www.wordlywise3000.com/
*Board/Card Games    http://www.educationallearninggames.com/
*Free Vocabulary: Simply write out the words your child doesn't quit understand...study those
*Free Spelling: Simply keep a running list of words your child miss spells...create tests from that

Composition
*Jump In: A Workbook for Reluctant and Eager Writers    https://apologia.securesites.net/http:
*Story Starters     www.homeschoolhighlights.com
*Veritas Press    http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Writing Strands     http://www.writing-strands.com/
*One Year Adventure Novel (Notes: I have not used this one however it comes highly recommended by many dear friends)      http://www.oneyearnovel.com/

Grammar
*Mc Guffey's Readers (Oral Reading, Dictation & Narration)   http://www.mcguffeyreaders.com/http:/
*Grammar Rock (School House Rock CD & VHS)     //www.amazon.com/
*Building Christian English Series      http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/
*Poetry, Shakespeare and Guides to Literature      http://www.veritaspress.com/http:
*Study Guides for Literature     //www.progenypress.com/

Phonics
*Explode the Code Series     http://www.rainbowresource.com
*123 Read      http://www.aophomeschooling.com
*Noah Websters Reading Handbook     http://www.christianlibertypress.com
*Five in a Row Series    /http://fiarhq.com/fiveinarow.info/index.html
*Reader Rabbit CD Rom Series     http://www.reader-rabbit.com/

Penmanship/Typing
*Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing    http://www.broderbund.com/c-33-mavis-beacon.aspx
*Handwriting Without Tears     http://www.hwtears.com/
*Spencerian Penmanship Series     http://www.mottmedia.com/pages/publications.asp?Pub=spencer
*Classically Cursive     http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Draw Write Now Series     http://www.christianbook.com/

Latin
*Latina Christiana Series     http://www.memoriapress.com/
*English From the Roots up     http://www.timberdoodle.com/
*Rummy Roots     http://www.rainbowresource.com/
*Supplemental Readers     http://www.veritaspress.com/
*Prima Latina Series     http://www.memoriapress.com/

Logic/Rhetoric
*Introductory & Intermediate Logic     http://www.canonpress.org/
*Bluedorn Book Series     http://www.fallacydetective.com/
*Art of the Argument Series      http://classicalacademicpress.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2http:
*Classical Rhetoric with Aristotle    http://www.memoriapress.com/descriptions/rhetoric_aristotle.html
*Five Minute Mysteries Series      http://www.amazon.com/

2010-06-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow" Mary Anne Radmacher

You Want Me To Do What?

2010-06-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

Take a bit of time to reflect on these verses.

Titus 2:3-5

³The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

⁴That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

⁵To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Now stop. Stick the car in reverse. Read these verses again.

Well I don't know about you, but when I read these verses I question myself. My family is my song, my heart station, but do they know that? Do my children think I'm a good Mom? Does my husband take joy in me as his bride? How does the world see me as mother, wife? What will I be remembered as, what is the mark on my life? Does it say loving wife and mother? Does it say wise counsel? Does my home show that I am happy to be in my station?

Titus two women are supposed to be the older (wiser) ladies of the "church". Their role is to counsel and nurture the younger women and new Christians of the "church". You know the "walk with the wise and you will grow wise" routine? They are supposed to show by example how we should strive to conduct ourselves. In light of that I became frustrated as a young bride/mother. I wanted mature godly women in the community of believers I could turn to for guidance. I longed for such women to just appear in the church I attended. I mourned for the lack there of.

Eventually I learned "older" is a relative term. I began to notice like minded individuals regardless of age. I learned that "wise" came in many forms. I began to have ears to listen and eyes to see. I was being softened and molded by God as I went about my life. I had a million questions, well I still do, don't you? I wanted to know efficient ways to clean, wonderful recipes to try, the best place to buy this, how to schedule for that. I wanted the secret for how to "get it all done" and to also "guard my time". What I did learn in these categories I picked up from many different people and sources. Some were a far cry from the sweet little elderly ladies I had pictured in my mind.God showed me how he can use the most unlikely of individuals to do his good works.

Take a few minutes to read the lyrics to the following song.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Legacy/Nichole Nordeman

I have the chorus of this song on my facebook side column. This is where you are invited to write something about yourself. I also have a hand written copy on the cork board in our school room. We all say & do things we regret, or in time come to regret. Having these lyrics posted is a daily reminder for me of who I want to be, how I want to live my life and how I want to be remembered. For me, this song is a pointed arrow right to the scriptures mentioned above. It is a reminder to me to be kind even when I don't want to. A prick to extend myself, so that others really do know how precious they are to me, A humbling message to go about my duties with joy "as unto the Lord". A message to strive for consistency.

God has pressed even further, He has made it clear that I am a Titus two woman. I am to be what I always longed to have.

WHAT?

How can it be?

I'm not old?

I have so much more to learn.

These are the words that I silently screamed. God waited while I threw my fit, then He lead me to this simplistic truth; we are all Titus 2 women. You are never too young. It does not mean you are super woman or some ultra holy being. In fact I think if you puff yourself up in self professed wisdom you will fall hard off of your pedestal. I think those that act as though they never lived through trial are missing the whole point. I think turning your nose up at someone with less understanding than you have attained is like spitting venom at God himself.

God has made it clear that refusal to be a Titus two woman isn't really among my choices. Little children, youth, adults, they will all be watching and evaluating my conduct whether I want them to or not. Likewise I clearly have no grounds to complain if I refuse to do anything about the problem. Therefore I have set out to purposefully strive for self control, moral character and honorable stewardship. I aim to encourage others in godly choices. To pray for whatever need is brought to my attention. My aim is to give comfort, to uplift a spirit, to lighten a load.

I certainly don't have all the answers, who but God does? However I have lived through many trials, more importantly I am willing to humbly share what I learned along the way. Sometimes I made right choices, and sometimes completely wrong ones. I have gleaned wisdom from both. God has shown me who I am. I still stand in wonder that he knows me better than I know myself. Oh how clearly I see that truth looking back, you know...after the fact.

When my spirit was pricked in this direction I wondered if I really had enough to offer anyone. I realized I have enough peace to love, enough patience to listen and enough strength to carry on, which is given through His grace. I need no special training, just a willingness and an alertness. I have come to realize Christ will place people right in your path. You just need ears to listen and eyes to see. I have had moments when I didn't feel like my efforts were worth my time or my prayers. God is gracious. I have had a few people, not many, but enough to keep me going, express their gratitude. I, of course gave credit to God, but it was also confirming to me that I was walking down the right path. I was thrilled to know my yielding and humble obedience was a help to someone, it is a righteous, not lofty confirmation.

Dictation not Dictatorship. Run, don't walk...get a dictionary quick!!

2010-05-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

The lack of comprehension in basic vocabulary never ceases to amaze me. In example I was blown away when recently discussing with an acquaintance "how I do it"...meaning homeschool my guys. Nameless, as the acquaintance will from now forth be referred to as, was appalled that I would teach my children via dictatorship.

For real? Muwahaha you are in my house now little boys!!! Charity, Mother of two thought-squashed boys... ...Yeah, no!

In the interest of protecting the freedom of homeschoolers everywhere I will attempt to explain dictation. I will do so now, so pay close attention. It is the art of hearing something and repeating that knowledge orally or in written word. Dictation is a skill-set achieved over time, through training and experience. It is useful throughout life. It is an awesome tool, so awesome that I will now show you how it played out in our little school.

   I began incorporating dictation into my homeschool when my sons were quite little. Most of the time I would sit one boy at my right and one at my left on the sofa. We would cuddle up real close and I would read. However when I wanted to teach dictation I would set them before me....no looking at pictures. I would read the little stories to them while they drew or built etc... They were instructed to create what they heard me reading. After I finished the story they would show me their masterpiece. They would tell back the story as they explained whatever art medium lay before us. This is a form of narration, which is the precursor to dictation in my opinion. This was great for memory retention and listening skills. I loved, loved, loved it!
   When they grew a bit older I still read those amazing picture books, however the boys were required to write, not draw, exactly what they heard. I read slowly. I stopped often. I started with just one sentence. We worked up to the point of dictating about a paragraph worth of information by late elementary. Both sons now dictate whole essays.
After the boys write out their assignment they are given the original piece. With this they're expected to go back and correct any misspelled words or grammar misuses. Before handing it back to me they write a final copy in their best handwriting, or type it up depending on the instructions I give.
    Dictation has proved to be a wonderful training tool. My boys have been able to use this in note taking at church and in classes they take outside of our home. This endeavor has enhanced their proofreading skills in a way I could never teach with a grammar text. I don't necessarily agree with those who claim dictation takes the place of formal spelling and grammar. However I do find it a brilliant way to test comprehension and to reinforce those formal skills in a hands on/real world way.
   So...yeah, Nameless, what I'm really doing is EMPOWERING THEM, not squashing them. Grrrr......amazing. (Charity straightens back in confidence)

gasp short girl say what?

2010-05-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

   A sage once opined that one should know where he is from before venturing out to explore new lands. I, for one, take that to heart. I want my sons to know where they live. I want to give them that before they leave my nest. That my friends is right here, right now!
Before I go into all that let me just get this out. There's a funny little myth floating around against Fresno. People are always Fresno-bashing. I know what you are thinking...and you're right. I bash as well. However I don't perpetrate Fresno's nothingness. I don't like the heat...okay I hate the heat. I think a huge majority of the architecture is shameful. True, true I could, and often do say much more. However it must be said that although I would never choose to live here, I do like several aspects of Fresno. There I've said it, and I feel good about it.
   Now that we've gotten that business out of the way, we can move on. We were in downtown Fresno three times this week. Three days in a row. Although I could extol the many virtues of downtown... I'll limit myself to sharing our three days with you.
Let's start with Tuesday. Ricky, along with the rest of the PSCA choirs preformed in Courthouse Park. They were at the always touching, annual Police Memorial Service. I told my kids for the umpteenth time about my Grandma working in a bank downtown, how they tore down the beautiful courthouse and built this funky thing etc.... all as we sat under the delightful canopy of trees waiting for the service to begin. Afterward we walked across the street for the luncheon provided for the performers. Extraordinary kindness at its best, making you question everything you thought you knew. We had a simple meal and visited with lots of friends while inviting trees were swaying in the breeze all around us. The pavilions, courtyards and outdoor dining areas really are quite lovely.
Now on to Wednesday. We parked our car and walked the Fulton Mall. We were exploring the historic art sculpture collection. These are dotted all throughout the six blocks or so of the outdoor mall. Then we hoped in the car and drove all around taking photos of downtown's great buildings of yesteryear. We were saddened that a few had been red-xed. I told my boys many other stories as we drove from location to location.
    Our next stop brought us to the Tower district. This is another great Fresno area, yet still downtown. Here we had the finest pot pies I've ever had the good fortune to taste. We were at the famous Chicken PieShop . They're good. I mean really, really good. Jeff asked for a menu so we could call ahead and order a dozen sometime soon. Billy and Ricky got a kick out of the swanky restaurant. As we were leaving the building we turned to get a great shot of the Tower theater lit up at night. I , of course told my boys story after story. We showed them where my Dad used to live, the Mexican restaurant where my sisters and I sat on stools and visited with the little old couple who ran the joint etc...
Thursday, as in today...was a day of touring galleries/studios. We were traversing through the downtown section of Fresno's Art Hop. This is the time when artists open their doors for free. It occurs on the first Thursday of each month in Downtown. There are other areas in Fresno doing the same thing on the third Thursday of the month. We toured six smile inducing spots. The favorite of the night was Kliszewski Glass hands down. The boys were positively giddy watching the craftsmen work with the fiery hot glass. I was thrilled for them, they loved the demonstration.We ended our evening with a quick stop to grab some yummy ice cream.
       Three fun-filled, basically free days. Most of these stops were for our Spanish, Photography and Art classes. With these particular destinations we got more intimate with downtown Fresno. We were on an old building/art genre scavenger hunt of sorts. Fresno...you're alright.

Dwelling on Spring and Hiking Food

2010-05-03T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well the wildflowers have been popping out and trees have been blooming. They have been teasing us for months now.
We've had a traveling respite. We've only ventured out a bit over the last few months. Although the break was needed, we are ready for some outdoor action!
We want to embrace the green while it's still here. It's a Spring thing for sure!
Life on Charity Lane is pretty frantic as I am trying to wrap up our school year etc. etc. etc..... However the windows have been open. I've been listening to tantalizing Spring sing it's song. The last thing I wanted to do today was to be responsible. I wanted to relish in the beauty of spring in California. In the blink of an eye it'll be gone.
I didn't get to go hiking or even just out for a mountain drive, how sad. However I did sit and day dream about doing so real soon. While I was so happily thinking on the subject I wrote a list to share with all of you. The following is our preferred outdoorsy foods list. What are yours?

V8 Juice Boxes
Pumpkin Seeds
Cucumber sticks
All Bran Bars
Kashi Bars
E mergen C
Pears
TLC Bars
Fruit Leather
Cashews
Kern Nectar Drinks
Carrot Sticks
Celery Sticks w/ Peanut Butter or Goat Cheese
Jerkey
Peanuts
Popcorn
Wheat thins W/ Cream Cheese
Olives
Apples
Bananas
Sunflower Seeds
Strawberry & Fig Newtons
Cliff Bars
Cherry Tomatoes
Baguette W/ Salami & Cream Cheese

Okay so I'm brilliant

2010-05-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

According to a pass-me-down magazine I received from my mother in law, who is great for the pass-me-down magazines. Every now and again she surprises me with a biggo bag of happiness. I get to sit down and veg out finding treasure amongst the pages. Check this out........

"Yellow, the brightest color in the spectrum, promises optimism with its positive energy. Serve breakfast on a bright yellow plate (I have both cereal bowls and plates that are yellow) to give your whole family a cheerful start to the day. Boost your mood with yellow (I have yellow bits of this and that in decor around my house)

You see yellow is my favorite color. I love yellow things. Apparently I am brilliant....and, um... I host such positive energy!!! Teh-hee

Mornings

2010-04-24T11:43:00.000-07:00

I like mornings, before the rush. I am almost always the first one up. It makes the day run so much more smoothly when I am able to take a few minutes to breathe...ALONE. I start the coffee, let the dogs outside and leisurely go about the house doing whatever must be done to make each particular day run most effectively.
I like that we have time to patiently care for our animals needs. That they aren't abandoned and yet expected to behave regardless of hours spent alone.
I like that we homeschool our boys. I like that I hold the key on deciding if they need to be blasted out of bed with a fog horn or if they need extra time to rest. Life gives us all the need for both, a mother knows how to monitor this best.
I like that we have lovely mornings with bible studies lasting as long as we can push the envelope. We can eat our breakfast and calmly sip our coffee...or whatever, while we are mulling over life's complexities.
I like that we have time to exercise together. It is fun to do with others and a great way to start the day.
Of course we all shoot out like rockets after the morning rituals. The neat thing is we individually get to carry the joint morning experience away with us. Mornings can make or break our day. A good one gives us energy. A bad experience is tough to compensate. I agree with those who say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I'd like to add to that statement. I think we would do well to consider mornings being the most important time of the day.

Monkey Pod Games

2010-04-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

    A few months back, you know before our world went noodles, "Monkey Pod Games" http://www.monkeypodgames.com/ asked if I would be willing to review a few of their games.

   I am here at last, full of chagrin..here's the story.

   I agreed, HELLO who in their right mind would turn away free family night activities. Well we thought it was awesome. As a matter of fact Ricky said he was going to get on the blog http://mostlysanevincents.blogspot.com/ he shares with his brother and write reviews on all the activities he loves most. Of course he was banking on an array of bliss-filled packages arriving on our doorstep. That was short lived.

   The games arrived. We played the games. Life went nuts. We packed the games...and the laptop.

We are now, obviously back to our normally scheduled program....well enough to share our experience with you anyway.

   The first game we tried out was "Ludo" which is basically "Sorry" To put it simply we loved it! It's easy to set up, easy to understand! This game is great because you can grab some quick snacks for the game table, set up the game in a giffy and you're ready to go! This provides some great time w/ the fam. without the gloom of "a game that will never end". No fear of brain cells that are too overwhelmed to "get the instructions" Understand I am not insinuating that it is without challenge. It is a game of wit and strategy. This particular version is actually a wooden box. When you open the lid, where the pieces are stored, it becomes the game board. It latches shut with loops of red rope and two pegs, which is brilliant. We have enjoyed sitting on the back patio sipping blueberry tea and playing this new awesome wooden game. Because of its travel ease, we've also taken it on a picnic with us. We plan to take it camping this summer. http://www.monkeypodgames.com/Wooden-Ludo-Large/M/B002XF4OZM.htm

The second game we tried out is called the Soma Cube. Like, Ludo it is a wooden game. Both are aesthetically pleasing earning them a position on the wooden games shelf in our living room. You know vs the second class citizen shut away in the closet... umm the cardboard and plastic games.

    Anyway....Soma Cube is a set of wooden pieces, your job is to take them apart and put them back together in 240 different ways. The first day we played we where on the middle of the floor. The two boys and I had our heads in a triangle. Our bodies were shooting out from the game that lay in the center of said triangle. After reading the instructions several times we finally figured out the step by step directions for the first construction. The next step was going through the process alone with only the figure of a finished construction pictured. This proved to be MUCH harder. That day we only found two more solutions. The next time we pulled it out we placed it in the middle of the table. We were stumped on a particular figure. One by one through out the day we continued to go back to that table trying to find the new solution. We needed a new way to build. We couldn't conquer it, so we'd walk away. It followed our thought's, so we'd go back and stare at it. This game is kinda like a cross between the family jigsaw puzzle endeavor and the let's try and conquer the Rubic's Cube generational curse. http://www.monkeypodgames.com/Soma-Cube-3d-Large/M/B0012LJAMA.htm   We loved it! We hated it! We wanted to pull out our hair, We wanted to throw the pieces across the room. Non-the-less when we finally did feel the victory of conquering one of the figures we were on a natural high!

   Thank You Monkey Pod Games for giving my family these beautiful, sturdy, mind stretching games!!!

Cleaning, books and other important things in life.

2010-04-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

   Speaking of spring, that is... um...as in my previous post, I have been "enjoying" the annual spring cleaning phenomena with a bit of a twist. Riding on that wave of energy I have a nice orderly home. I have purged the clutter, well except for my secret life long hoarding project.

Okay, fine! So the issue has been well documented! Yeah, so maybe it's not all that "secret".

For the few of you who have somehow escaped the knowledge, I hunt books. I save books. I have a mission to replace a great number of stolen books. Seriously, if I don't what will my grandchildren read? I mean have you been to a book store lately? How about the public library-a sad state of affairs, I'm sorry to report. Despite the enormity of my collection and the you've-got-to-be-kidding-me look on the faces of those who helped us move all-those-boxes-of-books, I really do give away boxes of books every year. Can I get a witness? Come on Jenny, Jacki, Claudia...anyone?
   At any rate this is the time of year to open windows and listen to the rhythm of spring....and do some serious cleaning! As I alluded to earlier, the endeavor went a bit differently for me this year. We moved, yes again and only four months later! That is a huge MESSY story that will have to wait for another post. For now let's just say it made getting rid of un-needed clutter, freshening everything up, completing projects and restocking much easier.
   Not that I'm advocating a move every four months. The stress of moving is enormous, especially when it's not your choice, when the decision is made for you. Casa de Vincent went noodles for about a month, and is only starting to recover. We have been placed in a very difficult situation. Scheduling has been, well...interesting to say the least. Moving at the end of the school year after moving four months previously during the holidays is umm....NOT FUN!!!

Did I mention that we homeschool, run a home business, have two sons with spring birthdays and our baby is graduating from 8th grade...WHILE WE ARE MOVING!!! Can you spell EXASPERATING???

     While discussing a totally unrelated issue with a sweet friend of mine...who doesn't even know she gave my spirit (that also needed some spring cleaning) some wonderful words of wisdom. She reminded me that I am glad we homeschool. We had no losing of friends, because there was no changing of schools. I am blessed. Another spirit cleaning friend, whose words ring in my ears even as I sit here, reminded me of what others all around us are living through and have no choice but to "deal with". I am blessed. Thank you Jesus for loving me through my tantrums. Thank you for looking to my needs (and a home that can house my books). Thank you Jesus for your majestic rule. Thank you for my cleansing rejuvenation.

Thank you God for Spring

2010-04-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

It's Spring! With that comes gorgeous blossoms & absolutely wonderful rain....and errr, um.... hailman building hail storms, warm evening picnics, watch through the window thunderstorms, sunny swims & kite flying wind. Ricky has been keeping a weather log for Physical Science this month, it has been hilarious! Hooray for the wild ride of springtime! Hooray for the sights, sounds and smells of a quintessential Spring day, which to me means the magic of the unknown. However I mostly adore the sweet aromas from those lovely releases of green and the freshly pounded dirt. These are restorative actions for the earth and my spirit.

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the day he created spring"~Bert Williams

.....and although I loved the beautiful weather of a few days ago heading out for a walk around the new neighborhood, sitting out in the yard lazin' around with a book, cloud watching with Ricky, some great conversation with Billy in the garden, conducting schooling outdoors at the picnic table, leading to evening meals placed there as well. I also love the movie watching snuggle time & the game playing that stormy days tend to bring. Rain brings a calming peace with it. Let the rain, rain, rain come down, down, down!!!

2010-02-11T20:21:00.000-08:00

“If there is any boy or man who loves to be melancholy and morose, and who cannot enter into the regions of fun, let me seriously advise him to shut my book and put it away. It was not meant for him.” —R.M. Ballantyne, from the preface to The Coral Islands

So why do you Homeschool anyway?

2010-02-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

As I sit here today munchin' on some roasted edamame and sippin' some strawberry tea (it helps me think...the munchin' and the sippin') I've got this sugar cookie flavored scenty plugged in right next to my bed. An inspiring smelly-good for that ~~wet dog~~ cooped up wintry house smell (thanks Mom). I'm listening to my new Tal & Acacia CD (Thanks Mom-n-law) Aren't Moms great? I've got my toes tucked into my nice warm blanket and a pile of books at my side...the phone rings. It's another inquirer asking me to tell them about "this homeschool thing".
I have found myself on more than one occasion here lately stating "boy I'm glad we homeschool" Today was another one of those days that reminds me why we do what we do. So I was already all jazzed up before picking up the phone, not to mention completely comfortable with all my goodies and such......So why do we homeschool anyway? This is a question asked so often you would think by now I would have condensed my answer. In all honesty quite the opposite is true. The longer I home educate, the more dragged out my speech becomes.
I really never have minded the questioning. I have always looked at it as an opportunity to shed some light for others and a constant refresher/reminder for myself. It doesn't take very long to find out if the person asking is truly inquiring or just out to fulfill an agenda. Often times those who are indeed acquisitive never really get my full answer as parenting often interrupts conversations. So....this is for you. All those curious somebodies who want to know why we do what we do.

The liberty to teach history from a providential perspective. That is to acknowledge God's divine hand in all times, with all people for his purpose.
Also to teach history chronologically in a cyclical manner ever increasing the knowledge level as the years go by. To teach history with a text book as a mere spine of reference. To teach history with autobiographies, biographies, historical fiction and non fiction alike replacing the fragmented boring textbook. Purposely including actual geography...an all to often forgotten subject. To teach history by visiting museums as well as historical sites. To teach history by watching movies and incorporating hands on activities. The joy in showing the why, the who and not just the date.
The opportunity to teach science through both the evolutionists and creationists point of view. To teach about God the creator of heaven and earth. To take God at his word, that is "all was created in literally six days". However to also teach what evolutionist believe to be true..as in.. yes we read books like Origin of species by Charles Darwin. To teach that the evolutionist and the creationist believe in the same science. It is the faith of the evolutionist and the creationist that differs, which ultimately draws very different conclusions. Neither the evolutionist or the creationist was present to provide scientific fact for the question of origins, this is why we go to the words of someone who was there. We relish the freedom to do just that through the book God has preserved for us.We take joy in teaching an appreciation for Gods wonderful array of colorful people (physical as well as spiritual). Each as completely different and carefully crafted as the tiny snowflakes we all take for granted. So special is each human life that we take time to teach about the rights of even the tiniest, sickliest and oldest. To teach free from abortion & euthanasia propaganda. To teach our children to love their neighbor whether red, yellow, black, white, handicapped, gifted, rich, poor. To be the one who teaches them about sex education free of homosexual propaganda.
Also to teach science through hands on, real life experimentation and in a lab with other students or at home. To teach science through back yard astronomy and kitchen chemistry. To teach science through nature studies as in observation and drawing, journaling or diagramming findings. To teach science through fun kits growing lady bugs, earth worms, silk worms, butterflies, moths and frogs. Watching with intent as kittens, puppies and chicks are born. Nurturing goats, rabbits, birds and rats. To teach science by growing gardens, crystals and mold. To teach about biomes by visiting caves, great valley grass lands, deserts, high mountain peaks, canyons, oceans, lakes, rivers, creeks and streams. To teach science through visiting Dad's clients, occupational field trips, museums, theme parks (physics) zoos, farms and rescue shelters. To teach science by building things and home improvement projects.To read wonderful books and watch fascinating movies.
Power to pursue and cultivate God given talents, skills and aesthetic endeavors. No homeschool parent I know is arrogant enough to believe they can do everything on their own. However they do know what they can do well. An intricate system of bartering goes on trading subjects as needed and fits within each families dynamics. This is also how many co-ops are started providing holiday parties, graduation ceremonies etc. Not to mention the plethora of tutoring, private lessons and community classes that are available. This is Free Enterprise at its best.
Togetherness. Our family is a team. Yes sometimes our days are completely frustrating. As someone once said "giving air to why tigers eat their young" Yet other times our life is radiating with joy and hysterical laughter. We have so many memories we hold in common. Yes we are a typical busy family. However homeschooling allows us to grab time when others are locked away in school. Dinner is hard for us...yes I know typical. Yet we have breakfast and lunch together. We have time for devotional every morning with Dad. We have days on our calendar set aside for just the four of us. We hold our secret days in close regard.
One of the blessings I love most is the independence to go on little mini learning adventures. Freedom to break the chains claiming learning happens in a certain time frame, on a certain day, at a desk...in a classroom. Learning is happening all around us. Weather we are sitting around the dining table, watching a movie, walking to the park or driving around town, learning continues, it is a natural flow. A love of learning is born when you break away from methods that cause kids to burn out well before middle school. For the record, yes we have a school room. It houses a TV with cable, DVD & VHS for school media. Science equipment, an atlas and globe can be found in the room. We also house workout videos for raining day PE, dictionary, thesaurus, art supplies and office supplies in there. Of course that's where the school day could take place...and it does at times. At home schoolwork is also done floating in the pool, laying in the hammock, sitting on the roof or up in a tree. Yet school work is also done away from home sitting at a beach, resting on a boulder, with toes wiggling in a pond or driving in a car. I love finding new places to explore with my children.
People. Yes I list people as one of the blessing of home education. People who pour themselves into the homeschool movement. People who dedicate countless hours organizing, planning and carrying through all sorts of wonderful opportunities for others to enjoy. People who pioneered the modern homeschool movement, which allowed me to come into the picture with ease. Thank you for your sacrifice, time in court and diligence to get companies to sell us curriculum...and actually write some of your own. People I've never met, thank you for my freedom to homeschool independent of governmental dictation at the expense of your families. People who make the decision to homeschool so much easier because you choose to mentor. People who listen to crying spent mamas' and then reel them back in. People who write books, speak at seminars and create co-ops. I couldn't...probably wouldn't do it without you clearing the path.
Desire to alleviate stress by allowing each of my sons to grow at his own speed. We have one who flies through most everything and one who needs lots of extra time...homeschooling allows for both. To learn without the restraints of bells and schedules set in place to herd a room full of kids. To remove busy work meant to silence a flock of burned out, bored students. Joy to learn in a way that reaches each child best. Battling the daily grind without breaking the child's spirit.To learn at whatever speed needed in each individual subject without unnecessary pressure and in effect enjoying the learning process. Yes time to complete each task well. There is no need to move onto the next spelling test just because its Monday. To learn without the lack of restrictions in moving forward in a section of a math text even if someone else couldn't keep up, in example.
Freedom to be a boy. Boys aren't meant to sit still day after day, week after week, year after year. Could this be contributing to the national problem with (mostly boys) and ADD/ADHD?? Homeschooling allows freedom to run laps or jump on a trampoline between each subject taught. Brilliance is setting up a schedule with plenty of physical endurance (sports and home improvement) and lots of time to explore the outdoors for boys.
To nourish and cherish brotherhood. Our boys fight...HELLO! However they are also truly friends. They have such a great time together exploring and learning or simply hanging out.Homeschooling provides time to tend to this.
The right to teach phonics instead of the sight word mumbo-jumbo. To use phonics as the building blocks they are meant to be. Time to read, read, read! Oh and reading is so much more enjoyable when you are ACTUALLY taught to read! To start teaching Grammar AFTER phonics is learned. Lots of time to write, just to learn to express ones self. Appreciating the difference in this and the refining skill of the eloquent written word. Teaching true logic and then the classic method of rhetoric. Giving real skill sets no longer taught in most schools.
Teaching self motivating skills. Striving for self starting skills gradually growing into the natural process of independence.
To foster great character. To teach wisdom and discernment. Christian homeschool kids are not immune to the sin curse, of course. Likewise they are not hidden from all sorts of evils prevalent in this world, we all fall short. We aim to show mercy, grace and compassion. We strive to promote fellowship with their peers...yes. Yet also to seek ways to show kindness to those much younger and quite older then themselves. To take notice, to be aware and to act accordingly. Homeschooling allows for time to grow into the "salt" and "light". Giving them strong legs to stand on so they won't be swayed to and fro with every passing wind by saturating them in the ways of God.
To teach governmental law, civics and economics by studying speeches, sitting in on council meetings both local and at the state and going to tea parties and the like. Again by reading great books, watching outstanding movies, keeping up on current events and going on plenty of field trips. Teaching public speaking through debate and speech club to give voice in defining ones morals and standards. To insure they know their constitutional rights.
Time for unrushed prayer. Using a prayer board that we pin names or pictures on to remind us of all the people we want to lift up. By keeping a prayer and praise journal as an easy way to release our troubles and also to recognize Gods blessings.

2010-02-11T08:37:00.001-08:00

“Boys [should be] inured from childhood to trifling risks and slight dangers of every possible description, such as tumbling into ponds and off of trees, etc., in order to strengthen their nervous system... They ought to practice leaping off heights into deep water. They ought never to hesitate to cross a stream over a narrow unsafe plank for fear of a ducking. They ought never to decline to climb up a tree, to pull fruit merely because there is a possibility of their falling off and breaking their necks. I firmly believe that boys were intended to encounter all kinds of risks, in order to prepare them to meet and grapple with risks and dangers incident to man’s career with cool, cautious self-possession...” —R. M. Ballantyne

They really are tasty little morsels

2010-02-05T10:48:00.000-08:00

Brussels sprouts.
Yes I'm serious.
I can't even begin tell you how many people have suggested they "smell like dirty socks & taste even worse". I've never had that experience myself. Out of curiosity I did manage to get a few ladies to share with me the way they were taught to serve these yummy veggies up.
Interesting fact.
They all made them the same way.
I recently bought a bag of Brussels sprouts. I did something I've never done before. I flipped the bag over to see if cooking instructions were provided. Sure enough, there read the same ol' recommendation I've been hearing about time and time again.
Well my dear sweet readers this is one instance I am going to insist you don't listen to your elders. Just abandon their Brussels sprout ideals. Do not fear the outcome instead rejoice in the freedom of a new day, a new way! Step away from the old plan all you Brussels sprout haters.
Yes it's true there is another way, you don't have to boil them. My Grandmother taught me how to make Brussels sprouts while spending a weekend with her, when I was a young girl. That is how I've continued making them all these years later. It never occurred to me that Grandma's way wasn't the norm, I didn't get the memo. As a matter of fact Regina is the only friend I've ever met who cooked hers up "like Grandma used to make." Go figure.
So what did Grandma do anyway? Well. She cut them in half and sauteed them in butter, minced garlic and salt. That's all folks.
Sometimes butter really is the only answer. Go ahead give it a try...I dare you.

If you don't know...well now you know

2010-02-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

   I love me some game playin'! I 've been known to get a little excited while at it too. I'm probably the most exuberant of the bunch, like a crazy person at moments. Yes, she of the Vincent tribe is a real game goober. So it's great that I married a man who also enjoys an impromptu flee to the game closet...or bookcase, cuz that's where the pretty ones are stored...or that one over on the side table. Psst...I love you Jeff! Oh! Is it any wonder that we have raised us up a couple of gamers?
Now I'm not talkin' bout this highfalutin' new fangled video game phenomena. Rather I'm referencing the plethora of card games and board games available to families. Games where wisdom is dispensed, brains are stretched and families conversate therefore bonding. Yeah, that type.
   It's amazing to me when I hear that families don't play games together anymore. Especially when you consider the games on the market for every age and any personality. I remember watching my Grandfather play Parcheesi on his front porch with the neighborhood men, I tell my boys this every time we play. I'm sure they rolls their eyes. I remember playing the memory game with my Grandma as a little girl. Then watching her play the same game with my sons. Now I watch them play the same game with their toddler cousins. Then reminisce with their older cousins about "games" gone by. My brother, Eric, bought Billy & Ricky a game called "Don't wake Daddy" when they were little. It was kinda like their real life, because Daddy worked nights at the time!
Apparently word leaked out that Billy likes playing games. For every year that he was part of We Got The Beat, a children's percussion group, he received a Connect Four game. Yes. Every year. Not only that, but one year he also received a Connect Four game from my brother Jimmy, My Mom and the Shugert family. Although it was a pain to return each and every extra Connect Four game we kinda miss the "tradition" now that Billy has out grown the game. Speaking of little ones, when Ricky was just 5 and 6 years old he played with CHEFA's Chess team. I still remember my tiny guy carrying his own chess board. He was so serious about his "appointment". This was big time! I remember playing Hi Ho Cheerios, Candyland and Go Fish. Too bad no one will play those anymore. They are still fun. P.S. Isn't it funny how many little kids call Go Fish "Gold Fish"
Though none of us have enough time to do a Chess club or any thing of the like we still find time here or there to play a game. Both boys look forward to games night with friends and family. These can be well planned out or super last minute. Games are just fun. Come on you know its true. Just give yourself over to them. Of course pretty much every American knows the joys of classics like Uno, Twister and Stratego. Maybe you've even heard about Swap, Blockus or Settlers of Catan. If you've happened by our house and stuck around long enough for the games to pop out you've probably been ~~harassed~~ persuaded to play those along with us. If you've ever been on a road trip or camping with us then surely your have played candy poker, Hit the Deck or Charades. The last game night we went to Ricky played Categories and had a blast. None of us had ever played before. Hmmmm, Grandma's take note!

*Side stepping for a sec. The Grandma's buy games at Christmas that are not to be tampered with until New Years Eve. This is an awesome tradition that started when we had tots we needed to entertain on a long night.

   We always enjoy ourselves. However the best times are on rare lazy days and it kinda just happens. Hang out with my teenagers. Eat food. Play cards. I love that!

These are only a few stories I chose to paint. We have enough for a gallery. If I have succeeded in convincing you to grab your people and get your game on. A nice thought of gathering around a table in time for some Super Bowl half time bonding. Here is our list of THE 12 BEST GAMES EVER (and also how my boys were introduced to each game) for you to utilize. No. I mean it. Go for it baby!

*Battleship (a few tutorial lessons from Bobby & Henry , then it was passed down)

*Uno (from me!!! "All is fair in love & Uno")

*Hit the Deck (Meme put it in their stocking)

*Swap (Bought to play with my aging Grandmother. We we searching for a way to enjoy spending time with her. Most especially time for her to share with my boys before God called her home....She cheated at that game, I tell ya she did. That turkey!)

*Apples to Apples (Again Meme one Christmas. This game is played almost every time the kids have a party or sleep over)

*Monopoly (Uncle Jimmy. This is like the longest game known to man kind. They play it every time CJ comes to stay with us...for the week. Or when we used to go to the beach with Jeff's parents...for the week!!

*Risk (Granny bought this for Christmas in a nice wooden box...she is responsible for all the wooden games on our shelves)

*Clue (Another Granny Christmas purchase. She even bought them the movie "Clue" which just made the game even more fun)

*The Memory Game (Grandma T. (as B&R call her) gave me the original one she played with my siblings and I when we were little. Hey come to think of it she had a game closet too. Maybe this is all her ~~fault~~ influence. You know I do realize my kids are too big for this game. However I say it belongs on this list do to its sheer power to get them to sit still FOR A VERY LONG TIME!)

*Blink (A stocking gift from us. I was awesome...now Billy has passed me up. Someone please go buy this game and study hard. When you at once become awesome, come immediately to my house and give Billy a proper beating! I will provide food)

*Candy Poker (Papa Jim & Aunt Ceci taught them how to play a few different games actually. The fire caught and now they host gatherings with each guest bringing their sweet of choice, basically everyone ends up with a trail mix of sorts.

*Chess (Papa Jeff, Dad (Jeff) and Aunt Mary all added to this knowledge. My sister Bethany bought the game)

We moved...and this is why

2010-01-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

   We are not fans of the valley. Most of that is due to weather, but there are a few other reasons as well. For now lets just stick with the weather aspect. We have always wanted to move out of California. After much research and even a trip to check it out in person we decided on Maine. Try as we might that goal has never been reached. Almost four years ago we settled on at least getting off the valley floor. We moved up to Coarsegold, in a rent-to-own home. Unfortunately the owners made some bad financial choices, and we had to move on. At that point we moved into another rental...still in Coarsegold. Before the year was up we knew we would have to move back down into the valley.

   Many factors went into that submission. Here's that story.

You see when making the intentional decision to move up into the foothills Jeff's business was still new enough that he had clients in every which direction. There was no such thing as convenient. So it was an easy choice to move where our spirits were rejuvenated. However very rapidly his client base was centered in Fresno.
   In hopes of transferring as much of our lives as possible to Coarsegold we left the church we were attending in Fresno for one in Coarsegold. The pastor at that church made some very shameful choices. Apparently before we moved into the picture he had begun "cleaning house" in the church. Which inevitably caused a church split. That's about when we started attending. He continued to realign the church according to scripture. Yes that does sound good. However he stomped on people in order to accomplish it. He compromised for his own personal comfort. At this point we decided to slip out of the church. We enjoyed a few months of sweet home church, just the four of us. Then we began, once again, to attend the church down in Fresno. Which meant even more time on the road to and fro.
    Just a quick side step: Jeff had developed a friendship with the pastor and had called him to breakfast on occasion to talk about the church situation...to no avail. Most disappointing of all, the pastor secretly applied for positions in other churches...in other states. It was a devastating blow to the church, which was left in shambles.
And yet another side step:
As we studied in our current church on Sunday I reflected back on the Coarsegold church. I thought about how God puts us through the refiners fire. How painful it is. How beautiful things turn out in the end. My thoughts transferred over to that Coarsegold pastor. I thought about the cleansing good works he started in the church. I thought about his methods in doing so. I especially thought about how he abruptly left. Our Lord will never leave or forsake us rang in my ears. The amazing picture I had on that Sunday morning will probably never leave me. I thought of

1 Corinthians 3:10-13 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

      "Gold and silver" melt in the refiners fire...but are not destroyed. God's authority causes the "metal" to be formed into something of beauty to show the world his sovereignty. I thought about the pastor of this church, who I think started out trying to do right by Gods law, but in the end turned to the call of his flesh.
   So? Because of this (in my minds eye) I see a clump of gold/silver that has been left to fall where it may. Heated and totally abandoned. Yet not all hope is lost. It is not wood that has turned to ash. It is still a metal..all be it ugly, that CAN be remelted and reformed by the refiners fire. That is hope.

Okay. So back to my tale. So far you know we moved for work, a church and time on the road. The next issue that I want to address is the home school atmosphere. We joined a group up in Coarsegold and limited greatly any activities in Fresno in regards to home education....but then that group quickly dissipated as well. If someone where to have told me that Fresno was more anti-government than a little mountain town..well I would have laughed long and hard. However that is exactly what I experienced. I met family after family who could not imagine conducting school with out the governmental monies and programs...enter the Charter school movement. Such a wild difference. Wow. Just wow! Not to go into another side tracked tail spin....but I don't respect that movement. More on that another day.
At any rate, that made up the majority of the home educators. That and the group of individuals who add rules to scripture. Who live extra-biblical practices and push those beliefs on others. It was a very judgmental, very pinched, angry, self righteous group of people. Can you say Pharisee or how about Sadducee? Now I never went to blows with anyone up there. However a saw a whole lot of pain. I witnessed many hurts caused by self praising bitter hearted fools. I just want ride in a small airplane over the whole area with a giant banner stating....
Romans 3:9-20 "What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: There for none that understandish, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable: there is none that doeth good, no not one. Their throat is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways And the way of peace have have not known: There is fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin"

.....and drop little note cards stating God repeated himself many times in these verses so you would understand that he was including you as well!

I'm sure you guessed by now we returned to the homeschool movement in Fresno...which meant even more road time.

So there we sat at an emotional impasse. We knew we needed to move. We didn't want to. We disparately clung to the mountains.

Regardless we set out trying to convince "the bank" that a person with no credit cards, who is self employed and is wanting to buy a home for the first time can be trusted....they laughed, we scared them. We ended up renting. However getting into a rental was also a chore. No one wanted our two big dogs to come with us. To make matter worse we were asked by rental agents why we were renting. Stating we clearly had the income to buy..yeah haha, real funny!
   As it turns out God used this waiting, this time of no answers, to make us long to move to Fresno. Yes you read that right. Long for the convenience. Long for the oppurtunity. Long for the time OFF the road. We ended up jumping at a rental that excepted our dogs, sight unseen. You know what? It turned out fine! The house has a pool, volleyball court, horse shoe pit and fruit trees in a BIG yard...for city living. Landscaping for front and back yards as well as pool service are included in the rent. It is a 4 bedroom, which means we don't have to rent office space for Jeff & we get a school room. It has a living room and a family room, which means plenty of room for books and instruments. We got into our neighborhood of choice. This is a nice neighborhood, within five minutes of basically all we do and there are lots of lovely trees to view! All in all God showed himself to know best. I accept living in Fresno now. However I hope to one day own a time share in Maine. For like June-August...Tee-hee!!!

required decompression...and dogs don't mix

2010-01-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

I woke up very early this morning...4ish. I couldn't sleep due to overwhelming thoughts about my sisters. Rebekah-gone. Bethany-misery. Elizabeth-compromised. Melissa-stranger. So I did a little house work, read a few blogs, worked through a bit of school paperwork and made some coffee. Then I got my guys up & out the door to their Chitudo practice in Coarsegold..and then demo in Fresno.

If you don't realize....let me clear it up for you. I needed to be alone with my thoughts. Today had the potential to give me that clearness that only comes from being alone in the stillness.

It all started out well, me isolated in quiet, dogs sleeping in kennels. However as soon as I moved they begged to be let out. They eagerly searched the house for the guys. When they could not be found they panicked, as they always do. Now I had two watch dogs with puffed out chests perusing the joint. Which translates: NO MORE ENJOYING TIME ALONE.

They become super heroes when all three guys are gone. I don't know why, but both dogs feel an intense need to protect me. When my guys are home they slack off. When it's just me and the dogs...watch out world.

Sweet you say? Yes I will give you that it makes me feel mind blowingly special. However let me draw you a picture. I tried to do an exercise video, but from what I could hear they just about jumped through the front window. They sounded particularly gruff. So after stopping the tape, because I just had to make sure, and dressing appropriately for neighbor viewage, why do I have all the blinds open anyway, I walked out into the living room to see the mailman walking off our porch, I should have known better. Sweating and gross from the video I decided to go take a shower. I only had 8 minutes left to the hour long thing anyway. As I got in the shower they started up again. I told myself to ignore them...that it was just a squirrel or something. I did finish the shower, but it was not the long steaming therapeutic one I had dreamed of. You see because I ignored those two doggies they upped the anti. They came into the bathroom and sat at the shower door and cried until I got out. Then once I was dressed they parked themselves back in front of the living room window. Giving a careful eye to possible danger. Sweet? Yes. Peaceful? NO!!!!!

Sigh- so be it.

Hello, it's me.

2010-01-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

I'm sitting here sipping some amazing steaming hot ginger tea with a bit of lemon and honey. I'm Cuddled up in my warm fuzzy blanket with a book I've just read at my side and this laptop on my lap. I'm reminded of the following quote by C.S. Lewis, "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me". I have been catching up on my own personal reading this week including that of my bloggie friends. Most everyone has been diligent in updating their blogs with holiday recaps and New Years resolutions including my sons. Although I do have to interject here that my boys are told to "go and write something" and that their schedules are organized for them to have time to do so. I only point this out because a few un-named individuals have teased me about the diligence of a Mother vs her sons.

Moving on.

I do have guilt about not being able to get to this blog, so here I sit today. Much has happened since I last blogged, far too much to be covered in one entry. Of course a good amount of that has been written over at http://mostlysanevincents.blogspot.com/ Billy & Ricky's blog. They have done a fine job of talking about the holidays, so I won't back track on that except to say New Years Eve ended up completely wonderful.      You see for us New Years has always been a new games (received on Christmas from the Grandma's) fun activities and great food night. Always spent with our little four pack. This year due to a somebody-smack-me-now moment we almost joined the crazy rubble of a big party. You see at the youth meeting for our homeschool group I told of a homeschool group from another state. I shared about our friends enjoying a themed new years party each year. It sounded fun. Before I could come to my senses I even said I would run the debacle. What is my damage! Anyway it was canceled do to finances freeing us to resume our regularly scheduled program. Tee-hee!
So we played new wii games, card games, board games & watch new movies. While we played we ate candy, chips/dip, nuts and the most amazing bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers. I found the recipe at recipezaar. For dinner we had new york steaks, baked potatoes with all the fixin's, a green salad and some yummy bread. The house smelled lovely as we had wassail for drinking. Yep. It was simmering all day long.
   Just before midnight we readied the TV for watching the ball drop in New York. We counted down and then it was crazy time! We toasted (with sparking cider, grape skewers and donuts...because I was told you haaavvvee to have donuts as your midnight snack on New Years Eve) to a new beginning and kicked 2009 out the door. We shot each other with silly string, blew into party blowers, popped party poppers, threw confetti, and ran outside to shout into the night air all while wearing our gorgeous party hats and Billy-Bob teeth!
   We did have a few mishaps. First the dog ate the peanut brittle..yea all of it and yes I made it. The second thing is that I accidentally picked up a bag of huge wild party blowers instead of fireworks. Although those were bummers...no one seemed to suffer. I just heard a lot of oh wells and then it was a throw fest as confetti and smoke filled our driveway. This year my brother Eric and his girlfriend Crystal as well as her son Nathan joined us....that was a real treat!!
We don't do New Years resolutions over here so I will leave you with a quick years glance of life with my two sons.
                                               2009
January: Billy shaves for the first time
February: Billy and Ricky add Sierra Summit to their snowboarding endeavors
March: Ricky re-begins guitar and piano. He self teaches through bks, DVD's & CD Roms until we move. (He is now receiving lessons for both instruments)
April: Ricky Becomes a Teenager
May: Ricky decides to get as much country yard activities in before moving to Fresno. He was very busy.
June: Billy Becomes a Scuba Diver
July: Billy plans a camping/ hiking expedition all by his lonesome
August: Ricky returns to his true love, Choir
September: Billy adds Jewish Music to his repertoire
October: Ricky attends the first of many Boy Scout camp outs
November: We move to Fresno
December: Billy passes Drivers Ed (time to move on to the permit)

The annual what-to-do-with-all-this-extra-pumpkin-puree" question

2009-11-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

We started our weekend cooking up our Luna pumpkin. We pureed the sucker and made our two pies. Next we roasted our seeds. Now what? We made the worlds most yummy chocolate chip pumpkin bread, six loaves to be exact! Believe it or not we still had puree leftover from our lone pumpkin. So. We had a lovely dinner of creamy pumpkin soup and hearty bread. Wow what you can make with just one pumpkin!

Here are those recipes. Enjoy.

Completely Yummy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

3 cups white sugar
15 ounce pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
4 eggs
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 1 pound size coffee cans, or three 9x5 inch loaf pans.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, pumpkin, oil, water, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Blend in flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts. Fill cans 1/2 to 3/4 full.
Bake for 1 hour, or until an inserted knife comes out clean. Cool on wire racks before removing from cans or pans.
Deliciously Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons margarine, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 slices whole wheat bread
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F(200 degrees C). Combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spread butter mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice. Place bread, buttered side up, on a baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until bread is crisp and topping is bubbly. Cut each slice of bread into 8 small triangles or squares.
2. Saute onion in butter in a medium saucepan until tender. Add 1 can chicken broth; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
3. Transfer broth mixture into the container of a blender or processor. Process until smooth.
4. Return mixture to saucepan. Add remaining can of broth, pumpkin, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground pepper; stir well. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally..
5. Stir in whipping cream and heat through. Do not boil. Ladle into individual soup bowls. Top each serving with Cinnamon Croutons. (we just dip a hearty bread....have never tried the croutons)

Good Ol' Banana Nut Bread....the great steady

2009-11-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

In normal households people use the bananas that have been fully ripened, that aren't so pretty any longer for this recipe. Not a possibility in this house. As this picture indicates, I had to mark our bananas "don't eat me" insuring the successful ripening to sweet perfection. Yes food disappears fast with two teens under one roof. We made four loaves of this yummy staple. Enjoy... the recipe follows.

Gotta love it Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients

1/2 c. oil
1 c. sugar
2 beaten eggs
2-3 bananas (ripe)
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3 tbsp. milk
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. nuts (optional)

Directions

Beat oil and sugar. Add eggs and bananas; mix well. Mix together dry ingredients, then add to wet mix. Stir in milk and vanilla. Add nuts if desired.
For a sweet change substitute 6 ounces of chocolate chips for nuts - the kids love it!
Pour into greased floured loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Let cool and wrap in saran wrap or foil. Tastes even better the next day.

TAKE TIME

2009-11-05T13:43:00.000-08:00

Take time to think – thoughts are the source of power.

Take time to play – play is the secret of perpetual youth.

Take time to read – reading is the fountain of wisdom.

Take time to pray – prayer can be a rock of strength in time of need.

Take time to love – loving is what makes living worthwhile.

Take time to be friendly – friendships give life a delicious flavor.

Take time to laugh – laughter is the music of the soul.

Take time to give – sharing brings joy to your heart.

Take time to work – work is the price of success.

Take time to dream – dreams show you what is possible.

Take time to do your work well – pride in your work nourishes the mind and the spirit.

Take time to show appreciation – it's the frosting on the cake of life.

This poem is based on an old English prayer adapted from a Bible scripture (Eccl 3:1), and the original author of this version is unknown.

The Serenity Prayer

2009-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference"-.Reinhold Niebuhr

2009-11-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

"They say happy parents make for happy children. So go ahead, be the mature one, set the mood"-unknown

2009-11-04T18:26:00.001-08:00

"There is a joy in the journey, there's a light we can love on the way. There's a wonder and wildness to life, and freedom for those who obey......." Michael Card

Enjoying our Wednesday

2009-10-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

    With this years crazy schedule we hold our Wednesdays in close regard. We get to stay home in our PJ's all day long. We get to rest in the quietness of a day spent alone...together.
   Aghh English class in the hammock. History out on the boulders. Math laying in bed. Hiking up and down the hillsides, drawing and cooking up great concoctions these are the signs of Wednesday. Time to do all our school unrushed and/or undisturbed. Time to do those extra projects.Time to sleep in just a little. Time to rest in God.
   As I sit here typing Ricky is practicing his man skills in the back yard (archery & throwing knives). Billy playing his drums upstairs. I just finished correcting writing assignments. In a while we will all gather in the living room for a movie and a quiet evening...still sporting our PJs. shhhh hee-heee
   For now I sit in silent contemplation. I am in a season of waiting. Waiting and wondering. What does God want to do? What will he do? When will he do it? Is he doing it now? I know I have been placed here for a reason. Here I will remain until he says otherwise. I drift in eager anticipation. I stop in quiet reflection.

                                                      Wednesday.
                                     A day to reflect. A day to breathe.
                                     A day of refreshing restful ease.

Caramel Apple Crunch Pie

2009-10-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

For all those who wanted to know...........

INGREDIENTS

TOPPING:
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
PIE:
6 cups peeled, sliced baking apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (9 inch) unbaked pastry shell
28 caramels
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk

DIRECTION

Combine flour, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon; spread into an ungreased 8-in. square baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown. Cool; crumble and set aside. Sprinkle apple with lemon juice. Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon; toss with apples. Place apples in pie shell. Cut a circle of foil to cover apples but not the edge of pastry; place over pie. Bake at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F; bake for 35 minutes or until apples are tender.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over low heat, melt caramels with milk, stirring frequently. Remove foil from pie. Pour caramel mixture over apples. Sprinkle with topping; return to the oven for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

mmm, apples.....pickin' em, peelin' em & coookin' em!!!

2009-10-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

While on our trip through "Gold Country" we stopped at a road side apple farm. We gathered a box of heirloom apples. That box has been staring up at us from the counter ever since then.
So it was that last weekend we chained ourselves to the kitchen. Billy, Ricky & I began first thing Saturday morning making completely yummy apple butter. Since this is such a long, and at times boring process we decided to make an caramel apple crunch pie to boot! I will never make a regular apple pie again
Jeff called home to ask if the kitchen staff would like him to bring home dinner. Hmmm, that is an offer I won't refuse. We played a challenging game of Settlers of Catan while munching on pizza and pie. Oh, and waiting, waiting, waiting for apple butter to cook.
After church on Sunday we met up with an old high school buddy of Jeff's. We had lunch at..wait for it..yep, Applebee's. After that we drove back up into the hills we call home.
We closed our apple-filled weekend by making fabulous caramel apples and playing a crazy game of Apples to Apples.
I found the answer to my apple pie woes. I finally got around to making apple butter. I was able to play two long rousing games with my guys. Yes, it's true..my cup runneth over!

2009-10-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

"Make it a rule never to give a child a book you would not read yourself" George Bernard Shaw

Our journey's to the center of the earth

2009-10-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY
We started our day driving up the 49 , spiraling down the crazy path between Mariposa & Coulterville. You know the one that takes you down a mountain side real fast....real steep. That animal must have a name, but we don't know it.

Our four-pack was in route to Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Our first agenda was to *hopefully* happen upon an apple farm. Happen we did, we have a nice sized box stuffed full with yummy heirloom apples for apple butter makin' and caramel apple crunch pie bakin'!!!
After arriving at the park & pulling out all our stuff, in effect campifying the joint, we toured the museum. This is where I got the answer to my question. You see I was hit with an acorn while coming out of the bathroom by a squirrel (I presumed). The ranger on duty warned us about the flying squirrels stating they were rascals...known for throwing acorns at passers by. Contrary little things!

We also walked the North Grove loop (well Jeff & Billy ran a good chunk of it) I love the pictures of the boys in this grove. However I must say they don't really capture the size of these trees.

We then headed to the South Grove section of the park. Here we hiked down to the Stanislaus River. Although back in the foothills we just left it was hot, Calaveras was pretty darn chilly. So we welcomed the sunshine pressing into us as we rested on the boulders. Bravery took over for a few minutes as we dipped our feet in the ice cold river water, just to feel to the strength of the current.

Apparently it was ladybug mating season because we saw hundreds and hundreds of them dancing all around us here and then later back at the camp ground along the meadow clinging to each other trying to stay warm.

Before leaving this side of the park we drove down to "Roads End" this was at Billy's request. It seems he has caught that bug from his Dad! Beaver Creek was reached by a short hike from the Roads End parking lot. Ricky took a dive...not the rest of us. (Ricky is the splash..he jumped before I was ready)
Ricky learned to make a fire with only a magnesium stone, knife and a few twigs. Billy was his biggest supporter. Ah, what you can do with patience, tenacity and a really great cheer leading team! We loved our fires most especially this trip, as Autumn camping (cuz it really was Autumn there) is really chilly!!!

After dinner we enjoyed story telling by the campfire. Whittling, knife sharpening and rough housing. Finally calming down to sipping herbal tea with honey, munching on cookies and candy (yes we took a break from smores & cocoa)
SATURDAY
I woke up to a warm fire Jeff built. I busied myself preparing breakfast for the day. Only packing the ingredients for lunch as it was much too cold to bother with at this point.
After warming our hands with mugs of hot tea and a love-built fire. As well as eating a yummy bowel of oatmeal to warm us even greater. We finished our morning routine and packed into the car.

Our first adventure of the day was Sutter's Gold Mine. Jeff & The boys took this tour. According to the brochure they went 620 feet below the surface and 1850 feet into the mine. They rode the "Boss Buggy Shuttle" which is a jeep looking vehicle. They hiked part of the way down. Then a second Boss Buggy returned them to the surface. Ricky said it was awesome, that riding down a cave in a jeep was his favorite part. Jeff really liked the WALL of quartz with gold running right through the middle of it. Billy said they learned a lot. As a matter of fact he excitedly rambled on for quit a while about Gold Rush History and the geology of California. I sat this one out while I made the lunch I hadn't made back at the campsite. We ate our picnic lunch here.

Then we drove on to Black Chasm Cavern. Jeff sat out of this tour, while the boys and I took it on. There was no warning here, no gentle grade. It was an immediate steep narrow staircase going down, down, down. However I'd climb it again in a heart beat. It was an absolute jewel case. Billy practiced his picture taking skills on the beautiful helictites this cave is famous for. Ricky tried to scare the wits out of me. He spotted a clear turquoise lake WAY WAY down at the bottom of the cave. He leaned over the very narrow planked walkway to point it out. Geeezzzz boy!!! Jeff was glad he didn't see it.

Our last expedition of the day lead us to California Caverns. All four of us went on this tour. As with most of the tours we again sported hard hats and sweatshirts. Everyone liked this cave because there were so many twists and turns and fun little spots. Oh yes, we had many bend over to get through there, watch your head here, lean this way...okay now lean the other way. Yes, we had many directional commands from our guide. Billy again worked for photography credit getting just the right picture of this caves splendor. (Billy & Ricky are in the picture above Ricky bent down, I know its hard to see....)
The evening was welcomed, we were all ready for a comforting fire (made by the hands of Billy), resting by the moon lite mountain glow. As well as a quick warm meal....and bed.
SUNDAY

The lure of a winding rural road is powerful. Beautiful varying scenery with each gnarly turn. Often, though of course impossible, I find myself wishing I could stop in the middle of the road. I just want to take it all in. This happened several times today. My sweet Jeff pulled over on the side of the road several times for me to take pictures of lovely bits of this and that. My favorites are the GIANT radio wagon Billy is standing in front of and the incredible red tree, a blissful example of Autumn.

Our first planned stop of the day was Mercer Cavern. Here we walked another very steep, staircase 16 stories underground. The staircase was not only steep and narrow, it very was low at certain points. Even I hit my head once, oops! Having said that, this was great cave. As with every tour, there is no better way to learn the history of the area. Billy worked his photography skills here by catching shots of the rare and famous cave flowers. ( Ricky is ducking down to fit through this section of the cave & Billy is on the staircase behind him in the picture)

Next we moved on to Moaning Cavern. This place sends you down a very tight narrow staircase. The walls of this section are NOT for the claustrophobic. After that you descend a 284 step, rusty, rickety, spiral staircase. This cave was massive. It was impressive by its scale alone. We were told the Statue of Liberty could easily fit inside the cave. Our equilibrium was thrown off as was our depth perception making for an interesting climb back up that crazy staircase!
Before we left Ricky had his 15 second thrill. He jumped in a truck driven by a wild teenager up a hillside to a tower. Here Ricky climbed up to get harnessed for a massive zipline. Ricky, not tall enough to reach the wiring, pulled himself up with his arms. The attendants, after recovering from their shock grabbed him and attached...the ugh attachment's?? Then they sent him on his way down the hill. Billy & I sat at a table watching his midway descend. Jeff was at the base to see him land. Ricky waved to all as he "flew through the air with the greatest of ease"

Our very last journey was to Natural Bridges Cave. *Note to all, this place is free. We parked our car and hike about 2 miles down to the mouth of the cave. The boys climbed around and we all explored it a bit. Ricky swam in. We had a picnic snack here and then headed back up the hillside to our car. (Billy is sitting on a "shelf" & Ricky is swimming in these photos)
This was another wonderful road trip with my guys. Yet we were all ready to go home and releave ourselves of our camp-nasty filth!

REAL Mustard Greens

2009-10-08T03:51:00.000-07:00

Mustard Greens are amazing. They offer us vitamins A, C, Calcium and Iron. Not to mention they are easy to make & easy on the wallet.

Over the years I've seen people serve up some very creative mustard green recipes. However I prefer to eat them in a simple, more traditional manner. Aside from the very basic just dump it in recipe of chopped bacon, diced onion, salt, pepper and of course the greens themselves, I have found very little I enjoy.

That is until I discovered this recipe.

Rachel Rays Braised Mustard Greens

4 slices bacon, chopped

3 bunches mustard greens, trimmed and chopped

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 teaspoons sugar

coarse salt

2 cups chicken broth

In a large skillet over medium heat brown bacon and render its fat.

Add chopped greens to the pan in bunches and turn until they wilt, then add more greens.

When all greens are in the pan, add vinegar and cook a minute.

Season greens with sugar and salt.

Add chicken broth to pan and cover.

Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

The two ways I've mentioned are both great options, supplying so many nutrients without over powering the greens......give either a try. I hope you like them as much as I do.

2009-10-07T07:51:00.000-07:00

"The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing" -Socrates

2009-10-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life"-Confucius....or at least you can work with a spring in your step!

2009-10-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

"You Know You're In Love When You Can't Fall Asleep Because Reality Is Finally Better Than Your Dreams" -Dr Seuss

Eighteen years ago today I stood in a garage and said, "yes" to a question that would change my life forever. What was that question? He asked me to be his girl. Yep, we were "going steady". Now? After all the ups and downs, lefts and rights, over and over's plus again and agains? Well lets just say I have a real soft spot with his name written all over it. Yeah I've got a certain partiality toward him, a twitterpation that cannot be overcome. Let's just say I would live on a deserted island with him and leave it at that....I love you Jeff.

Summer turns away and Charity Smiles

2009-10-05T09:39:00.000-07:00

.......yep its Autumn at last. Cooler weather, brisk clean air and all the beautiful colors (well in some parts of our area...if you go looking you can find the beauty of Fall)

Thank you for this quiet rest as I sit (windows open) with views of hillsides, fluffy white clouds and mmmm, the smell of burning leaves. Thank you God for this view.

Fall has an unexplainable stranglehold on me, I don't want it to leave. I want to linger in this day forever. As I sit watching the leaves gently fall to the ground I exhale and acknowledge Autumn makes me smile to my core.

So what are they doing in 8th and 10th grade anyway?

2009-10-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

mmmm, I love the smell of newly cracked open school books. My basket of pink erasers and a truck load of mechanical pencils is divine. It's just what I needed to get all tingly and excited about teaching my children.

Some of the subjects listed are merely for our personal use...not a complete credit. Our family studies, contenders projects such as cooking and oral reading are examples of that concept.

Other subjects will be listed on the boys transcripts as these show a completed course. Example are Physics, Algebra and Latin.

10th Grade (Billy)

Geometry
British Literature/Composition
Physics
Spanish 2
Newspaper/Yearbook
World Percussion
Photography
Contenders/Congressional Award
Penmanship/Typing
Oral Reading
British History
British Theology
Logic 3
Physical Fitness
Character/Philosophy(intro)/Doctrine/Faith
Art
Drivers Ed./Training/ Health
Youth Group(s)

8th Grade (Ricky)

Algebra 1/2
English (Grammar & Composition)
Spelling
Physical Science
Latin
Newspaper/Yearbook
Guitar Lessons/Piano Lessons
Choir
Boy Scouts/Contenders
Penmanship & Typing
Oral Reading
Ren. & Ref. History/Literature
Logic
Art
Physical Fitness
Character/Philosophy (Intro) /Doctrine/Faith
Youth Group (s)

Its gonna be a gnarly ride, but as a team we can do even this!

2009-10-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

   After a long discussion, making sure every voice was heard, united in purpose in the promise of new beginnings Billy Ricky & I sat around a table in Barnes and Nobles. We were sipping ice cold tea as we filled our day planners with all sorts of fun happenings for the months to come.
   We have made a balanced choice of priorities, with a little of this and a little of that and oh..a little more of that over there. So much is available to our children these days, it can be overwhelming to choose, yet choose we must. Of course there are so very many factors that go into making the final cut.
   In example, I know both of my boys are very disappointed in not taking Bonnie Nyberg's Literature class. (the lady who taught the Drama class) You know, truth be told, I was bummed as well, after all...as they say "they've been Bonnie-fied"! (you got it Chica...here's to a great teacher!) We just don't have a need for literature supplementation..we are avid readers in this house. So it wasn't worth adding her into the schedule.
Many "things" gobble up our time, especially in this season (residing in Coarsegold while living in Fresno). We made a commitment to these endeavors. Yet we've had to be extra careful to include space for free time as well as time to fulfill educational pursuits.

Tons of work. Insane schedule. Bring it. Its gonna be a gnarly ride, but as a team we can do even this.

A typical H.O.T. summer day in Fresno, the thought of a cup filled with Stone Cold Ice Cream was mesmerizing to my boys. They brought their own money along. So I told them when our pencil pushing got us to January on the calendar section in the day planner they could march on over to their chosen bliss. They brought me one as well, such sweet guys.
Then it was back to our favorite little cubby with renewed energy to finish our task. I sat down with each boy , purposefully poised and together we prepared their classically eclectic academic section of their day planners in preparation for the first week of school. Well of T.H.E.E. School (the name of our little school) anyway.
As you already know Billy had been in Physics and Ricky in Choir prior to this date. Actually things like the newspaper and blog never did stop...they went right through the summer.
For that matter the knowledge of our decision to release Dish Network from our monthly costs and freedom of schedule coming to a close (because Mom dramatically tones down the brain numbinizer during the school year) Billy soaked in as many "That's Impossible", "Lost Treasures" and "Myth Busters" episodes as he could. During breaks from his story/book writing frenzy.
Meanwhile Ricky consumed a steady diet of "Man vs Wild", "Fight Quest" and "Human Weapon". All the while getting inspired in his knife throwing-spear tossing-pick axe swinging-while barefoot and wearing an ipod skills. Good Heavens! What will I do with him in city? hmmmm...Oops, I got side tracked, from my side track! Hee-hee! My point was...does learning aka "schooling" ever really stop?
Well...back to my tale....this meeting, at Barnes and Nobles, happened a month ago today! We have pretty much settled into rhythm of the scheduling frenzy-even after a major set back causing me the need to pour myself into the routine and prop myself up at the table. (I hate head colds!) Monday Mayhem is the tricky one, yet we WILL tame that beast as well. (Becky has been a real trooper in regards to this)
The First-Day-of-School Mega Breakfast was well received. The Homeschool Spirit ~~week~~ Month was wonderful yet again. It's great to gather together in a general celebration of the freedom, joy and strength of our shared homeschool-hood!

Here's to many more fun times!   Let's all WORK hard, so we can PLAY hard!...and RELAX in peace.

Off to church we go....

2009-09-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Finding a church home can be a challenge these days.
We are all human, with human frailties, therefore none of us will ever be perfect. Each of us has different ideas on how "the perfect" church conducts itself. Having said that, Jeff & I have drawn a line in the sand of biblical issues our family will not bend on and the church issues that are of less importance to us. Some ideals are merely opinion, or more clearly stated, they are tradition. Some areas God clearly lays out in scripture. God has taught us not to box Him in. To truly define what belongs in each of these categories. Pastor George Posthumous and Mrs. Carol Mckercher have been very instrumental in helping us come to terms with this. The funny thing is, I'm sure neither one of them are aware of that.
Searching (through trial and error) we have found a lovely church we can call home. We made the decision to leave a few years ago, not because of some terrible catastrophe rather due to the 45 minute drive it took to get there. We began searching for a church closer to our home. We did indeed find a church, unfortunately that church fell apart. In the return of the mountain folk we now find ourselves driving 45 minutes yet again. We are back at Riverpark Bible Church where the teaching is sound and the worship is delightful. Where child and adult alike are biblically, scientifically, historically, theologically and philosophically challenged. The Pastor here is going deaf. He has shared his deepened desire to give the congregation all he can before his time runs out...what a neat man to sit under.
We have many wonderful opportunities available to us via this church such as the Crown Financial seminar Jeff & I attended last weekend. All four of us have found our little spots. Ricky is in the Jr High Sunday School, Youth Group & Small Group. Billy is in the High School Sunday School, Small Group and Youth Group. Jeff & I are in a multi age Sunday School class and Small Group together. Jeff is in a Men's Bible Study and I am in a Women's Bible Study. Once a month I will be attending a Homeschool Moms Meeting sponsored by the church. I hear there are around 40 families that homeschool attending this church...wow!
The world...and the church have a tendency to push fragmentation of the family. I suppose most people seem to be okay with that. I'm of a strange breed who disagrees. Now, don't get me wrong, I want my boys to do things on there own...I encourage it. However this type of splitting up of the family I cannot stand behind. I am not going to make a big stink about it, for the most part I will play the game. However we will take a stand and sit TOGETHER and worship our Lord Jesus Christ as a family in the sanctuary! Again, there is no perfect church.
I choose to ask my self where this lines up in light of eternity.

Photo's another Back-to-School Tradition

2009-09-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we headed on over to Fashion Fair in hopes of hunting down two shirts for school pictures. It wasn't the best of days to embark on such a journey being that cat fights tend to break out in the heat of "Autumn". However this would be our only chance to deal with it prior to the picture date.
Ricky's wardrobe was fine as it sat due to previous shopping trips (although in the end he wore the same shirt from last years photos...nut!) It was the dreaded Billster we had to shop with. FYI teen guys do have strong opinions about what they are wearing...its not just a female issues. Nuf said.
At any rate we shopped and shopped until teenage finickiness finally met with parental money choice. Ahhh, sweet relief, and so it was shirts for both CHEFA, which happened last week and BEST which happens next month were acquired. Ta-da! Budget and fashion meet.
I go through this activity , in which my head explodes, for the Grandma's most especially. Yet the kids do need their pictures in the yearbook as well as an updated version for our wall. The ID cards are kind of a joke. We've never really needed them, at this point its more of a collectors item then anything else. Although we did use them when we first started homeschooling around ten years ago. This was during the curfew law drama. Who knows , maybe a need will arise this school year....playin' it safe. Affidavit filed, check. HSLDA membership updated, check. BEST, CHEFA & CHEA memberships updated, check, check, check! and last but not least ID cards ordered, check.
*Oh, this year we had to fake our annual "1st-day-of-school-photo" because I was not much more than a lump of snot due to a bad head cold. I didn't even think about it until well after the day had come and gone, darn! Oh, and yes they cooperated with me on this and also with the photographer last week.

*Happy thought* At least we have moved beyond the little guy stage of this endeavor. I heart cooperative children!

When parents get sick...and kids don't

2009-09-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Oh boy....Jeff & I were sick, I mean really sick for over a week. The worst part was that I woke up to all this yuck the first day of our school year. So besides stealing a glance every now and then, I was of no use to my students. "Son I'm sorry I cannot access my brain today, I have the duhs"

I do have to make you aware that each boy knows what is expected of him, even on the first day of the new school year. This is because individual calendars and day planners are reviewed each weekend...before the school week. So this was done before I knew I was sick. I also need to give props to my guys. They cleaned, they cooked and they did as much of their school work as they could. They really did try their best. Wow, that's awesome! Just when I think I'm going to put them in a box in front of the grocery store (free to a good home) they come shining through. You gotta jump, even if just internally, at times like that!

Now some silly people have said, "oh but you homeschool so what's the big deal...just bump it forward". As nice as that sounds, its not that easy! We have a schedule and try very hard to stick to it, there's always going to be lots of life going on and we do have sick days set aside, but come on! All mom's everywhere want to yell out "sorry, I'm too busy to get sick, call back later".... it's no different for the homeschool mom. We are needed, that is that. When we are down life doesn't run as it should...the end. It's just not the best way to start off the year.

What really stinks is this makes the second year in a row this has happened. I've had it suggested "its because the public and private school have been in session for about a month before we start. They have that time to spread germs all around and let them trickle down to us as we begin to start our own schooling". Whatever the reason it must stop!

Now, two weeks later I am still dealing with the aftershock of it all. I'm adrift in a sea of to-do's. It's amazing how far behind we get when missing just one week of the chaotic game called life. I've been realigning the school work that was clear as mud to the poor guys trying to work it out on their own (with no direction while I was out of commission) and so it didn't get done. As well as correcting and filing school work that was completed during that same time period. I'm finally finding some post-sickie relief and a little zest is back in my step.

As a family we rock! We cleaned this whole house! Wall, cabinets, sofa's, bathrooms...everything got sanitized! I've been pumping the vitamin cocktails into everyone and heavily pushing the hand sanitizer! B&R seem to have been able to skip over this virus. Thank you Jesus!

On to better...healthier days we march!

2009-09-17T09:18:00.001-07:00

"Part of life is learning to accept the limitations of any given situation" Susan Shaffer Mucaulay

The Back to School Picnic

2009-09-16T19:51:00.000-07:00

This was quite the learning experience. Bringing an interesting test of character and strength. Shedding light on who people "really" are & where they "really" stand.

I was able to draw strength from the godly people around me in the school group and in my own home. I really enjoyed getting to know a new mom to the group. As would be expected, this was my first time working with her. I was just hoping I didn't need to micro-manage her and that she didn't get the wrong idea about how homeschoolers conduct themselves. She brought much more than I ever asked of her to the table...WOW, thank you Brooke.

After much drama and grief the day finally arrived. The weather was nice, for summer in Fresno. Especially once the sun went down and the gentle breeze picked up. We had a decent turnout, I guess. The food was plentiful and all seemed to have fun with the root beer floats and cookies. Brooke & I played old fashioned picnic games such as water balloon toss, over under sponge relay and sack races with the little ones. Meanwhile Kelly oversaw a volleyball tournament and Jeff manned the giant home made slip and slide.

Oh and yes, we did try it out at home before we brought it to the party. We were told to pour dish soap to make the slide more "slippery"...well I guess I put too much on the first time because Jeff & I flew right off the other end of the slide. Yep...right into stickers and dry wild grasses ( we have the giant scratches to prove it!) Thanks for the idea Jacki!

"Back up the pineapple this luau's over!"

2009-09-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Though we have enjoyed our wonderfully, lazy, much needed 3 months off, we have succumbed to emerge from the fog of the summer lifestyle where calendars mean nothing and clocks are ignored. We move into the responsibility of it all, joining the ranks of all those already "in" school. Which means I will be on somewhat of a computer sabbatical. I know that is going to be hard, because I have been playing on F.B. so much that people look for me there to inform me of this and that. Note to self, realign communication avenue.

The school year has been trickling upon us. Billy began physics at the beginning off August, he really likes his class by the way. Ricky began choir two weeks ago. Which was like going to a giant family reunion-what fun for everyone! Next Billy will add Bembe and Ricky will add Boy Scouts to the schedule (in about a week). Both boys will start Art Appreciation/History with our homeschool co-op. Each guy also begins a youth group at the church we were going to in Fresno & have now returned to. As you can see the momentum is picking up fast.

We've cut hair, bought clothes, school supplies and curriculum. We have a nice & orderly school space. We spent a few weeks getting our bodies and minds acclimated to our new schedule and completing our final preparations. It is now time for mind-work and routine physical endurance. So look out year..here we come!

Oh and to all those apposed or puzzled by my delaying our start date, I have this for you......

Back off Jack, your not the criterion in this town! I enjoy milkin' summer, squeezing every last drop. My boys have in the past and will continue to have a solid education-complete with 180 hours of each subject taught. I take their education quite seriously. More importantly I take their whole person into account. So....Labor Day to Memorial Day it shall remain. Please, please think before you assume neglect! I really am paying attention. I really am being responsible.

Kings Canyon according to Ricky, a guest blogger

2009-08-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

I know my Mom and my brother have already written about this trip, but I don't care because this is my version. We went to Kings earlier this month. There were no camp sites left for us, so we reserved one in Sequoia. We hiked around in our campground which had a couple of mapped out hikes leading off from the main road. We choose a hike that lead to a giant grove of Sequoias and the next day we went to another giant sequoia grove. This one was more famous, its called Grants Grove. Then we drove into the canyon of Kings Canyon, it was really cool!

Ricky V.

Drivin' on up to the East Side

2009-08-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well I woke to a misty gray morning . I sat in the muted light & sipped my freshly brewed coffee, enjoying the silence. I had already surrendered to the inevitable. I was okay, it's a happy day in Charityland when I've seen clouds, and that was the view out my window. The neatly gathered pile sitting on the kitchen counter was not going to be used, well not today anyway, or that's what I thought.

However as Jeff came down the stairs he said, "why not? What's a little rain gonna do?" So it was go-time, off we went on our great adventurous return to the Eastern Sierras. We went through Yosemite, Over Tioga Pass. We stopped to check out the beautiful Tenaya Lake for a bit of inspiration. At Olmsted Point we took the short hike to check out the amazing view of the backside of Yosemite's Valley and the canyon below, promising a certain death (in the rain), it's just so beautiful, we risked it none-the-less.

We then exited onto 395, we exhaled with a nice view of Mono Lake as we made our way a little further down to the June Lake Loop in June CA. We like to enter through the north side of this incredible area. You are entertained by viewing high desert, an aspen forest and then a pine forest, returning to high desert as you leave this secret jewel. Yet not before passing four pristine lakes and a quaint little village. We had our lunch at the beach of June Lake in our 4runner, because it was raining pretty good.

As we sat there looking into the clear/ turquoise water and beautiful pebbles below, Ricky began his campaign in getting us to let him swim out to a boulder in this alpine ICE COLD glacier gem. Remembering, of course the rain & cold, COLD wind. As I circled my head around the Switzerland looking snow capped, heavily misted high mountain peaks. As I looked at the steam rising from the lake, I found myself saying...fine...go ahead. The rest of us readied towels, underneath our clothing to keep the rain off, while Ricky swam out to a boulder he set his eyes on. He Climbed out, stood up & shouted his victory! He then swam back to shore, where we wrapped him and stuffed him the car.

After a quick stop at the visitor center for some literature for a newspaper article we drove on to Mammoth. On this route we spotted snow along the highway. We had never been to this area before, but knew there was quit a bit to it, so we just picked one destination.We hiked the amazing Devils Postpile Monument trail. (both in front and overlook). On the way back we stopped at the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. Very clear. Very cold. Very beautiful. I was humbled to realize how far up we were & that this very river cuts all the way across Fresno, out by 99. Wow. oh, and yes, it stopped raining so we could take our hike. Absolutely incredible.

We had to ride with the bus service from the town of Mammoth all the way down the Red Meadow Canyon because only certain privileged few were allowed to use the road. Summer road trips usually bring roads we crawl on carefully passing over hairpin turns on steep mountain roads, but this was two way traffic on a one way road, on the side of a canyon...in buses!!!. I was clinging to an arm hold the whole time. The good news is we lived! Hee-hee. Actually, the good news is we had two drivers that really wanted to share their knowledge of the area...you know me, I took plenty of notes! Let us not forget the most excellent news of all...there was snow...in August! Thank you Lord Jesus for the respite.

Goodbye Summer

2009-08-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

Oh how I adore quiet mornings and lovely lazy days. How I wish it would stay this way a bit longer.
I hate the heat, as everyone knows, but even I can admit that the clear blue mountain sky, golden (burnt) hillsides and a good portion of Valley Oaks make for a striking display-like a child's picture book.
Yes, summer has its charm. I will miss summer, but not the heat. I will miss the free time to read for hours on end. I will miss feeling the sweet, gentle mountain breeze as I sit out late at night star gazing. I will miss actually watching movies all the way through on a regular basis. I will miss listening to waves hit the beach and soaking in sunshine after a bracing swim in an alpine lake or river. I will even miss facebook as it has become a fun time waster.
Alas, Jeff & I finished making our schooling decisions under a canopy of trees at a picnic table along the shores of Bass lake. We have attended two of the four fall homeschool meetings. Billy began his Physics class last week and is preparing to take the PSAT. Ricky will start choir, guitar and piano soon. Yes, the school year is creeping up on us. Though we have no choice but to submit, I anxiously await my dear Autumn, which brings a different kind of exhale in a most busy schedule.

Exploring the Kings Canyon (said to be the deepest in the US)

2009-08-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately when we went to reserve a campsite, there were NONE available in Kings Canyon, so we opted to stay next door in Sequoia. We landed in Dorst Creek, which was a nice spot. We played around in Dorst Creek for awhile and then took to the majestic Muir Grove Trail . Billy and I had a wonderful long, sweet, funny talk. Something I will always treasure. On our way back we soaked our weary feet in Cabin Creek. These are the only two creeks we visited here. However we hear that there are many more that run through the area. As we were leaving Sequoia we stopped at the Lost Grove and were able to witness a bear at play.
Of course we did get to visit the Kings Canyon as was planned. After stopping at the Kings Canyon visitor center museum, we walked through Grants Grove. Then it was down the STEEP canyon all the way to the Cedar Grove area. Here we braved the South Fork of the Kings River. Of course Ricky was the bravest of us all, he swam all the way across and climbed out to sun on the opposite bank. It was a little scary watching the river under tow carry him off to the side a ways, but he is a very strong swimmer and did just fine!
Jeff felt the need to drive all the way to the end of the road. The area called "Roads End" has such a name because of the impassable gargantuan mountains in this u-shaped spot.
We also hiked the breath taking Zumwalt Meadow Loop. The boys were walking a bit faster than J & I. When we looked up we saw Ricky hanging from the suspension wires on the pedestrian bridge that lays across the river. We, of course made him get down, but secretly wish we got a picture first.
We stopped at the Roaring River, an off shoot of the Kings to take in the Roaring River Falls. Here Ricky swam in the pools below the falls. Jeff waded in a bit.
After a quick stop at Knapp's Cabin we were on our way back up the canyon and onto home.

My boys have a blog

2009-08-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

So if you want to read what they have to say about our adventures and other such happenings in the lives of two teenage guys head on over to http://mostlysanevincents.blogspot.com/

Adventures in Moro and Pismo

2009-08-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Moro Strand State Beach Campground is a great place if what you want to do is use it as a jumping off point, as its right off highway 1. It is most especially convenient because this is one of the stops for the local trolley system. However if you are looking for a great outdoorsy experience, you may want to look elsewhere. The parking lot feel is inescapable. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the few steps it took to get to the beach, not to mention seeing the ocean from our campsite. Sinking into the sand, vs hard earth was wonderful, as it contoured to the shape of your body. The sound of the tide as we sat by our fire, fell asleep and especially in the early morning as we woke made it all worth it, but I don't think we'll stay here again.
After setting up camp, we made our way over a bit to Moro Bays Natural History Museum & Observation "Hill". We had a good time and got a few great shots of the saltwater marsh.
We visited Spooner's Cove in Montana de Oro State Park. This place has the coolest rock formations and a huge diversity of colored pebbles on the beach. It has exceptionally nice tidepools as well. We have passed by this park many times. So before we left home I asked some fellow stupendous goal setting creatures, you know people starving for some time among nature, what ONE destination we shouldn't miss, this is where they sent us. After realizing this park is of such colossal proportions we've decided we simply must camp here for some more in depth exploration.
After swinging back by Moro Bay to take in Moro Rock Preserve (here we saw a family of otters playing in Moro's Estero Bay) and bird watching at the Moro Estuary Channels. We ended the evening with the usual rituals and then took in the sunset on the beach, just lovely.
Sunday, as I already stated we arose to the sound of the waves hitting the beach. We were up early, and so we had an early start. We enjoyed an air of quiet activity in the Blue Heron Rookery, El Moro Elfin Forest and the Los Oso Oaks Preserve (where I collected some poison oak on the back of my knees).
Before noon we found a parking spot and spent the rest of the day at Pismo Beach where we soaked in the sun. Jeff and I took a long walk collecting shells, sand dollars and sea stones. Billy & Jeff went scim boarding. Ricky and Jeff went boogie boarding.
Our last stop was to our favorite funky little fish & chip spot in shell beach. We got our dinner to go and had a picnic over looking the ocean and tide pools below craggy cliff sides. We all came home with sun burns.

Out there havin' fun in the warm California sun!!

2009-08-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

This was another spontaneous trip, seems to be the trend these days. We had a lovely deep sleep the night before and had a relaxing easy morning.
A late breakfast conversation found us suddenly suggesting, hey lets go to Dinkey Creek! So it was that after a quick gathering of food, drinks, towels, river shoes, sun block and books we hit the road.
None of the guys had ever been in the summer before. We took a short unremarkable trip in the winter one year. My sketchy memory was of a camping trip that I went on when I was maybe 9ish. It was fun for me to reminisce the happenings and landmarks of that trip and try to retrace some of the treasured memories.
Even though it was kin to the blind leading the blind we found our way to a gorgeous pool with high granite domes on each side, the guys had fun cliff jumping . The other visitors informed us that this place is called "the bathtub".
Again, due to help of the regulars, we were lead to a spot called "The Slicks" which is a series of very smooth rocks making for a natural water park. Jeff and I sat in the crystal clear shallow water and leisurely took it all in for quite a while.
After that we decided to join Billy & Ricky in their exploration. We found ourselves at another swim hole, this one had the charm of a waterfall flowing into it ( never did discover its name). Jeff & I borrowed Ricky's inner tube for a relaxing float. Ricky insisted on hiking with it around his neck and then didn't want to use it when we arrived here.
The last stop before we went home was, as we soon found out, "Honeymoon Pool". Here B&R floated, floated and floated some more. Jeff & I sat on a giant Granite "hillside" completely sheltered in a tent of pine trees, absolutely breathtaking!

In light of national friendship day, this post and the next few will honor my girl friends

2009-08-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

Regina

1. Regina hosted a girls night out party....and got her ears pierced. She is the first Mom I've known to do that.

2. Regina has an RV in her drive way filled with games, videos and snacks.

3. Regina introduced me to Lewis Creek.

4. Regina & her girls are our board game buddies.

5. Regina was the first person I informed when I moved up to Coarsegold.

6. Regina is the toughest softy I've ever met.

7. Regina is true to her beliefs, what richness in her spirit.

8. Regina delights in her faithfulness to do her best mothering, consistent in her homeschooling efforts, what zeal she brings to the table!

9. Throughout the years our like mindedness has continued to bring us together in sometimes unexpected ways.

10. Regina remembered our love of fruit popsicles and brought "the right ones" to us, just cuz.

11. Regina took my Ricky aside and helped him with his baseball woes. She painted a smile on a difficult day.

12. Regina, myself & our families enjoy hiking together....we talk, talk, talk the whole time!!

Dorie

2009-08-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

1. Dorie & I along with our husbands solve the worlds problems via conversation. The four of us sit and talk for hours and seem to never run out of solutions.

2. Dorie challenges me to eat better, she is a wonderful nutritionist.

3. Dorie & her family shared a cabin with us at Huntington lake. We enjoyed time down at the lake as well as a brisk hike & lovely picnic sitting on boulders amongst a trickling creek.

4. Dorie, and her family introduced us to rock climbing.

5. Dorie is secretly silly, as is Jet. I like her spunky side. Her smile is infectious.

6. Dorie is an awesome hostess. We always enjoy time at her house.

7. Dorie 1st words when she walked into this new house were "Oh Charity, this is you". She just understands what I had to speak to others.

8. Dorie is lovely. She has been kind and honest-a refreshing spirit.

9. Dorie (& Jet) have an amazing slide show of their trip to the Mount Everest area. Dorie cracked me up, as she relayed her story. I'll never forget, she said she was disappointed at finally viewing Everest after all the hype. She had the feeling of "That's it?"

10. Dorie, our children & I had an Egyptian feast in celebration of the school years study in ancient civilizations.

11. Dorie is style. Dorie is grace. I want to be Dorie when I grow up.

12. Dorie is easy to talk to. Dorie is easy going. Streamlined and not fussy. We have had a picnic in Peoples church parking lot and at a local park & the only requirement was shade. I appreciate her accommodating nature. Dorie is a jewel.

Jenny Dawn

2009-08-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

1. When I go to Jenny's house, I take my shoes off. I know I will be there for a while. She makes me that comfortable. I can be me.

2. Jenny & I drove to Aptos (& went by Mount Madonna hee-hee) to get Eddy-Bo. This is the dog she pushed for Ricky to get. Jenny's dog Mandy is our Leroy's Mama.

3. Jenny or I used to call each other-we'd talk virtually everyday. We'd share our dreams to come & the life we were currently living.

4. Jenny & I shouted obscene things into the night outside of our apartments. Our units were side by side. CJ & Billy had a system of morse code that they played each night as their beds touched the same wall. In this same complex we had a neighborhood party complete with ferrets (due to a Fresno Heat Black out)

5. Jenny..& her family served me a "special plate". If you receive your meal on this plate everyone present has to pay you a complement..I cried.

6. Jenny is Genuine. She is honest. She doesn't pretend to be something she's not. Jenny is tough, but she is fragile.

7. Jenny sneaks her special desserts past the kids & husbands to share with me every holiday.

8. Jenny & I decorated her house until we were delirious. We hung a picture upside down & eventually we couldn't even see the nails on the wall to hang other pictures. We fell to the floor laughing trying not to pee our pants.

9. Jenny made my boys custom quilts, throw pillows & pillow cases with her own two hands.

10. Jenny reminds me of the simple joys in life. To be still. To read my Bible. To rest.

11. Jenny & I have looked in tidepools, fed squirrels, watched elephant seals, gone to rivers and beaches. We have walked to neighborhood ponds. We share a love for Gods marvelous creation.

12. Jenny's family started calling me Charity Annie & now many many people do that too. Jenny's family also taught us how to properly sing the birthday song as well as to release our fear of flatulence.

My Jacki

2009-08-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

(First off my step mom's name is Jackie, that's my Dads Jackie. That is why I call this lady My Jacki.)
1. Jacki & I sang "Froggie went a courtin'" and many other nursery rhymes. We got our groove on during a road trip in a car full of teenyboppers.(and at a gas station music blasting, windows rolled down)

2. Jacki & I love Lays BBQ chips, Pepsi & Snickers bars. They make us happy.

3. Jacki & I like long talks over Hot Tea or Coffee

4. I got to be one of the first people to meet Jacki's first Grand baby, little Miss Miley Elizabeth.

5. Jacki & I..& our kids dressed up in the goofiest outfits we could find in the goodwill and took pictures. We had our own little "fashion" show right then and there.

6. I got to celebrate Jacki's 1 year anniversary of her store with her. I helped her in the Dog gone Cute Costume Contest. "Puppy Love" who lives across the street from my in laws won 1st place.

7. Jacki has trusted me with her thoughts. She has cried. She has laughed. She has let me in her heart.

8. Jacki taught my boys about Top Roman Noodles, Kool Aid, Coffee Creamer in Milk and many other FUN things to consume.

9. Jacki taught my boys to make Tortillas as we celebrated Cinco de Mayo together. Jacki & I held an art co-op together.

10. Jacki & I shot boogers at each other, got in trouble for climbing on art structures, traveled hours and hours to get a pumpkin...cuz the ones at the market weren't good enough & scraped the top of her truck in a parking garage in Sacramento. We like field trips.

11. Jacki makes a side dish of her Broccoli Salad without bacon for me because she knows I don't like to eat pork.

12. Jacki & I watched as our kids made Lemonade for a stand by the road.

Delightful!

2009-07-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

These are our borrowed jewels.

Lizzy & Fiddy-Foo

Elizabeth is the studious, artistic, quiet thing....

Trisitea is lightening in a bottle.

Glorious Boredom

2009-07-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

Our days have been spent in a cycle of staying up much to late and in turn sleeping in far to long.

We have been busy: laying around reading and movie watching!

Some of us like to mix things up a bit, taking boredom to an art form.

Last night I laid out on the trampoline for a long time, just starring up at the star filled sky.

Yeah, its a hard life.

Okay, so maybe that was bit of an exaggeration. We are writing newspaper articles, keeping up with our blogs, cleaning, caring for pets, organizing closets & drawers, planning for the next school year etc...etc...However we really are getting some much needed boring down time.

California: the passageway for Mavericks

2009-07-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

Farewell and hello again to you, and you ..and you and you and you. A bit like ocean waves, constantly moving in and out.

We went to the Bigg's farewell swim/potluck. Another one bites the dust, they are off to a wonderful adventure...a new life in Kansas. Although it was a happy day, there was an underlying tone of sorrow-as we knew this could very well be the last time we see them. B&R are saying, thank goodness for facebook. I agree, it makes the world a little smaller. It allows us to keep up with others as well, including the Winter's.

The same day the Biggs left for their new adventure, the Winter family arrived for a visit here. THE SAME DAY!

We had a wonderful time celebrating our friendships at their welcome back picnic at Woodward park. We also had a swim party, went to Blackbeard's, took in a movie & a pizza dinner. We managed to squeeze one last visit in before they headed back to Tennessee to send the kiddos off with a little something-something.

Want to know one universal interesting thing, that I've observed by listening to friends who have moved all over this country..leaving California? Their neighbors are so much more friendly. Why is that? Is it our faster lifestyle? Is it because we don't see a point in attaching ourselves because of the great California exodus? Is it because we have too many rules, so we are cranky? Is it because we are preoccupied with "business, and nothing personal" After all we have a country to lead!!

I have noticed that people who love California are here for the climate & money. I've noticed that those who want an engaging community life..well, they leave. Of course there are exceptions to the rule. There are also a whole lot of people who move through life in a complaining fog. They aren't happy, but it never occurs to them that they could have another job, live some place else.

I remember going to Indiana and people talking to me every where I went. At the gas station, White Castle, grocery store..everywhere I went they tried to strike a conversation. I was taken aback by the friendliness, I didn't know how to handle it. We don't do that in California for the most part. Now I will give these silly mountain folk some props, some of them are more friendly then in Fresno. However a whole lot of them are up here hiding from people..the word is not friendly!

I'm not stupid enough to think that once you leave California soil, you waltz into a world of bliss. Everyone knows we bemoan living here , but I'm really not doing the "grass is greener" thing. California bashing is kinda like a sport, but I'm sure residents of other states have their own issues they contend with, its a pick your evil kind thing..I guess. I want to be content here, really I do. It just gets frustrating when most every time we find a normal friend, they move..out of state! Oh, and about the transplants? Most I meet are freaks. They are here expressing their freakdom, that's their whole goal in life.

The man camping trip

2009-07-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Due to the crazy mama kitty and adolescent Dalmatian Eddy I was unable to join the family on our first camping trip this summer. However I punched out almost all I need to for next school year in the time I had alone. At this point all I need to do is get information in regards to field trips from our school group and buy a few more supplies, the bulk of which will happen with the local back to school sales.

In preparation for this trip Ricky got his bake on! First he made snicker doodles, but they all got eaten. Then he made oatmeal raisin cookies. He ended with a batch of brownies.

CJ came along on this trip. Thursday evening he was with us so he got a crazy Chitudo workout. The next morning the 3 boys packed up the 4 runner while Jeff worked. After some minor set backs they were on their way. Unfortunately self employment kept the phone ringing most of the ride over.

Their first stop was at Fort Ord Dunes

..and then it was on to the Pfieffer Big Sur St. Pk. Camp ground (it runs along the Big Sur River) They set up camp. The night ended with cocoa smores and a story circle...surprised?

This trip was intended for Billy to fulfill part of his congressional award goals. Billy pick the stop, made the reservations and was completely in charge on Saturday. We decided to add a day before and a day after to make travel a little easier. However he still had to get the spot for all three days.

Billy's plans;

Morning: wake up, make fire...

Breakfast: pancakes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, coffee and cocoa
Clean up campsite and pack lunch for trails.(Deli sandwiches, granola bars, beef jerky and lots of water.

Hikes: #1 Mc Way Falls (a waterfall flowing over a cliff into the ocean below).
#2 Mount Manuel (a very steep, very narrow, loose graveled cliff-side trail with shoulder high weeds and poison oak.) Billy's original 2nd hike was inaccessible do to fire damage, this was his alternative.

Back at camp: Swimming the Big Sur river

Dinner: Chili Cheese Dogs & soda

Desert: Smores & Cocoa

Sunday everyone slept in. Ricky was the first one up, so he already had the fire going..yes safely. After breakfast and packing everything up they made their way to Point Lobos.

After that they went to Sand City in Monterrey. Again they had a crazy drive, this time the culprit was traffic, two hours of waiting on Pacheco pass. Then they dropped CJ off and came home. The evening was spent taking showers, shaving and staring at the TV.

After Mothers Day Comes Fathers Day

2009-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

True to the setting of making the day special for the person you are recognizing , Billy and Ricky woke Jeff with a pillow fight. They pounced him from both sides as he lay slumbering!!

After that we enjoyed a lunch of pancakes made with the beloved Mrs Butterworths, Jeff's food bliss. This day fell at the end of a very busy season, so the goal was to give Jeff the gift of rest. This is why he had a lunch, not a breakfast to enjoy.

The day was very easy. We had a slow day of Net Flix numb-out. We called the Dads in our world. The day ended with a simple dinner.

However what he really wanted to do, if he wasn't so sleepy was to explore Hetch Hetchy. So on July 5th we made that Belated Fathers Day trip.

We went in through the Mariposa Grove entrance, and just after the tunnel, fire was among us. As we drove it increased..bummer! We new we wouldn't be able to leave that way, no biggy, we left through the Arch. The funny thing is the Arch is really close to the town of Mariposa, yet the other side of the park hosts the Mariposa Grove, go figure.

At any rate on the way to Hetch Htechy we found a shady campground with a day use area called Diamond O. This place boasts a lovely swim hole on the Toulmne River. This is where we ate our picnic lunch.

We drove onto the beautiful backwoods of Yosemite, HetchHetchy . We walked across the O'Shaughnessy Dam and through the tunnel on the other side. Some of the waterfalls were still flowing, so that was an unexpected treat.

As we left we landed at the Cascade swimhole/picnic area. We swam and ate our dinner here before heading home.

As often as we visit Yosemite, as much as we have seen, we continue to find new treasures.

Yay me! I'm a Mom

2009-07-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

"Lo Children are an Heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." Psalm 127:3

In celebration of being a Mother and having a mother the four of us spent the day doing what I like best, exploring God's creation.

We gave the Grandmothers a phone call recognizing their role in our lives, then off we went. We explored part of the Sequoia National Park.

We started our day on a trail just off the Potwisha campground. We followed the path to Marble Falls, much too early in the summer for swimming, we sat and had a mid morning snack taking in the beauty of it all. We would love to visit at a later time, in August when we camp in the park perhaps. This place is obviously a great swim hole as it had a swinging rope hanging from a tree on the opposite bank. This indicated people are able to cross the river when the water flow has subsided.
We moved our party on to view the pictographs at hospital rock. We took the trail down across the parking lot that lead down to the middle fork of the Kaweah River. This trail was lovely with the greenery, steep canyon walls, wild crazy rapids and majestic falls.

Our journey moved on to Morro Rock. This is a Giant Granite Dome. The extremely steep hike is to the summit. The views are fantastic however the 300 ft gain in about a 1/4 of a mile is intense, be prepared for it!

Our next stop was driving through the tree trunk, I think its just called Fallen Tunnel Log. We parked our car at the trail head and explored the Cresent Meadow Loop. We walked all the way so we were able to check out Tharps Cabin. This is a cabin made from a single fallen tree.

We ate our dinner on the way home as we watch the sunset.

We had a wonderful day.

Independence Day

2009-07-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

We made a last minute decision to spend the day at Bass Lake. We were not disappointed. Yes it was crowded, and parking was a chore. Yet we did find a decent spot to park both the car and our little picnic. A little while after our arrival a Chitudo family planted themselves next to us, a nice surprise.

We had a wonderfully relaxing day of swimming, reading, sun-soaking and munching.

As we waited for the big shabang a drunk man stood at the edge of the lake and insisted on everyone's attention as he proceeded to announce his daughter and son-in-laws wedding engagment. When he didn't recieve the response he wanted he yelled into the crowd untill people responded with the love he intended to be displayed for such an occasion.

As the sun went down and the jazz from Ducey's began we found the real reason we were here. Cool mountain summer evenings...so divine! Much, much better than 4th in the Valley!

We sang the National Anthem as the first fireworks went up. (among other songs)

The display was absolutely fantastic!!

The drive home was not bad at all. We skipped traffic jams by parking at an escape spot and driving home through North Fork vs Oakhurst.

.......and yes, we are crazy enough to join the thousands of fans (a testement to the spectaluar display in the sky) next year.

Party up!

2009-07-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

Between the four of us, we have been to 8 parties over the last two months. Wow! Everyone had their own style. Crazy times in our world providing anything from swimming, go carting, movies, volleyball, air guns, John's incredible pizza, hiking etc..They have all been wonderful sporting much food and much love. We are glad all of you are in our lives. We have been thrilled to share in your birthdays, graduations and arrival of the "driving" excitement.

However, in our own house, the most exceptional celebration is that Ricky is now a teenager (yikes-that makes two in the house) and Billy is old enough to start drivers Ed/training.

My babies are growing up on me. I had a vivid example of that during this years Flatlanders celebration. As I sat in Jacki's store holding baby Shelby I watched not only my boys, but the neighborhood kids as well. Everyone is growing up...fast. I went into a bit of a daydream of yesteryear thinking about my little tots during the first Flatlanders I experienced. I remember them eagerly collecting candies tossed their way during the parade. As they grew a bit older: face painting, clowns, carnival games, fire engines and cop car exploring, hay rides, midway rides, frog jumping competitions, and even a circus one year. Now, the town celebrations have quieted down and the kids all leave so quickly. It was a ghost town by noon. B&R don't remember much from the early years and were just as happy to go hang out with other teens at the Soltero swim party. Oops, I got off the subject at hand...birthday parties

Well this year we didn't propose the annual "do you want a party or a trip" question. Ricky's birthday fell on the same day as the Santa Clara convention. Great America is across the street from this convention center. Jeff, Billy & I played our own theme music as we secretly planned an trip in celebration of Ricky's birthday at this theme park. Ricky had resigned himself to taking writing and organization classes on his birthday. We did manage to keep our little secret until just before we left. The gig was up. Not all was lost though. He was still surprised. He just got his surprise earlier. He loved his "gift". Billy loved Ricky's "gift". Heck! We all loved his "gift".

While we were in Santa Clara we were intending on going out for the traditional birthday celebratory dinner. However the boys wanted to go to the Olive Garden-out of our price range. Especially considering we just went to Great America, renewed our CHEA membership and bought curriculum. Billy, always the politician shared, "if we used this as a joint birthday dinner then the money would actually be less", we consented. We sang to both, as they received their desert.

A few days after arriving back home Billy got his "gift" ; two tickets to see Stomp in concert. He brought his brother, what a guy. Shhhh...let him think it was his idea. Billy has been waiting years to go to this show. I plotted this puppy..and no , he didn't find out until we told him! We have a tradition of having a little something for the morning of each boys birthday. So Billy opened his eyes to a happy birthday banner with two stomp tickets pinned to a corner.

My Mom and Step-dad sent the each boy money, which they used to buy tickets to the revelation tour concert starring Third Day, Brandon Heath & Revive.
Jeff's parents kicked the summer off to a good start giving each boy a new pair of swim trunks, a beach towel and river shoes. They also treated Ricky...and the rest of us to dinner at a restaurant of his choice in celebration of becoming a TEENAGER. He choose TGI Fridays.

Oh, and by the way, no one ever mentioned not being asked "the" question.

Hey, Remember Me?

2009-07-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

This has been a flashing whirlwind of a school year. We lived through runaway dogs, a pregnant kitty, the notorious mega virus and a FLOODING of deeply terrible news from our dear ones. Then there was the assemblage of the teenage roller coaster, the curriculum folly's and body issues from martial art wounds to loosing glasses etc.. preventing school work form being done for a time.

We then jumped full swing into the end-of-school-year entourage of celebrations.

The Drama club had many extra practices in preparation of the big show as well as a sophisticated dinner. One of the club members is in the beginning stages of a career in party planning. He used his skills here to host a lovely gathering complete with decorations, a multi-course meal and drama related activities. As for the show, it was pulled off brilliantly...such talent! We were truly impressed.

Both boys moved up in the world of martial arts. Ricky passed his Jr. Black Belt test. Billy passed his official Black Belt test. So we now have three Black Belts in the house..fear us!

B.E.S.T. had an all family celebration at the Island Water Park. What a wonderfully fun filled day! They then combined the Youth BBQ/ Swim party with the Bible Face Off final challenge. My boys made out pretty well...for the record Billy's team came in 2nd place (Yippee!!). Ricky's team did absolutely phenomenal given what they had to work with. Ricky's team was actually the combination of two groups of kids left over because most of both original teams bailed out half way through the school year. Of the kids that remained, many were there by protest..not studying or really able to contribute much for the new team. I am so proud of Ricky for not only being part of a minority carrying the team, but also being a great sport about it all.

We have our own precious end-of-year tradition. In our little school we celebrate the hard work that went into the studies of each year. This is pretty much the only time the boys wear ties. We get dressed up, go to their restaurant of choice and they even get desert (this years choice was El Cid's). We give them a certificate of completion made with our school stationary. We also give them the badges that they've earned for the Contender's program we incorporate into our schooling. You can check the program out at keepersofthefaith.com

Billy had a wonderful time at his first High School Formal with CHEFA. He looked so grown up, so handsome in his suit and tie. He enjoyed a lovely dinner and danced his heart away. CHEFA set aside a special time for the Sr's. to talk and showcase themselves, this was a real inspiration for Billy!

Both boys enjoyed the Civil War Ball put on by BEST. Becky made the boys costumes and they tied in first place for most authentic and most creative. Jeff and I were on the Ball committee so we had to dress the part as well. We were servants. Becky made me a costume and we just stuck Jeff in black & white work clothes making it look time period by adding black suspenders.

For the first time as a family, we attended two homeschool conventions. Jeff and I usually go alone. However both CHEFA & CHEA had classes specifically geared for teens that I wanted my guys to participate in. I have to say, they weren't to keen on the idea of doing"school work" on a vacation or during summer break. In the end, they had a really great time & are looking forward to next years classes. They even exchanged cyber info with some kids they met at CHEA.

We then went into a pandemonium of summer activities. Including Billy spending the fist month of summer intensely finishing his skill requirements to prepare for a trip to the Channel Islands. There he was officially certified as a scuba diver after presenting his mad-skills. During that time Jeff, Ricky & I took turns fighting a virus. Ricky did manage to have a sleep over with Bowen and a trip to Raymond to shoot with the Jeff's. However for the most part he was laying around watching movies in his room. This virus kicked his asthma into full gear, so he was garrisoned with a humidifier. More on the other activities later.....

Of course you knew we weren't going to sit still all summer long. However all that is calming down and we are sooo ready for some peaceful lonesome time. I made a sign during the hustle and bustle to remind us, if we needed reminding. "Boredom is a Blessing and Sleep is a Gift...Breath it in" So on that note we have prepared for chill time. The hammocks are hung. The books have been selected. Netflix has been stuffed. We have secured campsites for eagerly-anticipated-relaxing-family-connecting-memory making-journeys. (Boy that's a mouthful!)We have little get aways planned both by the sea and in the mountains. We will be collecting metal badges for the boys to nail to their wooden hiking sticks from a few more spots.

For us our real summer is July. We are not owned like in June or even August. No end of school year or beginning of school year rituals or activities, we are free as birds. Yay!! for free form summer loafing, and catching a breath or two!!

This will be our last summer together, well in a way. What I mean is this is our last summer to relish in special alone time with our boys. Next summer we will be in Fresno which means easy access to friends and activities. Not to mention Billy will be driving. Jeff and I are very aware that our boys are morphing into men preparing to take flight. That's as it should be. However being aware gives us fortitude in the situation.

A recap of our week

2009-04-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday - found me up at 4:30 to make sure everything was ready for the morning. Jeff & Billy up at 5:30 and out the door to the Fresno Mission Fest held at North West Church (The Bembe Worship Project played) I let Ricky sleep. I worked on next school years curriculum choices etc...Getting ready for next school year while finish the last leg of this school year isn't fun, but I need to be ready for the conventions. I also want a summer vacation, the jitters are starting to set in.
-Billy came home and slept, however the rest of us had a birthday party to attend for Bowen Cunnings
-Jeff & I fell asleep
-The boys had CCBC practice & J&I went on a date

Sunday -Was church and a day of rest..isn't sabbath beautiful.

Monday -New glasses ordered for Ricky (from Costco...thank you Julie for the tip) I don't really know how he gets them so scratched and bent. After all, we do buy with that in mind. I guess they just don't make with him in mind.
-Drama, the boys are really improving.
-Costume sizing with Granny
-Bembe & Aikido practice.
-I got everyone & everything packed for this weekends trip & finished my curriculum outline for next school year.

Tuesday -Chitudo

Wednesday-Absolutely nothing!!!!!

Thursday-Today...Chitudo

Woodward Park

2009-04-22T18:32:00.000-07:00

One of the redeeming aspects of Fresno is this lovely spot. We really enjoy Woodward Park. Last month B,R & I packed up school and a picnic lunch to spend the day there. We brought the camera & field guide book in the hopes of seeing as many creatures in the bird sanctuary as possible. As spring has been hinting to leave us we made a point to get down there before the heat took over. B&R took advantage of the exercise course flexing their man-skills at every stop. We walked all over the place, part of the Lewis S. Easton trail & part of the horse trails. We spent quit a long time just meandering through the trails and along the San Joaquin River watching rabbits, squirrels, birds and turtles. A favorite spot was the Lewis S. Easton overlook, we found a shady spot to rest, pull out the binoculars and see what we saw. Of course nothing can stay that tranquil with these guys for very long. This day was full of joking. Ricky entertained us by skipping, flapping his arms all the way up a hillside to one of the little-kid play grounds. Blasting out "look mama no hands" etc.. as he climbed the play structures. Yep, he's a ham.
Earlier this month the BEST youth group had a BFO, BBQ, yard game playing event held at Woodward. They ate, played, visited and ate some more. These things never end when they are expected to, and that's okay. The sky was exceptionally blue during the day and that evening as we came to collect our children we were able to actually enjoy the stars over a Fresno sky....no really. Woodward park has a fountain in the middle of a pond that they light up at night, that was really nice as well.
We do have one more gathering to be held at this park, I pray it doesn't get too incredibly hot before that day arrives.

San Jose Museum Tour

2009-04-21T18:30:00.000-07:00

We were rolling out the drive way at 5:40 that morning. We arrived in San Jose about 30 minutes before the fist museum on our itinerary opened, they let us in early though. We were at the Winchester Mystery House. This place was beautiful! The gardens smelled lovely and had many unique plantings. The house itself had gorgeous Tiffany glass work all through out. The wood working in this place is phenomenal. This lady was an architectual genius. However the poor thing was also wacko, confused, partially do to a severally broken heart. (new husband and baby daughter died) I'm glad we had the "mystery" of the place revealed to us. Apparently she bought this house right after they died and immediately began construction on the place. She never stopped, the tour guide showed us rooms unfinished upon Mrs. Winchesters death. I don't regret going, but I don't ever need to go to this crazy place again.
Our next stop was definitely the highlight of our day , The Tech Museum of Innovation. which is kinda funny because its the one place the kids were apprehensive about visiting. They believed this place only housed row after row of computer parts. They quickly found out this place was basically a theme park! Being that this was a tech place, everything was tech, even the entrance tickets. To the eye, they just look like a regular paper ticket, but the Tech Ticket, as they are referred to, was our "key" to all the interactive fun. There were so many things to choose from. This place is awesome! To name a few B&R created a roller coaster and then we all took the simulated ride. Ricky had to do his twice though, because the first time around the roller coaster refused to start...the screen just flashed DEADLY FORCE. We all raced toboggans & wheel chairs. We played music by hopping from chair to chair and bouncing up and down. Several machines took pictures in many different venues all of which were placed on our own website. Yes, I mean you can go home and retrieve pictures from the games you played in the museum.
The last tour of the day was the Rosicrucian Museum. This place has an awesome collection of artifacts and a replicated tomb, which was fun to walk through. The mummies showed us just how short Egyptians were. True to life gardens complete with traditional buildings and structures add the the authentic feel making this time period in history come alive. The boys played a round of Senet in the garden. (a giant version). Again, a very neat collection, my favorite being the alabaster bowls or the Rosetta Stone replica. Now its time to leave it in the dust and walk away. It served its goal in educational pursuit.
We love to watch the Food Network show "Diners, Drive ins & Dives" so the day before we left for this trip we looked to see if Guy had reviewed a place in San Jose. He did, Falafel's drive in. We went. When we arrived the place was packed, it was when we left as well. Obviously it is a local favorite. I did try their falafel sandwich with the hot sauce...very good. Jeff had a Gyros sandwich. Billy a fish sandwich and Ricky a corn dog and onion rings. Everyone like their choices. Yes the Mediterranean and American food was good. I hear their banana shakes are heaven, as are their pita chips with humus.
We ended our day at Casa de Fruita's Candy shop, come on now...sometimes chocolate is the only answer.

CHEFA's Sqaure Dance

2009-04-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

B&R both went to the CHEFA square dance. I like the themed dance idea. I think it makes participation easier when everyone is dancing the same, wearing the cowboy gear etc.. They can focus on having fun and not worry about all that other stuff. The boys were unsure about attending but ended up having a really good time. They had lots of food and lots of light hearted fun. They danced most of the night. The caller did sneak in a few crazy songs, like the chicken dance. Neither boy had sweaty palm syndrome, a jittery stomach or painful rejections. Neither sat on the side lines watching. Just a good clean positive experience. Billy had no problem asking girls to dance. Ricky had no problem dancing, but he never got a chance to ask a girl to dance. Three of his (female) friends were so nervous about not being asked to dance that they kept going up to him and saying things like, "do you know this dance, okay then come dance with me." He didn't really care. However Billy had his mind set on asking a particular someone to dance. It was a memorable occasion to get together with their friends and I'm glad they had the opportunity.

The Millerton Lake State Park Area

2009-04-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

We have visited Millerton lake a few times this month.
The first trip we took was to North Fine Gold. If you are in the park you can only get there by boat, however, there is one more option, that we know of. There is a crazy back country dirt road with an-almost-not-there sign a few miles outside of the park. Yep, we took the road less traveled. The weather was wonderful the day we went. Vibrant wild flowers against fresh green hillsides & a lovely blue sky. The cool creek water & multitude of colored pebbles were a special treat. We had a picnic lunch, climbed boulders, wadded the stream...Ricky swam. We were greeted by a herd of cattle munching away on open farm land & an old timer gold panning. Yes, they still do that in California.
The following weekend we went to South Fine Gold. This time we had to pay, as we did enter the park. We were on a geocaching mission. Jeff as our leader had us march up Pincushion Mountain (no not on a trail) He had the GPS system & that was that. We followed him straight up the side of the untamed mountain. Unfortunately we ran into a steep area heavily saturated in poison oak, with lose boulders to boot. We brought the doggies & since there was no way of explaining to them the need to stay clear of certain greenery we had an issue. I decided to stop at a convenient boulder overlooking the glistening lake water, with the dogs and let the guys go on. Billy was in the lead with Ricky & then Jeff behind because Jeff was scared the kids may lose their footing in this particular area. Billy took a few steps and that's exactly what happened. A fairly good sized boulder went tumbling right down the mountain side and Billy just managed to grab hold of the boulder ahead of him. After a few fearful moments (on J's part) they moved on. I knew they found the cache because I could hear the echoing of Jeff's yelp!!! YAHOOO!!! We then hiked down to the lake where Ricky took a dive & we had our snack.

Endeavors in Homeschool Land

Good bye 2011!

End of School Year-ness

Yes we do actually celebrate holidays!

My Sons

High Energy (mostly ) Christian Playlist

ROLLER COASTER OF LOVE, OR YOU KNOW, MARCH.

A Modern Day Hero...and a hope for us all.

BBQ Cups, experience the yum!

Maintenance

The hidden costs of a Winter Retreat

The Three Stooges...or Stages???

"It's his birthday and he'll eat if he wants to"

Facebook: pushed into it kicking and sreaming... in the end I LOVE IT!!

In which I say thank you...or bust!

A whirl wind of sorts or the birth of Zoey Lynn

Christmas & New Years

Kissing 2010 Goodbye

Children Won't Wait by Helen Young

Secrets of Adulthood & My Personal Commandments

Summer = Burning Pencil Muscles/ Insuring Ideas Come to Fruition....with teenagers

What curriculum do you use? Part A

You Want Me To Do What?

Dictation not Dictatorship. Run, don't walk...get a dictionary quick!!

*gasp* short girl say what?

Dwelling on Spring and Hiking Food

Okay so I'm brilliant

Mornings

Monkey Pod Games

Cleaning, books and other important things in life.

Thank you God for Spring

So why do you Homeschool anyway?

They really are tasty little morsels

If you don't know...well now you know

We moved...and this is why

required decompression...and dogs don't mix

Hello, it's me.

The annual what-to-do-with-all-this-extra-pumpkin-puree" question

Ingredients

Directions

Deliciously Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients

Directions

Good Ol' Banana Nut Bread....the great steady

TAKE TIME

The Serenity Prayer

Enjoying our Wednesday

Caramel Apple Crunch Pie

INGREDIENTS

mmm, apples.....pickin' em, peelin' em & coookin' em!!!

Our journey's to the center of the earth

REAL Mustard Greens

Summer turns away and Charity Smiles

So what are they doing in 8th and 10th grade anyway?

Its gonna be a gnarly ride, but as a team we can do even this!

Off to church we go....

Photo's another Back-to-School Tradition

When parents get sick...and kids don't

The Back to School Picnic

"Back up the pineapple this luau's over!"

Kings Canyon according to Ricky, a guest blogger

Drivin' on up to the East Side

Goodbye Summer

Exploring the Kings Canyon (said to be the deepest in the US)

My boys have a blog

Adventures in Moro and Pismo

Out there havin' fun in the warm California sun!!

In light of national friendship day, this post and the next few will honor my girl friends

Dorie

Jenny Dawn

My Jacki

Delightful!

Glorious Boredom

California: the passageway for Mavericks

The man camping trip

After Mothers Day Comes Fathers Day

Yay me! I'm a Mom

Independence Day

Party up!

Hey, Remember Me?

gasp short girl say what?