Bowmania

TTD Speakers

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:28:00 +0000

The speaker line up for TTD is amazing. I am having a hard time picking where I want to go.
Can I clone myself?

Dr. Debra Bell

Sally Clarkson

Hal and Melanie Young

Obviously these are just a few.

You can find a full list of speakers on the TTD Page.

A homeschool convention

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:28:00 +0000

At the end of the week I will be heading to Nashville. No I am not planning on going there in hopes to become famous. I am going there to attend a homeschool convention.

From the beginning I have been pulled to the Teach Them Diligently convention (TTD). I know there are many state conventions around but this one is different. TTD is Christ Focused.

"The Teach Them Diligently Convention was born out of a recognized need for more events celebrating the focus of Christian Homeschool Families—that is, to disciple their children to glorify God"

Did you know that when you attend a TTD convention you are also helping in the mission field?

"Second, all of the profits for the Teach Them Diligently Convention will go to missions. It is our hope to help parents infuse their educational programs with a Great Commission focus. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31). We desire to focus parents and children on seeking opportunities to spread the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ whether through school, playing sports, or running the family business."

I am excited to attend a convention where God is the focus. Where other homeschool families are coming for the same reason. I am sure I will be overwhelmed, in a good way, when I see so many families there having the same focus as we are in our homeschool journey. Raising young men and women for the Lord. We are not alone in this journey.

Come back tomorrow for a look at the speakers for TTD!

Will I see you there?

Homeschool Co-op, Is it a good fit?

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:20:00 +0000

We have been attending co-op for the last 4 weeks.

I started into this praying that the Lord would let us know if this was a good fit for us.
We have to travel about 45 mins to attend this co-op, so we are gone most of the day.
I wanted to be sure we were using our time wisely.

I have seen a change in the kids over the past 4 weeks!

~ Our oldest is writing stories on his own.
Before when I would have him write something he would look at me with a blank stare. He had no idea what to write. I remember one of his assignments a few months ago was to write why he thought a dogs name would be shadow. He couldn't think of any reason. He just sat there.
Now? Now he is writing something practically every day. He enjoys it so much.
Oh and I can't forget. He LOVES chemistry. That means the uncle that bought him the experiment set will have to come visit when he can this summer so we can keep this going.
He love ALL of his classes. He comes home thinking that he can show is uncle who is a trooper about his self defense tactics he has learned.

~ Our 8 year old is more eager to do school at home. He seems to be enjoying school period. This is a breakthrough in itself. For him to ask me if he can take his school books somewhere and work on them when it's not school time, WOW! His reading has improved tremendously. Books, books, and more books for this summer. I love it!

~Somethings seem to be a bit much for Ladybug, but I know she is still learning. It's been great for her, being that she has to sit still and listen just for a time. Learning that she isn't the one in charge. Kind of. She still has a "look at me everyone" attitude. Yes we are working on this. It's good practice for her.

~ Our 6 year old is really having a blast. Just yesterday they were talking about ways seeds spread. The teacher told them that they could go home and make a bird feeder out of pine cones, peanut butter, and bird seed and then went on teaching. When we got home that was the first thing he did. We now have a peanut butter bird feeder sitting on the regular bird feeder. He knows his name in sign language.Along with learning the Lord's Prayer in sign language. ( Our 8 yr old and ladybug are learning this as well.)

The kids are all eager to tell their daddy what they learned that day.
They pray for the co-op.
They eagerly wait for the next week.

Four weeks in and there is such a change.
A good fit? Absolutely.

Is a co-op a good fit for your family?
I encourage you to pray about it.

Talk it over with your husband.

Go to a few events the co-op is having to meet the families that are in the group.

Ask if you could sit in on a session to see how the co-op is set up.

You are not alone in this journey.

2:1 ~ Momma's Timeout

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:24:00 +0000

A weekend away, surrounded by laughter, tears, and encouragement. This is just the beginning of my thoughts.

I didn’t have to make my bed, cook meals or clean up after meals. I was able to sit and enjoy a meal before it got cold. I got to use the bathroom without someone knocking on the door. And I am sure I am not the only one that just stood and enjoyed the rain shower just a tad longer. (now I am wishing I had one in my shower)

Let me back up. I am not complaining about doing these things at home. I truly enjoy serving my family. This mama needed a timeout and the 2:1 conference was just that for me.

connections ~ Not only did I get to catch up with friends that I made last year, I met more friends this year. Did I get to meet everyone there this weekend, no, but I made connections that I can build on.

There was a time when I thought that I could take in all of the vendors at a conference. Who was I kidding? There is no way. I mean why in the world would I want to try to look at 2 different science books when I have a science that is working for our family? I would overload on all of the information I was given and become overwhelmed. This year I didn’t do that. I talked to and gave information to those businesses I thought would be a good fit.

I am not a teenager anymore :( ~ I loved the late night talks. I am not regretting it one bit, but I found out that a 3am bedtime isn’t as easy to overcome as it was when I was 16.

The Lord met me right where I was. ~ He started tugging on my heart on my way to the conference. I started praying. I wanted to be still and listen to what He was telling me. I am excited and nervous about what I heard, but I know that He will lead me.

Psst... We still had so much fun!

Writeshop ~ 2:1 Sponsor

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:41:00 +0000

This weekend I am attending the Titus 2:1 conference.

To say I am excited is an understatement.

I am ever so grateful for my sponsor. They are making it possible for me to attend this conference.

I would like everyone to meet Writeshop.

What is Writeshop?

WriteShop is a multi-level writing curriculum designed to teach composition skills in a step-by-step manner. There are three different levels:

· WriteShop Primary gives K-3rd graders an introduction to early writing skills. Young children learn to plan, write, and revise stories and short reports through colorful and meaningful activities such as guided writing, games, picture books, and crafty projects. It’s fun to learn about writing through topics that appeal to early elementary ages, and the hands-on learning experience (not to mention special time with Mom) is especially effective with these younger kids.

· WriteShop Junior exposes 3rd-5th graders to genre, fiction and nonfiction writing, and journaling—and introduces great tools that truly motivate young writers. Fold-N-Go Grammar, with its colorful, lapbook-style guides, teaches kids that grammar can become their favorite subject. Prewriting games help them learn and practice vocabulary and writing skills in such a fun way, they have no idea they’re doing school work! Graphic organizers help budding writers brainstorm and plan their stories and reports. And there are all sorts of engaging editing tools that actually make it fun to revise.

· For junior high and high schoolers, both WriteShop I and II offer engaging, step-by-step lessons, challenging assignments, and creative activities. WriteShop I students improve descriptive, informative, and narrative, writing skills by becoming proficient in four vital techniques: brainstorming, drafting, editing, and revising. WriteShop II users learn to expand their skills by learning about descriptive narration, point of view, and voice. This level ends with an introduction to persuasive and essay writing, including timed essays.

Essential and easy to use, all of the WriteShop teacher’s guides provide schedules, lesson plans, extra activity ideas, and answer keys—and help parents learn to effectively edit and evaluate students’ writing.

Kim and Debbie, the Authors, understand the importance of helping students develop a strong writing foundation. Writeshop not only helps the student with their writing, it also shows the parents how to teach, direct, and evaluate in a simple way.
This is a program that will :

~ emphasize clarity, conciseness, colorful vocabulary, and interesting sentence types;

~ focus on developing a strong paragraph;

~ offer a wide variety of writing activities; ~ help students know exactly what to look for when refining their own work;

~ help parents know how to methodically evaluate their children's writing.

This program have even helped me in my own writing!

So I say THANK YOU to Writeshop.

Tips on Surviving the Stomach Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:14:00 +0000

Last week our family was hit with a stomach bug/flu.

This stuff is terrible!

A summary of our week, my 6 yr old prayed this one night, "Jesus please don't let anyone else throw up and please let our food come out the right end."

As I read on facebook more and more families from all over being hit with this dreadful stuff, I thought I would share a few tips that helped us.

Remember I am not a doctor, just a mom who went through this for a week.

~This bug leaves no stomach left unturned.
It hits fast and it hits hard. It seems to be VERY contagious. Everyone in the family had their turn. Thankfully one at a time. I was hit last. I am so grateful I was able to take care of the family before I was hit.

~ Try to stay hydrated.
        I have heard of people ending up in the hospital from dehydration from this stuff. I know it's hard to want to drink something when you know it's not going to stay down. Try!Drink little, tiny sips of water. Gatorade! If you can keep Gatorade down for at least 10 minuets your body has absorbed the electrolytes it needs.

~ Rest
    Even if you start feeling better take it easy. You do not want to relapse.

~ Disinfect
        Anywhere you can think of disinfect. Door knobs, toilets, handles, sink faucets, toothbrushes, beds, toys, the vehicles. Kill that bug!

~ Eat light
   Even after the trips to the bathroom have stopped eat light for a few days. Your stomach will thank you. The kids ate too heavy when they thought they were all better and they were in the bathroom again. Try the B.R.A.T diet for a few days. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

I hope this helps.

We are praying for those who are sick and praying that this flu will stop.

Our Homeschool Co-op Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:46:00 +0000

We joined a co-op!
Oh yes we did.

After talking things over we felt that we wanted to give a co-op a try.

What is a co-op you ask?

A homeschool co-op is a group of homeschooling parents that voluntarily unite together to educate their children.

It does take the whole group.
Helping with the little ones.
Helping with teaching the class.
Teaching a class.
Cleaning up after activities.

I asked my 10 yr old what it was like being taught by someone else. He said, " No offensive mommy , but the lady that teaches chemistry knows way more than you do."

Why yes she does! I am grateful that the kids have this opportunity to learn things that I may not be strong at teaching them.
A place where the kids are meeting more homeschooled kids.
I am meeting more wonderful ladies that homeschool and have a heart for the Lord.
We are not in this homeschooling journey alone.

We are looking forward to next week.

Learning never stops

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:41:00 +0000

Saturday was a beautiful day!
Despite still feeling icky from the stomach bug we ventured outside.

We needed fresh air.

Out we went.
Guns in hand.

A demonstration of different stances one can take while shooting.

All of the big boys were involved.

My 6 year old is right handed, yet he is left eye dominant. He has a hard time shooting.
He also bats left handed!

There was also a lesson on vehicle maintenance.
I am so blessed to have a hubby who knows how too and enjoys routine maintenance on our vehicles. This saves us a lot of money. We have a son who is following in his daddy's foot steps. Soon, very soon, daddy will be out of a "job".

Even though we took last week off from school since we were sick, the kids didn't stop learning.

Bowmania Update

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:56:00 +0000

I am back!

Bowmania was struck with the stomach bug/flu.

This bug left no stomach left unturned!

So in the midst of my absence I have been taking care of my family.

And if you end up getting this terrible bug, I am praying for you!

Wisdom from the Mouth of Babes ~ Homeschooling

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:18:00 +0000

Homeschooling

10 yr old ~

It’ s better to be homeschooled because you have more hours of recess.

You get to be with your family more.

We now earn screen time minutes which is a little better.

I can do my chores while I am doing school.

I don’t have to wake up so early to go to school.

I get a good breakfast.

I can go more places more often.

More time with friends.

I get to learn more.

I learn everywhere. ( Homeschooling just doesn’t happen at home)

We have bible time everyday.

I have more time to read the books I like.

8 yr old ~

I get a chance to visit with other people during the day.

Field trips

We have more time to play.

We don’t have to sit all day to do school.

Homeschooling is fun.

6 yr old ~

I like learning.

Being taught by my mommy.

Learning about the planets.

What subject would you like to know more about?

Earning screen time

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:04:00 +0000

New System

We are trying something new.

A reward system.

Each subject, each chore, are worth so many screen time minutes.
Screen time is just that, anything with a screen.
TV, computer games, games on the phone.

The kids have to earn screen time.

When the child is given a task and they do not do it right away, or there is an attitude they will lose a minute for that task.

Example ~

Math = 5 minutes

Each time I have to tell them to work on math, or if there is a bad attitude a minute is taken away.

-1 minute for a bad attitude

so Math = 4 minutes of screen time.

Each child has chores.

Dishes = 5 mins. Again each time I have to tell them to so their chore or if there is a bad attitude then minutes are taken away.

The children are to obey when doing school or working on chores.

All three components are a part of obeying.

If the chore is getting done yet with a bad attitude, then the child is not obeying and there has to be a consequence.

Each child can earn more minutes.

Reading, 5 minutes for each book they read.

Extra chores.

Minutes can be earned for completing extra chores.

Bringing in wood, cleaning the toys and things from outside, sweeping the deck.

This is something new we are trying. So far it seems to be working well.

What works for you all?

Shamrock Hair

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:08:00 +0000

March 17 is just around the corner.

Your little lady will put the rock in Shamrock with this fun hair style.

This hair style is just three heart braids.

Super easy and super cute.

Take the top half of her hair and put it into a pony tail.

Make a little hole in the hair right above the elastic with your finger.

Take the hair in the pony tail under and up through the hole you made.

Take the remaining hair and divide to make two pony tails.

Again, make a little hole in the hair right above the elastic with your finger.

Take the hair in the pony tail under and up through the hole you made for each side.

Divide each pony tail into two equal sections.

Braid each section.

Take the ends of the braids and meet them at the bottom. You can make the heart as big or as little as you desire. Tie the ends together with an elastic.

Gather the three ends together and secure with an elastic.

You have made A Shamrock.

This is great for St.Patrick's Day.

If you want to get fancy you can weave a green ribbon through the braid.

An Incredible Hulk Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 14:20:00 +0000

My sweet 3rd born son turned 6 on February 13th.
I wanted to have a fun party for him. Too many times the kids birthdays approach and I have nothing planned. I know, bad mom. I told myself that was going to change. Each child is a blessing and I want them to enjoy their birthdays.

So, what do you do for a 6 yr old who's favorite color is green and loves super heroes?

You throw him an Incredible Hulk Party.

Each child made a "Hulk" mask.

The masks were a little big but the kids seemed to have fun making and wearing them.

Ring the Hulk Toss

I made Hulk eyes and glued them on the suckers. They really are supposed to be Mad Eyes, but they look more like ninja eyes. Either way the kids loved it. It was so fun to see the excitement on their faces when they finally ringed their Hulk.

Hulk Punch

Green Party Punch and Ginger Ale and you have Hulk Punch

These were the hit of the party!

Hulk pudding cups

Vanilla Pudding

Green Food Coloring

Crushed Oreos

Super easy and super fun

After that party the new 6 year old was asked about his favorite part of the party. His answer, " The ring toss game."

There you have it, an Incridule Hulk Birthday party.

Our next birthday is in June. I am excited to see what we can come up with for our 2nd born son.

Valentine's Day Boxes ~ and more!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:51:00 +0000

We had fun making theses boxes. Each year I wait until the last miunute and do not get to constructing boxes. Many years I have bought gift bags, put a few hearts on them and that was it. I felt bad doing so. Was I too busy to make their boxes no, I was just lazy.

I wanted to make this year fun. Changing my priorities. The kids didn't seem to mind using the bags, but still oooed and awed over other boxes people had made.

Each child gave me ideas of what they wanted their box to look like. I constructed the shape. The child decorated his/her own box.

Be creative!

You can make a monster very easily.
A cereal box covered in wrapping paper. Cut out a hole for the mouth. Yarn for hair. Triangles for teeth. Pipe cleaners for arms.

The truck had me stumped a little, but we finished it.

We took a paper bag from the grocery story and covered the box. Cut out the doors. We used A LOT of duct tape! :) The front of the truck is what had me stumped but I cut and taped things together until it resembled something like a cab of a truck.

Of course every princess needs a castle.

I took a box and taped down all of the flaps of the box except one. We wrapped the box in wrapping paper. Made a little door that opens like a drawbridge door. Then she decorated.

Then there is Herman! The robot of sorts.

He kind of just happened. We, again, wrapped the box with wrapping paper. This paper had print on both sides! I left a little paper on the top and cut strips making his hair. When I cut out the mouth I realized that there was a flap in the way. No worries there was still a slot for the cards. We just made "teeth" with white paper. We love Herman! :)

These did take some time to finish. Yet we had a great time and we added Art to our school day.

The kids will use these boxes today at the homeschool Valentines party. Super excited.

Then what?

After talking to a friend last night she threw out an idea that I love. (THANK YOU BETH!)

Turn the boxes into Encouragement Boxes.

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29 esv

Having the kids write encouraging thoughts, scripture, or even drawing a picture for another sibling.
The kids need to be more encouraging to one another. There are sibling scwabbles, but we want cultivate encouraging hearts.
What better way to do so? And we get to enjoy these boxes year round.

Heart Hair ~ Fun for Valentine's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:36:00 +0000

A few weeks ago I did this to ladybugs hair. There were so many compliments and many asked how I did it.

It is super easy.

You will need a comb or brush.
2 hair elastics
2 Bobbie pins (optional)

Take the top half of her hair and put it into a pony tail.

Make a little hole in the hair right above the elastic with your finger.

Take the hair in the pony tail under and up through the hole you made.

Do you remember the topsy tail? This is what you are doing.Just with your fingers not with the tool. If you have a topsy tail, you can use it.

Divide the pony tail,which is on top of her head now, into two equal sections.

Braid each section.

I have ladybug hold the first strand while I braid the other. If your daughter is not old enough to hold her hair, using an elastic is fine.

Now you have two braids.

Take the ends of the braids and meet them at the bottom. You can make the heart as big or as little as you desire. Tie the ends together with an elastic.

If your child's hair is really thick and heavy you may want to use a few Bobbie pins to secure the heart into place.

Ta-Da you just made a heart!

This is where you can get creative. You can sew a ribbon through the braid, or wrap a ribbon around the braid. You can also add a bow.

(Photo, courtesy of Aurie!)

The little lady in your life will love this hair style.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Unexpected Dinner Guests

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:16:00 +0000

Friday I had supper with a few unexpected guests.

As I sit back and think about the events of that night and as I look at this picture I am filled with such JOY.
Tears stream down my face.
A feeling that I can't really seem to describe in words.

Last week was a rough week. Attitudes were had all the way around, including myself. There were many tears shed.

Yet, as I look at this picture the "bad" week melts away. A smile is brought to my face.
I see so many things.

A lady bug who is turning into a little lady.

A firefighter who will be six on Wednesday and will be six on Thrusday and Friday and every day after that until he turns seven he says.

A bumblebee who is growing up way too fast. He is becoming a young gentleman and has a heart for serving.

Batman who loves helping his baby brother and has improved so much with his reading.

My kids are not going to be little long. They are growing up so fast. Days like this will be gone before I know it.

Will they remember the day they dressed up for supper? I don't know. I know that I will. This is a moment that I will cherish.

Trust in the LORD!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:32:00 +0000

Feb ~ 3in30 goals

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 12:31:00 +0000

ACK! It's February already! Where did January go?

Since it is the beginning of the month I have decided to join in with the #3in30 link up.

Here are my goals for this month.

1 ~ Organize downstairs ~ Downstairs is the playroom/rec room/school room. We were given book cases and now all of the books that have been in boxes since the move need to be unpacked and put on the shelves. The kids school room needs to be organized so we can start having school there and all of the school books will have a place. I love having a finished basement!

2 ~ Exercise at least 5 days a week ~ This week I started the c25k training. (Couch to 5k) I plan on "training" on Mon/Wed/Fri and do Zumba on Tues/Thurs. This week I got 4 days of workout in the books.

3 ~ Plan a great party for our soon to be 6 year old ~ We are planning an Incredible Hulk themed party. (shh isn't a secret) I want him to have a fun time. A time when he will look back and say, "I remember my 6th birthday."
I don't just want it to be a green cake. I want to have games and favors and more.

There ya have it.

You can come back and visit me throughout the month to see how I am doing with reaching my goals.

Crazy weather! The beginning of the week it was in the upper 60's. We were outside playing.

Today it's snowing!

Have you had crazy weather?

Homeschooling ~ When the weather is nice

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:58:00 +0000

This is how we homeschool when it is 60 degrees in the middle of winter.

A bit of P.E.

Using our imagination

Some Science

Just having a good time.

Did we sit around the table with opened books? No. Did the kids still learn and have a good time? Yes indeed.

Being flexible is a joy in homeschooling.

Too close to homeschool

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 01:30:00 +0000

How many of you have had days like this?

Charleston, SC

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 06:00:00 +0000

A fun top 10 Tuesday Post.

A few weeks ago I got to visit the beautiful city of Charleston, SC.

This city has made it on one of my favorite places.

Here are my top 10 pictures from our trip.

Old Stone Roads

There's just something about palm trees at sunset.

Famous Rainbow Row

Jammin' in the park

There were little details everywhere!

Now do you see why I love it there?
It is beautiful!

A new routine

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:04:00 +0000

Hubby and I had a few hours to ourselves yesterday after a meeting, so we went for a drive. Not only did I love the view along the way. He and I had a great conversation.

Uninterrupted conversation. well kind of. There were a few times I asked him to stop the truck so I could take a picture. I think this is worth stopping for.

I had become so overwhelemed with things at the house that I was taking it out on my hubby. I needed help but I wasn't asking him for it. How fair is that? My husband is great when it comes to ideas. So we talked about our daily routine, or lack there of. What I needed to do, what the kids should be doing. How he can help when he gets home from work.

We came home and he helped make a schedule for us. I am excited, yet at the same time I am not setting my expectations high. The last time I did, I ended up in tears on the first day of school. We need a routine of sorts.

All of that to say, would you pray for us.
Pray that we will be diligent in our work.
Pray that we will do all things for the glory of the Lord.

Again ~ Taking the Leap

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Standing at the end of the pier looking at the water. Kids running and jumping past him as he stands there scared to death to jump. Daddy is in front of him, encouraging him to jump, it will be okay. Minutes pass by and he still stands there, crying, " I can't, I'm scared.!"

All the while daddy is saying, Yes you can't it's okay. You can trust us."

Finally, after minutes of standing there, shaking, crying, He jumps. Taking that leap of faith.
After the jump, laughing getting back on the pier and jumping again and again.

How often are we this way in our walk with the Lord.
He is standing there with arms open telling us to trust Him.

We stand there shaking, crying, scared.

We stand there, not trusting.

Yet, how often do we take that leap and then come back laughing, doing it again and again?

TRUST HIM!
Take that Leap!

Precious Time ~ Thank you Dad!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 23:38:00 +0000

The picture is still clear. My dad sitting in his chair. The soft glow of the lamp shinning on him. His eyes closed in prayer, his bible open on his lap, the coffee cup on the stand. This is what I saw every morning from the time I could remember.
He is still doing this.
Time with the Lord.
Precious time.

As I grew up, my dad would ask every day, "Steph did you read your bible today?"
As a teenager, I would sigh , "dad is nagging again."
Everyday the same question and again the same answer.

We would have devotions as a family every night. Dad would read the bible and we would pray.
Did I think that reading the bible was important. Yes!
I was lazy!
I had idols.
I didn't have "time" to read the bible. I had homework. I had a job. I was in the band. I was busy.
Sad excuses huh?

Looking back now I am ashamed at how little I read the bible.
I didn't read the bible through cover to cover until just a few years ago.

I didn't put God first as I should have.

Now, this is my favorite part of the day.

Sitting in the chair. The soft glow of the lamp shinning on the Word opened on my lap, my coffee cup on the stand.

This is what I want my kids to remember. I want them to see that time with the Lord is most important. Not computers, not TV, not the phone.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Matthew 6:33 esv

I pray that they will long to store the word in their hearts.

"I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you."

Psalm 119:11 esv

I pray that they will know that the Word is their guide.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path"

Psalm 119:105 esv

They are watching!

They are listening!

Thank you dad for being a great example. Thank you for asking everyday. Thank you for showing me how important putting God first is for my life.

Flour and Rocks? ~ Astronomy Study

noreply@blogger.com (Steph B.) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:41:00 +0000

Flour + rocks = Mercury and asteroids.

This week we studied the planet Mercury.

The kids have been intrigued with this study and we are only on the first planet.

(writing what he learned about Mercury)

(drawing Mariner 10 , the unmanned spacecraft that recorded pictures of Mercury )

Mercury is really hot during the day (more that 750 degrees) , yet really cold at night ( -300 degrees) . I never thought Mercury, being so close to the sun, would be so cold. When a planet doesn't have much of an atmosphere, there is nothing to hold the heat in.

Yesterday we had fun making craters.
Who wouldn't have fun throwing asteroids at Mercury? :)

Mercury is full of craters, just like our moon.

Even though the asteroids are not round, the craters are almost round. That was until the kids decided to dig the asteroids out of the surface of "Mercury".

At the end of the lesson there was a HUGE asteroid storm and Mercury was pelted. :)

We are enjoying the Apologia Astronomy lessons. Very informative, and very hands on.

Next up..... Venus!