GOTCHA DAY

Gotcha Day is a pretty special day in our house.  It is the day we celebrate the day that a Chinese official put a precious little girl in our arms and we announced to her... "we Gotcha forever".  We became her forever family on December 10, 2002.  

Every year we celebrate this day with the Medonis family.  Their little girl was in the same group of kids and in the same orphanage as Karis.  We traveled with them to China and share a special bond with them because of this experience.  

I thank God Almighty for His blessing of Karis.  He chose her for us and us for her.    He is definitely in the adoption business, both in human families and His spiritual family.  I am glad He adopted me too.

Record of Sins

Did you know that if the Lord kept a record of sin no one could stand?  (Ps. 130:3) This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible.  I fall so short everyday and my sins are many.  I cannot reach the "perfection" requirement.  I am grateful My Savior does not keep a record of my shortcomings and out and out sins. 

It confounds me that some teachers teach that all our sins are stored up (at least the ones we have not asked specific forgiveness) for us to answer for one day even in heaven.  In my Beth Moore study (Stepping Up) this week, she addresses this issue.  She says "Imagine what heaven would be like if, when you get there, God raises the door on your storage unit of sin and brings out one memento after another representing each sin.  For me, that would not be heaven.  It would be a descent into hell."  And it would for me too.  Romans 8:1 promises that there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ.   Jesus promised to take our sins away but of course we still experience earthly consequences and discipline for them.

Colossians 2:13-15:  When you WERE DEAD in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ.  He forgave us ALL our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

Isn't that the best news you have heard all day,...no, all week,...no, EVER.  That, my friends, is GRACE.  A sweet, sweet word.  Because of His grace, He forgave ALL our sins, not just a few of them, not just the ones before today, not just the ones we remembered and asked forgiveness.....no, ALL of them, past, present and future.  PRAISE GOD.

Ps. 32:1-2:  How happy is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How happy is the man the Lord does not charge with sin, and in whose spirit is no deceit.

And if we have been on the receiving end of  such an incredible gift of grace, shouldn't we willingly, quickly and happily extend that grace to those around us, and do that "when they are still in their sin"?

Where have you been????

I know I haven't posted in a long time so that lends the question, "Where have you been"? Well,the answer is simple,  very busy with the kids and home school.  We haven't really had anything specific that has been happening, just your typical school days and weekends full of fall chores.  

We do not typically take a fall break but last week we did take a couple of days off.  Chris and I enjoyed some time together without our kiddos for a few nights.  We went to Cages Bend campground in Gallatin, TN.  Fall camping is fantastic.  Since we were so close to Gallatin and Hendersonville, we hit a couple of movies and did some early Christmas shopping.  Christmas shopping is one thing my man loves to do for his kids.  Sometimes he enjoys it too much and therefore, spends too much.  BUT, the weather, company, movies and shopping were all wonderful.  We took advantage of our time without the kids to see a movie called "Fireproof", starring Kirk Cameron.  You remember him...the Growing Pains kid.  He did a fabulous job.  The movie shows the difference in a worldly marriage and a godly marriage.   This movie will not win any awards but those who see it will hopefully be rewarded.  

Please don't think I have abandoned you.  I will post again soon.  Thanks.  Have a wonderful fall day.

CAMO Everywhere!!!!

I don't see any boys...do you see any boys?  Where?

Yes, this is my son!!!  I am so proud of him.  No, I don't care for hunting, don't really understand the fun of hunting. 

BUT

it is fun to see your child do something he enjoys.  He has been wanting to hunt for a long time.  Since Chris does not enjoy the sport, it is hard for us to find ways to accommodate his desire.  He has completed the hunter safety course and has his license but no "kills" under his belt.  

This was a juvenile dove hunt in Hartsville.  It was lots of fun for Jordan and even Chris said he had a really good time too.   

Another step toward manhood.

Lane's New Room

Lane in his loft bed.

His rock climbing wall up to the loft.

The "cave" under the loft.

My son, Lane, lives in a closet.  This particular room started out as Chris' and my closet when we first moved in our home 18 years ago.  Yes, it was a walk-in closet but still a closet.  It measures about 8 X 8. He has been complaining about wanting a new room.  Well, Chris and I are finished adding on to our house so we did the next best thing...we redid his room.  And he loves it.  If any of you know my man, you know he can do just about anything he wants to do.  In a casual conversation last weekend, we brainstormed a few ideas for his room.  A few hours later, Chris was at Lowes buying the lumber he needed to build my son a new bed.  It has turned out so cool. He has a loft bed.  To get in the loft, he climbs a "rock" wall.  In the "cave" under the bed, we put some cool Christmas lights around the bottom of the bed.  We reworked the shelves for his clothes and toys and added another shelf above his bed for his birds.  Target had these neat floor chairs on clearance so I got two of those so he can play his games or watch a video.  He has enjoyed his new room and shows it off every chance he gets.  It's really great.  

Next room to do....a teenage boy, Jackson.  Any ideas?????

Yellow Star

I took the kids to Cookville to enjoy a play.  I had gotten an email from my county homeschool group about this play.  It was called Yellow Star, written and directed by Mary Evelyn Notgrass.  I had thought that this was the mother of the Notgrass family who has homeschooled her children and has written curriculum that I have used with my boys, Tennessee History. WRONG. It was her daughter. Not only did she write this play, but she also wrote the words and music to the songs.  The songs were beautiful and glorified God.  The story was amazing, interesting, historically accurate and pointed to Jesus, the Yellow Star.  The story was set in France and she included several French dances, songs and games that children played in the early 40's.  The four Nazi solders even spoke German.  Another most impressive aspect is that there were over 60 actors and every one of them were home school kids, no adults.  

From my understanding, this was the 10th annual production of this Homeschool Dramatic Society.  I am so excited and look forward to the 11th annual production.     

The picture above is Mary Evelyn Notgrass.  She also played the role of the housekeeper.  She can act too!!!!!

Beginning of the End, Pt 2

On Sunday, the Matt Weaver family rented a pontoon boat at Defeated Creek.  Our family and the Beards packed up and drove down there (about 10 miles) to hang out on the pontoon boat.  It was fun.  We soaked and bobbed a lot.  

The water was great.  It was pretty clear too.  That is my husband's legs you can see in the water.

Of course, we took Poochie. 

The kids had fun jumping off the pontoon boat.  Here is Karis and Hope holding hands and jumping.

If ever there is any game of any kind, you can be sure that Jack will want to be part of it.  All the kids played UNO.  

Several of the kids tried to learn to ski.  Here is Micah.  It didn't take him long to get the hang of it.  He was up by the fourth try.    

The beginning of the end

The kids are back in school full swing and Labor Day is behind us, it's the beginning of the end of summer.  The official end of summer is NOT until Sept. 21 however, everyone is looking forward to the fall leaves and cooler temps.  A dear friend had her fall wreath up the third week of August.  She is so ready for fall.  I, on the other hand, am holding on to every warm moment with all that is in me.  

I guess we took our last "summer" camping trip over Labor Day.  Summer camping trips always include boating, skiing, swimming and tubing.  I think we will take the boat out a time or two more but then it will be time to winterize it and park it in the barn until next spring. Our family really extended the Labor Day holiday to 5 nights.  We went to Salt Lick Creek on Wednesday night.  That gave our family two nights and two days before the "masses" arrived on Friday night.  The "masses" were the 5 other families that like to camp together.  

Two years ago, Lane learned to ride a bike at this same campground.  This year, Karis learned.  She caught on very quickly but she still needs to tweak her skill.

On Thursday, we were the only ones at the swimming area.  The kids enjoyed building dams, roads, swimming pools and castles together.  

On Saturday, we headed out right after breakfast to the lake.  

Gran Gran  and Elizabeth tubing.  They were screaming the whole time having so much fun. 

Jordan and Micah had fun tubing too.

One Thing

This afternoon I am totally enjoying myself canning tomatoes and praising the Lord.  Sounds weird, I know.  I have got Rich Mullins blaring through the house.  I am singing along as loud as I can just praising Him.  Yes, my kids are looking at me funny too especially since I don't really have a good singing voice.  

It has been a long time since I listened to Rich Mullins.  We dug it out today because we were studying the Apostolic Creed.  He has a song called Creed that quotes the creed.  I continued to listen to this great CD.  The Lord uses his music to convict my soul.  I am listening to "One Thing".  

Everybody I know says they need just one thing 

And what they really mean is 

They need just one thing more

And everybody seems to think

They got it coming

Well I know that I don't deserve You (italics mine)

Still I want to love and serve You

More and more

You're my one thing.

Save me from those things 

That might distract me

Please take them away 

And purify my heart

I don't want to lose the eternal for

The things that are passing

Cause what will I have

When the world is gone

If it isn't for the love

That goes on and on with

My One Thing.  

What is your one thing?  Is it Jesus?  I want Him to be my One Thing.  Many times I don't live like He is.  I get caught up in those things that are passing and I stress and I experience anxiety over these things.  I worry and fret then I get upset with my babies and time is wasted on those things that are passing.  

The last line of the song is my prayer today:

Every night and every day

You hold on tight

Or you drift away

You're left to live

With the choices you make

Oh Lord please give me the strength

To watch and work and love 

And sing and pray.

A Bad Day Homeschooling is Better Than a Good Day...

...in public school.  

This was not in any way a bad day.  It was wonderful.  Even on our horrible days of home schooling, I wouldn't trade them.  

Here is a wonderful day of home school.

After reading about the city of Pompeii being buried under a volcano, we made our own volcano.  My small kiddos had not ever done this activity before today.  We read about how this volcano erupted on August 24, 79 a.d.  The city was modern and vibrant.  They were actually getting ready for their elections. About 1 pm the volcano started spewing and sputtering.  It shot lava up 12 miles into the air and with the pressure of the gases in the mountain, it stayed in the air like a mushroom for hours.  During this time, people just went on with their lives. We read about how one man even took a nap.  When the volcano finally started to weaken, the ash fell on the city at a rate of about 6" per hour. The whole city was soon covered in hot, molten ash. The city stayed buried for 1500 years.  

We then headed outside to make our volcano with baking soda and vinegar.  It was a hit.  They loved it.  We did it over and over until we ran out of baking soda and vinegar.  

This whole story and activity spurred lots of conversation about volcanos.  We looked on the internet and found pictures of the Mount Saint Helen's eruption in 1980.  We found some really great pictures and video on YouTube.  The kids then wanted to know where in the world were volcanoes.  So Jordan and Jackson got on the internet to find locations of volcanoes worldwide and then reported back to Lane and Karis what they learned.  On our world map, they marked a few places.    

A few minutes later, I found Lane and Karis looking at science books about volcanoes. 

 We then drew pictures of the city of Pompeii with a red cloud in the shape of a mushroom.  

None of this was pre-planned.  I don't think I could have planned it any better than it turned out.  We really had fun and hopefully learned a little along the way.    

Flowers of the Field

All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:6-8

PERFECT

I can't think of a better word to describe our weekend. We went to Dale Hollow Lake and stayed at the Lillydale Park campground. I have never been to Dale Hollow but I had heard about it. Anytime Dale Hollow is mentioned, faces glaze over as if this is some sort of magical place. Well, it is not literally magical but it is perhaps the best lake EVER. I have never been to a lake or in any body of water where I could see so clearly in the water as I could there. It was deep, wide, clean and clear.

The weather would also fall under that catagory of "perfect". The temperature was in the mid 80's with little humidity. We actually had nice fire on Saturday night which is unusual for this time of year to be able to enjoy.

The campground was just as wonderful. We had a great site location.

And of course, the company was perfect. We camped with friends and the kids had a great time together. It just blesses my soul to see kids love each other the way these three families children do. As Chris said all weekend, "memories...we are making memories". These are sweet times that our children will remember for their entire lives.

It was a good weekend.

Shall We Gather at the River

Saturday afternoon we met friends at the river. It was so hot and we needed to cool off. The kids just bobbed and the adults got to catch up.



Unfortunately, our friends had a little problem with their boat. After deciding to do a little tubing, Glenn could hear a belt making a lot of noise on the engine. He tried to tighten up the belt that was squeeking and making all the racket. He saw that it was going to need to be changed...soon. After a quick examination by the men , they decided they could definitely take care of that easily the next week. We took off, not worrying about it, all kids in tow tubing down the river. We didn't get too far before he came to a quick stop. We knew by the look on his face that the belt had broken. Don't worry...just a belt.

We had a "nice" slow ride back the dock with their boat in tow. It was like letting all the air out of a balloon...sad faces everywhere.


Tonya made the best of it saying "ROCK ON" with a smile on her face.

While they were loading their boat on the trailer, we took their daughter to jump from the swing rope. She was determined and ready. The boys had already been talking to her about jumping. Of course, they were so excited to show off for her. I wonder if they thought she wouldn't jump???


Anyway, they climbed the steep bank to the stoop by the rope. Jackson went first very confidently to show her how to do it.



Next it was her turn. We threw her the rope. Suddenly the river seemed much further away to her. Back and forth she hesitated..."yes, I am going to jump, no I'm not going to jump". She was battling herself.


Okay, her decision was final..."NO...I am not going to do it". She steps back, hands the rope to Jordan, he takes off, does a beautiful swing and drops into the water. He made it look so easy and fun. "Okay, I should have done that".

She was trying again to muster up the courage to do it. I had my camera ready for the jump... ready and waiting...ready... yes...wanting to get her in the air... waiting.... okay, I am ready. Turn the camera back on and ready again. I looked away for only a moment, but that moment was long enough for her to leave the rock. Oh no...snap....

I only caught the splash. But SHE DID IT!!! She was so excited. How fun for her. All I got was the splash on the camera, but she got the satisfaction of knowing she had the courage to do something beyond her comfort zone.

Six People...Bigger boat...still Big Fun

We bit the bullet and bought a boat. (How's that for alliteration) Here is her maiden voyage on the Cumberland River. This a such a wonderful time our family spends together. I see lots of smiles from all my kids when we are on a river ride.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year?!?!?!

Years ago Staples had a very funny back to school commercial with a background song playing"It's the most wonderful time of the year".  It showed a mom and dad joyfully dancing (kind of like ballet moves) and pushing a shopping cart full of school supplies through the store.  This time of year brings about a bittersweet feeling for me.  While I love the smell of a fresh pad of paper, the look of a sharp pencil, the feel of a new pen and the promise of the new curriculum for my kiddos that I have researched over the past few months, the bitter part ... it sort of marks the end of summer.  And oh how I love summer!!!!  That, to me, is the "most wonderful time of the year".  I love shorts, t-shirts, sandals, warm, long days, ice cream, cantaloupe, fresh corn and okra, summer reads, boating, camping, a nice color to my skin, running, swinging on my screened-in back porch, and the hum of the air conditioner!!!            

Six People...Little Boat...Big Fun!!!

We went to the river Thursday evening to cool off and relax. We wanted to give the kids an opportunity to ski or hydroslide.

There was a rope hanging from a tree near the boat ramp.

The momma in me was a nervous wreck but the kid in me was excited for them to do it. They had a ball.

Later, the kids skiied. We were so happy for Jackson. He finally was able to get up on the water and ski for a while without falling. He had many attempts and finally made it.

Isn't he cute!!!!

"Jo" cool

Ya Hoo!!!! He made it.

18 DOZEN = 216 EARS!!!!!!

That's right...18 dozen ears of corn. 216. That's how many ears we shucked, silked, cut, cooked, bagged and froze. WHEW!!!

My cousin, Tara, her daughter, Hope, Karis, Lane and I headed out about 10 am to KY to the Amish and Mennonite community in Scottsville, KY. We had so much fun. We bought corn, peppers, squash, okra, tomatoes, and zucchini .... and oh yeah ... peanut butter fudge, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered peanuts and hershey bar. We also found a store that sold fresh herbs and spices. I bought some cocoa for $1. YIPPEE. More chocolate creations.W!!!!

Everyone pitched in to help shuck the ears.

YUM!!!!

Karis said it looked like a flower.

Happy Birthday America!!!!

This 4th of July we had a little family get-together at my house. The family included Chris' parents, my parents, my sister and her friend, Lisa and all the Weaver kiddos. Dart, unfortunately, was out of town. We had the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and dip, homemade ice cream and of course, watermelon. We also celebrated with a cake with sparklers on it.











After we filled our bellies, most everyone headed home. We loaded up and headed to Hartsville to see the fireworks. It was a nice show of fireworks.

We got home to then put on our own show. The kids love to do this every year. It is one of our family traditions.

It was a great 4th!!!