High Energy (mostly ) Christian Playlist

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.

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!

Secrets of Adulthood & My Personal Commandments

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

Cleaning, books and other important things in life.

   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.

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

   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!

The Back to School Picnic

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!

My boys have a blog

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/

Hey, Remember Me?

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

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

Cyclonic!

Wow! March has been a whirlwind!

We enjoyed many feasts! Dinner at the Crumpton's, birthday celebrations at the Shugert's, taco/games day here with the Orazem girls, Chitudo Black Belt Club dinner at Alfonso's. Of course we can't leave out the Saint Patrick's day celebration at Ron & Ceci's complete with singing & instrument playing. Or the next day eating sushi in Japan Town with Eva & Omar.

B&R kept us busy with Youth Funky Games Night, Bible Face Off, Laser Quest (yes again), running around River Park spending their gift cards, finishing the snowboarding season at both Badger Pass & Sierra Summit & the ever exploding Bembe gigs.

Jeff & I did manage to see Miss Bethany this month as well (thank you Eric). It was overwhelming to see her in her current state, but I am grateful that the opportunity arose.

The three Shugert kids were our house guests for about a week.

Jeff's business is going very well, he's been busy this month. He's been busier than ever, but more organized than ever. VCC has hired its 1st employee

All four of us have been writing for the local Homeschool Newspaper. Jeff was interviewed in regards to IT/self employment. B&R & I fulfilled our regular columns for the paper, as well as the homeschool blog & yearbook student interest / family pages. I guess it's about time I write here....I'm know, sorry about that!

We have been working at lightening speed in our educational endeavors.

Billy has begun the processes of setting goals for the Congressional Award program. Jenny is overseeing Billy's progress & I am doing the same for CJ. Don't be insulted, no family member is allowed to confirm or guide his progress. Billy also attended the Original Design Purity Conference.

As a family we walked the Fresno Right to Life, Walk for Life....very humbling experience. We had a blast at the Rock & Worship Road Show (more on that later).

I know this is a hasty way to get you all up to speed on our happenings, but April is harassing me, so I decided I better jump in & conquer March.

Our Week

Mon.-I took a nutrition class lead by Mrs Dori Lim. B&R took one in the next room over for the teens. Jeff & I went to yet another homeschool meeting. Billy had Bembe practice (he has had more gigs this month do to Black history month)

Tues.-The guys all went snowboarding & then to Chitudo. Me? I cleaned, graded, filed & did my own exercise.

Wed.-A heavy duty turbo charged day of school work to make up for yesterday.

Thurs.--Another full speed school day & Chitudo

Fri.-B&R went to dance lessons (well the instructor never showed so they just sat around & talked), Laser Quest & Colorado Grill. The poor restaurant had 4 million teenagers all at once to deal with. Dori drove them from Dance to Laser Quest & they just walked across the parking lot to Colorado grill. So Jeff & I were able to relax and have a leasurly date.

Sat.-B&R played baseball at Chefa's Sport Sat. Jeff & I grabbed a Starbucks & sat and talked for the next few hours. We had a picnic lunch with the Lim's & then B, R, A & A went rock climbing. Us old people walked across the street & sat at Starbucks (and yes that makes two trips that day) for the next several hours & had some great conversation. Ricky had computer work he needed to do at the church, but Billy didn't go to music practice. He hurt his thumb & can't drum right now.

Sun.-(today) We are getting ready to go to church . This afternoon will be full of yard care & work at Papa's mountain.

Friendship Widens Our World

Sometimes in friendships you take the time to do activities you may otherwise not pursue.
For example my Jacki loves skating. She is even on a roller derby league. She has instilled the love of skating in the hearts of her family as well as mine. We have been roller staking and ice skating over the last few months together, just like we have for years. We are brewing another trip soon as well.
Austin & Aubrey have joined the Yosemite Fitness Rock Climbing League. Jet & Dori use this to remain in shape themselves (like preparing for their trip to Everest) Rock Climbing is a huge part of their lives & they share that with us. This weekend, like several other times over the years the Vincents & the Lims tackled walls together.
Moving up to the foothills has put us contact with people who are showing us off-the-beaten-path areas we may not have ever known about.
Thank you all for enriching our lives.

The CHEFA Fine Arts Faire

CHEFA ( Christian Home Educators of the Fresno Area) puts on a great show every year. This is an opportunity for children of all ages to showcase their talents. There are two aspects to this project, performance & displayed arts.
Billy & Ricky are in the CHEFA Drama class. For the last few months they have been learning to mime. Their instructor split the class in half for the Fine Arts Faire. The girls performed a serious song while the guys song was real goofy. Earlier in the year they had homework assignments to create a mime to their own chosen song. Billy apparently did a wonderful job because his teacher asked him to preform this solo at the Faire. He mimed "colored people" by DC Talk.
As for the display section Billy & Ricky entered two photographs a piece. Ricky's 1st picture was of snow being rushed onto our window by a heavy wind with the trees in the yard beyond that. His 2nd picture was a misty-foggy sky with naked tree branches & the shadow of a sparrow. Both pictures look black & white, however it is just nature's coloring at that moment. Billy's 1st picture is of a spectacular winter sunset of red, orange & yellow against the naked black -looking branches. His second photo is interesting. The top half looks like a black and white photo of the mountain side & trees. While the bottom half looks like green grass & a field of yellow flowers. Again, just God's handy work, no trick photography. We had these blown up to 8 by 10's & framed. Look for them the next time you visit our home.
One special aspect of the Fine Arts Faire every year is the involvement of Jeff & Becky (Jeff's parents). Of course I have always done things in my own little school with my boys in preparation of this event, but so have they. Becky oversaw & photographed a Biblical herb garden that B&R planted tended & dried. Then they baggied & labeled the herbs. I helped the boys finish the project by overseeing recipes made for each herb, taking photos of that & placing it all together in a book. Becky also oversaw the tracing, stuffing & sewing of all the internal organs of a human body. These were then velcroed to a cardboard cut out of Ricky. As the boys have grown older she has been replaced by Jeff Sr. The guys have turned their attention to woodworking & the beginnings of metal working. He has helped in making a catapult, swords, shields & battle axes.
This year he was on duty overseeing Ricky make true Boomerangs. One is wooden & the other is fiberglass. Billy, being in high school, needed a more impressive project. So Jeff oversaw him make a bar dip, push-up/pull-up system.
I am grateful for CHEFA & the Grandparents for the hard work & opportunities they give my boys.

Thank you!!!

Aikido

Jeff & Ricky have been taking Aikido together, but for separate reasons.
Jeff is endeavoring to sharpen his skills consequently bringing these new traits to his Chitudo instruction & of course personal knowledge. It's good for the teacher to continue renewing knowledge & understanding.
It was actually kinda of funny when his students found out he was taking classes from another school, they freaked out! They were very protective their school/art. They asked Jeff if his Chitudo instructors knew what he was doing (like he was sneaking around) Jeff explained that they encouraged him to pursue this, so all ended well.
Ricky has different gifts & struggles as God has graced. He is taking Aikido to learn to walk light, establish consciousness of every minute bodily movement. These skills, quite frankly, will help him tremendously in every area of his life.
Jeff began taking these classes first. This Dojo only hosts adult classes. Jeff asked if they would be willing to let Ricky join in the class he was taking. They agreed to a trial bases, if Ricky could behave (not interrupt) & keep up (not need extra instructional time) he could stay.....he passed.

Okay, so about the coffee woes

I have a little problem with breaking carafes. So a few years back Jeff bought me a coffee maker with a metal carafe. Unfortunately as I was taking it out of the box I dropped it. Yes, I broke it. Well, a chip fell off the plastic rim & a big dent was created on the side of it. I decided not to replace it assuming I would just repeat the offense. I was content with my silly looking carafe. Eventually the coffee maker its self stopped working (not my doing) We needed to replace it, but couldn't afford the price tag of a metal carafe. Of course glass was not happening!
Becky lent us her old-time percolator, which stopped working soon after we received custody. It had a faulty wire that had been tweaked a few times. Her percolator lived a long and purposeful life. Yet it came to my kitchen to die!
The next product came straight out of our garage. Yep, we used our camp coffee percolator. The all-metal campfire one. We used this for a while. Sometimes we did have chewy coffee. Especially the lucky one who was blessed with the last cup. It was hard to ignore its hoaky appearance, although it was a conversation starter.
Ron & Ceci gave us a thermal metal carafe coffee maker for Christmas. We have enjoyed it very much.....thanks bunches.

Life on our Roller Coaster

• Saturday B&R spent the day working at Camp Haze & then B had music ministry practice & R had sound/recording system work at the church
  
• Sunday First came sunday school & morning service where B&R had their church equipment/music moments. All the guys got hair cuts. We bought a 20 gallon ice chest (to fill with groceries) & went to dinner with Mike & Angela. (we also made a pit stop @ their house).
• Monday night B&R spent time at Yosemite Fitness with Austin & Aubrey. They had a great time on the rock climbing walls! They also enjoyed learning new games at their house later that evening. Jeff & I were at a Homeschool meeting
  
• Tuesday was the 1st Chitudo night in the new building.
• Wednesday we stayed home (yeah for movie night!)
• Thursday was the 2nd Homeschool meeting we attended for the week. B&R caught up on more movies.
  
• Friday B&R went to the bookstore, out to lunch, Ice skating, out to dinner & dance lessons. I went to the 3rd (and I think last, at least for a while) homeschool meeting.

Billy & Ricky have changed living quarters

Ricky is in what was their joint bedroom. Billy is in what was their music room. When we moved in here we set the music room up for WGTB & BTB practice. Both boys have released that part of their world. So the room was really not necessary. Instrument practice is actually easier separated since they aren't playing anything together.
The only immediate draw back is the whole TV thing. They bought a Wii & wanted to put it in the Music Studio with a TV they would start to save for. I was okay with that plan. I am not okay with TV's in the bedroom. So if you have your own rooms...no TV. They thought it over & agreed to the terms.
They moved. They have been enjoying the wide open spaces. They both have plans for what they want to do with their "new" rooms. Some of those ideas will come to fruition this Christmas.
Billy spent Friday night at Justin Pools house & Ricky spent all day Saturday at Bowen Cunnings house so this was pretty much a one evening deal. They started Saturday evening before & after Worship practice and ended Sunday morning before church.

We are surrounded by talent

As a child my Dad played us songs on his guitar & sang to us. He never made it big, but he was in a local band & did put out a few albums. He also drew crazy cartoons & made up silly stories. Those two things have carried over into my house. I draw & make up stories, Jeff makes up stories. Ricky plays the guitar & loves to sing. Billy's in a local band...they put out CD's.
My Mother & Grandmother made my siblings and I doll clothes, blankets well even dolls for that matter! They made hats, mittens, afghans & scarves etc... When my babies were born they made them sweaters, booties & blankets as well.
I married into a family with domestic artists. Jeff's Mom does needle point & sewing etc... Jeff's Grandmother & Great Aunt & Aunt all made my babies blankets, booties & sweaters as well. Ceci, one of Jeff's Aunts even tough my boys to knit. They have made me scarves, socks & even knitted bracelets. Ceci makes some awesome socks. She gave Jeff & I each a pair...we love them!
Jeff has some very talented artist in his family, each with its own flair. We have the privilege of sporting some of that artwork around our home.
Our friend Nathan is a budding artist. We do have one example of his work (hint..hint..). We recently added Ms Hannah's artwork to our decor. She is the 12 year old buddy to our boys. She entered her work in an Art show & did quit well! We liked her work so much we asked her to duplicate it for an empty wall in our room.
We are blessed to have such talent surrounding us. Thank you to everyone for what you add to our world.

Chi-Tu Do

When Jeff was growing up he wanted to do the whole martial arts thing, there was a summer session or something that he attended...the end. When Billy & Ricky were little guys they began asking if they could be "Karate-Men". We put them off. We didn't want to mess with the whole mysticism aspect common to the martial arts community/programs.
Fast forward to our 1st year of Homeschooling. We were at the Fresno Homeschool Convention when Jeff noticed his buddy on a continual play video showing a martial arts program for Break the Barriers. He stopped & asked the booth attendants about the guy who was teaching in the video. They said he didn't work there anymore & told Jeff he was teaching up in Oakhurst. A phone call was made & that was the start of the Vincent involvment in the Cunnings Chitudo journey.

The name Chitudo means "The Way of Christ" in Korean. They are members of the Christian Black Belt Association. They have badges for memorizing the 10 Commandments, Beatitudes & Amendments of the Constitution.

They pray as they start each class. They have a Warriors Code "To live a life of honor,. embracing my duty to God, family & my fellow men, upholding justice and mercy with courage & humility."

This is a mixed art consisting of Chung Do Kwan Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Shiho Karan Ju Jitsu & Kabaroan Eskrima.

Now? All these years later? All three guys are still going strong. Jeff is now teaching the Children's class & the Adult class. Billy is a Jr. Black belt & a Jr. Instructor. Ricky is moving along quit well & will be there soon himself. They have made some wonderful friends along the way.
The school has been meeting in the local High School. They have recently attained a building of their own. These are exciting times for the Cunnings crew & my family. I pray this dream comes to fruition quickly & easily.

Video Game System Envy

My boys have the video game envy...not me. They would love to have a wii & xbox 360. Billy & Ricky are currently pinching pennies trying to save enough to buy themselves a system.
There are so many neat games out there. I hear about Super Smash Bros Brawl from Billy. Ricky is really interested in Guitar Hero. They went to their friend Levi's birthday party & there we found out about the Christian version of Guitar Hero called Guitar Praise, pretty cool stuff.
However I really want them to buy this themselves. Its a big investment & they really want it. They will pay for it & take care of it in turn. Well that is the plan anyway. Of course when even their grandparents have a wii it causes me to have to swim up stream on the whole issue!