Casa of Corn

2008-10-31T06:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Refomation Day!

What Happened to Summer !?

2008-09-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back indoors now- fall is upon us and I failed at giving any true updates since spring! Our summer was busy, then school started and we became even "busy-er". Plus the fact that I forgot how to get on the blog and do any updating. I have to use technology things daily or I forget how to use them right! My on-going love/hate relationship with modern equipment.
We went on an early summer vacation- it was still spring. We went up to North Idaho- it was a chilly and wet trip but we still had some fun. We did, however, come home a day early and found out that that was a good thing as the mountains we passed through had snow dumped on them, the next day or that night, and became impassable! Whew...close call.
Our next trip was to a friends cabin with those same friends and another family of friends-- the cabin was packed with 14 people and our ever faithful pug. This vacation was warmer than the previous one and was accompanied by some human dehydration- what's a good vacation without a little bad to laugh about later.?
The fourth of July was packed in there somewhere.
We always have our goofy dog.
There was Sports-Guy's birthday.

A garden to take care of. From which we sowed strawberries, TOO MANY green beans, one cantalope, watermelon, grapes, sunflower seeds, carrots- and the garden keeps on giving. Spinach, decorative grass and ground cover was planted two weeks ago, and,of course, the weeds are the best growing things around. We got ticketed by the code cop again this spring because our weeds/grass were too tall, guess it's an every other year thing.

Then school started up again. Gekco in 10th at high-school, Hider-man and Bed-Bug, 8th grade and 2nd grade at Home-school. This school-year is a lot different than last school-year ('busy-er'). Hider-man is still doing violin with Bed-Bug joining him as well this time around and Gekco is into his drama class. No sports to speak of right now, unless you count juggling life as a sport!

Here is a photo of our lovely children, Gecko, Hider-man and Bed-Bug. 15,13,7.

And a photo of us aging folks, Sports-guy and Farm-Girl, keeping the home fort running-- actually God runs it, we just live here. (here's the photo Hider-man took of me AdMac, happy?)
We got a new back-door put in- thanks Mr. L.! and now are awaiting the estimate on 4 new windows for the kitchen as the ones we have now refuse to open. Another dear friend helped out Sports-Guy to fix a leaking cold water hose line connected to the washing machine- a big thanks to Zoo-keeper.
Sports-Guy is doing well in his new position at work- I'm so proud of him! And he's always taking care of something around the house- Thanks Hon'.
As we move on through Oct. we are heading towards even 'busy-er, busy-er' times. Reformation day, Thanksgiving, Christmas then a new year and onto the kids birthdays. Woo! It all comes so fast! God bless you all in your up-coming holidays! Farm-Girl.

Football season

2008-09-08T18:52:00.000-07:00

You know it's football season when Pixie breaks out her BSU gear...Go Bronco's!

2008-05-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time to write a lot, but I wanted to let you all know we're still alive, just VERY busy and tired. We are FINALLY having weather that is the type you would expect to have in May (in this part of Idaho). I am so thankful for the sun,the warmth and the outdoors-- I thought I was going to go stark raving mad there for awhile, whew! I will update at a later time, when I have more time to do so(and if I am actually indoors)! With love to all, Farm-girl

2008-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring!

Seasons Poll

2008-03-03T07:48:00.000-08:00

We Have a Loser! The seasons poll has closed and I'm very happy to announce that Winter is the total loser- not even one vote! Pack that in your nap-sac and take a hike winter! Bye-bye. The top spot was a tie between Fall and Summer with Spring being a very close second, this is no surprise. Thankfully on March 20th Spring officially begins, ahhh...life again. (Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour this sat. night, the 8th, Spring Ahead!)

Spring is proof of life after death.

So Busy

2008-02-27T12:06:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been over a week now since I have done any kind of updating and I can't believe how much stuff can happen in less than two weeks! "Busy, Busy, Busy" can sum up those days without having to tell you a loooooooong story, and it ain't over yet! Some exciting things have happened too, one of them somewhat of a surprise. One exciting thing, for me, was that we joined Net Flix-- OK that doesn't sound too exciting but you need to remember that I am a Stay-at-Home Mom, Home-maker, Home-schooler and I don't get out much, or when I do go out it is usually to do things like run errands ( getting movies for Friday nights is one of those errands). And now I don't have to waste time or gas or keep one eye on the kids while I look for movies with the other, since now we can pick out every single movie we ever wanted to see from a comfy chair inside our own home. Plus, the time of the day I look forward too, when another adult human being drives to the house and gives me things by putting them in a special container meant just for our house, has gotten more exciting because sometimes those "things" put into our container are movies, coming to us! Then I can get my "daily walk" by going outside and getting the mail- good exercise plan, thanks to the Mail-man! I'll save the next exciting thing for later on in this long story I said I wouldn't tell.
As far as busy goes, there's a lot more appointments to make and go to now than before-- because of all the appointments I've had to cancel some appointments, reschedule some appointments and set some more appointments...I need to make an appointment just to sit down and figure out all the appointments! Most of the time I don't know if I'm coming or going-- especially when there are two appointments on the same day plus other things going on as well. I needed to take Hider-man in to the "quick-care" Doc in the Box the other day, --the poor boy is sick ,which is rare, and on medication while living most of his days on our couch, at least it's a couch with a view (it's by our biggest window). I should have had Bed-bug checked out too since she has come down with something as well, but it's not affecting her like Hider-man's sickness is affecting him.
Gecko is busy with his high-school-- I had to go to my first parent-teacher conference last week. The teachers say he is doing pretty well and is very like-able, nice things to hear. He is busy at nights now being a part of the stage crew for the High-school play.
We have stepped out of 4-H but into Awana's, Hider-man and Bed-bug go to that meeting on Wednesday nights. We have also joined a Home-school Co-Op that the younger kids and I go to twice a month. Hider-man is taking Origami and building with Lego's while Bed-bug takes Intro to sewing and Super Science. We get to go to that with some dear friends of ours, who also attend the Co-op, which makes it even more fun.
Sports-guy is busy with Church Deacon things and also learning what to do in his new position at his job, putting up wainscotting in the bathroom and doing what-ever else comes his way. He does quite a lot for us all for which I am very thankful!
OK, I'll cut to the second exciting thing--- Sports-Guy bought me a "mommie"-van! He traded in his little KIA for a bigger KIA. 2008, one owner, 10,000 miles, 7 seats, still has a hint of new car smell and it's not white!(inside story) I am very grateful for this van and still find it hard to believe it's actually out in front! Thank you Sports-Guy! Bed-bug named the van `Pretty Blue' and Hider-man thinks it's crazy to name a vehicle, I told him it's a farming tradition and he can't take that out of me-- I just call it Blue.
So, anyways, I won't go on and on, like I said at the start: Busy,Busy, Busy!

2008-02-19T17:55:00.003-08:00

Lots of Snow! (you can click on collage to make pic.s bigger)

These are "old" photos, the snow is almost gone now except for a little bit of the fort, we've had temp.s in the 40s-50s... which has also allowed the ants to come back to our kitchen and the starlings to move back into our attic. We're being invaded! And there's mud, lots of mud. But I thank God for the sunshine!

2008-02-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

There are three things that will endure- faith, hope, and love- and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Gecko Returns

2008-02-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

Our son Gecko has moved back in with us, it was Tues. night. Then the next day we celebrated his 15th birthday, going to his restaurant of choice, The Golden Corral. Thursday morning we saw him off to his bus and first day of school at Caldwell high. It's nice to be a family of 5 again, although some major adjustments are needed. I do have some pictures to put on the blog, but I can't put them on by myself-- I need Sports-Guy to help me, so please be patient. Thanks, Farm-girl

Ahhh, February...

2008-02-02T07:17:00.000-08:00

January is over and into February we go. Not that it's that much different outside than it was 2 days ago, but, it's still NOT January and that's a good thing! We did get up to 40 degrees yesterday, with sunshine too, it was nice. Now we'll have to see if the groundhog sees his shadow today, not that I'm into that superstition and all-- but if the critter does see his shadow I think we will be having grilled groundhog for dinner tonight! I call the chewy little ears, num-num.

January

2008-01-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

So, January, the new year was there when I woke up and I was hoping it wouldn't be as hard of a year as 2007 had been. The funny thing about a new year is that nothing really changes except for the number of the year, there is no magic page to turn and suddenly everything is different, better. The hard times come into the new year with us as we move along, thankfully God does too. He doesn't change either, He is with us always and that's a wonderful thing. His promises endure forever and He always gives us the strength, or simply carries us, through our dark valley's.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me: Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

Another thing I expected of Jan. was our lives to calm down and be able to do some relaxing, I don't know why I haven't learned from my 30 some past years that this is NEVER true. Jan. 2008 has already been busier than Thanksgiving or Christmas was!

As far as business goes... The 3rd of January we went with a few friends and their children to a place called Planet Kid.

Here's Hider-man and Bed-bug having some fun. I don't know how to describe the place, lets see, noisy, crazy, full of children and a very large indoor "jungle gym". The kids played hard for 3 Hours and there was still lots of complaining when us mom's told the kids it was time to leave. Bed-bug came up to me during the playing time, took her thumb out of her mouth, said she sprained it and showed it to me-- it was red and starting to swell up and looked like it might be a bit crooked, maybe broken!(mother's paranoia). It wasn't very long until she went back to play so I figured her thumb must not be to bad, but she came back a little later and it looked even worse. We got a band-aid around her thumb so it wouldn't bend while she was playing and I had to sign a paper assuring that I wouldn't sue Kid Planet for what happened to Bed-bug while we were there. Thankfully one of my friends husband is in a particular area of medicine, he looked at Bed-bug's thumb and told me it wasn't broken, it was a good sprain and it would slowly heal up. Whew, Thank God! All in all Hider-man and Bed-bug had a great time with their friends and we mom's were the ones tired out, not the kids. Typical.

The weekend following that adventure Sports-guy and I went out to celebrate our 12th anniversary, we were able to have a full 24 hours to ourselves-- thanks Mr. & Mrs. T.! We went to a lot of different stores, ate at two different restaurants and we were able to watch a whole movie from the comfort of our own couch without having to pause it a million times! Very nice.

No time to breath, then there was a pair of parties to ponder! Bed-bug received 2 different party invitations on a Sunday,the first party was for a Friday & the second one was for the very next day--Party weekend for my little girl! The first birthday celebration was a purple pony party at the Thompson's zoo (not a real zoo, just what our friends call their place). After we arrived Bed-bug acted like a frightened filly and didn't want to play in any of the horsey games. She eventually eased up and trotted around with the other fillies and had some fun! Not long after that though I had to round her up and head her home.

Uh, A walrus pony? Those are pretzel sticks.

The next party was a bit like the first one, Bed-bug didn't want to join in the games at this celebration either. Then, just to reinforce that feeling in her, something happened... Everyone was given a can of silly string and told to spray the birthday girl after they were done singing "Happy Birthday" to her. (* Party tip- Do NOT let kids shoot silly string at each other while they are all sitting around the table that has the birthday cake, cups, plates and plastic wear on it! I won't go into details, just don't do it.*) At any rate, as the string war was going on Bed-bug and the girl sitting next to her both ended up under the table crying! After I saved my little damsel in distress she wasn't to keen to leave my side-- but you know, it's amazing how quickly cake, ice-cream and Sprite can change that attitude.
After those parties Bed-bug has been totally inspired to plan her upcoming birthday party and continues to add to the list of things I'm going to do for the celebration. Here we go!

Although we have been busy there was still time for cabin fever to strike. Will someone please turn Spring back on?

Hider-man was bored and had my camera, hi Pix!
Chewbacca's little sister?
We've been getting a lot of snow in January- a lot of snow for Idaho that is.The kids love it, Bed-bug likes to play in the snow and eat it--look out for yellow! And Hider-man always wants to build a good snow fort, which he has been able to do twice this month. Oh, and we can't forget about the snowballs everyone here likes to throw-- watch out!
One day Sports-guy took the kids to go sledding down the "mountain" at the college here in town. That day they had the whole hill all to themselves, how fun is that?

Here's Hider-man working on his first fort.

Bed-bug and Hider-man sittin' in a fort.
Here's Hider-man and just the beggining of the second snow fort
Saturdays were very busy for Sports-guy, he would go into Boise to work on a previously used church building we have since moved into and call our church home. A couple times Hider-man went to the big city with his Dad and helped out at the building.

The boys back from painting the church building. One of those Saturdays I sat down with Bed-bug and taught her how to sew by hand with the help of a kit we bought her for Christmas. She did so well, finished her first little bird and was so excited she made the second bird the next day. Now she is sure she can make anything with thread, a needle and felt! (She was planning on making gifts for everyone! She just finished a dog for Gecko to give him on his Birthday.)

Bed-bug sewing her first birdie.
She's sew proud!
We also had the usual appointments, violin lessons, covenant groups, roller skating, taking care of other children, joined a home-school Co-op, lots of different things with Gecko, things we had to cancel, the list goes on.

Another exciting thing happened in January, Sports-guy got a promotion at work, way to go Sports-guy, we're so proud of you for hanging in there!
So, at the end of Jan.-(February Eve!) here's hoping you all will enjoy this next month.

Filling in and Catching up.

2008-01-16T14:18:00.001-08:00

Hello, "Farm-girl" here, I'm just learning how to "work a Blog" so forgive all the mistakes! The creator and original writer of this blog, "Sports-guy", has been extremely busy and worn out as of lately, as you can see in the picture below, so I thought I would try and do some filling in and catching up on our going's on around here. Bed-bug snuggled up to Daddy (Sports-guy)

OK, we'll have to back up to Autumn. The kids LOVE to play in the fall leaves, here's Hider-man the leaf boy. Followed by Bed-bug, now being a little leaf bug.
Spots-guy isn't as fond of the leaves falling as t he kids are, to him it means a lot of raking and bagging, although, Hider-man has been doing that job as of lately. Good job Hider-man-- those ar e n 't even leaves from our trees!

Also, in the Fall, "Gecko", (oldest son), moved back to ID , although he is not living with us. He is in need of abundant prayer.
Here is Hider-man, Bed-bug and Gecko together again.
(Hmmm, sounds like a super hero cartoon group)

Of course, we can't talk about Fall with out talking about football, more specifically Boise State Football. Although the team didn't win like they did last season we still cheer for BSU! So does our pug Pixie (real name) whether she is willing to or not.
Awww, cheer up chubby pug, it's just for the photo.

Much to my chagrin - did I spell it right?- Fall means that winter is just around the corner and I am not fond of that particular season. To be a bear and hibernate...ahhh. But then I'd miss out on chunks of life.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus
1Thess. 5:18

Boy, do I need to remind myself of that verse often. Speaking of Thanks, we had a quaint Thanksgiving celebration with Grandma D.S.. over. This was only the 2ND time I've made Thanksgiving dinner and it turned out to be better than the first time I "cooked" the dinner. Thanks be to God alone!

So,we move onto this winter. Christmas is the first thing to pop into many heads when thinking of winter. The day after Thanksgiving Hider-man wanted the Christmas tree up!
I told him that I wouldn't do it but if he could bring the tree upstairs and put it together by himself then by all means go ahead and do it. So he did.

Here's Bed-bug,Pixie and Hider-man in front of the tree,in Nove mber.

What else did we do in December? We home schooled and got ready for Christmas. Some days were too icky to play outside and we've had our episodes of cabin fever-- so, sometimes we get a little silly, like Hider-man here.* Here's Bed-bug ,having styled her own hair and is sitting in a ca rdboar d box.

Poor Pixie, no one is immune to cabin fever shenanigans! Nice puggie tails.
When Christmas did finally come it was actually a white one! We had another quaint Christmas Eve celebration with Grandma D.S. This was my first Christmas dinner to cook and it was a flop! My poor family! Thankfully they took it all gracefully and Grandma D.S. said she actually enjoyed it-- she's so loving. That night we camped in front of the Christmas tree -- a tradition-- with our noise maker set to "outside at night" noises. After we woke up Sports-guy read to us from the Bible about the true meaning of Christmas, then Hider-man played us a beautiful Christmas hymn on his violin! Encore!

Then onto stockings! Here's Hider-man,Bed-bug and Sports-guy with their stockings.

Pixie: "Do I have a stocking?" She did, with a yummy treat in it. (Well, yummy for her.)

Then onto present opening. Here's Hider-man and Bed-bug opening some presents. While Pixie checks out the unopened boxes -- she really gets into other people opening presents, she gets as excited as a little kid and doesn't complain when she gets nothing! We should all be like that.

We then went and saw Gecko and had some gift exchanging. He made us a beautiful red picture frame in wood-shop. Here's Hider-man, Bed-bug and Gecko in front of the tree where Gecko is at.

We got to see many family members and lots of friends during Christmas and the days surrounding it which was the real treat! Thank you Lord for Family and good friends! May He bless you all!

Last celebration of the year, New Years Eve. Sports-guy and Hider-man stayed up past midnight, Bed-bug tried but she didn't quite make it. I didn't even try, I need the sleep and I know the new year will be there when I wake up.This picture of Bed-bug pretty much sums up how we all felt at the end of 2007!
So, onto 2008...we'll see what God has in store for us.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble. Matt 6:34

We Have a Winner!

2008-01-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

We recently received a phone call from the local grocery store informing us that "Hider-man" won the Christmas coloring contest for his age group. "Bed-bug" entered as well, but unfortunately did not win (although she did a great job as well). Congratulations to Hider-man for a job well done (and thanks for sharing some of your prize: a stocking full of Tootsie Roll products!), and to Bed-bug, give it another try next year, you did great little one!

Suffering

2007-11-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

Our blog, thus far, has been an update on the going-ons of our home school. Generally, we think of school as something done either K-12, or as formal secondary education. However, as we all know, there are many lessons in life that we as adults get "schooled in". Often, these lessons come in the form of suffering. At times, it is the result of our sin, and we come under the discipline of the Lord (see Hebrews 12:3-17); but yet, we are also told by Christ that it may not be the result of sin, but in order for God to be glorified through His works (see John 9). The Scriptures are replete with statements that in this life, we are going to suffer; if the Master suffered, then surely the students will, too (John 15:20). Whatever the purpose, or cause, we are told that all things work for the good of those who are called unto salvation by the Lord (Romans 8:28). What are we to make of this? How is it that our suffering is for our good?
We have recently dealt with pain resulting from slander. I am finding it very difficult to want to show love and forgiveness towards this person, as I feel as if I have been betrayed. However, in the midst of my anger and bitterness, I read a sermon dealing with Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Christ. Even though Judas was about to betray Jesus, our Lord nonetheless washed his feet. Through this, I am learning to pray as Jesus did, "Father, forgive [him], for [he] knows not what he does." Perhaps I need to learn, or be reminded, of the great debt that God has forgiven me...

Costumes

2007-10-31T22:21:00.000-07:00

Although "Hider-man" considers himself too old for dressing up, he did sport a Bronco jersey this evening at the party. No-the wrap on his hand was not for effect, but was from a bee sting in which his hand has been somewhat swollen. "Bed-bug" dressed up in a kitty costume; unfortunately in this photo you can't see her "tail"- but it was still lots of fun!
Sola Deo Gloria!

Celebrating the 490th Anniversary of the Reformation

2007-10-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

While October 31 is the day that most of America celebrates Halloween, our family (along with four other families) gathered this evening for a Reformation Day party. Perhaps many of you are asking yourself, "what is Reformation Day?" Well, on this date in 1517, a monk by the name of Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, and in doing so sparked the Protestant Reformation which would change not only the church, but the whole world. As Presbyterians whose roots are in the reformation with men such as Calvin and Knox (who, in turn taught the same gospel of grace that Jesus, the apostle Paul, and St. Augustine taught), we use this day to teach our children about Luther, John Tetzel and the indulgences he sold, Pope Leo X, the Diet of Worms, and the like. We also thank God for the incredible witness of those men and women who in the ensuing years would lose their lives for the sake of the gospel of Christ.

So-what did we do at the party? Well, there was a relay race called "trash the indulgences",
bobbed for apples, played "pin the theses on the door at Wittenberg", ate a "Diet of Worms" cake, and had the kids hit a pinata that was disguised as the 95 Theses (and filled with candy, of course!).

Post Tenebras Lux, "After Darkness, Light"

Links for further reading:
Here I Stand- a phenomenal biography of Martin Luther
Luther- an entertaining movie on Luther (2004)
Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed the World- excellent resource for teaching younger children about Luther
The State of the Church Before the Reformation- an article from Modern Reformation magazine. Excellent!
The Cambridge Declaration- another great article from Modern Reformation. This one covers the Five Solas of the Reformation (Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Deo Gloria).

Stuffed Animals

2007-10-02T22:04:00.000-07:00

Like most children, some of "Bed-bug's" favorite toys are her stuffed animals (or, as she pronounces the word, "aminals"). They provide friendship, comfort, and an opportunity for the child to use their imagination. Last week, we spent time reading and discussing the classic "Corduroy". Corduroy, of course, is a bear who lived in the toy department of a big store, who is purchased by a girl named Lisa. In the stories touching end, we see both parties declare they always wanted a friend.At the end of the week, "Bed-bug" drew a picture of Jerry-her favorite stuffed animal. Jerry, in the words of "Bed-bug", is a kitty whose fur is white and orange.

Eternal Life Lost Forever pt.II by Levi

2007-10-02T21:58:00.001-07:00

"Hider-man" recently finished the second half of his Epic of Gilgamesh writing...
As Gilgamesh placed the plant on a rock, he went to bathe in a refreshing pond-overjoyed he had obtained his lifelong dream. Slyly, an aged serpent started approaching him. Frightened about what the serpent was going to do, Gilgamesh sat helplessly as he watched it slither over and swallow his most prized possession. Amazingly, this famished serpents skin was shed and he grew new, luminous scales. Watching the young snake slide away, Gilgamesh shrieked in despair, knowing that he could do nothing. His treasure was permanently gone.

Roller Skating!

2007-09-25T22:18:00.001-07:00

Once a month, the Nampa Roller Drome hosts a "home-school" roller-skating day, with many families taking part. Last week, the kids attended their first one, and had a blast! Dad couldn't pay mom enough money, though, to put on a pair of skates-but she still went out in her shoes so that she could give Bed-bug a hand. Thankfully, big brother was able to give her a hand so that mom could get this photo.As far as getting "Farm-girl" on skates, it's probably for the best; the last thing we need is for mom to be out of commission for a while!

If We Ever Get Lost....

2007-09-25T21:54:00.001-07:00

We do not camp very often, but the next time we go we'll have to bring a needle and some paper with us. "Bed-bug", in a recent geography lesson, learned about compasses and had the opportunity to make one (see photo). Good thing too, because dad isn't very good about which direction he's heading (unless it's morning or dusk)!

Ancient Egypt

2007-09-24T22:28:00.004-07:00

This week, we are beginning a three-week study of Ancient Egypt. This study, Lord willing, will help the kids understand the culture in which Moses was raised, as well as the significance of the plagues which Yahweh brought upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians in the book of Exodus . We are beginning by learning of the importance of the Nile River- how it was considered the "lifeblood of Egypt". During this time, we are creating a salt-relief map of the country,

as well as building a model shaduf, which was used for irrigation. Future studies of Egypt will include pyramids, mummies, hieroglyphs, and Pharaohs.

Tonight, we finished the salt-relief map and built the model shaduf- which didn't turn out as well as the one "Gecko"(Oldest son), "Hider-man", and I made a few years ago.

The Great Experiment

2007-09-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well, the "great experiment" has ended. I have come to the conclusion that the Omnibus program that we were trying to implement in Hider-man's" studies this year is not going to work. As I looked at some of the upcoming things we would be studying, I realized the reading was going to be way above level for him. For a while I have had my eye on a program called Tapestry of Grace. I was close to choosing it for our classroom this year, but decided on the Omnibus program. One advantage with the TOG program is that it is multi-level, so we are beginning to use it with "Bed-bug" as well. This way, the kids will be taught together- with L having more difficult reading assignments, etc...Geography is included, as is Bible, Literature, and Art. This will take us through a four-year cycle in the study of history.

Writing

2007-09-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

One of the most difficult roles I have as the "headmaster" of our home-school is deciding on which books and materials we are going to use. Over the last few years I have decided that we're going to use "Curriculum A", only to find out that it isn't a good fit, is just the latest "flavor of the month"and not all that it's cracked up to be, or is just way above level. For this reason, I have made some poor choices in which good money was wasted. However, I do believe that two of our most recent purchases could very well be the best money we've spent on educational materials. The IEW program IS all it's cracked up to be. I cannot believe the difference in "Hider-man's" writing lately. We have always had a difficult time getting much out of him-writing wise- but this past week we've seen an amazing transformation. I am completely sold on their techniques on key-word outlines, dressing up the sentences, etc...Plus, the suggestion of purchasing an electronic Thesaurus/Dictionary was a work of genius (remember, we have a twelve-year old son who: a) hasn't enjoyed writing b) enjoys electronics). So, it is my pleasure to introduce "Hider-man's" first published work, based upon the Epic of Gilgamesh...

Eternal Life Lost Forever

Gilgamesh was on his last quest, to find out how to live forever. He was searching the tops of broad, towering mountains, and through scorching, barren deserts for a plant that would give him eternal life. When he came across a roaring river, he tied rocks to his ankles and, after taking his longest breath, leapt in. Immediately, the raging current carried him around until he finally saw the radiant gleam of a plant. He knew this was his one chance to seize this plant of life. When he got near the plant, he reached out, caught it, and pulled with all his strength. Covered with thorns, the nearly immobile plant didn't move. When Gilgamesh finally loosened the plant, he swam to the surface of the sea, gasping for breath. Gilgamesh had succeeded!

Friends

2007-09-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

One of "Hider-man's" required readings this year is the re-telling of the Epic of Gilgamesh called Gilgamesh the Hero. Two of the themes which we are covering in our discussions are those of "Friends" and “Immortality.” In the story, Gilgamesh, king of Uruk, meets a half-man, half-beast named Enkidu. This "beast-man" is sent by the gods (at the citizens' request) in order to turn Gilgamesh's attention away from all the women of the city. After a fierce struggle, in which neither man wins, the two become friends. After the duo’s victory against the Bull of Heaven and Enkidu’s obedience to one of the gods’ request of him cutting down a cedar, it is determined by these capricious gods’ that one of them must die. That someone is Enkidu. His judgment is unjust. After this death, Gilgamesh faces his own mortality and the reality of no longer finding comfort from his friend. Which leads me to this...Our family has dealt with many changes over the past three years. We have had to make a heart-wrenching decision of sending one of our children to live with family out of state. We have seen the death of loved ones. Many of our closest friends have either moved or have left our church body. Yet in the midst of it, we can take comfort that we do not worship and serve gods who are capricious, or who quarrel with one another. The Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit- does not deal unjustly in these circumstances, for His ways are perfect. Even though we cannot understand why He ordains the events in our lives that takes place, we can take comfort in knowing that “all things work together for those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Gilgamesh did not have this hope; his chief end was to bring glory to himself-not, as the Westminster Confession of Faith states it, “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Gilgamesh’s comfort was lost in Enkidu’s death; how sad that he never knew the beautiful words of the Heidelberg Catechism, no.1, “What is your only comfort in life and in death?” “That I am not my own, but belong-body and soul, in life and in death- to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil…” He did not have the physical resurrection to look forward to, only that his body was subjected to decay (just as his friend Enkidu’s body was)-as was so richly pictured in the worm falling out of Enkidu’s nose. His hope of immortality fails when he could not stay awake for a week; nor when given a second chance by finding the flower-only to lose it to a serpent.

The beauty of home-educating our children is the opportunity for discussion in things like this which we read. Sure, we can, and did, discuss friendships: what makes a good friend, how should we choose our friends, the friendship of David and Jonathan, etc…but more importantly, we have the opportunity to really disciple our children.

Finally, I was reminded this week that “Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is Lord of them.” That brought a smile to my face, because we really miss you Corey and Rachel, Bob and Georgie, Scott and Allison, & John and Adrian, Tom and Cheryl. It brings a smile to my face, because I know that we will once again have to say good-bye to other loved ones-perhaps in the not so distant future. Oh, Father, forgive me of being so focused on the here and now-for not having eternity in my heart and on my mind.

Balloons

2007-09-05T20:59:00.000-07:00

"Hider-man" is becoming quite the science enthusiast. We have previously studied life science and astronomy, and he showed some interest-particularly with animals (it's hard for the kids to escape "Farm-girl's" (their Mom) love for animals!). However, now that we're moving into the study of "general science", he's getting more exposure to some of the other branches of science which we have not yet covered, and he seems to really like it. The first week of school included three experiments, in which we used common household goods. In experiment one, he learned about density in nature by pouring vegetable oil, water, maple syrup, a rock, grape, ice cube, and a piece of cork in a glass. Experiment two taught him about atomic motion, and how atoms in hot water move fast than they do in cold water. Finally, in the third experiment, we saw how the chemical reaction of vinegar, baking soda, water, and a few cabbage leaves can blow up a balloon. How exciting!
The Omnibus lessons have been the most difficult, as I suspected they would be (well, let's not forget composition!). In week 1, he read through Genesis (from Catherine Vos' The Children's Story Bible-an excellent story Bible for children!) and now is reading through Exodus (from that same title). Each session usually contains a reading assignment, a Text Analysis section, Cultural Analysis section, and Biblical Analysis section. The purpose for this, and one of the reasons I chose this Omnibus program, is to have the student see the world through the lens of Scripture. This will become very important as we begin to read pagan works such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, Homer, etc...in which the authors were not writing from a Trinitarian worldview. Speaking of Gilgamesh, we will begin that next week as we continue in our Mesopotamian section. I found a great children's book called Gilgamesh the Hero. It is age appropriate for 9-12 year olds-which will work well for us, as the Epic is a little bit more than I want to cover with him. At least he will receive a good introduction to it, and see how the flood story changed after the dispersion at Babel.
"Bed-bug"is becoming quite the little organizer. She has spent time in her first grammar lessons learning how to categorize as she is preparing for her parsing. I'm sure "Farm-girl" will appreciate the end of the first few weeks-she seems to be constantly cutting pictures for these lessons. "Bed-bug" also spent the first week reading Curious George (with mom's help) in her literature lessons. After finishing the book, she spent some time drawing the balloons (I see a theme here) that carried George away, as well as doing some copywork (handwriting) telling us that "Curious George was a good little monkey who lived in Africa." This week, it's "Caps For Sale" for her literature class, as well as learning/reviewing "ing/ang/ong" in her phonics lessons. By the time she is done with this section of phonics, she will be ready to read "Ella Sings Jazz", a reader in the Phonics Museum about jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald. There are other aspects of her "education" that we need to continue working on: tying her shoe laces, and riding her bike without the training wheels. Hopefully, she will learn how to balance herself as she rides, so she isn't leaning too far to one side!

First Day of School

2007-08-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, today we began our new school year-much to the chagrin of the kids. "Bed-bug" learned a couple of new concepts: classifying and latitude and longitude. The classifying was done in her first English grammar lesson, as she separated photos into groups. Since the Shurley Grammar program does so much sentence analysis, this is a great way to slowly introduce the student to the practice. "Bed-bug" learned not only about latitude and longitude in her geography lesson, but how to draw a strip map as well (which showed how to get to grandpa and grandma M's house). "Hider-man" had a pretty light workload today-I hope he doesn't come to expect it! Like it is with most young men, writing may be the biggest difficulty we encounter this year. After purchasing the IEW program, I am really hopeful that this model of writing (beginning with key-word outlining of text, using dress-ups, imitating well-written material, etc) will have excellent results. We'll see...

2007-2008 School Year

2007-08-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Well, another summer break has come to an end, and we are about to embark on the new school year. This year will be a new challenge for us, as "Bed-bug's" studies will be intensified, and "Hider-man's" studies will increase in difficulty as he enters into the logic stage of his education. Following the classical education model, we will be focusing more on the "why" and "how", rather than the "who, what, when, and where". Perhaps the most challenging aspect of his education will come in the Omnibus program we will be using. We will be studying and reading about the Ancient Civilization (from creation to the early church fathers), and we will combine his history, literature, and bible/theology studies with this program. Here's a list of their courses of study:
"Hider-man"
Omnibus I: Bible/Theology, Ancient History (through fall of Rome), Literature
Math: Fundamentals of Math-Level 7
Grammar and Composition: BJU Press Grammar 7, Institute for Excellence in Writing
Science: Apologia General Science
Logic: The Fallacy Detective
Vocabulary: Worldly Wise 3000
Art/Music Appreciation: study various artists/musicians, continue working on art theory

"Bed-bug"
Bible: New Testament readings, Big Book of Questions/Answers About Jesus, Big Truth's for Little Kids
Math: BJU Press Math 1
English Grammar: Shirley Grammar 1
Phonics/Copywork: Veritas Phonics Museum 1
History/Geography: Veritas Press' Legends and Leagues, Sterling Tie Publishing's Rendezvous with Idaho History
Literature: Veritas Press' First Favorites vol. 1 & 2 to go with many children's classics.
Art/Music: Classical Kid's CD's, basic Art theory

Field Trip #1

2007-08-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today, our family had it's first field trip of the school year. Mom and the kids went to the Idaho Botanical Garden for Bug Day 2007 and had the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of insects. Some of the activities included games, crafts, and displays-not to mention the live insects. It's too bad we couldn't have done this two years ago as our science studies at that time were the "Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day" and included entomology. What a wonderful world the Lord has given us to exercise dominion over!