Lunch with Ana

Ana and Me

Not two months ago, I had the pleasure of having lunch with a young lady for whom I had babysat. And this month, I was able to have lunch with her sister. YAY!

We weren't sure what to eat, but we finally settled on the pitas. Yummy! And Ana hadn't tried these pitas before. In case you're interested...the verdict came in favor of the pita. :O)

And I, of course, couldn't resist a soda. "My one weakness."

Owl Jewelry

After lunch, we browsed several shops. A boutique, a pet store, and a children's shop. Isn't it funny how popular owls are now? I <3 it.

During the shopping leg of our expedition, we each found treasures. Ana purchased a key necklace. (Maybe you'll wear it next time I see you?) And I bought a "popper." More on that later.

And what would a shopping trip be without books? A little less bright, I assure you.

What a delight is to see these girls grow up into young ladies with whom I am blessed to be friends.

Another Year

Another school year has begun! And the kiddos and I will be studying Greek Mythology together. Huzzah! I'm extremely excited about it. *grins*

Jude & Maggie

One of my favorite aspects of homeschooling is watching the children help each other understand the concepts. What a blessing on their relationships!

Evangelia

Teaching Greek mythology provides a great opportunity for worldview discussion and training.

Me & Jude

And of course, we couldn't resist taking some fun photos.

Evangelia

And some artistic ones. :O)

Beautiful, Sad Song

VBS: Part 2 and the Finale

The kids love to sing. And Dee does a great job of leading them.

Atti & Daniel

And they eagerly await...

Joseph Exalted

The Living Art.

The Death of Joseph

Middle Class

But the most important part?

Youngest Class

Bible instruction.

Oldest Class

 And after class, some of the adults make grass horns. :P

Max

Or play in the grass with the kids. :O)

Snack time!

Atti even shares his with me.

 The kids put together "family trees" in the craft hut.

tie-dye

After a week of Bible memorization and stories, singing, living art, crafts, and recreation, the kids are ready for a carnival!

 Complete with bounce house.

 Mmmm. Delicious cookout food!

 Prizes.

 And Games.

Noah

I love the looks of joy and fun on the children's faces!

Kaylin

Jude

See?

Jonathan

Especially after playing "Pie the Pastor!" (And er, Pie the Elder?)

Daddy

Dr. J

Josh running the ducky game

Though, the ducky game is quickly overrun by those who wished to play in the pool. :P

Fellowship

Fun, fun, fun

Another delightful, blessed week of VBS conquered! :D

Quote(s) of the Day

 From Fahrenheit 451:

Montag moved his lips.
"Let's talk."
The women jerked and stared.
"How're your children, Mrs. Phelps?" he asked.
"You know I haven't any! No one in his right mind, the Good Lord knows; would have children!" said Mrs. Phelps, not quite sure why she was angry with this man.
"I wouldn't say that," said Mrs. Bowles. "I've had two children by Caesarian section. No use going through all that agony for a baby. The world must reproduce, you know, the race must go on. Besides, they sometimes look just like you, and that's nice. Two Caesarians tamed the trick, yes, sir. Oh, my doctor said, Caesarians aren't necessary; you've got the, hips for it, everything's normal, but I insisted."
"Caesarians or not, children are ruinous; you're out of your mind," said Mrs. Phelps.
"I plunk the children in school nine days out of ten. I put up with them when they come home three days a month; it's not bad at all. You heave them into the 'parlour'  and turn the switch. It's like washing clothes; stuff laundry in and slam the lid." Mrs. Bowles tittered. (p. 96)

"With school turning out more runners, jumpers, racers, tinkerers, grabbers, snatchers, fliers, and swimmers instead of examiners, critics, knowers, and imaginative creators, the word `intellectual,' of course, became the swear word it deserved to be. You always dread the unfamiliar. Surely you remember the boy in your own school class who was exceptionally 'bright,' did most of the reciting and answering while the others sat like so many leaden idols, hating him. And wasn't it this bright boy you selected for beatings and tortures after hours? Of course it was. We must all be alike. Not everyone born free and equal, as the Constitution says, but everyone made equal. Each man the image of every other; then all are happy, for there are no mountains to make them cower, to judge themselves against. So! A book is a loaded gun in the house next door. Burn it." (p. 58)

"If you don't want a man unhappy politically, don't give him two sides to a question to worry him; give him one. Better yet, give him none. Let him forget there is such a thing as war. If the Government is inefficient,
top-heavy, and tax-mad, better it be all those than that people worry over it. Peace, Montag. Give the people contests they win by remembering the words to more popular songs or the names of state capitals or how much corn Iowa grew last year. Cram them full of non-combustible data, chock them so [darn] full of 'facts' they feel stuffed, but absolutely `brilliant' with information. Then they'll feel they're thinking, they'll get a sense of motion without moving. And they'll be happy, because facts of that sort don't change. Don't give them any slippery stuff like philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy." (p. 61)

VBS: Part 1

It's that time of year again. Vacation Bible School! Wahoo! And the theme for this year...

THE THEME

Joseph: A Type of Christ.

Singing "His Banner Over Me is Love"

Dee opens VBS with singing...

The kids listen, sing, and answer questions...

Atti & Noah

And wait for the "Living Art."

Karl, and several others, act out Joseph's life.

And who could forget crafts?

And recreation?

More to come? The carnival, etc. :O)

Book List 2011: July

In our time, the state of children's and teen's literature is shameful (and shocking!). Often to read a quality children's book, you have to find one published awhile ago... Children's books can be a whimsical respite from my schedule of challenging, adult reading.

In addition to reading children's lit last month, I made time to read Louis L'Amour. L'Amour, known for his westerns, captures the American cowboy perfectly. My great-grandfather and grandma loved Louis L'Amour. Although he is not likely to become one of my favorites, it was a treat to read an author so beloved by my family.

July 2011
West of the Tularosa by Louis L'Amour
Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl
Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

Gone Awry

Sometimes, it seems like action figures have a life of their own. And they use it to show off...

"Strange, but true."

Righted.