Hey! I beat the Sheriff! Check out my other blog!

busy, busy, busy!!

Ethan's beautiful "lefty" handwriting!

Jaret is working on his Language.

Jaret and Ethan have started AWANA and they are having a great time. Jaret had to make a very difficult decision this week. Soccer or AWANA. His soccer practice happens to be on Wednesdays this year and that just stinks. He can't be two places at once, so he chose AWANA. Daniel's practice is not on Wed. so he can continue going to youth group and he's very glad about that!

There is no other stream...

“Are you not thirsty?” said the lion.
“I’m dying of thirst,” said Jill.
“Then drink,” said the lion.
“May I – could I – would you mind going away while I do?” said Jill.
The Lion answered this only by a look and a very low growl. And as Jill gazed at its motionless bulk, she realized that she might as well have asked the whole mountain to move aside for her convenience.
The delicious rippling noise of the stream was driving her nearly frantic.
“Will you promise not to – do anything to me, if I do come?” said Jill.
“I make no promise,” said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that, without noticing it, she had come a step nearer.
“Do you eat girls?” she said.
“I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms,” said the Lion. It didn’t say this as if it were boasting, nor as if it were sorry, nor as if it were angry. It just said it.
“I daren’t come and drink,” said Jill
“Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion.
“Oh dear!” said Jill, coming another step nearer. “I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.”
“There is no other stream,” said the Lion.

"Wrong will be right when Aslan comes in sight. At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more. When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death, and when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again. - C.S Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

I'm sorry...I must brag...

Daniel continues to blow my mind with these creations using only the "paint" program. Can you see the detail?! He's even put blinds on the windows!!

Soccer Season is Upon Us!

Well, there's nothing like waiting 'til the last minute! We finally signed up for soccer today... the last day before they hike up the fee. Daniel and Jaret will be playing for East Citrus Soccer as they did last year. (Ethan's still not brave enough to join a team just yet, but he loves to play) Last year was a great season, the boys had alot of fun and Daniel's team was really awesome. They made it to the quarter finals and for a while there we were doing both soccer and baseball.

I don't know why I didn't get any good pictures from last years soccer games, shame on me...but here's just a few...

Daniel...always on alert. He was one of the fastest kids on the team and would chase the guy down til he had that ball.

Jaret exhibits some fancy footwork. His coach said he was such a positive presence on the field. That's my Jaret!

Where did my week go?

Wow,
I guess I've been busy. I expected that once we started school, my bloggin' might slow down...yep.
But what are we so busy with? Three "R"s and all that stuff...also paino lessons, Daniel's lawn business, AWANA, youth group, Bible study. Soccer is in the near future.
This week we've been entertaining the thought of a DC trip in early December. I've never been there and I know the boys would love it. We'll see!
Just registered for a couple of free events offered through the Save our Waters Week in Citrus Couny.(The purpose of Save Our Waters Week is to serve as a vehicle for promoting public awareness, public education and public consensus to save Citrus County’s treasured waters.) In September, we'll take a free Kayak excursion and also a tour on the springs in Crystal River. There's also a poster contest for kids to enter which looks fun.
So, that's all I've got for now! Getting a late start on our schoolwork this morning!!!!

International Space Station

Did you know that if you look up at exactly the right moment you might see the International Space Station flying overhead for a minute or so? Check this out:http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings/
Just click on the country, state and city in which you live and you will see a detailed list of dates and times of when you can catch a glimpse!
Dan and I were out walking the dog Tuesday night, and he looked up and pointed out what looked like a bright star traveling across the sky at a pretty great speed, but it took about a minute to completely cross. It didn't appear to be much larger than any other light in the sky, but it was very bright and at one point it reflected the sun so greatly it seemed to flare.
At first Dan thought it might be the shuttle. Well, I got online to check it out and sure enough it was something! The Space Station! I printed out the schedule and we went out the next night to see if we could find it. We all searched the sky at exactly 9:53 and we finally caught it halfway across, but this time it wasn't as bright so it was a little harder to follow but still very cool!
It was alot of fun. Take the kids outside! If you live in Inverness, here's the schedule!

A Trip on the Mayflower

My boys and I have been transported back in time to the 1620's over the past couple of weeks. It's been fascinating learning about our beginnings. Tonight we watched an extraordinary documentary called The Untold Story of the Mayflower.

Drawing scenes and dialogue from records of actual participants and eyewitnesses, this documentary meticulously re-creates the historic saga of the Pilgrims, from their extraordinary Mayflower crossing to their historic encounters with the Native Americans. Featuring a cast of actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company, the program was shot at Plimoth Plantation in Massachusetts, as well as locations in England, Belgium, Maryland and Virginia.

This movie helped bring to life all that we've been reading about. It was truly an amazing journey and I have never seen a film tell the story better.

My three little "PIGS"!!

I get a letter in the inbox once in a while from www.familymanweb.com.
The letters are really aimed at Dads but I think they're funny enough for moms, too! I saw Todd Wilson speak at the Home school convention last year and apparently he always draws the biggest crowd. Very funny stuff.

I love this letter about our "PIG" children! Is there a video camera in my house?!

Hi Dads, I just had to write while the iron is hot. It's therapeutic for me to blab to 10,000 dads that my children are---how do I say this gently? PIGS!!!! Our children do chores, and they have responsibilities. We train them, we dole out consequences when they don't do a job well, we work on specifics, and still, they're PIGS!!! The mess that nine people can create is overwhelming at times. We can work all day cleaning up one area, and then, whal-la, like magic, it's trashed again within about 13 minutes. So I've decided that instead of banging my head against the wall and lamenting this fact, I'm going to---plot my revenge. Yes, sir, I'm not going to get mad, I'm going to get EVEN (add maniacal mad scientist laugh here!!!) Here's what I've planned so far: First, I have to wait about 20 years until they're all grown up and out of the house. Then, I'll go to each of their houses starting with the oldest and work my way down from there. After a few minutes of light conversation, I'll say I have to go to the bathroom. Once there, the revenge will begin as I take a perfectly neat tube of toothpaste and squeeze it all over the edges of the sink and then of course leave the cap off for them to find---behind the toilet. Then, I'll do my business, not even trying to hit the toilet, and for good measure, I'll pull off every towel they own from the towel bars and wad them up on the floor. Man, this is good. Later, when I know no one's looking, I'll take an entire package of Ritz crackers from the kitchen cupboard, crush them in my hand, and sprinkle them all over the floor. Then, I'll take a jar of peanut putter and scoop out a big glob with my fingers, smear the entire outside of the jar, put it back in the cupboard---and of course, leave the lid for them to find---behind the toilet. For my entire visit, I'll go from room to room making messes just like they used to make.but this is the weird part. You see, I'm confident that the more messes I make in their house, the more saddened I'll be that they are no longer making messes in my house. I will hate having a spotlessly clean house all the time. I need to stop and think about that for a while. Talk about irony. The very things that drive us dads crazy now will be the things we will miss the most later. So, with all that said, my children are still pigs, but somehow just talking to you about my revenge makes me feel better. And, it's reminded me of what really matters. If your children do something that really bugs you, plot a little revenge now, and maybe things will look a little different when you're done.
You da Dad!

The Prestige

This is a great movie. The Prestige keeps you guessing and keeps you glued to the very end. I recently found this movie on someone's "best of 2006" list. I definitely agree. The movie is set in London 1899 and illusionists are rapidly becoming a sought after form of entertainment. Two men become entangled in a bitter competition against one another as a result of a tragedy that affected them both earlier. The illusions on stage are nothing compared to the illusions that they call their lives. I warn you, this movie is just over 2 hours long, but well worth it!

Slowly starting school...

Yesterday, the boys and I ran through a full day of school to see how the schedule might work out. I think I've come up with a very workable schedule, maybe a teeny bit too much crammed into a day, but there's still time for tweaking. I, for one, was thrilled to have some routine back into my life(even just for a day). I'm very done with summer and I'm ready to attack the books. I haven't been taking any pics lately and I must remedy that!

Daniel created this car using only the "Paint" program! It's supposed to be artsy and abstract. He's amazing.

Jaret enters the world of Narnia...(next to my laundry)

Ethan loves the Chronicles and we're in the middle of the Silver Chair.

I must really be bored...

It's raining cats and dogs!!
But what the heck does that mean!?

Amanda and Tucker

A great time was had by all today at our house! We had a short but sweet visit from some cousins from Alabama, Amanda and Tucker. They are a couple of the greatest kids in the world and we miss them when they're not around!

We had planned some fun in the sun for the day, but of course, those afternoon thunderstorms keep coming. After Grandma Donna made her famous mac n' cheese with all that Grandma love, Daniel made his special pancakes for those of us who really wanted to stuff our faces. We had some exciting card games along with our pancakes! We learned a new card game called Golf recently and it was a big hit!

Our citters are spoiled with love!

Here's Tucker, Rusty and Amanda.

Jaret, Daniel, Ethan, Amanda and Tucker

Cutter, Tucker and Ethan

Amanda enjoying those great pancakes over a card game with Gram.

The rain couldn't stop Daniel and Amanda from getting out on the court!

We loved this Movie!

Our family recently watched a movie called "The Last Sin Eater".
A few years back I remember beginning the book by Francine Rivers but for some reason never finished it. I have read some of her other books and I enjoyed them very much so we rented this film. Dan and I just loved the movie and recommend it highly!

Producer’s Synopsis: “When a mysterious man "absolves" her grandmother's sins by eating bread and wine at her grave, 10-year-old Cadi wants the same redemption---while she's still alive! But in her quest for deliverance she uncovers a dark secret that threatens to divide her family. What will happen when the two face each other---and the One who can truly save them?In 1850's Appalachia, 10-year-old Cadi Forbes is wracked with guilt over the death of her sister. She feels responsible for the loss and sets out to find the only man, known as The Sin Eater, who can take away her guilt. But while seeking redemption, Cadi learns a devastating secret that has the potential to tear apart her family and community.Based on the award winning novel by Francine Rivers.”

Read some reviews of the movie here.

Well, I've been pretty busy this week trying to get things in order for the new school year. I've got some loose ends to tie up but I'm very ready to get moving. We've been very relaxed over the summer and we haven't stuck to a schedule at all. I do believe the boys are getting bored, too! So, we shall hit the books soon! I don't have anything too exciting to report so I've added some pics of Daniel and Jaret cutting the grass...again. So much rain, so much grass.

I love watching them work!

Daniel is cutting a neighbor's lawn. Saving up for that car!

This morning I find myself glued to my computer reading and watching videos from this website:
http://www.leestrobel.com/
I discovered Lee Strobel's latest book, The Case for the Real Jesus, in the latest emails from my Zondervan book club. This book will be released in September, but the club allows a sneak peek in to the book. Lee Strobel is an atheist-turned-Christian who has written numerous books about the overwhelming evidence for Christ. They include:
The Case for Christ
The Case for Faith
The Case for a Creator
God's Outrageous Claims
The Case for Christmas
The Case for Easter
What Jesus Would Say
Exploring the Da Vinci Code

At this site, there are literally hundreds of videos where the really tough questions are asked: Are there inconsistencies in the Bible? Can the world have morals without a God? What about free will? Have there been new Gospels found? Does science prove the existence of God?

This is definitley a helpful place to go for both the sceptic and the firm believer. Maybe I'll get to my laundry later.

observations

My Husband, the Culinary Artist

So! We went to see Ratatouille the other day. A must see, of course. The Disney/Pixar team is pure genius. The movie was so good that it moved my Dear Husband to create this amazing little dish. It has no name yet but I made notes because he must make it again...soon. Dan missed his calling. He loves to cook and he is very good. He is "Remy" and I am "Emile"(the two mice brothers) Remy has a God-given gift for food. Creating the edible artistic creations is his gift. Emile, however, will eat whatever slop he stumbles over. Unfortunately, that's me. But when Dan puts together stuff like this...it recalls to mind why I married him. I'm remembering a lemon-meringue pie....

Steve is on his way

If you haven't heard yet, Steve Brown is coming to town! He'll be preaching at Seven Rivers in Lecanto on Saturday and Sunday, August 4th and 5th. He's one of my favorite guys in the world. He's real, controversial to some and he's a hoot. I encourage you all to check out his sites, blogs, magazine, sermons and radio show!

From http://www.stevebrownetc.com/:
Love him or hate him, Steve Brown always draws a crowd. Over the past 22 years, as founder and president of Key Life Network, Steve’s unique blend of orthodoxy and controversy, humor and profundity, and a refusal to play religious games, has attracted some interesting folks. Steve Brown Etc. is a place where you can hang out with Steve "and the rest" and experience radical freedom, infectious joy and maybe even a bit of surprising faithfulness.

From http://www.keylife.org/:
Brown is a radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He previously served as a pastor for over twenty-five years and now devotes much of his time to the radio broadcast, Key Life.
With such varied experience and unique perspective on life, Steve is an original. He refuses to be a "guru," doesn't want to be anyone's mother and gives, in his teaching, the freedom to think. Overall, Steve has become known for his refreshing and practical Biblical applications.
Steve serves as Professor of Preaching at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He sits on the board of the National Religious Broadcasters and Harvest USA. Traveling extensively, Steve is a much-in-demand speaker.
Steve is the author of numerous books including Born Free, When Being Good Isn't Good Enough and When Your Rope Breaks. His articles appear in such magazines and journals as Leadership, Decision, Plain Truth and Today's Christian Woman.

Citrus Summer Showdown 5K

Had a great time at the Citrus Summer Showdown 5k at Whispering Pines yesterday! This is a free race that they have to showcase the county's best runners from middle school through college aged kids. Dan and I are obviously WAY beyond those years but there's still a bunch of old folks like us who are brave enough to run with (or more accuratley, behind) those spunky kids! Jenny is in the picture above. She still kicks behinds while she's pregnant!
I underestimated this course! And the heat! I was pleased with my time of 24:06 but it took everything I had to finish. If it weren't for some encouraging shouts from behind, I think I may have just laid down. But, on the bright side, I know what to expect next year! Dan and I to the right, are both ready to go home and go back to bed!