Our Inspired Journey

The APU Wind Ensemble...2014-15

2015-04-23T10:58:00.003-07:00

What a journey it has been since we've moved back to California!

Not only did John finish his dissertation and officially receive his degree, but he has actually been director of three different band programs since moving back! We have absolutely loved each one of them for the reasons that make them unique. Really. There are some incredible schools here in Southern California for students who want to further their study of music. Now, John is at our Alma Mater. He is teaching alongside some of the same professors who taught him along with fellow alumni who are also on the faculty now. He is the Director of Instrumental Studies at Azusa Pacific University and so grateful to be a part of this team, for these students!

The moment captured above was at one of his recent concerts this year where the APU Wind Ensemble performed a joint concert with Arcadia High School in their new performing art center. It was a wonderful night of beautiful music played by fantastic musicians!

The photos below were captured earlier this school year when we had the Wind Ensemble over to our house following their first concert for a little dinner and dessert and an impromptu game of basketball...woodwinds vs. brass of course and my boys didn't hesitate to jump in!

We love the APU Music students and have had a great first year being a part of the APU community once again!

Cora turns SIX!

2015-04-07T23:41:00.001-07:00

My sweet daughter just turned six years old.

Six years ago we were living in Illinois, Cole's cochlear implants had just been activated and weeks later, our first little girl was born. There were so many blessings pouring in during that season of our lives and she was the cherry to top them all off.

Six years later, she is all grown up. Really. It seems this birthday has awaken in her a desire to be a "big" girl in so many ways. Being six DOES mean that she is allowed to do so many of the things she's been looking forward to. She is looking forward to auditioning for a local children's musical theater group . . . (for kids 6 and up). She was just able to join a children's acting class . . . (for kids 6 and up). And because she is now 6 years old and was doing well in her Pre-Ballet class, she received a letter in the mail from her ballet studio inviting her to move to class 1A . . . (for kids 6 and up)!

We had a little birthday party for our girl this past weekend with our family and got a chance to celebrate with those who she loves and who love her. At six years old, Cora is...

1. In Kindergarten, but using 1st grade curriculum.

2. Reading Cam Jansen books and others. She LOVES to read!

3. Loving Art Class! We have quite the artist on our hands. She loves to spontaneously draw pictures for people that come to her mind, and the detail in them in amazing! Feathers on birds, bows in the hair of the girls, books drawn on shelves...she adds it all!

4. Playing Piano. She just finished her first piano festival and really enjoyed it! She's even written her own song and had Daddy help her write out the notation.

5. Dramatic. She always has been, but as she's been hanging out with older girls, she has certainly added maturity to her personality!

6. Loved acting class.

7. Making up skits and play time activities for she and Rylee to be a part of. And Rylee loves it!

8. Loving Ballet! She just moved up from Pre-Ballet to level 1A with girls 6 and up. She's the shortest little pip-squeak there but strong, determined and focused! Unless someone next to her tells a good joke...

9. Hilarious. She loves to belly laugh and her oldest brother (other blondie) enjoys making sure she laughs a good portion of the day!

10. Finished with her Sparks handbook and Extra Credit book. Memorization and God's Word are two things important to her these days. She also has a journal I gave her for Valentine's Day that she writes in often. Each entry is addressed to Jesus and is more precious than the last. There isn't anything sweeter than reading authentic love notes, questions and prayers to God from the minds of my children.

My Dear Cora Grace,

You are beautiful. You really are. You are feisty, strong, and always articulate your desires and needs clearly...with authority, I might add! You ask great questions and think deeply about things that matter. You take intentional time to share your heart with Jesus...to thank Him and draw for Him what beautiful images are in your mind in that moment. You write the sweetest affirmations of your love for Him and for others that you are around! I will always be grateful for the note you wrote me recently that came at such a perfect moment. I was tired and teary and you immediately went into the school room to write me a note and draw a picture asking me why I was crying and reminding me that you love me. Thank you for that, Cora. You really blessed me. You do everyday when you give my neck a squeeze and say, "Oh, I love you Mommy...you're so cute!" You are such a hilarious little pumpkin!!! We will continue to pray that you grow in kindness and self-control, always seeing the value in others that Jesus sees. We love you, sweet one, and so does HE.

Halloween 2014…a 49er, a Spy, Elsa and Anna

2014-11-02T22:52:00.000-08:00

What a year this one has been! We just celebrated our one-year anniversary for getting the keys to our house, and it really has been a whirlwind! Last Halloween, our lives were boxed up and we were getting ready to move a mile away into our new house. This was the one we were SO grateful God had given us…much more than we ever thought possible, but just like God…He made a way. Moving a mile doesn't sound far, but it seemed by far our hardest move! It may have been the timing in the school year for us all and the fact that we moved into quite a fixer, but for all the reasons mentioned and more, this year has felt like a fog that we're slowly coming out of.

What fun it was to visit our sweet girl one last time at the same preschool Cole and Cora graduated from as well. This is our 4th and last year at Claremont Baptist Nursery School, so the kids and I sat poised ready to cheer on our little "Anna" as she paraded with her friends and sang a few adorable songs!

This is when she saw her brothers waving...

She's on the move...

Singing, "I'm a Little Pumpkin…"

Last circle and then off to her party!

"Can you see me, Mom?"

Our favorite…Mrs. Duron

That night, we started our Trick or Treating in Adams Hall…the dorm I lived in when I was a freshman at APU! The 49er, Spy, Elsa and Anna go in to find some candy!

The students were SO sweet!

Such sweet friends from church...

My old wing…1st East!

Love these families!

Then, onto dinner at the Clay's…a 4 year tradition! Sarah really got crafty this year with the food :)

These were my contribution…all spritzed with essential oils!

Do you see the fingers?

Sweet potato pumpkins…SO tasty!

Yummy, cranberry punch with gummy eyeballs frozen in the ice! Creepy!

And the picture we always take…all the kiddos on the fireplace before Trick or Treating!

They've known each other since birth, and you can tell!

Off we go, in search of some candy!

So thankful for these friends to adventure with!

Boys...

Girls...

Whew! What a day, but honestly...I can say that we went to bed that night with tired legs and filled hearts from making time in a busy day to eat, laugh and love on some pretty amazing life-long friends.

Back to SCHOOL :: Our Homeschooling Year BEGINS!

2014-09-29T23:31:00.004-07:00

We started our third year of Homeschooling a little bit earlier this year, on August 11th, and it has been our best start yet! This year, I have three sweet students officially enrolled in Sky Mountain Charter School while one last preschooler attends the same school down the street that Cole and Cora attended with Mrs. Duron. It's going to be a great year!

This year, John and sat down at the desks in our classroom the night before the first day, and wrote letters to each of our kids. We spoke into their lives, truth we knew about them, and promises we know God will be faithful to carry out in their lives as their creator.

We started the morning with a "big" breakfast…even John got o be there since he hadn't quite started school yet.

These pictures were taken with our iPad, so not the best quality but I hope you can see the joy that really was present that day. And honestly…it's not easy to interrupt the rhythm of summer which is here, there and everywhere, and turn that same space into one that has a consistent schedule that involves school work! So these smiles are priceless.

My Kindergartener! She was SO excited to start school! Last year, she would BEG to have school time with me like the boys. This year, I start every school day with her while the boys get their independent work done. SO far she LOVES to read and write the most. She even keeps her own journal that is precious. I'll keep it forever. Or maybe she will!

Now this guy is hilarious. He is ALWAYS honest. Its a great quality, except when you're on the receiving end of it, its not always easy to hear! He told me multiple times leading up to our first day that he did NOT want to start school. Thankfully, he softened up quickly, and Cole's work ethic is unmatched when he gets his mind set on finishing his assignments!!! He inspires me daily in the way he takes tasks that used to be hard for him, and works at them until growth emerges. I love this boy.

Since both boys have summer birthdays, I started them a year later than they could have…not that it matters much at all when you homeschool, but it explains the grade level on their boards. We use the grade level curriculum that matches their academic levels, not their grade or age.

Oh, my Ryder. This is his third year as my student and he makes me LOVE homeschooling. He's kind of a DREAM student. He works hard, doesn't complain, is imaginative, has great conversations with me about books he's reading, he continues where I leave off in teaching his siblings when I have to leave the room and he regularly tells me how much he likes homeschooling! What more can you ask for! I'm so proud of the boy he's becoming.

So this is my sweet little crew this year! Rylee is there most of the time too when she's not at preschool. The first 8 weeks have been the best homeschooling weeks we've had yet. Not that it's always smooth or easy, but we feel like we've found the rhythm that works best for our family, which is one of the reasons why we felt called to homeschool in the first place. Following the way the Spirit leads. The challenge is now, having courage to leave the plan on the page when he calls us another way for the day. I'm hopeful to grow more in this way as God entrusts me with these lives and His mission. I'm praying the two collide in the most peaceful way possible as our days unfold...

Thanksgiving in San Rafael

2013-11-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving this year, we spent the holiday with our family in the Bay Area. John's parents, aunt, and grandparents received us so graciously as they always do when we're together and we made some precious memories together once again!

The highlight of so many family members gathering is that our family of six usually gets bumped to the hotel which the kids are SO excited about! The Embassy Suites fit us perfectly…two boys on the pull-out couch. And a girl in each of the queen beds with us :)

Bibles before bed (they're idea)

Waking up to a beautiful Thanksgiving morning...

Off to the Kids Discovery Center for a day of play...

Overlooking the beautiful Golden Gate bridge...

Digging...

Finding treasures!

Talking...

Discussing...

Sweeping...

Climbing...

Ringing...

Looking...

Togethering...

Smiling...

Enjoying...

Braving...

Joining...

Observing...

Recording...

Delighting...

Exploring...

Bubble blowing...

Building...

Refining...

Creating...

Enjoying...

Waving...

Searching...

Drenching...

Discovering...

Assembling...

Filling...

Appreciating...

Remembering...

During the time of this post, Grandpa Fuzzy is starting to experience more intensely, the symptoms of his pancreatic cancer. It was such a gift to have him come with us when he could've stayed home to rest. He always wants to be with us, right in the middle of the action. He was tired and growing thinner, but still walked with us all day long, enjoying time together as a family. We will always treasure those moments and consider them a gift from a gracious God. He is so good to us.

A Day in California Adventure!

2013-11-23T23:16:00.000-08:00

This November, John took his band to California Adventure…and we got to go with him!!!

...They performed a few songs...

…and then we got to PLAY!

Radiator Springs!

We waited a LOOOOONG tie for this ride, all for our Coley. He LOVES cars!

Cora took these :)

Lightening McQueen!!!

Mater!

What a FUN day! We actually loved being in California Adventure all day without a trip to Disneyland across the way! It was a manageable size to tackle in one day :) We're hoping Daddy has to take another band someday!

Our New HOME!

2013-11-01T23:08:00.000-07:00

Our new home. Here it is. The long-awaited answer to a prayer that began even before we moved to Illinois, five years ago.

We started house hunting six years ago, and even had a few offers on some homes we liked right before God changed OUR plan and called us to Illinois. I'm so glad He did. Our time in Illinois was like a life-breath for us. There were moments in those 3 years when it hurt to breathe in and trust in the plan He unfolded, but there is no doubt about it....His design for our family while in Illinois...adding two girls to our family and learning of Cole's deafness, was like a GUST of life-giving air as He used it all to draw us into a closeness we'd never known before. Pain is strange. What the enemy intends for our destruction, God uses for our good and His glory. Beauty from ashes, if in HIS hands.

We've been back in California for 3 years now, and have been looking for a home ever since. God provided a great place for us to rent in the meantime, but even so, John and I felt compelled to pray for a place of our own AND with a little more space for our growing four. :)

The search was getting long and a little bit draining. We came so close, so many times. At the end of August, we found this house. Actually, it had been up for a month in a very hot market and not sold. I was surprised. I remember seeing it listed and thinking..."Oh wow...that would be perfect for our family, but it's probably more than I should be wishing for. It's a little too 'above and beyond' to be ours, I'm sure, and it's priced too high for us...okay...like we've done so many times before, just move on." So we kept looking...

A week later, the price on the house was lowered. It was still out of our price range, but better than before! I told John, "Let's just go see it. Who knows, maybe they'll accept a lower offer!" So we went to see it, and though it was definitely a "fixer" it was everything we had been searching for for years. Great neighborhood and more space inside and out. We just kept saying..."It would fit our family so well!"

In this time, some dear friends of ours encouraged us to pray. Now, we had been praying this whole time, but honestly, I think my heart was praying really safe. During our time in Illinois, so much happened that I never would've prayed for. God's plan looked so different than anything I could've dreamt up....but it was good. In those years, I think I began to loose my desire to dream...I was just hanging on to One I trusted, knowing that whatever happened, I would be okay, because I was HIS.

This posture of trusting God with every fiber of my family's being was good. It was humbling. It wasn't until we sat in Gary and Susie's backyard after our trip to Mexico however, that I realized I was praying like a bird whose believed its wings had been clipped. I was afraid to ask God for the desires of my heart, because if He didn't answer the way I wanted Him to, I didn't want to be disappointed...not with God. I loved Him too much.

I was reminded that night that God wants to hear my heart and my desires. One of my favorite scriptures since high school has been Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." I really liked the last part...getting the desires of my heart! It's only been in the last few years that I've tasted the "delight" God talks about and now I see why He wrote it the way He did. True "delight" is intoxicating. It gives me chills just to whisper His name...to think of how He loves me. To delight means HE is my desire. I want for nothing else. I truly feel that. All else feels trivial. And out of that place is where I prayed...enthralled with the GIVER much more than the gift.

For the next few weeks, John and I asked God to open the door to make THIS house our home. We saw the potential for our family and for those who He'd bring HIS way in these walls. No more passionless prayers coming from a place of defeat. It felt like every other sentence in our house was a prayer for this house. We were praying for a miracle. We always KNEW he could do anything, but now we believed that our desires for this place may actually be HIS desire for us too! And if it was…we didn't want anything to stand in our way.

The next few weeks were a blur. We made an offer...a low offer, but an offer we could afford. After many counter offers and back and forth, we really felt we were supposed to stick to the offer God had given us and not go stretching for provision. Even small stretches made it feel like we were trying to do this in our own strength rather than trusting that God would provide. The buyers walked away from us at a point, re-listed the house at a lower price hoping to gain more interest, but in the end, they came back to ours as the best offer. That is GOD! It was SUCH a gift knowing we were right where God wanted us to be. The desire to "make it happen" in our own strength was a temptation, but what JOY is it to trust in Jesus! We closed escrow right after Halloween, and moved in a week later.

John and his friends got right in, scraping ceilings and painting walls. In a few short days, we moved all our belongings over to our new place, one mile away from our old one. We chose to move when we could get help…at night, once friends were off of work. So they moved our beds first, and as the couches, fridge and everything else big was being moved, I tried to tuck my kids into bed in our new place. Not exactly the picture perfect way for it all to happen, but eventually we were in!

Here are a few pictures of how it looked right when we moved in. It'll be fun to watch it change over time!

Packing with the same boxes we use to move from Illinois

Dining Room

Living Room

One of the downstairs bedrooms

Patio and Backyard

Scraping ceilings and painting!

My Dad helping...

The fun part is, since its taken me so long to write this post…we've come SO far since then! More fun improvement pictures to come. We're SO grateful that God has given us the desires of our heart. He really has. A place to raise our kids and welcome old and new friends to be in community and journey with Jesus. Thank you, Lord for the good gifts you give. We are grateful for your provision!

Halloween 2013

2013-10-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

In the midst of packing up our town house in anticipation of our move, we squeezed in a little Halloween fun!

First up, Preschool parade and mini-concert for the girls!

Here's our sleeping beauty...

This princess was not so timid! She walked in ready, even before she saw Mommy and the boys :)

Front and center, ready for the songs to start!

She loves to sing!

Then, we paused packing once more to continue a tradition that has been going on since the first boys in these families were born! A little trick or treating with friends...

Here are our princesses and Jedis in their costumes made by Gramma! If not for Gramma this year, we may have skipped Halloween altogether! When your house is wrapped in cardboard, sacrifices must be made, but Gramma made the coolest costumes for the boys that they can wear for years to come. Let's hope their love of Star Wars holds for a while! Thank you Gramma! We love the way you care for our family!

And apparently, being a Jedi is serious business...

My little Gymnasts...

2013-10-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

We're in a season with the girls of trying out different activities to see what they like! It's going well so far...except that they like EVERYTHING!

Here are a few VERY blurry glimpses into their first little gymnastics class together at our community center. It was perfectly placed in our schedule between Thursday morning Bible Study at church and the boys' soccer practices. Whew!

I decided blurry photos were better than no photos at all, and honestly...that's exactly how life feels with this four! As much as I try and keep it all together, sometimes it just feels a little blur! I'm thankful we'll have these posts to look back on someday to sort out the memories recorded here...

Cora practicing a forward roll...

Rylee's turn (though she was a little less "rolly" and a bit more "loosey-goosey") That's my girl!

Cora telling Rylee what comes next...

Last class!

Ribbons for all!

Cora seemed to REALLy like gymnastics while Rylee liked it most of the time. Being the youngest one in a 3-5 year old class, has its challenges and when she got overwhelmed, she'd run to me crying. It only happened a few times, but always made the next time we went a bit more challenging. She needs to know she can trust the person leading her, to not push her beyond what she's comfortable attempting in front of an audience. If that trust is broken, it takes a while to build back up again. She's such a sweet and sensitive girl. I can't wait to see how God will use those qualities for His glory as she grows and shows us all how to love people well! Such a fun class! They'd like to try it again soon!

How our family uses ESSENTIAL OILS

2013-10-12T20:20:00.001-07:00

For the past 4 months, our family has been using Young Living Essential Oils and LOVED them! In the short time we've used them, we've taken care of colds, coughs, cuts, scrapes, sore muscles, eczema, and so much more all without a visit to the doctor!

Knowing a little bit more about me, may help you understand my JOY over this discovery a bit more. I REALLY love avoiding copays and prescription medication at all costs. When I was pregnant with Ryder, I cringed as my doctor put me on antibiotics to help with a sinus infection that had gone on TOO long while I was a 3rd grade teacher and surrounded by my sweet students who brought every germ under the sun into the classroom. If only I had known about these oils back then, I may have avoided the myriad of medications I've taken in the past that have actually caused other side effects that I'm now finally free of. Praise God!

I'm grateful I have found a different way to care for my family's common ailments and to boost our immune system and health from natively grown plant extracts (essential oils) that God to creatively put on this earth for us to use! Isn't He amazing?

Many of my friends have asked me to write THIS post, stating how we've learned to use the oils in our family. Keep in mind I'm VERY new at this, but I'd love to share what we've found to be helpful so far...

When I started using Young Living Essential Oils, I signed up as a member and received the "Everyday Oils Collection" This was a wonderful way to begin learning to use essential oils because it gave me many oils to choose from in treating the different ailments that came our way over the next few months. As helpful as the booklet that came with it was, I learned so much from other Young Living members by googling whatever health problem I was trying to solve, and "Young Living Essential Oils." Inevitably, I would find several different ways to use the oils to help that specific health issue.

I choose Young Living because it is the ONLY company that offers essential oils that are "therapeutic grade" produced without the use of any synthetic ingredients. Only Young Living Essential Oils are safe for internal consumption. Other companies who claim this are being investigated as we speak for their claims of purity, so please know that everything mentioned here pertains only to Young Living Essential Oils.

Here are a few ways we've used the following oils:
(click on any of the name of any oil for a link to the website description. I'll only list ways we've used in in our home in the past 4 months...)

* Personal Disclaimer: Some of the oils are described on the company's website to improve "spiritual" aspects of the body. There are several descriptions that do not align with the way I believe the Lord works in the lives of His created ones. Please hear me...I DO NOT believe you need an oil or anything created to have the kind of communion God intended for His people. I DO appreciate the way God has given us natural relief from some of the world's ailments through his creation. I wrestled with this A LOT before beginning to use them for myself. The gift they are makes me rejoice all the more in the One who made them...seeing them as another way He cares for us. All glory to Him alone! His mercies are new every morning, with or without the use of essential oils :)

Lavender: now permanently in my first aid kit that I carry in my purse at all times!

Directly on cuts, scrapes or burns
I apply it to Cora's eczema every night with coconut oil or shea butter, and it has reduced scarring
a drop or two on my kids' chests or pillow at night to calm them down
(many other uses found on the website)

Lemon: powerful antioxidant

a few drops in my spray bottle of vinegar and water to clean the house
a couple drops in each of our water bottles for the day to strengthen immune system
two drops on a cotton ball in the refrigerator to eliminate odors
(many other uses found on the website)

Peppermint: great for tummy aches and pains

a couple drops on the abdomen and massage in for cramps and aching
a drop on the tongue (then tongue to the roof of your mouth) when you need an energy boost
relief for fevers (a drop our two on the bottom of feet or stomach)
a couple drops on the chest with coconut oil for congestion
a couple drops in water or tea for an unsettled stomach

Frankincense: yes...the same one you've read about in the Bible :)

I've loved using this one on my face at night with a little coconut oil
great for skin care

Thieves: this one has a cool story behind it...read about its history on the website

John and I put a couple drops in our mouths with coconut oil and swish for a bit when we feel a cold coming on (it's a oil that has a "warming affect" so it can be very "spicy" for kids)
add to toothbrush to prevent cavities
added to a sore tooth to alleviate a toothache
we use on the kids' feet when they are starting to feel sick and even when they've been around others who are sick as a preventative measure
we used it before we went to Mexico and during our trip to keep germs at bay...worked great!
add to your natural cleaning products to prevent mold growth in showers

Valor: bedwetting

we've used this on the bottom of the girl's feet to prevent bedwetting...we've been inconsistent with its usage so the verdict is out on this one, but it has seemed to help when we remember to use it! More dry mornings than wet ones these days!

Peace and Calming: this is a blend of more than one oil, and one of our favorites :)

a drop behind each of my kids ears each night as we pray before bed ( the only reason I chose ears for this one is because usually I'm putting thieves or valor on their feet)

Purification: LOVE this one!

on skin blemishes each night before bed...dries them up by morning!
supposed to be great for eczema too...we haven't used it on Cora since it has Rosemary in it and that is one of her most severe allergies
purifies air of all smells and impurities when diffused
insect bites
helped when Rylee stepped on a thorn last week and had poison in her system, creating a huge raised bump on the bottom of her foot...she couldn't walk for a couple days, and then when I used purification on it, it was better the next morning!

PanAway: sore muscles, aches and pains

I was doing a boot camp for a couple weeks at the beginning of the summer and came home every day SORE! This oil was amazing as part of a massage routine with coconut oil for my sore muscles
feels like a "natural" substitute for "Icy Hot"
also great for stomach cramps

Here's a great chart I found HERE...there are SO many other ideas online for many who have done a "natural" makeover on their medicine cabinet...

Other Essential Oils we've used NOT included in the Everyday Oil Collection are...

Oregano: immune enhancing, antioxident

we apply this to the bottom of Cora's feet every night since it seems many of her food allergies are "mold" based (like lima beans)....her normally excema-ridden skin has never looked better!
a drop under the tongue when a cold seems to be coming on

R.C.: chest and throat relief (great for winter!!!)

applied to chest, neck, back and ears when Rylee had a cold

How do I GET Young Living Essential Oils?

I've had a lot of friends ask how they can buy these oils. Here is my attempt to give you your options in one place! There are TWO ways...

1. Retail Customer: pay retail pricing (as listed on website)

Order off the Young Living website as a retail customer, paying the retail price you see listed.
You can use my member number 1468750 to place any order you'd like to directly from the website to be delivered directly to your home.
If you want to try the Everyday Essential Oils Collection I mentioned above, the retail price is $163 (this includes all the oils I write about plus one more blend called Joy they recently added)

2. Young Living Member: pay wholesale pricing (24% off retail)

Sign-up to be a member
Enter this number: 1468750 for the Sponsor ID and Enroller ID
Choose your Starter Kit
If you sign up as a member, you can choose the Premium Starter Kit and get the Everyday Oils Collection I mentioned in this post (retail price $163) PLUS a diffuser (retail price $75) and other goodies for $150!
I so wish they had offered this kit when I signed up! I'm still waiting for my diffuser so we can uses these oils in our air at home! This is a GREAT value and definitely the way to go if you're wanting to try the most popular essential oils with your family and have a natural remedy ready for almost any circumstance. This kit lasted us over 3 months...no other meds or household cleansers needed in our house during that time.

Next, Pick your Essential Rewards Kit: The Essential Reward Program is for people who know they want to reorder every month. Your order must be over $50. You get the lowest shipping costs with this program. Feel free to click "No Thank You" at the bottom of that section of the form if you just want your starter kit to get used to the oils. You do NOT have to sign up for Essential Rewards now to become a member.

Please let me know if you have any questions about anything posted here! I know it seems like a significant investment to begin using these oils, but in our family's opinion, they are worth every penny. The guarantee and proof of their purity is what you are paying for. A cheaper essential oil has synthetic ingredients in it, making it unsafe for internal consumption and not the purest choice for use of any kind.

Instead of investing in doctor's appointments and OTC or prescription medication, we have invested in something more natural. It's been great! We have been very thankful for medical professionals in the past who have helped us navigate some very serious roads to greater health, but for the reasons mentioned in this post, I'm thankful for a more natural alternative to everyday illnesses and a way to prevent new ones from coming.

I can't wait to share more as our journey with Young Living Essential Oils continues.
To God be the GLORY!!!!

Dear Ryder, Love Dad...{Forest Home 2013}

2013-09-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Ryder,

Thanks for letting me come with you to camp this summer. I know you didn't want me to be next to you the whole time, I'm good with that, but it was a special time to be with you for an entire week straight.

God has gifted you in big...important ways. I saw boldness in you during our week away. You just attacked new opportunities. Going down the huge 30 foot slide, shooting bows and arrows, getting bounced off the blob, just killing those big long hikes...you wanted to do everything...Giant swing, Nature class, belly flop contest, the Polar Bear club... you did it and you did it well.

Your adventuresome spirit, bold desire for the epic, it is no accident. God made you for those things. Embrace it, just as you are now. Be bold.

Your boldness was also evident in your mind, in your intellect. During our "teepee time" you were memorizing verses, discussing with your 7 and 8 year old friends--really contemplating the meaning-- of His word.

I think Micah 6:8 became especially tangible to you, particularly as it related to the idea of acting justly... something else you were made to do. You made connections to treating your brother kindly, navigating justice in friend relationships... tears came to my eyes on more than one occasion when you would sense the leadership rise up in you, then calling your friends to higher places; to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.

And that is the point Ryder--this is why mom and I put a priority on things like camp. So that at the deepest core level of who you are, you would hear the call of God in Christ Jesus for yourself and YOU would walk humbly with YOUR God.

Thanks for letting me come Ryder D.

I can't wait until next summer.

Love, Dad

***

P.S. Hi Ry...it's me, Mom :)

Even though your sisters and I missed you and Daddy SO much while you were gone, I think your brother felt YOUR loss the most. He loves you. REALLY loves you. I know the letters we sent you during the week couldn't quite capture how we all felt in paper and ink, but just know...you. were. missed. And when Cole goes with you in a couple years...show him the ropes :) Who knows? He may even break your polar bearing record in the creek! If anyone in the world could, you know it's him! I love you, son, and I'm so proud of the man you are becoming.

Happy Birthday times TWO!

2013-08-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

Time just keeps moving! It's amazing to me that only 8 years ago I become a mother for the first time. I remember the day so clearly. It was amazing to hold his little body in my arms and think..."This one's MINE." Then 5 years later, our sweet Rylee Joy joined our family on her due date, and her brother's birthday!

This was the first year it seemed that they BOTH felt the joy of sharing such a special day! We decided to make a DAY of it and have BOTH parties on the same day. It actually went really well! We've been in a pattern of giving the kids a party every other year so far, but I'm not sure how I missed separating the years THESE two get a party! Oh well...we may get it straight one of these days, and if not, it'll be a fun day each year anyway!

...Rylee Joy turns 3...

The table is set...

Tea Party Hats are ready to be decorated...

Just enough time to dance in the empty room with party dresses on before guests arrive!

...and more dancing :)

Cupcakes are ready...even the allergy-free chocolate ones :)

Guests have arrived! Let's read a tea party story...

Present time!

Curious brother came back from his soccer scrimmage...

These four in the back are moms...but to me, they are dear friends :)

Such a sweet little bunch!

Happy Birthday to YOU!

Make a wish!

Yay!!!

Cupcakes and snacks for all :)

Rylee made the hat, and her friends made the pillow for her birthday!

*****

Ryder turns 8!

A WAAAAAAAAY easier party!

Take down the girly decorations and invite some friends to sleepover...

Pizza and Root beer with good friends!

(One boy said, "I've never had root beer in the bottle before!)

Ryder really wanted to play "Pin the Tail on the Donkey"

And watch "Davey Crockett" before the getting out the sleeping bags!

The older they get, the easier their parties become, because they just want to have fun with their friends! They don't need a lot of money spent on them to know that they are loved. They feel it when those who love them, gather close and STAY a while.

Ryder and Rylee, you are two of most amazing gifts I've ever received. Both SO unique from one other, yet you love each other so authentically. You remind me of how God loves ME. He loved me first...so I can love little gifts like YOU.

Happy Birthday sweet ones!

Our Summer Getaway 2013

2013-08-11T00:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it's true. Mom and Dad just need to getaway! I realize this isn't always a possibility for those who don't have family nearby to take their kids for a day or two while they run off, but we are incredibly blessed. We have two sets of grandparents who offer to take our kids every once in a while so we can have some time alone. And we PRAISE God for them!

Here are some photos from our trip to Trinidad last summer. We returned to our favorite little bed and breakfast on the coast...

The Lost Whale Inn

The view from our balcony...

Another walk to the beach below...

I read...

John searched for driftwood...we want to build a headboard for our bed :)

Back up to our home away from home :)

Sunsets are so beautiful on the coast...

There's my love :)

We took a trip to Agate Beach...a childhood favorite of John's

Found these two...

And these four :)

He read...

I did a little vision casting for our Homeschool Year...

Then back up we went...

I love that "his" place has become "our" place.

Goodbye northern coast! Until we meet again!

Summer 2013 in Northern California

2013-08-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

It's SUMMER 2013, right after we arrive home from Mexico with our church. That's right! Days after that, we packed up the car again, and journeyed north spending two glorious weeks with our family up in Northern California!

Here are some glimpses of the memories made...and if they are starting to look familiar year after year, you're right! We are starting to find a beautiful rhythm of tradition with our four and our extended family. We find ourselves looking forward to the same activities year after year together. Someday, I look forward to reminiscing over all the photos with them, reliving the memories one by one. Until then...we LIVE them!

Wiskeytown Lake

Ryder taking his sister on a spin around the island...

Grammie and Cora floating and chatting about life...

Uncle Michael has some "alone time"...

My brave girl rides with Aunt "Em-o-lee" on the tube!

Grammie and Ryder cheer them on!

And then our dare-devils take their turn!

Ryder couldn't watch!

Rylee, holding on tight!

But nothing could slow these two down!

Then we found this spot...

These two went in for a closer look.

My little adventurers!

Daddy and his girl...

A beautiful lazy day.

The perfect place for a nap!

Or a family swim!

Or a paddle around...

Time to head back to shore...

What a beautiful day on the lake!

Time for bed...but not without a story from Auntie Em!

and Uncle Michael...

This boy prefers to read alone :)

Another day, another lake!

Wading with the geese and Grammie...

A little boating too in Cole's birthday boat from Lake Arrowhead!

These boys are the best team :)

Now for a little exploring upstream...

Our little adventurous girl...

Loves her Grammie...

"Watch this Mom!"

"I'm laying in this ice cold snow run-off...no big deal!"

"Wait...this is REALLY cold!!!"

What a beautiful day to explore!

Love this crew :)

Starting with this one... :)

Family campout in the backyard! (Blurry, but still cute!)

The "noises of the night" sent these two into Mommy and Daddy's tent!

Good morning Daddy!

Hot Tub time!

Now for the races...because it's always a competition with my boys around :)

"Okay, let's talk strategy"

On your marks, get set...

GO!

There's always a bit of a dispute over who actually won, but a fun family race none-the-less!

We are always grateful for the memories made at Grammie and Papa's house. When Ryder was born, I remember saying that I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the family God had given my son. And now that three more have joined the pack, I'm still amazed at the gracious, selfless and inspiring way my childrens' aunts, uncles, and grandparents love them and US each time we're together.

Thank-you, AGAIN for a lovely time, Grammie and Papa. We can't wait to continue the traditions next time we're together!

Mexico 2013 :: A Family Road Trip

2013-08-01T22:22:00.000-07:00

Summer is long gone, but many of its memories still linger in the photos captured along the way. With school, AWANA and soccer practices in full swing, I'm hoping to get caught up on sharing about our summer, especially since so many Fall memories are in the making as we speak!

This summer, we had the incredible opportunity to take a road trip with our church to Ensenada, Mexico for five days to visit and serve our friends at Casa Esperanza, "House of Hope"- a community for single mothers and their children.

Passed the border and finally in Mexico!

Our fearless leader...

Tired girls...happy boys!

Our view of the coastline as we approach Ensenada...

We finally arrived at Casa Blanca...our Mexican "home" for the time we were here just miles away from our service site. The girls and I slept in the building on the left while the boys were on the right.

We were on a peninsula, so the view was amazing...

These tuna fisherman had their nets all along the coast...

The boys quickly figured out they could play four-square on the open concrete pad...it became a week long game and a chance to bond every night when we returned "home."

Each morning we would wake up and eat breakfast together as a team in the dining room...

After breakfast, we broke off for some quiet time with the Lord before driving to our service site. I had these two sweet girls with me for devotions every day while John took the boys. I loved the devotions put together for us by our church staff...every morning we talked about going, loving and serving. Cora wanted to write every word :)

...Here's a glimpse of our time at Casa Esperanza...

Listening to a Bible story told by another mom from our church...

Craft time!

Meeting new friends :)

Silly girl!

Rylee and Miss Janelle :)

(our youth pastor and friend)

Another friend...Miss Emily (a high schooler from our church who helped me SO much with the girls!)

(or as Rylee says - "Miss Em-o-lee")

The boys helped repair bikes all week...and then rode them with their new friends :)

And we painted the outside walls...Miami Spice!

(that was the name of the paint color that we have embedded in our clothes to this day)

Rylee helped me stain the wood stiding...I think she had a brown hand for weeks :)

Bubbles were a HIT!

The playground was a place where friends were made too.

Fun on a slide speaks a universal language of love!

After visiting their church on Sunday, we ended our trip with a visit to the Ensenada beach with the mothers and kids of Casa Esperanza...

Saying goodbye is always so hard...even if you've only known each other for a few days. A person's story lingers with your heart even when you're miles away. This brave mother of six leads worship for her church, with her oldest daughter. We are honored to have been asked to pray for them daily, and the bracelet I wear from our trip reminds me to do just that.

Back at Casa Blanca, we packed our bags to return home...we processed the way God had stirred our hearts and prayed we'd remain "stirred," going back different than the way we came.

...I learned many things on our "Road Trip" to Ensenada, Mexico...

I learned that kids can minister to hearts of all ages.

...and some friendships are formed young.

I learned that a little healthy competition can help boys bond, grow and learn that we're all very much the SAME, no matter which side of the border we live on...

I learned boys will be boys...no matter where you take them :)

And a girl's friends are very important...they help shape who they become!

...The girls...

...The boys...

I learned that people are people,

regardless of where they live,

the amount of money they have,

or what kind of stuff they own.

I learned that hospitality is more about the posture of the heart

than the taste of the food or appearance of the table.

We all came back changed and thankful...for another glimpse of His kingdom on earth!

Celebrating the 4th of July...Lakeside!

2013-07-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

We had the amazing opportunity to spend the 4th of July with Gramma and Gramps by the Lake this year...a week FULL of amazing memories!!!

...Happy Girls...

Playing card games with Gramps...

Beach time!

Building a sandcastle with Daddy...

Playing football on the sand...

Rylee wanted to "strike a pose" for the camera...

and another...

and we can't forget the "ballerina" pose!

The boys found a golf ball, and took turns throwing it in and then diving to look for it with their googles under the water...

Swinging with Gramma...

Silly monkeys!

One of the highlights of this trip, was getting all our kids on the waterski trainer!

Ryder was a little nervous at first...

...but then he showed them all how it's done!

And then there was Cole...

We all knew he was brave...

...but what a showman! He was cracking us up the whole time!

I love this boy!

After watching the boys, Cora decided to give it a try too :)

It took a little convincing to get her to try it, but here, she makes it look easy!

So proud of our girl! John and I love to see them overcome fears and try something new!

Even this little pip-squeak joined the fun! She was only sad her sister got to go first. It's so hard being the youngest!

It's amazing to see the differences in their personalities begin to emerge SO early in life!

Cora took some convincing (and several chocolate chips) to try...

No fear from this one at ALL!

She even gained some fans along the way!

After the kids turns were over, they got comfy...

...and it was OUR turn!

As the girls slowly drifted off...

Sun + Waves = sleepy time for the girls :)

Mom was amazing :)

Even I took a stab at it...though I think I prefer being a human body pillow for whichever sleeping child needs one at the moment!

Then we anchored the boat for a little swim...

The boys collected driftwood...

Miss Rylee would've floated all day if we let her! It was hard to get her back in the boat!

One of the things the kids wanted to do while in Arrowhead, was have a lemonade and cookie stand on Cole's birthday! The boys wanted to raise money for waterproof cochlear implants for Cole so they can talk to each other while in the water....isn't technology amazing!!!

Cookie making at it's finest...

Gramma makes everything fun...

We woke up on July 4th to a six-year old ready to open his presents!

Happy 6th Birthday to Cole Bryan!

One was too big to wrap...

Of course, they had to try it out right away...

The sisters watched from the shore...

Then we jumped back on the bigger boat for a cruise around the lake, and a little family swim to shore...

After the lemonade and cookie stand...it was on to dinner and CUPCAKES!

We sang so loudly, our neighbors joined in!

"I want THIS one!"

Along with swimming, skiing, swimming and games, all week long, the boys were GLUED to the Tour De France with Gramps. He truly got the best gift in the world in those two! I've never seen two more passionate about cycling all week than my boys! They knew every rider by name!

The we hopped on the boat for an after dinner ride...next stop...FIREWORKS!

At first, we had the lake to ourselves.

He kept announcing to the passing boats...

"Happy 4th of July! It's my birthday!!!"

As it grew darker, more boats made their way to the center of the lake where the fireworks show was about to begin...

We were poised and ready...

And then...the mast amazing fireworks show I've EVER seen exploded above us, over the glistening water...

And as I lay back under the stars and with brilliant lights overhead, I just soaked it in...so many blessings, it was impossible to count, but my heart spoke them all with every beat of gratitude, knowing I didn't deserve an ounce of it. Not one ounce of the blessing that surrounded me that night had I earned in anyway...but His grace...oh His grace....it really is the sweetest of all.

Thank-you, Jesus for memories we'll cherish for a lifetime...and for the FREEDOM that is only found in you, because of your grace.

One week + 150 kids = Summer Camp at Baseline!

2013-07-08T23:09:00.002-07:00

What a week it was!

Every one of our kids chose a different group...

(Ryder-basketball, Cole-soccer, the girls were in different Adventure Camps for their ages...it made for a colorful week!)

Our church was amazingly transformed into a "Baseline: A (western) Land of Peace and Harmony" and 150 kids came for a week of sports, theater, crafts and so much more! One of my dearest friends, Clara, just took the job of Children's Director at our church months ago, and rallied the troops to make this year's summer camp SUCH a memorable one for parents and kids alike!

Music Worship time!

We are MORE, MORE, MORE than conquerors through HIM who loves us!!!

Cora had a BALL and made some sweet new friends in Adventure Camp with the other 4 year olds :)

Ryder chose Basketball this year and LOVED it! He's asked to play on a team this winter!

One of his best buddies, Anthony joined him...(friends since birth!)

Huddle Time with Coach Donn (our Senior Pastor)

Cole LOVED choosing soccer, asking to play with the "older" group most days...

Praying during "Huddle Time"

Hi coaches were incredible...here's one of his favorites...Coach Jack!

Cora absolutely LOVED "Adventure Camp" where she was in the orange group with the rest of the 4 year olds...

Rylee was the youngest of the bunch (still 2), but had a GREAT time in her green group of 3 year olds!

Snack time!

John and I helped lead the kids who chose to do Theater all week :)

Our kids were all in other places on campus while we helped the kids put together a show to perform for the rest of the families on Friday...

These three "characters" showed up everyday to teach our kids something and honestly, they became the most talked about part of camp in our house all week! In fact, weeks later, Cora is STILL imitating them at random times throughout the day! Rylee burst into tears the first few times "Johnny Bingo" walked into the room to his theme music but by the end of the week, she faced her fears and realized that he wasn't such a bad guy after all! It was just Mr. Aaron...our worship leader :)

I'm so grateful to be a part of a church who comes together to make a week like this happen for our kids. Not only do they have a TON of fun, but they form new friendship, deepen existing ones, and learn that there are MANY around them who love Jesus and have committed to follow Him. I'm so thankful for the "great cloud of witnesses" that surround our family and my sweet kids each time they step into conversation with the many adults and kids at church who have chosen to love Jesus and others well. The love they've experienced from our church body gives them confidence to go and love others outside of our church campus - in Jesus name....

So for a week like this one, Lord...thank you. Thank you for the way it strengthens your saints and reminds us of how precious and promising the next generation is...not because of anything they are or do, but because of who they are learning to love...

Weekend with the GIRLS...

2013-06-25T23:47:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago, the boys went up the mountain to spend a weekend with Gramma and Gramps and John and I were let with only two little girls in our our house! We've NEVER had only two girls under our roof, and as much as we missed our boys, we LOVED getting a chance to spend a whole 3 days with just our youngest two. What a precious gift for us all!!!

Normally when we go for a family bike ride, we stow the girls away in our trailer behind John's bike while we chase the boys down the trail. This time, we actually brought the girls' bikes and let them RIDE! They LOVED it!!!!

Off we go...two girls in tow!

Final destination...the park!

Our little rascal :)

Never too shy for another pose!

...Such a sweet pair...

Kisses from Daddy!

Later that afternoon, we went to Daddy's school for lunch at the Farm Store!

...and walked among the strawberries...

Such a beautiful campus!

For the past two years, we've been able to visit John at this beautiful campus as he taught with the incredible music faculty at Cal Poly Pomona University. Next year, he will be moving a few miles down the road to Mt. San Antonio College, joining another amazing group of music educators he is honored to be a part of as well. After lunch at the Farm Store, we packed up boxes in this office and brought them over the hill to his new one. God continues to lead, guide and direct our family, showing us where in this world He wants us to be agents of His grace, truth and love to those around us. One blessing is...He's made friends at Cal Poly that He'll have for life. Our territory grows next year...by His grace, for His glory!

Thank you, Jesus for two wonderful years at Cal Poly...we pray relationships were made that will last a lifetime!

A place to RETREAT.

2013-06-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

There is something about packing up the car, buckling every member of our family in their seat....and RETREATing! Jesus did this often. Minus the car, he gathered up those closest to Him - His disciples, and retreated away from the crowds (whom He loved) to pray, rest and hear from His Father. When we get a chance to do the same, it is a gift.

Several months ago, our family was given a gift...a PLACE to retreat. Above the crowds, away from the traffic, Gramps and Gramma surprised us with the incredible opportunity to get away and enjoy the trees, fresh air and most beautifully...each other. We. are. GRATEFUL!

Here are a few glances at our time with my brother, sister-in-law and Liam in over Memorial Day. It is such a gift to have a place to build memories as a family!

Riding to the lake in style...

Don't forget the kayaks!

Cousins!

Swinging by the Lake...

Baseball with Uncle D...

Our little slice of heaven...

Our favorite spot to swim and kayak...

My precious nephew...

Do you see my nephew-to-be?

Cousin love!

Visiting the Village...

Cheese!

...All in a row...

Matching shirts from Gramma and Gramps!

Watching the water-ski school...

Daddy's girl...

Off to the island...

What a gift this place of retreat has become for our family. To leave the many to gather with the few has been life-giving for us in so many ways. Having a place to make deeper connections with the ones we've been called to walk the closest with is the most priceless part of it all...

Home Education...why we do it, and a peek at year ONE!

2013-05-17T00:19:00.002-07:00

When John and I felt God whispering change into our family's landscape last year, it was lead by a prompting we felt to turn in our PTA shirts for ones that hit a little closer to home. For the first time in my life, I felt God calling me to a classroom of four instead of thirty.

Anyone who has known me for a long time, knows how much "teaching" means to me. One of the reasons I started this blog was because of the insatiable desire I have to share with others about the ways God is teaching ME along the way of our family's journey. I don't make money from writing, and have really never desired to. I just love to share. Showing others what God has revealed to me so that they may walk their steps more aware of His presence and purpose brings me DEEP joy....like maybe it's God Himself that placed that desire in me...(and I believe it is :)

A year ago, when God nudged us to pull out of the "system" and to educate our kids at home, it was not all roses from the start. I've written about this before, but I want you know exactly where I'm coming from...

I liked SCHOOL.

I liked being a part of the community of learners around us.

I loved the thrill of a first day outfit and picture with a new teacher as little faces saw their new class for the first time.

I loved BEing the teacher for a few years before the kids were born, joining with my peers to collaborate over the needs of the students in our classrooms each year.

When I was a choir teacher, I loved the joy of a performance gone well where the families and kids genuinely seemed to beam with excitement over being given an opportunity to exercise musical gifts on stage...

And I loved the joy of Open House where kids excitedly showed their parents what they had learned that year...(at least the part that could hang on a wall) :)

Then one day, God spoke to me...once my own kids started in the same routine I knew well...

"I want something different for YOU."

I wasn't sure I was ready for different. I liked what I knew. I wanted my kids to walk in the same footsteps that were familiar and have the same fond memories I held dear. But God stirred mine and John's hearts in the same direction at the same time when it came time for our four to start down that same path. Ryder was in Kindergarten at the time, and I grew more aware of God's desire for something different for my boy.

At the time, I was a bit afraid to opt out of something I loved. My thoughts were consumed with what I thought we'd be missing in taking them out of traditional school. I had no idea at the time, what lay ahead. God showed me many things in our moments of decision. He showed me that no wise choice is fueled by fear. The "fear" of them missing out on what I had is not the way to follow in His footsteps....ever. I only share this for those of you who have heard Him call you to a place you've never been and may be afraid to go to since it's unfamiliar. It's new. It's different than than they way YOU grew up.

The longer I've walked with Jesus, the more confident I am in His leading. He has NEVER failed me yet. In fact, His way...especially the unfamiliar, new, never been there before kind of places He's lead us to over the past few years have been life changing in ways I could have never found on my own if I would have followed the safe, predictable, beaten path set before me. We rarely know of the blessing that waits on the other side of obedience when we take that first step...but there IS blessing!!!

So believe, my friend. Whatever He's calling you to...regardless of the nature of your existent or non-existent college degree...if you are a parent, you can KNOW, God has a plan for your child. He had one for them before they were born. The very best thing YOU can do for your children is let the God who made them, lead YOU in raising them. Without fear, but with FULL confidence knowing that He leads AND He also equips.

When Jesus asked Peter to walk out on the water, Peter stepped without any previous experience of "water-walking" before. It was the face of his Master that lead his heart to step in full-faith. He knew, the One who called Him, was One who could be trusted. It was only once he turned to logic, and thoughts of His own human abilities that he fell. Jesus had every intention of sustaining Him the whole way. Don't let your opinion of yourself interfere with the plans of your Sustainer. He doesn't operate on the same plane of thought that we do. :) Trust HIM to do immeasurably more than anything your mind could think of or imagine!

Now that we're finishing up our first year, I'll give you just a glance of the blessings we had our first year of home educating our kiddos. I didn't take many photos this year...probably because it felt so unnatural to disengage from what we were in the midst of to capture it on camera, but here are a few glimpses into mostly the beginning of our year!

...Our First Year...

I had all kinds of grand plans to write a lot this year. Instead I found this year to be a great one, letting God show me what works best for our family...our schedule, curriculum and way of life changed throughout the year and now we've fallen into a GREAT groove. I love it, they love it and we're LOVING being home together at a pace propelled by the Spirit rather than our schedule.

Ryder's first narrative story of the year...

Ryder grew SO much as an author throughout the year! I was so proud of him, since it was the subject that required the most focus, determination and effort from him.

Math...his favorite subject!

Cole started the year using Confessions of a Homeschooler's K4 Curriculum

Pros: Very fun, hands on activities that he could do independently while I worked with Ryder.

Letter Tracing...

Letter Race...Ryder says a Letter and they RUN to it!

GREAT visual of what adding is all about!

Cons: A LOT of printing (ink and paper...as you can probably tell!)

After a while, he wanted his curriculum to match Ryder's and the K4 curriculum became to easy for him... (a good thing!)

So, at the beginning of 2nd Semester, we transitioned to Kindergarten Curriculum...

Math: Saxon K (loved!)

One of his favorites...Let's Play STORE :)

And...making graphs!

Reading: All About Reading Pre-Reading Level and Level 1

(I cannot say enough amazing things about this one!!!)

When I found out Cole was deaf, one of the statistics that concerned me, was that children who are deaf have difficulty moving past a 3rd grade reading level. We've been working HARD to help Cole move past that statistic!!! he has grown a lot this year, and just today, picked up one of the books that comes with this curriculum, and read it all by himself...He stopped, sounded words out, re-read sentences a few times to make sure it sounded fluent, but did it on his own! This is a HUGE victory for our boy!!!

Journal Writing using Sight Words...

Cora attended pre-school 3 days a week this year at the same school Cole attended last year. She's loved it! On the days she was home with us, she became our little artist! She also loved being brought into Cole's learning.

...All together now...

Bible, History, Science, Read-Alouds: Sonlight Core A, Intro to the World: Cultures

(Our favorite part of the day...snuggling on the couch, reading. None of these times were caught on camera...we were too busy enjoying them!)

I really loved using Sonlight this year and plan to use it again next year. I love the way the literature-based curriculum for History, Bible and Read-Alouds brought our whole family together on one couch after lunch each day. After everyone was tired from working hard all morning in their individual level for Math, Writing and Reading, we were excited to learn together through great books.

One of our science experiments...how waves move in the ocean!

...Computer time...

(a treat for finishing early)

One website my preschoolers and Kindergartner loved was Starfall.com

Half way through the year, we were able to use money from our Charter School to buy an iPad! We were SO excited. Here are some fun apps we've enjoyed!

iPad Apps:

Ryder (2nd grade +):

Mind Snacks Spanish

Brain Pop Jr.

Mad Libs

Crosswords for Kids

Kids Discover

National Geographic Weird But True

NASA

Read Rhythm

Magic Piano

Awesome Eats

Fit Brains

Cole (Kinder):

Bob Books Magic 1 & 2

McGraw Hill Word Wonderland

Duck Duck Moose Reading

Endless ABC

Letter School

Montessorium Alpha Writer

eFlash Sight Words Flash Cards

Duck Duck Moose Musical Me!

Brain Pop Jr.

Articulation Station (speech)

Cora (Preschool):

all of Cole's apps +

Duck Duck Moose Princess Fairy Tale Maker

Duck Duck Moose Puzzle Pop HD

Rylee: (toddler):

all of Cora's apps +
Toddler Teasers Colors
Duck Duck Moose Old McDonald Had a Farm
Play 1.2.3
Baby Counts

Books:
Joseph's Coat
Dino-Store
Tejas and Lillipop
Mary's Lamb
Goodnight Safari
Go There
Nighty Night

Our Curriculum

2012-2013

Ryder: 1st Grade (according to the state), 2nd grade (curriculum at home)
Sky Mountain Charter School: We met with our Educational Specialist every 20 days at our house, to monitor Ryder's progress and for him to show her what he's be learning that month. It held me accountable to certain goals we made each month and gave Ryder a chance to talk to another adult about what he's learning

Bible: AWANA - Sparks :)

Bible, History, Geography, Read-Alouds: Sonlight Core A: Intro to the World: Cultures

Math: Saxon 2 (teacher-led) and ALEKS Math (independently done and self-propelled forward)

Science: Sonlight A: Biology, Botany, Physics

Vocabulary: Wordly Wise 2

Writing: Write from the Beginning (I was trained in this when I taught...blog post to come!)

Spanish: Rosetta Stone Level 1

California State Standard reinforcement: Study Island
Piano: Lessons from Daddy :)
We were so blessed to have all this curriculum (except for Sonlight), including our iPad, paid for by our Charter School! Ryder had a great first year at home! When I asked him where he wanted to learn next year, he said...home. Actually he asked if it was possible to go all the way through college, homeschooling :) Ha! We take it year by year, but it's great to know he likes where he is.

Cole: Kindergarten
Bible: AWANA - Cubbies :)
Bible, History, Geography, Read-Alouds: Sonlight Core A: Intro to the World: Cultures

Phonics: Get Ready, Get Set, Go for the Code Book A, B, C

Reading: All About Reading Pre-Reading Level, and Level 1 and Bob Books

Math: Saxon K

Science: Sonlight A: Biology, Botany, Physics

Writing: Journal Writing with Mom :)

Piano Lessons with Daddy when he came home from band rehearsal...

Some things are just for fun :)

It's so hard to capture a year in a few pictures and through a list of curriculum. What you can't see here are the moments we sat on the couch, cuddled under a blanket, hearing a stories from the Old Testament that none of us (including me!) had ever heard before. Having our minds and hearts enlightened together over new truths day after day, never grew old.

As long as the Lord calls us to home educate our kids, I will be grateful for many things...

...for the chance to teach my children right where their mind and heart are in that moment

...being able to study the topics they love

...seeing them through victories and challenges, both academic and relational (with siblings!)

...praying with them through difficult moments

...morning bike rides and mid-week family breakfasts

...field trips with friends and family alike

..."recess" with neighbors

...being able to "train them up in the way they should go" without taking a 7 hour school break

...being personally stretched to trust God at every moment of the day without a 7 hour school break :)

...seeing God be faithful to complete the good work he started in us all year through

...living at the Spirit's pace instead of the school's schedule for us

...being able to give everyone a chance to explore other activities and sports without feeling overwhelmed by school as well as homework

I realize not everyone in their current situation believes they have the opportunity to make this education choice for their kids. I deeply respect that. I will say, however, if God calls you to it, He'll make a way...He always does, and we're so grateful He's shown Himself to be faithful to us in our first year at home.

He provided the finances (Mostly through Sky Mountain Charter School - $1600 per pupil a year!)

He provided the plans (Most of the curriculum we used came with a plan to follow...You don't have to have a teaching credential to educate your children at home!)

The most important element He provided was the patience for us all to learn to live with each other all day long! He's so faithful to take us as far as we'll come! Our character as a family and mine as a mom has never grown more in any other season of our lives. There is a peace I now know with my imperfect children who have imperfect parents since we've all fallen more deeply in love with a beautifully perfect God...together. In all of our brokeness, we know we're on the same team. There's nothing like hearing your son pray for his Daddy before work, and then minutes later burst into a spontaneous dance party to his favorite worship song to start the day :)

I wish this call upon everyone. I really do. We've been given a gift that will last a lifetime. Time...the one gift we never get back...

***

If you're interested in ordering from Sonlight, click on the banner below to receive a $5 off coupon toward your first order! We have LOVED our Sonlight Curriculum!

Our little ATHLETES!

2013-05-09T00:09:00.000-07:00

What an INCREDIBLE year it has been watching the boys play on sports teams for the first time this Fall and Spring! John, myself and our parents had a blast reminiscing over past memories of us playing the same sports years ago. If you were to ask the boys which sport they like the best, they'll tell you whatever sport they are currently playing...I love that!

Soccer...Fall 2012

It's fun to watch their transformation throughout the season...they grow so fast!!!

A little time goes by and they are ready for a haircut! It was too hot for long hair!

Trying to keep his "ears" on in the midst of a sweaty, hot game proved harder than we thought...until I found this headband online! Cole picked soccer print for the front :) it worked GREAT for the hot games, though he still preferred to tape them behind his ears when it was cool enough...

We even had the chance to participate in a soccer clinic hosted by the LA Galaxy in the middle of the season. The boys had a great time, then we took them to see a Galaxy game that weekend...the second to last game that Beckham played! It was a great night out with just our boys!!!

Getting autographs from two of the LA Galaxy players...you can tell Cole is real impressed :)

Fall AYSO ended and the boys loveds it so much we signed them up for a winter league too...

A few games into the season, he was moved up to play with boys a bit older than him, since he was so aggressive! This boy doesn't know how to give anything less than 100%!

Baseball...Spring 2013

Just when we thought we couldn't love a sport more than soccer, baseball came along and swept them off their feet. The hats, the uniforms, and bats and gloves...they were sold!

T-Ball... Seadogs

Ryder loved helping Cole's team at practice and during games. He always helped Cole find the one helmet that would fit over his "ears."

He missed that one, but was a GREAT little ball player this year! He hopes to move up next year to play "coach pitch" like Ryder did this year...

Farm Division (coach pitch)... Sandgnats

It has been such a fun year watching the boys grow in so many ways through being a part of these teams. One of the reasons we could participate in so many "after school" activities this year, is because we've taken a traditional school schedule out of the equation.

I loved having the opportunity to be a part of teams and drama groups over the course of my childhood. Once I became a mother of school aged kids, I had the same desire for them to have a chance to explore these areas as well! Having four so close in age, I soon realized some part of the equation wasn't going to pan out. There just weren't enough hours in the day for school, homework, and after school activities for all four of them at one time! Changing our school choice helped us breathe a little more throughout the day and finish our school hours with enough time for every child to be involved in two weekly activites...one is AWANA at our church, and the other is a sport or activity of their choice. I'm so thankful the Lord made a way for us to grow as a family and to actually feel joyful in the process!

I'm SUCH an advocate for not overwhelming your family schedule with so many "things" that you begin to see your identity as a family slip away. Our whole family enjoyed these seasons so much and some of the friendships the boys have made through being on these teams have become lasting ones...some have even become a part of our church family!

We'll see what the future holds as they grow...but for now, we have two ambitious little athletes in our family who are eager to add basketball to the list for next year!

Cell Phones...Are You TOO Attached???

2013-04-27T00:11:00.001-07:00

source

Cell Phones.

Another one of those morally neutral, potentially wonderful but often harmful cultural phenomena's I couldn't wait any longer to write about.

Some of you already stopped reading.

It's because you like your phone.

I get it.

You don't want to be told what to do, and I won't. I promise. If you're still there, I merely offer my viewpoint as a friend and fellow human-being who loves to connect with other human-beings. And the chances are, if you like your phone...then you're just like me. Just someone who likes to connect!

The difficult part of this whole cell phone thing, (and you know what I mean...the phone never leaving the hand epidemic going on these days) is that it takes you out of where you are, and to another place, with another person who isn't sitting or standing right next to you. That "other" person isn't bad, nor is it terrible to want to connect with them...but how does the person across from you feel when your cell phone, either by text or ring, automatically trump any conversation you were currently involved in with the flesh and blood sitting within feet of you at the moment?

Years ago (and yes, I know I sound old) cell phones were truly for emergencies. Somehow the world survived just fine going out to dinner or coffee without needing to be reached within seconds by anyone else with a phone, 24 hours a day. Now, it's different. It's somehow perfectly "acceptable" to detach from the people you are around, to scroll through FB or check e-mail mid-sentence even. I wish I was interrupted more by "emergency" phone calls...it would make me feel a whole lot better about the whole thing, but when you're in the middle of prayer with someone and the vibrations from their "silenced" phone keep cutting you off, I really think it's time to explore some "boundaries" for your technology addiction.

Let me make sure I'm honest here... I have a cell phone. I use my cell phone daily. I even check it throughout times of the day to see if someone has tried to reach me. But when I am in conversation with someone, my little friend does not need to be next to me on the table as a third presence in our party. It gets silenced, and goes in my bag. I want the person across from me to know that I value them. I'm here for THEM. Anyone else I love that may be trying to reach me, can wait until my time with my flesh-and-blood friend right across the table from me at that moment, is through.

Whew. I hope that wasn't too intense. Okay, maybe I do. I'm pretty passionate about people knowing how deeply loved and valued they are...about people having real connection with those around them...and while cell phones aren't wrong, I think they can make people feel like they just don't matter as much as the information, FB feed, email or text-er on the other end of the line.

John and I are going through a phase right now in our parenting, where we're trying to teach our kids not to interrupt us when we're in a conversation with someone else. They can touch our arm, we'll know they are there and have something to say, but we make every effort to finish the conversation we are in, before hearing from them. That will be a very hard lesson for them to learn, if the cultural norm continues to become one where a person will stop mid-sentence to check an alert on their phone.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has felt devalued recently, and I also know I'm not completely innocent in the matter at times either, but if we make effort to value the people we're around, I know we can avoid interactions like the one this video so poignantly captured...(thanks to my brother for posting it...I haven't laughed this loud in a loooong time!)

HE is our DNA...WHO we were meant to be.

2013-04-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

While on retreat weeks ago, God spoke to my heart.

The theme was the butterfly. Yes...feels a little 80's bathroom wallpaper, but the weekend quickly moved passed my pre-concieved notions and into my own life and heart in a deeply transforming way.

I learned that every caterpillar is created with imaginal disks. Imaginal disks hold information about who the caterpillar is intended to become. As it grows through the different stages of its life, the imaginal disks inside of the caterpillar lay a blueprint for their development and an image of who they were intended to be.

During a time of solitude during the weekend, we were given a page of scripture. Each verse on the page, a whisper of love God speaks over those He has created. Our assignment was to highlight a few verses that stood out in a meaningful way to us and once our time was up, we were to report back to our groups to share. Seems easy enough, right?

I looked down at the words on the page...things that were true of me as HIS child and I searched. Tears started to come, and I realized that before I could "put on" my identity in Christ, the Lord was giving me permission to "take off" who I was to everyone else in my world. I had to write them down...

I am...

...a chef for Cora with food allergies

...a speech therapist for Cole

...a teacher for Ryder

...a playmate for Rylee

...a daughter for my mother and father

...a grand-daughter for my grandparents

...a friend and prayer partner for my small group

...a director for our AWANA group at church

...a wife to John

...and finally that's where it stopped. There are many more hats I wear, but taking off the heaviest expectations gave me room to receive from the Lord my identity in HIM.

He spoke gently over me, words of love and grace, reminding me that like a caterpillar with imaginal disks guiding its transformation, I was born with His DNA. I was made for Him.

The roles I had to lay aside in that moment to hear from the Lord were not bad roles. They were and still are ones I treasure. They are a part of me, given by God and roles He empowers me to live out in His strength every day.

I love being a mother, a daughter, and grand-daughter, a friend, a leader and a wife. But most of all, if I don't wake up each morning with my soul outstretched to greet the One I was created for, then all the other hats come tumbling down.

I was made...for JESUS.

My heart was moved and spoken to in many ways over the days I retreated, but nothing as life-defining as the truth that I was made with the DNA of the King of Heaven knit into my very being.

I was made in the image of God, and if my deepest, most foundational purpose for living each day does not reach beneath the surface of my being to the very roots of that truth, I am living outside of the reason I was created...for God, by God.

It's in my DNA...my imaginal disks have the image of Christ.

To become like HIM is my highest aim and purpose for waking up each morning.

Oh, how I need to be reminded of my first love....maybe today, you do too. So give yourself permission to take off any role or expectation you feel defines you today, just long enough for your imaginal disk to remind you, that you were made for more than this...

You were made for a KING.

Mom...it's okay to RETREAT.

2013-04-04T14:32:00.004-07:00

I was BLESSED to be able to go to the women's retreat with my church a few weekends ago, and to try and explain in words how God moved in my heart and the hearts of others there would be impossible...but I'm a dreamer, so I'm going to try!

First of all, just being away from everything familiar for a few days was a good thing. A very good thing. Yes, I love my family and every single child God has given me along the way...but you already know that. So instead of telling you how awkward it felt to climb in the car with my friend Mandy and all our luggage, sound equipment and guitars instead of my husband, four kids and all the stuff we normally haul with us for a weekend away, I'll just say...It felt WEIRD! It was weird to leave them behind with a BUSY weekend schedule to hold to. Of all weekends, I left John with three baseball games, and a concert to navigate through while I was away soaking in hot springs with my friends. SO weird. It's not like me. Really...I promise it's not. :)

Any other year, I would've respectfully declined the invitation to retreat. Life is just FULL with our little ones in tow and John and I love our weekends. To give one up almost seems impossible these days. But when my friend Gina, asked me if I'd lead worship for the retreat, I knew somewhere deep down, I had to go. This was deeper than schedules. I felt God calling me to say, "YES."

And so, as I try to be in the habit of doing, I followed the lead I felt in my heart and said YES back.

Mandy and I practiced and planned, and were excited and honored to lead our group of 40 women as we retreated to hear from Him for the weekend, away from our "normal" and into whatever He had in mind.

We went there with a "plan" and the Lord respectfully blew our plan out of the water and spoke gentle, loving, complete transformation directly to every heart that said "YES" when He asked them to come.

The first night I had to take a deep breath, and honestly had the hardest time shaking off how worked up I was just GETTING there. Like I said, I was leaving John with a doozy of a weekend with the kids to try and navigate, so Friday morning before I left, I was ran around like a crazy person trying to do all our weekend chores in a few hours just to leave him with less "to do" while I was gone.

At one point, (I'm not sure how it happened but I think Rylee was blamed for this one...) I walked into the girls' room and there were clothes strewn about from one wall clear to the other wall. Clothes that we had all worked for a LONG time to fold, were no longer in nice neat little piles ready to be put away. There was no place to walk, no clear place to even start in on the mess before me.

*Deep breath*

My anxiety rose as I glanced down at my watch and I saw John was supposed to get home any minute...I really wanted him to feel refreshed, walking into a clean house as I gracefully walked out with my bags in hand for the weekend away. Yikes! This was NOT the picture I had in mind to hand him when he walked in.

My frustration got the best of me as I started marching through the house ordering everyone around me (all under the age of 7) to hurry and CLEAN up! It was not pretty. I was embarrassed. My plan to "bless" I started realizing was actually a plan to "impress." I wanted to show him I could hand him the kind of house I like to be given when I'm away...that perfection is possible. Well, it's not and I didn't. There was no perfect house given to anyone that day. In fact we were all a little ragged from trying.

And then, like he always does, my husband walked through the door and instead of balking at my lack of organization or my inability to "get my act together" with the laundry that morning, he gracefully walked into the messiest part of the house (the place I felt the most shame) sat right down in the middle of it all and began folding clothes.

Tears streaming down my face, I apologized over and over telling him about all of my good intentions. How I wanted him to have less to do when I was away,
how I wanted to make it easy for him to let me go.

He took my face in his hands, and without an ounce of judgement or rebuke he spoke the words he's spoken over me many times before over the past 11 years...

"I don't want a perfect house. I just want YOU."

Little did I know at the time, I'd hear those words again later that weekend from the One I needed to hear them from the most. The One whose voice clears my vision and strengthens my song in the most gentle way I know.

The way I am loved by my husband has always given me a glimpse into the way I'm loved by God. Unconditionally and with a deep and intentional grace.

The words he spoke before I left the house prepared my heart for the deep work of the Holy Spirit that would happen a day later when I was far away from all the tangible mess but still very, very close to me....the messiest place of all.

The moral of Part 1??? Moms...you CAN retreat. If God calls you to go...don't fret, don't stir up a pro con list, don't feel terrible, just know that the work the Lord is about to do with you while you are "away from it all" is the very thing the family you love needs. A new YOU. Only God can do that...

Soon to come...

Part 2: Transformation: Jesus speaks over me

A call for Cole...

2013-03-08T00:13:00.002-08:00

Isn't he cute? He lost his first tooth in December (quite by accident while wrestling with his brother...the hole is still there) and was so proud to be just like, Ryder. Can you see the joy in his eyes? It's always there...a passion for people and the world around him. It's no wonder that God's given us a specific call for our boy recently, because it really does fit.

I tend to like a predictable routine. Yes, there are times it's fun to be spontaneous, but for the most part, I really like to know what is going to happen and to do all I can to be prepared for it. And then, if it goes well, I like to repeat it over and over until it's as natural to me as breathing. Ah, yes...finding a good, solid, life-giving routine is a wonderful thing.

This was our first year homeschooling, and we've all loved it. Not because it's always been easy, but because we've all grown in ways we could've never anticipated and as the year went on, it was clear we were where we were called to be. For this season of life with the family God has given us, it's just worked...very WELL!

I've loved how close my kids have become since they've had time to learn, grow and play together.

I've loved how we've actually been able to say "yes" to more activities for the kids while feeling less pulled in a million different directions because we spend the first part of our day together. We actually look forward to the commitments of AWANA, team sports, dance and gymnastics classes that give each child a place to explore their giftings.

I've loved how intentionally I've been able to parent my children, helping them grow through moments of pride and disobedience rather than having to respond so much later to a note from a teacher.

I've loved being able to walk through the Bible with the boys this year as we've had time after lunch each day to sit and read together. I've made connections in my own understanding of the Word that I've never made before just because we've had time to make it priority.

I've loved being able to work at our own pace through subjects, giving them the time and attention they needed in the areas they struggle and also letting them zoom past parts that they already knew so we could maximize our time in new discoveries and learning.

It really has been a JOY to be home as a family this year, and not a plan John or I intended to change. For those of you who've been asking...the answer is a resounding, YES! We ALL really love homeschooling!

So, you can imagine my surprise when the Lord started nudging my heart in a different way for Cole next year. When school starts next year, Cole will be six years old, and a kindergartener. Up to this point I've been planning on enrolling him in the same independent study, home-based charter school that Ryder is enrolled in this year. Since my boys have summer birthdays, I've always thought it best to wait to start them in Kindergarten until they were six. Ryder waited and so it's now Cole's turn to begin!

It was all arranged. We would enroll Cole in Sky Mountain Charter School and he'd be an official student with Ryder next year at home, monitored by our educational specialist. I had the curriculum picked out, ready to order, and then God began stirring my heart in a different direction for my Cole.

It was as clear to me as the call we heard to homeschool Ryder this year...God was asking us to put Cole in school next year for Kindergarten. You need to understand, that this is not what I wanted. I was excited to continue and build on what we had going with our family this year, not change plans entirely for one of my sweetest students!

But it was clear, and when I responded with confusion and hesitation, God graciously gave me assurance that I had heard right..."I want you to share him."

And through weeks of prayer, John and I felt it confirmed in both our hearts that God was asking us to trust Him with our Cole...again.

Under very different circumstances, we've trusted Him with our boy before.

We've held him in tests while being told...he hears nothing.

We trusted God then.

We've watched him wheeled away into "elective" surgery only to return with a swollen face and wrapped head.

We trusted God then.

At three years old we let him go to school for 6 hours a day to get the therapy he needed to use his new ears.

We trusted God then.

We signed him up for soccer and T-ball teams, letting him navigate the challenge of hearing teammates and coaches on the field and keeping his "ears" on while sweating like a little 5 year old boy should.

We trusted God then.

And now we trust, that when God asks us to send our boy into a classroom full of curious, opinion-forming kids, that God has a PLAN for those Cole will get to know next year.

The past opportunities we've have to trust God with our boy, they've all been for his benefit, and God was so faithful. Now, we feel Him saying...

"I want you to share him. Others need to know that those around them who were created differently, are worth getting to know. I made them in MY image. When you love them, you love me, and loving ME is what changes your life."

We would love for you to pray with us for Cole's next school year. We will start the IEP process soon, and update you when we have that meeting, but until then, we are believing that God has placed an important call on Cole's life, (as He has the rest of His kids!) and we are agents of helping Cole hear and follow the way God has planned for him to go.

We're finishing up a kindergarten curriculum with him this year, so he'll be prepped and ready to take on a new, noisier classroom environment academically but there are also many options for us to weight as we prepare. We covet your prayers through the process.

The bottom line with the schooling thing with us is this...

God made them. He is graciously sharing them with us, giving us all an opportunity to become more dependent upon HIM every moment of the journey.

We. trust. HIM.

We have four kids. All unique and we will pray every year around this time for the Lord to show us what He wants for each of them, each year.

Next year, it seems to be shaping up like this:

Ryder: Homeschool (when given the option he was VERY excited to keep doing what we're doing)

Cole: Neighborhood public school

Cora and Rylee: Monday, Wednesday, Friday half-day preschool

I'm excited. I love following Jesus. He always has the best plan, and I'm honored to be a part of it all...

"Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus..."