Can you choose your favorite?

I can and would crop some of these....I don't have photoshop though.

row 1 (L or R)

Row 2 (L or R)

Row 3 (L or R)

7

8

9

10

silly

more silly

11

12

13

14

15

My Tornado Prediction, Two rainbows and snow!! (Pictures included)

I have wanted to post these pictures for 4 months but have been prevented by my camera phone. It was not wanting to share the pictures I needed for this post, that is until my sweet hubby, took it in and got it fixed. Thanks to him, I can share with words and pictures our wacky weather adventure.

Reid and I were at home preparing to take a trip across town to drop off Reid's utility van to have some work done. The skies outside my bedroom window were very dark and looked eerily like weather we get back east. With an average rainfall of 11 inches a year in our current town, it looked as though the storm clouds would let loose the entire year's load. The conversation between Reid and I went something like this:

Me- I don't know it looks like we might get a bad thunder storm. Do we have to go?

Reid- We will be fine.

Me- Are you sure? Look at the clouds they look pretty dark.

Leaving the house in our car ..........conversation continues.....very dark clouds north of us as we head west and then north.....

Me- REID!!! LOOK AT THOSE CLOUDS!!!! You are going to think I am crazy but I think this is tornado weather..........look at that funky thing pointing down from the cloud......

Reid-No I think it's just thunderclouds.......

Conversation enlivens as I insist the clouds look tornadic.....we continue our travels about another 4 miles north and this is what we see...............

Me-Reid!! It's a tornado!!

Reid-NO it's a dirt devil.

Conversation continues......Reid pulls off on the side of the road to get a CLOSER look at the "dirt-devil" and asks a bystander (who is also pulled off to the side of the road to watch ?!!???)

Reid to the guy- "So, what do you think it is?"

Guy-who-doesn't-know-what-a-tornado-is-if-it-sucked-him-up-like-a-hoover replies, "a dirt devil".

Reid pulls away while I yell.... IT'S A TORNADO!.....Reid, I really want to goooo!!!!! I really don't want to be here.....please, please, can we go?

Reid-It's fine.

Reid-April look above us.

Swirling clouds above our car!!!!!!

Reid-I think you are right.

The tornado begins to move south of us, toward the west, crossing over the interstate we had just exited. Reid begins to cross the interstate, heading west parallel to the tornado. You can't tell in the picture but the tornado just knocked over a big rig, blew out the windows of an SUV behind it and derailed some train cars in it's path. I only found out about the SUV after we came back from dropping off the van. The rig and train were in the news stories that night.

Then there were two!!

And more proof that it was not a dirt devil.

I unfortunately don't have pictures to prove that we saw two rainbows and snow following the tornadoes but you will just have to trust me on that.

All Images are copyright protected and may not be used without permission/licensing by owner.

Little Rascals II

I posted this picture in the upper-left more than a year ago. The picture on the right was taken this last month. Looks like Micah, Janelle and Kayla's hair were the only things that grew in 1 1/2 years. Oh, and Grandma replaced her fence. Actually, this picture does not do justice to the many inches my kids have grown in the last year. In the last two years, Kayla has grown about 4.5 inches, Carson about 5 inches, and Nellie about 8 inches. That's relatively 18 more inches of kid in our house! Amazing!

"Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” Psalm 127:4

Another IMPORTANT Petition Regarding EVERY Parents Rights

Many homeschool advocates have taken different measures to fight the recent Homeschooling Court Decision. To my knowledge, there has been a couple petitions going around; one to depublish the ruling and another to petition Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Because we cannot be sure that any one petition, avenue, or action, will accomplish the over-ruling of this court decision, I think it is important to consider any avenue. Particularly, a petition to support a constitutional amendment explicitly protecting the right to direct the upbringing and education of our children.

This petition was the recommendation of Michael P. Farris J.D., (general counsel for the HSLDA, president of Henry College and constitutional lawyer) in The California Parent Educator magazine. There are not only threats from the courts within the states to take away this right but international threats that should concern us too. I couldn't find the article online to share with you however, I did find an e-lert with the same basic info here. I also included some excerpts from the magazine article below.


"International law that seeks to empower the government to intrude upon the child-parent relationship is becoming an increasing threat. The UN Convention on the Rights of the child (UNCRC) is approaching possible ratification by the United States.

If this treaty is made binding upon our country, the government would have the power to intervene in any child's life to advance it's definition of 'the best interests of the child.' ....Under the UNCRC, instead of following due process, government agencies would have the power to override your parental choices at their whim."


These issues should concern all parents. Please take the time to consider them and consider signing this petition. Thanks!

A Birthday Letter From Greta

It is hard to believe that next week, April 12th, will mark one year since Greta's death. Today I will miss getting that much anticipated call from her to wish me Happy Birthday and the few inevitable jokes and witty remarks to go with our conversation. And that is okay because I trust in a sovereign and all-wise God who knows what is best for me and Greta. I am so glad he took her home. Besides, it's not about me. It's ALL about HIM and HIS glory. And with that, I just want to praise him for this little gift He gave me.

While flipping through my childhood photo album recently, I found a letter written by Greta when she was just 6 years old. For some reason, I can't recall ever reading this letter before even though I have looked through the album a gazillion+ times . I know it has been there the entire time, folded up in the old envelope marked saved, obviously written in my mother distinct handwriting, until by God's providence, I opened it. The letter was dated April 3, 1975 (my birth-date) and addressed to Mom and Baby sissy (me) on the occasion of my birth! Isn't that neat? My heart was flooded with emotion as the tears poured down my cheeks. I have rarely felt so moved to find something so precious to me. I guess I am in awe that God will deal in a small matter as this, as to let me find this letter. What a gracious gift.

I know I am a big sinner who sometimes kicks and screams when things don't go my way. Shameful. I Know. I only deserve hell and yet God is pleased to continue to be merciful and gracious in *seemingly* insignificant ways. Thank you God that you deal in the "small matters" of my life. It means A LOT to me.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.."

Matthew 10:29-31

Legoland Homeschool Days

****I neglected to mention the self-guided education program. You will want to check it out if you plan on going******

Did you know Legoland has homeschool days several times through out the school year? Discounted tickets are $17 per family member. There are only a few days left in this school year so hurry and get your e-ticket. It may take a couple of weeks to get them.

You only need to register one time and Legoland will send you an e-ticket every year for your entire family. We registered last year and Legoland sent us another e-ticket the following September.

FYI, children 2 and under are free. We took our 2-yr old last year (granted she is tall) and she was able to enjoy many rides too. Here are a few tips if you decide to go.

Dieter's Beware: Tried and True Dessert Recipe

Here is a easy, quick, and delicious dessert recipe that was given to me, years ago, by an older church woman, while we lived in Willis, CA. What is better than the taste is the ease of preparation. Here it goes:

Dump cake

1 box yellow cake mix
35-40 oz of fruit pie filling or most any canned fruit
1 stick of butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Dump fruit/pie filling in a 9 x 13 pan.
Sprinkle cake mix atop fruit mixture, distributing evenly. Place slices of
butter evenly over cake mix. Bake for 35 to 45 min or until cake mix is golden brown.

Wasn't that simple?

This recipe is great for potlucks. It's cheap, easy, and makes plenty, and the possibilities are endless with cake mixes, fruit fillings and toppings (cinnamon, chocolate morsels, nuts). I have made apple, peach and cherry versions of this recipe including mixed fruit fillings and it has turned out great everytime. Sometimes I have topped the cake mix with cinnamon too. I hope to try a cherry pie filling version topped with a chocolate cake mix some day. ENJOY!

Ti-shoes

Janelle snuggled in bed with me this morning and said, "Mommy, I want to be taller. I need my shoes." Just then I decided to reach for a tissue for my nose and she says, "not THOSE kind of shoes!"

Fun Frugality

Times are looking financially tight for a lot of people since the economy has taken a down-turn. Many if not all of us have been or will be affected in some way. Since Reid is a small business owner who gets paid infrequently (about twice a year with a few advances) it is all the more vital that we budget wisely. And with serious thoughts of buying a home in the near future it is just imperative that we save money too. For us, this has meant cut backs in different areas; pest control, Netflix, dining out.... just to name a few.

Now, I don't know that Jo has needed to be frugal, but her recent idea to refurbish a doll house with her daughter inspires me to be frugal and fun. I just loved her ideas and the finished product. Please go check out this fun and cool Mom's blog. I want to be like her!

Rocket Boots WHAAA?!!?!?!?!?

+

= childhood dream?

Carson- Mom, I have never had rocket boots before!

Me- What are rocket boots?

Carson- Boots that have fire and cords at the bottom. You can fly if you have a cape too!

Me- If I got you rocket boots and a cape, what are you going to do with them?

Carson- Try to fly! (duh. I don't know what kind of answer I was expecting here)

Me- Where will you fly from?

Carson- I'm going to fly from the window to the backyard (as he points to my 2nd story Master bedroom window?!?!?)

Me- Do you think you will get hurt? (or like burn down the house)

Carson- No. I'll have rocket boots!!!! I can fly back up when I go down to the ground... I would try to go on T.V....if the T.V. is open......I could fly in and be a commercial.. (WHA?!?!)

Me- Are you serious or are you teasing me? (please say teasing)

Carson- Serious, and being kinda silly...

We obviously let him watch The Incredibles one to many times this week. How would I have known? I have decided to solve our problem by putting rocket boots on my T.V. and sending it out the window. NO more movies until he is 18 and a wonderful crash course in Murphy's law as to totally deter Carson from ever wanting to try crazy stuff ,with or with out rocket boots, ever again! Hopefully.

I guess Carson is not the only big boy who aspires to fly this way. The caption for the video below, read this, "Watching this guy sport some sweet rocket boots is like seeing a childhood dream come true, right before my very eyes."

(HUGH!?! )

I hope Carson never wants to follow in this man's rocket-boot-steps. It looks too close to something his father might have done before we were married. EEEKK
NOTE: There's an inappropriate word after the flight is over. To avoid this, stop the video at 2min 34sec, you won't miss a thing.


NOW, these would be more like Carson speed. S-L-O-W.

Please Sign Petition to Request Depublishing Of Recent California Homeschool Court Case

Sign here.

"Depublication is a decision that can only be made by the California Supreme Court. If the Court determines that the decision should stand, regarding this family, on the facts presented, but that the general pronouncements of law for all of homeschooling should not be determined by this case, then the Court has the option of "depublishing” the Court of Appeal’s decision. This would mean that the case is not binding precedent in California and has no effect on any other family."

HSLDA's Response To The "Homeschooling is Illegal" Court Ruling

For you non-members, here is the latest from the HSLDA:

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:
On February 28, 2008, the California Court of Appeals issued a ruling in a juvenile court proceeding that declared that almost all forms of homeschooling in California are in violation of state law. (Private tutoring by certified teachers remains an option.) Moreover, the court ruled that parents possess no constitutional right to homeschool their children. This case involved a family with a 20-year history of litigation in the juvenile courts over the care of their children. Prior adverse decisions had been rendered by the courts.
This family was not a member of Home School Legal Defense Association. They were represented by court-appointed counsel throughout the proceeding. Since it was by law a confidential proceeding, to the best of our knowledge neither HSLDA nor any other legal advocacy organization had any knowledge that the right of all homeschoolers in California was depending upon the outcome of this family’s case.
There are two appellate options at this time.
First, we have been told that the family is appealing this decision to the California Supreme Court with their California counsel. HSLDA will file an amicus brief on behalf of our 13,500 member families in California. We will argue that a proper interpretation of California statutes makes it clear that parents may legally teach their own children under the private-school exemption. However, if the court disagrees with our statutory argument, we will argue that the California statutes as interpreted by the Court of Appeal violate the constitutional rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children.
HSLDA welcomes other organizations and persons to assist with the amicus process so that a full defense of home education, religious freedom, and parental rights can be given to the California Supreme Court. The second appellate option is to seek to have this particular decision “depublished.” Depublication is a decision that can only be made by the California Supreme Court. If the Court determines that the decision should stand, regarding this family, on the facts presented, but that the general pronouncements of law for all of homeschooling should not be determined by this case, then the Court has the option of “depublishing” the Court of Appeal’s decision. This would mean that the case is not binding precedent in California and has no effect on any other family.
HSLDA will take the lead in an effort to seek to have this case depublished. Homeschooling has offered a great opportunity for families to give their children a quality education with a moral and philosophical approach that is consistent with each family’s beliefs. The ability to homeschool freely in California should not depend upon one family in a closed-door proceeding. All families should have the right to be heard since the rights of all are clearly at stake.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Smith

HSLDA President

Sick Again

Kayla came down with a nasty sore throat and low-grade fever yesterday. Despite my efforts using Airborn Junior, Carson has succumbed to the same ailments today. Their was no question in my mind that it spread to him, after he said, "Mom, when I swallow, it feels like a cactus going down my throat."

OUCH! Poor guy.

Are you a member of the Home School Legal Defense Association?

Saturday I posted an article about a Judge who ordered a California Homeschooling family into government education. If you are a Home School Legal Defense Association member, you should have already received the email below, regarding this.

If are not a member of the HSLDA, and you are a homeschooling family with compulsory age children, I would strongly urge you to become a member. I can't help but think, that if this family had been a member, how different the outcome may have been. This should be a matter of prayer for all homeschool families. Please take action to protect yourself by becoming a member and thus protecting all the other homeschoolers. For more information about the Home School Legal Defense Association visit http://www.hslda.org/.

California:
Unfortunate Court Decision in California
Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:
The Second Appellate District in Los Angles County handed down a decision on February 28 involving a non-member homeschool family that has caused much concern among California homeschoolers.
Home School Legal Defense Association is looking at the background of the case to determine the implications of this particular decision by the Second Appellate District for the homeschool community in California. We do want to make one point clear, however. Nothing has changed in California regarding your homeschool. HSLDA maintains that the advice we give homeschool families is accurate and that filing a private school affidavit, or enrollment in a private school independent study program (I.S.P) is a valid option under the law in California.
We will be examining this situation and providing a detailed analysis of this court
decision in the near future.
To read the court opinion visit: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=4804.

Sincerely,
J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President

"Judge Orders Homeschoolers Into Government Education"

If you homeschool in the state of California you WILL want to read this. Pray for the HSLDA as they seek to handle this ruling a well as the judges. This particular case is disconcerting especially considering that the family is registered with an accredited Independent Study Program (ISP).

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. "
Proverbs 21:1

On Bible Reading and Prayer

I thought this was an especially insightful book passage I read recently (I know it looks long but I think it's worth your time):

George Mueller ( 1805-1898) is famous for establishing orphanages in England and for joyfully depending on God for all his needs. How did he kindle this joy and faith? In 1841 he made a life-changing discovery....

While I was staying at Nailsworth, it pleased the Lord to teach me a truth, ....I saw more clearly than ever, that the first great and primary business to which I ought to attend every day was, to have my soul happy in the Lord. The first thing to be concerned about was not, how much I might serve the Lord, how I might glorify the Lord; but how I might get my soul into a happy state, and how my inner man might be nourished. For I might seek to set the truth before the unconverted, I might seek to benefit believers, I might seek to relieve the distressed, I might in other ways seek to behave myself as it becomes a child of God in this world; and yet, not being happy in the Lord, and not being nourished and strengthened in my inner man day by day, all this might not be attended to in a right spirit.

Before this time my practice had been, at least for ten years previously, as an habitual thing, to give myself to prayer, after having dressed in the morning. Now I saw, that the most important thing I had to do was to give myself to the reading of the Word Of God and to meditation on it, that thus my heart might be comforted, encouraged, warned, reproved, instructed; and that thus, whilst meditating, my heart might be brought into experimental, communion with the Lord. I began therefore to meditate on the New Testament, from the beginning, early in the morning.

The first thing I did, after having asked in a few words the Lord's blessing upon His precious Word, was to begin to meditate on the Word of God; searching, as it were, into every verse, to get blessing out of it; not for the sake of the public ministry of the Word; not for the sake of preaching on what I had meditated upon; but for the sake of obtaining food for my own soul. The result I have found to be almost invariably this, that after a very few minutes my soul had been led to confession, or to thanksgiving or to intercession, or to supplication; so that though I did not, as it were, give myself to prayer, but to meditation, yet it turned almost immediately more or less into prayer.

When thus I have been for awhile making confession, or intercession, or supplications, or have given thanks, I go on to the next words or verse, turning all, as I go on, into prayer for myself or others, as the Word may lead to it; but still continually keeping before me, that food for my own soul is the object of my meditation. The result of this is, that there is always a good deal of confession, thanksgiving, supplication, or intercession mingled with my meditation, and that my inner man almost invariably is even sensibly nourished and strengthened and that by breakfast time, with rare exceptions, I am in a peaceful if not happy state of heart. Thus also the Lord is pleased to communicate unto me that which, very soon after, I have found to become food for other believers, though it was not for the sake of the public ministry...

The difference between my former practice and my present one is this. Formerly, when I rose, I began to pray as soon as possible, and generally spent all my time till breakfast in prayer or almost all the time. At all events I almost invariably began with prayer...But what was the result? I often spent a quarter of an hour, or half an hour, or even an hour on my knees, before being conscious to myself of having derived comfort, encouragement, humbling of soul, etc. ; and often after having suffered much from wandering of mind for the first ten minutes, or a quarter of an hour, or even half an hour, I only then began really to pray.

I scarcely ever suffer now in this way.....

AS the outward man is not fit for work for any length of time, except we take food, and as this is one of the first things we do in the morning, so it should be with the inner man. We should take food for that, as every one must allow. Now what is the food for the inner man: not prayer, but the Word of God: and here again not simple reading of the word of God, so that it only passes through our minds....but considering what we read, pondering over it, and applying it to our hearts....

I dwell so particularly on this point because of the immense spiritual profit and refreshment I am conscious of having derived from it myself, and I affectionately and solemnly beseech all my fellow-believers to ponder this matter. By the blessing of God I ascribe to this mode the help and strength which I have had from God to pass in peace through deeper trials in various ways than I had ever had before; and after having now above forty years tried this way, I can fully, in the fear of God, commend it. How different when the soul is refreshed and made happy early in the morning, from what it is when, without spiritual preparation, the service, the trials and the temptations of the day come upon one!