Saturday as Usual

We had our usual Saturday. Up and off to softball at 5:30am - well, not me - Ally & Daddy - (I missed the 1st couple-a games). Home at almost midnight. A football game, hour drive, too much sugar, and lots of running around and worn out kids in the mix. And they head out to do it all over again at 5:30am tomorrow. If things do not go well, they might make it in to sit with me at the 12:00 church service. I think God has a way of making sure they are in church Sunday morning. :)

All the teams wear special crazy uniforms for Halloween tournaments. Her socks are crazy miss-matched. Some teams were dressed like zombies, it was pretty wild. The morning started off with temperatures in the 40's, the afternoon 80's, and we were snuggled up in blankets shivering during the last game. Texas weather craziness!

I didn't get a picture of Gracie asleep during the last game of the evening. It was a really good, and very LOUD game, yet she slept through it. She has slept through several concerts, fireworks, and all kinds of other major events - why not softball too? When it is time to crash, she doesn't let anything stop her. Gotta love that quality in a kid.

And WHY may you ask am I still up at almost 1am? I'm waiting to switch the laundry over so uniforms can be clean tomorrow morning. Her daddy said, "Just let her sleep in it and wear it again tomorrow, she'll be okay." Gross! No way!

What I'm Lovin' Wednesdays

This post is linked to www.littledaisymay.blogspot.com
I'm lovin' my nature girl and lovin' the beautiful weather that causes all kids to spend HOURS outside enjoying the world.

I'm lovin' signs. I'm perusing my Christmas list for ideas for some signage-Christmas gifts, but I think I overdid that last year. This sign idea came from our pastor in a sermon a few weeks ago.

I'm loving my new monogrammed bath towels. I saw some at Bed Bath & Beyond a week ago with a pricey tag - so I found these on a clearance rack and stenciled them with fabric paint. I had some visions of embroidering them, but I am lovin' this 2 minute alternative.

I'm lovin' my $3 clearance mum that I coaxed back to life from the dead. Oooh I just realized seeing it from this angle, it needs a basket or something, doesn't it? That'll be on tomorrow's to do list - I used to whip them up out of paper mache in no time.

I'm lovin' some of these great books I have been sent for review lately. Wow! I have read several books that will now be on my top ten of all time list of greatness. I've got lots of reviews of some AMAZING books coming up in November. Most of all I'm still lovin' A Celebration of Discipline - what an incredible book.

I'm lovin' long sleeve t-shirt & jeans weather. Ah. blankets. warm socks. scarves. soup. fall.

I'm lovin' the Texas Rangers! Heck I'm even loving football games & softball tournaments when the weather's not so hot you fry just watching them.

While you are visiting my blog show me some love and sign up for my giveaway a few posts back. It has a sad few number of entries so far!

What We've Been Up To...

We've been busy with school and activities lately. Our select softball season is winding down with just 2 tournaments remaining. My organized back to school routine is quickly unraveling and the first of school diligence in our studies slipping away. Now is the time to really be vigilant about everything and renew my efforts, maybe think of some creative ideas to keep everyone motivated.

Two of my kid's good friends have just moved to India as missionaries. We have been praying for India this school year and learning a bit about it. We are LOVING the Sonlight Passport to India program. You can still sign up for this FREE program which runs through November.
Go HERE to find out more.

You get a neat little kit with passports and a bank for collecting loose change to help support Children's Bible Clubs. The video lessons have been really fun and give you a great glimpse of the real India.

November is shaping up to be crazy. I usually sit down at the first of each month and look at everything that is going on. It's always a sign of trouble when I have to begin really scheduling 2 weeks or more before it gets here.

Ally, our oldest, will be having surgery in November to remove a birthmark on her head. Our 19th wedding anniversary is coming soon as well. Then, we have to tackle the over-ambitious craft projects my kids (okay and I'm just as guilty) are planning for holiday gift giving.

Now is the time for some serious organization! The great weather kind of makes me want to curl up and get cozy, but it is time to get the tennie shoes on and get moving! I'll share with you later in the week my plan to tackle it all!

Review & Giveaway: The Knights of Arrethtrae

My daughter was so excited when she found out we were going to have the opportunity to review the latest Chuck Black books! She has been a big fan of his writing for a while. She was so mad when I didn't stand in line forever to get his autograph a few years ago at a homeschool conference. She LOVED the Kingdom Series and she has already read the 1st 5 of his Knights series. Her favorite so far has been Book 4 - Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue (maybe because it centers on a tough, girl knight).

These are EXCELLENT books; a great Christian allegory, they teach biblical truths, yet they are way cool with lots of adventure and excitement. I would Highly recommend them - and anything else by Chuck Black. These books have a great action to keep boys and girls and adults as well interested! They'd also be great for a read aloud book.

You can go here to buy these books for $9.99 each -
Here is a link to Chuck Black's website with some more detailed information. That site also includes a preview of the first of the Kingdom Series. This link will take you to an audio preview of the new book, Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest. The audio preview certainly helped me learn how to pronounce some things I had all wrong.

What is most exciting is I get to do a GIVEAWAY of these 2 Knights books - Sir Rowan and Sir Quinlan! I LOVE having giveaways! And you know these would make FABULOUS Christmas gifts for somebody! So here's what you do: leave me a comment telling me you have become a follower of this blog - or telling me you already follow if you do and leave your email address and I will choose one random winner on November 5th.

This is a Mama Buzz review. Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor AND Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest were provided by: Waterbrook Multnomah for this review

Fair Entries

These are just a FEW of the many projects we entered into the county fair art competition. The kids get excited about getting their premiums when they get a ribbon. 1st place gets $5, 2nd - $3, & 3rd -$1. I even won a blue ribbon for a photograph. I have wanted to enter some art but because I teach art classes I have to compete in the professional division. Maybe next year.

Wordless Wednesday

Fun Dates

10 -10 -10! That's got to be the cause for something cool! Our day started with 10 silverdollar pancakes (Daddy shaped them like a 10)! Each kid got a $10 bill to spend at the fair. We always look for a fun way to make a memory! There are only 2 more of these dates over the next 2 years 11-11-11 and 12-12-12 - after that it'll be a mighty long time! All those kids born in 2000 have an extra bonus of their age corresponding as well! It set us to some thinkin' - our oldest will be 15 on 12-15-12 -that's pretty cool. I'll never forget when my grandmother made a big deal out of my "Golden Birthday" - (when your age is the same of the date of your birthday).

I always enjoy the riddle that our 2 youngest are 1 year apart, but 2 years apart. Gracie was born the first week of 2001 and Daniel the LAST week of 2002.

Not only are we gearing up for 4 cousin's parade of birthdays, we have 2 of our kid's spiritual birthdays coming up shortly. We celebrate those! And next month our wedding anniversary -19 years! That's a lotta cake eating.

State Fair of Texas

We had a fun time at the State of Texas Fair! I have fond memories of going to the fair with my family every year when I was little, so it was especially fun to experience it with my kids. We made some fun memories!

The State Fair is an awesome field trip since on the fairgrounds there is a natural history museum, nature/science museum, Texas history museum, railroad museum, conservatory, aquarium and so, so much more. If you can just find the energy to get to it all.

Sibling Love.

For some reason the food vendors at the fair have an obscene obsession with deep frying. They actually sell sticks of butter deep fried...and people were lining up to eat it. THIS most awesome food ever is fried cookie dough -and let me tell you it was WONDERFUL! I also had fried frito pie, which was quite good as well. They had fried alligator, fried lemonade, dr. pepper, beer, cheesecake, Snickers, bacon, PB&J sandwiches, guacamole, Twinkies, smores, and pop tarts and that is just the short list. You name it, they were deep frying it. Still not sure HOW they do it. How do you fry liquids like that?

Gracie and Daniel loved the natural history museum.

We went to all kinds of dog shows, a petting zoo, BMX show, and pretty much walked all over that place 'till our feet hurt.

The butterfly habitat is always fun - though we usually get in trouble for running around and chasing butterflies or something.

And every trip to the Fair is not complete without spending like $5 to ride some cheesy ride. I so hate Fair Midways, but Daniel and Daddy went down the slide and Daddy and the girls rode on the World's Tallest Ferris Wheel. Aren't fairs crazy? All food and rides are paid for with coupons and the whole system is a racket to take advantage of people with poor math skills. People don't compute the fact that 10 coupons = $5 and blindly overpay.

Of course behind that delighted smile is a little boy whose Daddy had to come up to the top and pray with him before he would make the slide down. :) His Daddy didn't mind a bit.

In the Middle

We try so hard not to let our Gracie get lost in the middle. She is the classic middle child; peacemaker, easy-going, avoids conflict, and full of randomness. Currently our other two monopolize a lot of Daddy's time with sports and it breaks his heart to tell her, "No, not tonight, I have to pitch with Ally," or "We have to go to Daniel's game." So, Daddy and Gracie planned a special morning to spend together - just the two of them.

Gracie is our nature girl. After reading the latest American girl books about Laney, she is currently into birdwatching, bugs, flowers, animals, and science and all things nature. So, she and Daddy got up at 6am to go to a nearby Arboretum to be still and go birdwatching. Daddy gave her a present of special binoculars just for her, and after some donuts for breakfast they were off. They had a fun time as they walked and talked and spent time together!

B is such a great Daddy, but I think birdwatching might be just a bit out of his comfortzone. Give him an end-zone, a zone defense... ok, I'm lost - fill in other cleverly phrased sports terms here ...but a bird watcher? I kinda quizzed him a bit about his plans - his strategy was just to pour love into her, walk slowly, notice everything, listen lots, and let her lead. Those are some of the very hardest things for him to do - but he does it well for a good cause and it was worth every minute!

It was a simple, inexpensive sacrifice of an early morning. Isn't that the way it is with our Heavenly Father? He just wants some of the same things. He wants you to slow down, talk to Him, listen to him, LET HIM LEAD. And your time given to Him will be truly priceless for you both!

Inside Out

Our church has a new series for our elementary school students called, "Inside Out." It is all about looking at the heart and the inside and not just judging the outside. We were eating last week and Daniel told us about what he had learned and sat thoughtfully for a few minutes. Then he said, "I think I need to be like that about your cooking, Mom. I need to not look at just the outside and decide I don't like it, but I need to look at the inside too, and even taste it first."

:) He's such a mess!

"How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word.

I seek you with all my heart;

do not let me stray from your commands.

I have hidden your word in my heart

that I might not sin against you."

Psalm 119:9-11

Art History Class - Sculpture Experiment

I LOVED today's Art lesson for our co-op art history class. We EXPERIENCED sculpture! It's one thing to look at great works of art, but to understand how hard it is to create one is to gain a whole new level of appreciation!

We didn't really have an objective for our creations. I just wanted them to experience the tools and try to smooth a section of the rock. Some of the kids were ambitious and drew out something to actually sculpt.

Our tools were much like those Michaelangelo would have used, very simple. We were all struck by the patience it would take to create a real masterpiece, and we experienced the rock chipping off unexpectedly and ruining our plans. Rock is not very forgiving.

It was a lot harder than they expected, but a fun way to understand sculpted rock! Next week we will learn more about some great sculptors.

Fasting With Children

I think fasting is an important spiritual discipline, but it seems like a lost one in our society. Fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. You fast to draw closer to God, to spend some more focused time in prayer or Bible study, or to cry out to God about a particular situation. I know it is SO hard for a mom of young children to fast, especially when you are their main caregiver! First of all being alone is almost unheard of - but preparing the food they eat is so difficult too.
If you have never before fasted, it is an awesome experience! As a side benefit a lot of health books suggest it for health and not spiritual reasons. It is a great way to cleanse your body physically; you'll find after a fast you have more energy and clarity.

Here are some tips for Fasting With Children.
1. You don't have to do an absolute fast! A normal fast is no food, just water. But the Bible speaks of partial fasts (Daniel 10:3). You can fast from media -tv, computer! Or anything that is an addiction (coffee, Dr. Pepper). Fasting is essentially giving up something - making a sacrifice to honor God. Ideally, focusing that time you would spend on what you gave up -on God through prayer or study.
2. Trade off with your spouse. I don't like to fast at the same time as my husband. This way, he can prepare the evening meal and take care of the children and I can use that time away from the family (and the food) to pray or study.
3. You don't have to hold out in a cabin in the woods all alone in order to fast. The work of your day becomes a spiritual sacrifice. You can take a different attitude into your day, praising God and quickly praying for everything you see. "Thank you God for the feet that fill these shoes left out in the living room, thank you God for my active son who created all this laundry." God really spoke to me when my kids were preschoolers about spending time with Him in little snippets all day long. Some seasons of life, I think God understands that you can't spend an hour every morning with him. When my kids were babies I kept Bibles in several locations and would catch a minute here and there.
4. Lock the kids out. Tell them you are taking a few minutes to read your Bible. This is good behavior to model - letting them see the importance God is in your life. They will be okay! Time it carefully when they are involved in something! Go to the library and get some Hank the Cowdog on CD and let them listen in their rooms while they play. Works for me!
5. It is great to have a cooking day before your fast so that you won't have to be cooking during the fast. A big batch of pasta that can be eaten off of for several days works well.
6. Cover the fast in prayer - before. Pray for simple things like your kids to leave you alone so you can spend time with God. Sounds terrible, I know, but God gets it.
7. Get a great Bible referencing devotional or book to go through. I have been just LOVING going through Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. What an amazing book! I'm gonna be blogging about it some more soon.

Start slowly. If you have never fasted before try giving up one meal or two. Our church just completed a 3 day corporate fast and it was a great experience. I guess there might be some controversy about fasting. Jesus teaches about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount. He's teaching about giving and praying and fasting is right in there with them as part of Christian devotion. He said in Matt. 6:16, "When you fast..." he didn't command it, but it seems he assumed we would do it. Here's a cool statement by Richard Foster, "Certainly we have as much, if not more, evidence from the Bible for fasting as we have for giving. Perhaps in our affluent society fasting involves a far larger sacrifice than the giving of money." Pretty wild, huh? Any thoughts?

Review: Solitary

Solitary by Travis Thrasher is book 1 in the Solitary Tales Series. I'm not sure what to think about Solitary. It is certainly a well written, hard to put down, draws you in, kind of thriller. The first person, present tense of the book makes it gripping. It is a great alternative to all the trashy vampire, horror junk so many teens can read, but... Well it made me ask, What makes a book labeled "Christian? Is this a "Christian" book?

Now don't get me wrong, I don't think all Christian books should contain lines from hymns, peace, love, Amish girls, and puppies. There are some Christian fiction books out geared to teens that I would recommend that would possibly shock your socks off (Melody Carlson comes to mind). But I DO recommend them to some teens because they show teens struggling & reacting in an appropriate God-fearing way to REAL LIFE high school events. That is valuable.

I did a little research on Thrasher and here is what he says about the novel being "Christian". This is an exert from an interview with The Christian Critic:
TCC: Solitary is being marketed as a Young Adult novel. Do you perceive this novel as being “Young Adult” and if so, why?

Travis: That’s a question along the lines of being asked whether I write “Christian fiction.” I don’t perceive of myself as writing Christian fiction the same way that I don’t perceive Solitary as a Young Adult novel. But I can’t do anything about the labels, so in that sense The Solitary Tales are for teens. My hope is that all readers will embrace this series about a teen rather than simply teens embracing this series.

So Solitary is not what I would call "Christian." I think some Christian novels present the gospel in an overly intentional and often "hokey," unnatural way. It's like, lets take a break from our normally scheduled story for a word from our sponsor. But, I think to be a Christian book SOMEBODY ought to be resolving SOME issues in light of a Christian worldview, at the very LEAST someone ought to GAIN some Christian worldview at some point in the story.

I thought we were going to see some Frank Peretti style spiritual warfare against evil in this book, but evil was really not opposed. There is some comfort found in the Bible in Solitary, but overall Christians for the most part are either weak or false in this book. The main character and the situation at the end is unresolved. Thrasher, as a matter of fact, leaves you kind of hanging. Hopefully book 2 will bring some resolution. I'd like to read it just to see where he goes with the series. I wouldn't let my almost teenage daughter read this book because of some themes and hints, mainly sexual.

You can see a short trailer of the book and/or purchase a copy of Solitary HERE for $14.99.
Disclaimer: Solitary was provided by David C. Cook and The B & B Media Group for the purposes of review only.

It's War, Baby!

We have focused most of our 12+ years of parenting on girl sports, as we had our two girls first. This is our first experience into the world of football. Gone are the encouraging, girly cheers from the sidelines, matching hairbows, cutsie goody bags, and sympathy for injuries. It's just pushing and dirt and mean-ness - on purpose.
Daniel ran for a touchdown, but his TRUE LOVE is defense! He gets really intense, his face gets red and angry, and (I think he might shove a little too hard, and he likes to give them one last good hard push AFTER the whistle). Isn't that against the rules? ...But Daddy tells me these things are good.

Our pastor was just talking recently about how women are made for love and men are made for war. And this was war, baby!

I wish I had a better view of his face in this picture! The whole sport just makes me feel the need to read Wild at Heart or Sweat, Blood, & Tears again. I need to be reminded that to raise a man is a totally different process. As Xan Hood says of a boy growing into manhood, "His father must lead him away from the nurturing, care, and protection into masculinity, risk, and his own power and strength."

Now, fortunately, we are not headed to manhood for a while now, so there's no need to be rushing away from that nurture, protection, and safety just yet! :) But, you gotta know it is coming! Ah... the difference in boys! We had an "art day" during our school week this week. I had a whole day of painting, crafts, and loads of creative excitement planned. The girls and I were having a ball. Daniel was participating, then at about 10:00 he turned to me and said, "Mom, this is fun and all, but art is just not my thing." I let him go work on his Lego project. His daddy, of course, was thrilled by this news.