"Is that pleasing to God?"

"Is this pleasing to God?" This is the question I find myself asking myself as I make choices or evaluate what I have done. Being a black and white rule follower, I've asked myself this question my entire life. But recently I've changed my question.  In asking the Lord to make his Grace evident in my every day, the Lord showed me that this question puts the focus in the wrong place for me. It leaves me wondering all the time if I'm being pleasing. The focus is on me and my actions. The problem is that when the answer is yes, then I end up feeling good and even (gasp!) prideful. If not, well, then I feel shameful and guilty. Well, neither feeling good about myself nor hanging my head in shame are the Lord's best for me!
As I raise my children and talk regularly with them about their behavior, I don't want to raise them with this habit of self-evaluation in Christ's eyes. I want them to rest in the grace of God. His mercy and His best for us. I don't want the focus to be on us and our performance.
I want the focus to be on Him. He knows my heart, and thankfully loves me anyway. He sees me covered in His blood, and I am learning that He's not sitting on His throne evaluating every action of mine. He. Loves. Me. And He wants me to know and share that love in every moment He gives me on this earth. He wants to focus on Him and His grace and mercy for us. So that's my new question: "Is what I'm doing sharing the love, grace and mercy of Christ?"

YWAM Heroes of History Stories {Review}

We were privileged to review this Heroes of History Book Set this month. We've studied US History this year, so this has fit in perfectly! From their website:

Heroes of History is a unique biography series that brings the shaping of history to life with the remarkable true stories of fascinating men and women who changed the course of history.

The stories of Heroes of History are told in an engaging narrative format, where related history, geography, government, and science topics come to life and make a lasting impression. This is a premier biography line for the entire family.

This set includes:

• George Washington Carver: From Slave to Scientist
• Abraham Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom
• Meriwether Lewis: Off the Edge of the Map
• George Washington: True Patriot
• William Penn: Liberty and Justice for All

Jacob, a 5th grader, read Abraham Lincoln on his own and we read some of the others as family read-alouds.  We do a lot of reading, and both of my kids have enjoyed them! We all enjoyed the content, and the vocabulary was at a perfect level for my kids to understand well. We've read many other biographies and will certainly choose these again!

As a part of this review, I get to give away a copy to one of my readers! Just enter using the Rafflecopter form now and June 6 EST, and I'll choose a random winner on June 7. *Winner must be a US resident.* a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was given this book set to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Year of the Staycation - Across the USA

Yesterday I posted about activities to do in my area, and I was only one of many bloggers who participated in this! Here are the links to all of the "Year of the Staycation" posts:

Mid Atlantic

NW (or all), Connecticut :: Parenting Miracles
Boston (or all), Massachusetts :: Maven of Savin
Central, New Jersey :: Our Good LIfe
Adirondak Mountains and Central, New York :: For This Season
Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York :: Ann's Entitled Life
Syracuse, New York :: I am THAT lady
Erie, Pennsylvania :: Growing Kids Ministry
Greater Harrisburg, Pennsylvania :: Family Balance Sheet
Hershey, Pennsylvania :: Good Deal Mama
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania :: Beyond the Cover
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania :: The Coupon "High"
Poconos, Pennsylvania :: Bucktown Bargains
Scranton, Pennsylvania :: Bucktown Bargains

Midwest

Des Moines, Iowa :: Make the best of everything
Aurora, Illinois :: A Savings WOW!
Central, Illinois :: The Homeschool Scientist
Chicago, Illinois :: Chicagoland Homeschool Network
Naperville, Illinois :: The Sensible Mom
Schaumburg, Illinois :: Ravings By Rae
Fort Wayne, Indiana :: Simplified Saving
Indianapolis, Indiana (Metro Area) :: In Good Cents
Muncie, Indiana (Central IN) :: the daisyhead
Northern Indiana :: So Dough Savvy
Kansas City Area :: Kansas City Mamas
Metro Detroit, Michigan :: Saving Dollars and Sense
Grand Rapids, Michigan :: Give Me Neither
Oakland County, Michigan :: Bargain Shopper Mom
Minneapolis, Minnesota :: Creative Couponing
Rural Minnesota (either Southern our Lake Country) :: Mommysavers.com
St. Cloud, Minnesota :: Frugal Finders
Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas :: Kosher on a Budget
Springfield, Missouri :: Getting Freedom
Cincinnati, Ohio :: Family Friendly Cincinnati
Columbus, Ohio :: Cleverly Simple
Dayton, Ohio :: Savings Lifestyle: Dayton
Mansfield, Ohio :: The Traveling Praters
NE Ohio :: Raising Lifelong Learners
Northeast Ohio (Canton, Akron, Cleveland) :: Sisters Shopping on a Shoestring
Black Hills, South Dakota :: Little House Living
South Dakota :: Moms Mustard Seeds
Oshkosh, Wisconsin :: Adventures of a Stay at Home Mom

Mountain

Phoenix, Arizona :: Mom Endeavors
Scottsdale, Arizona :: Saving For Someday
Tucson, Arizona :: Desert Chica Ramblings
Colorado Springs, Colorado :: The Greenbacks Gal
Denver, Colorado :: Bargain Blessings
Helena, Montana :: The WiC Project
Omaha, Nebraska :: Mom Endeavors
Reno, Nevada - Lake Tahoe (Northern Nevada) :: Saving in Nevada

Pacific

Fresno, California (Central Valley) :: NerdFamily Blog
Los Angeles, California :: Savings.com
San Diego, California :: Good Cheap Eats
San Diego, California :: Life as MOM
Portland, Oregon :: Frugal Living NW
Seattle, Washington :: Thrifty NW Mom

South Atlantic

Arkansas :: Discovering Arkansas
Washington, DC :: Kidventurous
Clearwater Beach, Florida :: Bargain Briana
Jacksonville, Florida :: Saving The Family Money
Southwest Florida (Ft. Myers area) :: Chaos Is Bliss
St. Augustine, Florida :: Simply St. Augustine
Tallahassee, Florida :: SwagGrabber
Atlanta, Georgia (metro area) :: Hodgepodge
Atlanta, Georgia (metro area) :: The Couponing Couple
Annapolis, Maryland :: The Happy Housewife
Hagerstown, Maryland :: Cheryl Pitt
Asheville, North Carolina :: Paradise Praises
Charlotte, North Carolina :: from our front porch lookin' in...
Raleigh/Southeastern, North Carolina :: Upside Down Homeschooling
Upstate South Carolina :: The Tween & Me
Charlottesville, Virginia :: How to Have it All
Richmond, Virginia :: Teachers of Good Things
Smithfield, Virginia :: Walking in High Cotton
Virginia Beach, Virginia :: The Coupon Challenge

South Central

Coastal Alabama :: Meet Penny
Huntsville, Alabama :: The Traveling Praters
Northern Kentucky :: Simply Sherryl
Chattanooga, Tennessee :: Living Chic on the Cheap
East Tennessee (Smoky Mountains, Knoxville) :: Finding Joy on the Journey
Nashville, Tennessee :: Montessori Tidbits
Arlington, Texas :: Grocery Shop For FREE
Austin, Texas (Hill Country) :: Ponder the Path
College Station, Texas :: How to Homeschool My Child
Dallas, Texas :: Surviving The Stores
East Dallas, Texas :: Funky Faith Girl
Fort Worth, Texas :: Coupons & Freebies Mom
Houston, Texas :: MomsToolbox
Houston, Texas :: MyLitter
Katy, Texas :: Moms Confession
McAllen, Texas (Rio Grande Valley) :: iLoveMy5Kids
San Antonio, Texas :: Melissa's Bargains

Staycation in the Knoxville Area

We're not planning a family vacation this year, but we still want to make memories. Knowing that thousands of other families are in this boat, we're all teaming up to give you ideas for your area!!  If you're like I am, you'll want to visit the host website for all the information anyway, so I've linked to site for specific information and only included a short summary here that includes our favorite family friendly characteristics. Almost everything I've listed is FREE, and I've noted where that is not the case. If you're in the Knoxville or surrounding area, here are some of the things we're going to do this summer:

In Knoxville

Ijams Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary on the Tennessee River that offers tons of fun! Nature trails, lots of wildlife to view, picnic areas, a river boardwalk, and so much more! Here is Ijams' MUST SEE list! (A few activities require a rental fee, but admission and the majority of the activities are free.)

The Knoxville Zoo is a beautiful zoo that includes a large kids area for when the little ones need to be free to roam, play and even get wet! (Not free. Group Rates are available.)

The Sunshphere is not really an all day attraction, but if you live in the area, a trip to the Sunsphere and Court of Flags Fountains area would at least wear the kids out having fun! The observation deck of the Sunsphere boasts a 360 degree view of Knoxville, and the water fountain area is always a hit for my children!

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is located in downtown Knoxville.  We're not sports enthusiasts here, but I didn't want to neglect those of you who are! (This is not free, but all tickets are under $8.)

Smoky Mountains

The list of free things to do in the Smoky Mountains is obviously very long, so I'm just including a few of our family friendly favorites.

Cades Cove is a beautiful spot for wildlife viewing and Smoky Mountain scenery, but our favorite thing to see is the homes, churches and even a working grist mill built in the early 1800s. My kids thoroughly enjoyed seeing their Little House on the Prairie books come to life. (Not the right location, I know, but it worked for us!)

Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee, and if your kids are like mine, they love things that are the highest, fastest, biggest, ... you get the idea!  You can also see three states from the observation tower at the top! (Take a jacket, even if you might not think you want one.) Because of their proximity to one another, we also do Newfound Gap on the same day.

Laurel Falls is a 2.6 round trip mile hike that culminates at a beautiful waterfall. One of our favorite parts is that you can get in the water! (Don't think swimming, think wading.) It's paved and taking a stroller is possible, though it's not flat at all, so I'd recommend a backpack for your little one instead.

Sugarlands Visitor Center is a newly renovated visitor center including a gift shop, movie, and an area full of Smoky Mountain wildlife on display. But what we love is the FREE ranger led programs they offer! (Did you know the Smoky Mountains is the Salamander Capital of the world?!)

Surrounding Area

The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a modest museum that opened in an old junior high school in 1973. You'll definitely want to check out their site for all they have to offer but I have two favorite things about this museum: they have a LOT of exhibits so you can go there over and over again, and the best part: they want your kids to touch almost all of it! Tell me that's not worth going for! (Tickets cost up to $7.)

Wetlands Waterpark is one place we've not been but are going this summer, probably more than once! It's a smaller waterpark than the large theme parks offer, but I like that because I'm less likely to lose my kids! There are slides that all kids can ride and a few larger slides for children 48" and taller. My favorite part about this park is that you still get all the waterslide fun without that unaffordable cost of the larger parks.

Titus 2:1 Conference! I get to go!

I'm so looking forward to the Titus 2:1 Conference. I'm so excited about going to the conference thanks to my sponsor, Heidi St. John (The Busy Homeschool Mom)!  But I'd be lying if I said that the flight, airport-people-watching time and silent, beautiful hotel room aren't part of the fun for me too!  
In short, from the conference page:

The 2:1 Conference is a faith based conference for homeschooling parents who blog (not just about homeschooling), or are otherwise interested in social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Anyone who reads here knows I've gone AWOL since I started working part time in August... because being on the computer for work comes before pleasure! I do thoroughly miss the therapy I get when I share stories about our family though. And I have a several month long God story that I have to get down on "paper" before too long, because it's still getting better! 

So... on to the reason for this post! An introduction of myself to the other Titus 2:1 attendees:

1) How long have I been blogging? 
(Hold on while I go look...) About 6 years.

Homeschooling?
Seven years.

Which is harder?
Oh my goodness... HOMESCHOOLING!

2) If I was a superhero, what would be my homeschool super power?
Being able to teach well that which comes with difficulty to each of my children.

3) If I could go anywhere, besides the 2:1 Conference, where would be my dream "mom-cation?"
A house right on a gulf coast beach with my family - and someone to prepare our food. :)

4. What do I hope to "get out" of the 2:1 Conference?
I'm looking forward to being refreshed and encouraged, and coming home with a toolbox full of ideas to serve and support others more effectively as they run their homeschooling race! I'm the Community Manager for Five in a Row and the Social Media Assistant for Heidi St. John. It's a blessing that I get to read, edit, post, and create homeschooling encouragement every day. The Lord must have known how badly I needed it myself!

Can't wait to meet you all!!

Click here to meet more attendees!

~ Melissa

Delicious Grain Free Pumpkin Muffins!

These were so delicious! I started off a few months ago making Elana's pantry Paleo Breakfast Bread, and these are a far reaching adaptation of that, I suppose, though it's not really much like it anymore!

Ingredients:
1 to 1 1/4 c almond butter
1 15 oz can pumpkin
2 eggs
1/3 c sugar (I use raw.)
1/2 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1 T cinnamon
1/2 t ground cloves
1/2 t nutmeg
1/2 t ginger

For the topping, I just sprinkled mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and a combo of both on the top. I used only a few tablespoons of each, I suppose.

This isn't very Elana's Pantry-ish, but throw it all in the mixer and mix on a low speed until mixed! Spoon into muffin tins. Bake on 350 for 15-20 minutes. (I forgot to turn on the timer, but I did the toothpick check to make sure they were done.)

Makes about 18 muffins.

* Yes, that's almond butter, not almond flour.
* B/c of the sugar it's not Paleo. These are awfully moist, so I'm not sure honey or agave would work. Someone else is welcome to try!

My favorite part is that they have protein in them, so it's much more substantial than just a baked treat. Jacob said, "Welcome to muffin heaven!" :)

Maybe I shouldn't feel guilty

So as Mattie's first grade year is well into the first semester, I find myself sad that she's getting so much less of the fun stuff that Jacob got.  When Jacob was little, there were several of us that got together to do the fun things (that aren't my strength). We don't have that now for her, and it makes me sad, because honestly, she'd probably enjoy it much more than he even did!  There were cousins his age - lots of them, and we don't have that with her, so it's all just different. But as I was lamenting tonight and feeling sad that I'm just not doing well enough in that area for her, I realized that Jacob's early years were very special... only him, activities geared toward only him, interests chosen for him, time with only him, books chosen for only him, etc.  But then I realized that her high school years will be the special time with only her as Jacob will have likely gone to college... activities geared toward only her, interests chosen for her, time with only her, books chosen for only her, and I guess it will all balance out. I still get frustrated that I'm not so good at the fun stuff, but this did balance it out a bit!

BEECH Retreat

So one of the things I do for my new part time job is blog for Five in a Row.  I do a lot of editing and posting articles written by the authors of Five in a Row, but I also get to input some of my own stuff as well.  Because I have no marketing degree, and a marketing degree isn't really a social media degree, I'm not sure yet what the right balance of different types of information is... product info, how-to, inspiration, etc.  There are so many things I'm still learning by trial and error!  But there's this amazing retreat in this amazing location, and I'm really hoping I get to go!  There's also this amazing giveaway that I'm participating in to increase those chances of attending. :)  If you enjoy blogging and want to learn more, check it out! I know, I think I'd want to go even if I had never blogged a day in my life!

What Mattie knows about common sense

Tonight while cleaning up her bedroom, Mattie asked if she should put a toy away.  

I said, "Of course you need to put that away! Use some common sense, Mattie!" 

Her quick reply: "I don't even know what common sense is except that Thomas Paine invented it!" 

lol!!  At least she was listening this year...

Overwhelmed

Just a list of things I'm thankful for today...

a reminder of how quickly the time goes...

Listening to Mattie read her short little reading lessons fluently... at long last!
Seeing Jacob understand some of his grammar concepts... also at long last!
Watching our freshly reinstalled bird feeders get busier and busier with our favorite feathered friends.
Healing after ten months for my cracked tailbone and sacral vertebrae.
Finding an old video of Jacob reading a book out loud when he was little.  Such sweetness in that little voice!
Healing via surgery and recovery for Robert's leg and back.
The joy the kittens have brought to our family.
Hearing Mattie play upstairs with a friend her own age she clicks perfectly with!
Watching Robert find enjoyment in books as he recovers.
Jacob having fun at his first sleepover. :)
Our free art class at Carson-Newman.
Robert's presence at home while he recovers from surgery: company, friendship, understanding in the craziness, help with schooling, family Bible lessons from his perspective, kids' laughter that he causes.
Planning our nature study fun!
Re-doing fun 6 year old things with Mattie.
Hoodie weather.
Looking through old photos and remembering the memories of Jacob's six year old year.
My new job. The way it fits me perfectly. The way it can fit our family perfectly. The way God handed it to me.
And my favorite: God truly opening my eyes and heart to a deep-seated understanding of His grace in spite of me... an answer to prayers prayed for many years.

They're growing up!

Got a few pics of my sunshines together tonight!  

 I'm so happy with how they turned out, I had to show you!

I think the two above are getting framed to go in my kitchen.  :)

Mattie is 6 1/2, and Jacob is 10 1/2.

And at this point, they're having more fun than is helpful...

Some Nameless Additions

We have been wanting to let the kids get kittens for a long time.  They both love playing with them every time someone we know has some! (I know, what kid doesn't?) I don't have much affection for cats, and actually have been around quite a few nasty ones!  But both of the kids love them.  Robert's parents had some they needed a home for, so we let the kids each pick one.

But because I was fairly allergic before my allergy shots and Jacob seems to be following in my footsteps, I've been afraid they'd fall in love and then we'd have to get rid of them.  I'm still afraid of that!  But we have only rugs (as opposed to installed carpet) and only one upholstered chair (all our other furniture is wood or leather), so we decided there's no way to know except to try.  The kids know the risks.  I'm just praying we all do fine with them!  I'm also praying that Pepper likes them when she gets home!

Meet Nameless #1 and Nameless #2!

The jury is still out on the names... Lucy, Snowflake (not sure I understand that one!), Sam, Tony, Romp... 

My tenderhearted boy said he thinks this is the best day ever and has teared up more than once with joy. That makes it worth a try!

I just have to say

I. love. my iPhone.

I have always felt convicted that a data plan was an indulgence for which I was not supposed to pay.  (Not that you should not be paying for it.  I'm talking about me here!) I'm a stay at home mom who really stays at home a lot!

Well, my phone died last month.  Because we have a lot of family travel scheduled for this summer, and much of it in areas we're not used to, Robert wanted me to have the GPS and the flexibility of changing my plans mid-day without a computer and printer for directions.  It actually seemed justifiable.  So I traded my sister for her upgrade and ordered it.  I won't say I did not feel guilty (though I did not feel convicted... I'm so thankful for that difference!).

I. love. it.

I love that I can use it as a point and shoot camera and get pictures worth printing.  And that I have it with me because it doesn't weigh as much as my DSLR camera.

I love that I can put stuff on my google calendar before I forget the date or lose the reminder card, which means before I walk out the door of any particular medical office.
I love that I can find a McDonald's, Dunkin', Taco Bell or Starbucks just by asking Siri. And that that allows me some spontaneity previously lost with my kids' food allergies. 
I love that I can write a grocery list by talking to it. And find that grocery list when I get to the store.
I love that I can google that question to which I do not know the answer and my child wants to know.  Now.
I love that I can get my favorite recipes when I'm not in my own kitchen.
I love that I can find out if the nearest gas station is within my typical gas light on warning range.
I love that I can get lost and not worry if any other stay at home woman in my family is home to google map my way to my destination for me! 
I love that I can read a chapter of the Bible - in any version - whenever I want to.

I am completely aware that it's a luxury.  And one I don't take for granted! But it is a luxury that has simplified my life in both trivial and legitimate ways. 

I don't love it like I love my man or my children or my siblings or my dearest friends, but as much as one can love a small, white, inanimate object, I love it.

Cousins!

 Here are all seventeen grand kids on Robert's side of the family!  It's rare that we're all together, so it was fun to get them all in one frame.

 

They had been playing in the rain for about an hour before it occurred to me that we had all of them in the same place!  It's far from a professional photograph, but we captured a moment in time.  And I dare say the children had a lot more fun!

Ten!

 

My miracle is TEN years old today! 

This boy made me a mama all those years ago.  I longed for him, and he filled my empty arms.  Little did I know, he'd be the only miracle to grace my womb.

When we got to bring him home after eight long days in the NICU, I wanted to keep him all to myself.  I didn't want to share!  We had worked hard and waited 2 1/2 years for him.  Adding those eight additional days was not easy for this hormonal mama!

Jacob has always been very serious and a heavy thinker.  His wheels started spinning the day he was born, and I don't believed they've ever rested!  As soon as he could crawl, he spent more time at his book basket than any other toys.  He went through a stage with a strong bent toward all things Thomas, but his love for books remains.  I often find him out in the sunshine reading a book.  That love for books has translated into a talent for writing as well, though he wouldn't say yet that he loves it.  When he's not reading a joke book, mystery, or humorous novel, he's building with Legos.  Like most ten year old boys, he would be playing wii at any given time of the day if we'd let him!  He survives with the limited time he's allowed.

Jacob loves to laugh!  He loves to tell jokes, loves to watch silliness on tv or on youtube, and loves to add humor to his school assignments.  The sweetest thing I watch him do with his humor is pull out all the silly stops to make Mattie laugh when she's upset.  He has a tender heart toward others who are hurting and is quick to do what he can to help them.

It has not escaped me recently that this boy who challenges me has completed over half of his growing up years already.  How is that possible?  

He wants to be like his daddy and needs him more than he needs me now.  He is trustworthy when it matters.  He has a sensitive heart that helps keep him on the right road.  He already has a strong worldview that is rooted in Truth.

I pray that these feet will walk roads that change lives and point people toward the God who created them.
Thank you, Jesus, for these little boy feet you gave me ten years ago!  Thank you for all the challenges, joys, and tears you've given me with him.  Thank you that I've had to allow You to mold me to be a better mama.  This boy has pushed me toward You as I've desired to do my best for him.  

Thank you for giving us this one miracle!  He is one in a million!

She's growing up!

How can you not smile back at that proud grin?  She has worried this tooth all. week!
When I tucked her in, she put her tooth under her pillow and asked me to give her more than two dollars this time!  I guess I'm a cheap tooth fairy.

Mattie's Art

We are alive, but more on that another day.  I have 4 months of pictures to share!

Today we talked about illustrating the effects of wind in a picture. I told the kids to draw an outdoor scene including stuff that was being blown by the wind. Look very carefully at the bottom of the picture.  You may have to click on it to see it full size.

I guess Mattie's wasn't up for drawing much!

Good, not Tame

Sorry for the blog desertion. Not that anyone notices! But to be honest, I haven't really known what to write. I'm kind of in a weird place right now, and have been begging God to help me out of this place for more than several months.

We watched Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe for the first time last night and I loved every minute of it. Jacob and I read the books together a few years ago but hadn't seen the movie yet.  My favorite line is coming back to me still:  Mr Tumnus says as Aslan walks away at the very end, "After all, He's not a tame Lion."  And Lucy says in response, "No.  But He is good." 

I was also struck with the names Aslan chose for the kids at the end... especially with "Edmund, the Just."  Amazing that "just" is what Aslan calls the traitor.  Makes me wonder what He'd pick for me.

I've been in a strange spiritual funk for several months, but I can't really put my finger on what my trouble is. I try to put it in to words, but it never really makes sense.  I think watching the movie and actually longing to sit and watch it again it has all made me realize that I'm missing the heart of God.  Whether it's my circumstances that have me discouraged (I really don't think that's it), minor depression (my sister in law's idea I hadn't thought of, but it seems to make sense), or other things, I don't know.  I miss Him though, even though I'm seeking Him.  It's like these things I'm hearing - good things - are going in and being pondered, but falling flat.  I don't know.  I totally don't get it.  Anyway, as odd as it sounds, I'm longing to hang on to His goodness even though I know it's right in front of me.

I think in seeing His wrath in the Old Testament, I'm also realizing as much as much as He was against those who didn't acknowledge Him, how much He is for me now.  He will fight for me as much as He fought for His people three or four thousand years ago.  All He asks of me is to choose Him.  I think I'm growing a stronger heart for those who don't have Him on their side, and in doing that having a hard time trusting His heart, because it's hard to imagine why He does some of the things He does.  But as I learn about Him, it's not about fitting Him into my box.  It's not my job to tame Him.  It's my job to believe He is good.

Our Sweet Encounter

I was stressing today about a doctor's appointment today b/c I had to take my kids. This office is known for having typically loooong wait times, and my kids aren't known for being the quietest and calmest in public - or anywhere else for that matter! Anyway, armed with Lego magazines and mp3 players, we arrived and sat down. An older (75 year old or so) man starts playing his harmonica and looking at my kids. Jacob says, "Mom, that older man is looking at me funny."  The man finally just spoke up and started asking them what he should play next, and for the next 25 minutes, they played name that tune and he took requests in the waiting room! Mattie just can't help but dance, so she was quickly up cuttin' a rug to his tunes.  He asked her to marry him. :) So as frustrated as I get with their complete lack of inhibition, and therefore noise and activity level in public, today I was very thankful as it manifested itself in friendliness to this lonely old man.  I think all four of us walked away blessed today, as were several others in the room.

Quite frankly, I desperately needed this. I have been feeling like I'm stuck in the middle of a spiritual desert in a way I've never experienced before. I'm feeling like a fraud as I sing praise songs in front of my church and as I read the Jesse Tree devotions with my kids and teach Sunday School. I have confessed it all to God, begged Him to change my heart, help me see more of Him, help me reconcile the Old Testament Him with the New Testament Him, etc. This morning I asked Him just to fill my heart with love for Him. And immediately after this encounter I caught myself thinking, "Thank you, Jesus, for that sweetness." I like thinking that way! It just seems to have eluded me as I'm hung up on some OT things.  I'm very thankful for that small oasis in the midst of my recent emptiness.

Fall School

We've had fun this year so far!  I've found a good groove for schooling both kids at the same time and having a two year old two days a week.  Mattie and I have not gotten into a good Five in a Row routine, and that makes me sad, but I hope I can figure it out soon.  Mostly it's a lack of planning on my part.  

Here are a few things the kids have done...

 

 Jacob made a poster advertising for a trip to the New World.

We read about sheep and Mattie made this one with real sheep wool!

  

We have loved our Apologia Astronomy!  (These are all ideas we used out of the book.)  We get together every other week with two other families to do the experiments/activities.

 We poured lava on a dusty surface to see how it shaped the surface of Venus.

 

 Jacob made a comic about life on Venus and shared it with his friends.  Something about having 25 kids, 10 of whom who drowned in the lava and the others complaining that they wanted to go back to Earth so they could have some snow and celebrate Christmas.  Boys are weird!

We learned how radar worked.  We stuck this stick down through the paper and charted the depth to which it sank.  The kids colored in their charts and we revealed the surface below!

 

 

   The picture revealed!

    

 We separated the colors in a black marker.

 

 We learned about the suns rays by melting chocolate with a magnifying glass.  (Of course we burned up leaves too, but the chocolate part was much more fun.)

  

~~~~~~

 We've painted our fall trees with arms (trunks) and fingerprints (leaves)!  This was a pinterest idea.  :)

 

 We went to the apple orchard, and here's my animal loving girl enjoying the goats.

And I don't have a photo of this, but I've discovered Mattie is a total Math head.  Math pages are her reward for getting her phonics pages completed!  She loves to do Math.  By Christmas she'll be finished with her kindergarten Math book and we'll be doing the first grade one after the first of the year.  The best part of this is that she'll be ready for Teaching Textbooks sooner.  :)  I'll still have to add the Critical Thinking book for thinking out of the box a bit... those pages are her favorites!