Those vowels become important when communicating!
Tonight K went shopping with her Dad, spending her b-day money as soon as she could! (She'll be 16 on Sunday!)
Anyhow, she was talking on the phone with her friend while shopping and said, "I bought some wedges." Since they had previously been talking about CDs, her friend thought she has just bought a new CD and the band was called "Wedgies."
So, we are laughing about this one.... hope it put a grin on your face, too!
June 19, 2007
Speaking of Computers and Technology, and other things
At the CHEC homeschool conference that we attended last week, there were opportunities for us all to exhibit a great deal of grace as we shared a much smaller space during off-hours.
R now calls my laptop a "tap top" as that's the sound it makes when I type she says. Daddy doesn't make that noise when he types, so nearest we can figure is it's my nails on the keys making the noise. :-)
Hubby gets big brownies points for finding a mouse to go with my laptop so that my right "pointer" finger isn't so abused by using the "button" mouse. I love it because it's an optical mouse and there is no need for a mouse pad. :-) It also has a scroll feature that isn't available with a button mouse. Small pleasures yielding great happiness!
This comes at a needed time as I'm in the crunch of the deadline schedule for the CHEC Update (of which I am the editor) and my computer time increases expotentially during this time!
Yesterday we had the joyous opportunity to spend time with my niece and her beautiful sons! Indescribibly wonderful to hug these precious boys and get to know who they are! I love the way that JP (the first) thinks so analytically already, like his daddy. And, JP (the second) won his great aunt's heart by extending a couple of kisses without being prompted for them! :-) And it goes without saying that my admiration, respect and love are always extended to my niece, who really seems more like a sister since I am not that much older than her! (11 years and 10 months older--but whose counting?)
Nothing extraordinary to blog about, just catching some people up on our lives. I rather like things as they are and not full of angst or worry. Sorry if that's boring to others!
R now calls my laptop a "tap top" as that's the sound it makes when I type she says. Daddy doesn't make that noise when he types, so nearest we can figure is it's my nails on the keys making the noise. :-)
Hubby gets big brownies points for finding a mouse to go with my laptop so that my right "pointer" finger isn't so abused by using the "button" mouse. I love it because it's an optical mouse and there is no need for a mouse pad. :-) It also has a scroll feature that isn't available with a button mouse. Small pleasures yielding great happiness!
This comes at a needed time as I'm in the crunch of the deadline schedule for the CHEC Update (of which I am the editor) and my computer time increases expotentially during this time!
Yesterday we had the joyous opportunity to spend time with my niece and her beautiful sons! Indescribibly wonderful to hug these precious boys and get to know who they are! I love the way that JP (the first) thinks so analytically already, like his daddy. And, JP (the second) won his great aunt's heart by extending a couple of kisses without being prompted for them! :-) And it goes without saying that my admiration, respect and love are always extended to my niece, who really seems more like a sister since I am not that much older than her! (11 years and 10 months older--but whose counting?)
Nothing extraordinary to blog about, just catching some people up on our lives. I rather like things as they are and not full of angst or worry. Sorry if that's boring to others!
June 12, 2007
Computer's Frozen! AGAIN
So, earlier today the computer froze on me for the third time. The kids were all around, and so I had to be careful in expressing my frustration.
I blurted out, "Evil, nad, basty, twisted!" Boy, did that make them laugh!
Their laughter lightened my frustration at the wonderful technological wonders at our fingertips!
:-)
I blurted out, "Evil, nad, basty, twisted!" Boy, did that make them laugh!
Their laughter lightened my frustration at the wonderful technological wonders at our fingertips!
:-)
June 11, 2007
Yesterday
We had a like-minded friend (::read confessional, conservative LCMS member::), who has returned to the lower 48, attend worship yesterday! It was nice to re-connect.
Psalm 30 was the focus of our Bible study yesterday. Music can have such a powerful impact on people. I know it does me having grown-up with a mother who cherished playing the piano and sharing her musical gifts with others. She taught me to appreciate music and it's ability to convey emotions that words sometimes cannot.
Pastor had shared in his sermon about the power of music and how it brings up such emotions in us such as the music we select for funerals. Oftentimes that music stays with us long after the words from that day have left our mind. I concur.
So, when the last hymn of the day was "Beautiful Savior" (LSB 537) it was so touching for me as that was one of the songs I remember my mother playing. After she died in November 2000, I picked up a 4Him CD that was a fresh look at "old" hymns. "Beautiful Savior" helped me that December to focus on the fact that she was with the "Beautiful Savior" now.
Joyfully that song comes now from memory. I think learning hymns by heart is also a good thing to do besides just memorizing scripture because of the powerful impact it has on the heart and mind.
Psalm 30 was the focus of our Bible study yesterday. Music can have such a powerful impact on people. I know it does me having grown-up with a mother who cherished playing the piano and sharing her musical gifts with others. She taught me to appreciate music and it's ability to convey emotions that words sometimes cannot.
Pastor had shared in his sermon about the power of music and how it brings up such emotions in us such as the music we select for funerals. Oftentimes that music stays with us long after the words from that day have left our mind. I concur.
So, when the last hymn of the day was "Beautiful Savior" (LSB 537) it was so touching for me as that was one of the songs I remember my mother playing. After she died in November 2000, I picked up a 4Him CD that was a fresh look at "old" hymns. "Beautiful Savior" helped me that December to focus on the fact that she was with the "Beautiful Savior" now.
Joyfully that song comes now from memory. I think learning hymns by heart is also a good thing to do besides just memorizing scripture because of the powerful impact it has on the heart and mind.
June 10, 2007
Homeschool Dad's thoughts upon graduation of daughter
Hubby shared some eloquent words about his first daughter's graduation.
Here they are:
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about my wife’s and my season of life that we are crossing into … or more accurately, the fence we are straddling. On one side is the warmth and familiarity of our homeschooling and leadership endeavors that we are currently blessed to give to and receive from. This side of the fence is our struggles and triumphs that shape us as we, through our loving God’s strength and grace, continue to guide our daughters’ character and educational development. It’s also the humbleness we feel as we accept the opportunities to lead and serve our fellow homeschooling parents. What is new to us is the other side of the fence that we are now trying to get a firm foothold on. The time that we mark as the accomplishment that we so hard worked, worried, celebrated along the way, and always prayed about. The transformation of our first born daughter from our homeschooled student to a homeschool graduate … despite our stumbles and lofty goals that were seldom fully achieved, we were surely guided through this journey by our wondrous Counselor and Savior … as well as family, friends, and our fellow homeschoolers! It is with some trepidation, some disbelief that we are here at this point of letting go of our S, that little bundle of joy that despite ourselves we have managed to prepare for the next journey of her life … look out world! We pray that she continues to grow and mature as she follows the opportunities that are before her, that her dreams allow her to change the world around her … that our God and Savior protect her from the world that will try to change her!
With S’s passion for the political process and history, this quote from our former President about our unique country and leadership made me also think of the parallels to our homeschool movement:
“To a few of us here today this is a solemn and most momentous occasion, and yet in the history of our nation it is a commonplace occurrence. The orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place, as it has for almost two centuries, and few of us stop to think how unique we really are. In the eyes of many in the world, this every-four-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle.” Ronald Reagan.
What we do and have done through homeschooling, I believe will leave as profound a mark on this great country of ours as President Reagan felt that the office and process of our leadership selection did. I truly think with proud, yet humble, feelings of being part of this homeschooling movement … I say look out world … change is in the air!
Here they are:
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about my wife’s and my season of life that we are crossing into … or more accurately, the fence we are straddling. On one side is the warmth and familiarity of our homeschooling and leadership endeavors that we are currently blessed to give to and receive from. This side of the fence is our struggles and triumphs that shape us as we, through our loving God’s strength and grace, continue to guide our daughters’ character and educational development. It’s also the humbleness we feel as we accept the opportunities to lead and serve our fellow homeschooling parents. What is new to us is the other side of the fence that we are now trying to get a firm foothold on. The time that we mark as the accomplishment that we so hard worked, worried, celebrated along the way, and always prayed about. The transformation of our first born daughter from our homeschooled student to a homeschool graduate … despite our stumbles and lofty goals that were seldom fully achieved, we were surely guided through this journey by our wondrous Counselor and Savior … as well as family, friends, and our fellow homeschoolers! It is with some trepidation, some disbelief that we are here at this point of letting go of our S, that little bundle of joy that despite ourselves we have managed to prepare for the next journey of her life … look out world! We pray that she continues to grow and mature as she follows the opportunities that are before her, that her dreams allow her to change the world around her … that our God and Savior protect her from the world that will try to change her!
With S’s passion for the political process and history, this quote from our former President about our unique country and leadership made me also think of the parallels to our homeschool movement:
“To a few of us here today this is a solemn and most momentous occasion, and yet in the history of our nation it is a commonplace occurrence. The orderly transfer of authority as called for in the Constitution routinely takes place, as it has for almost two centuries, and few of us stop to think how unique we really are. In the eyes of many in the world, this every-four-year ceremony we accept as normal is nothing less than a miracle.” Ronald Reagan.
What we do and have done through homeschooling, I believe will leave as profound a mark on this great country of ours as President Reagan felt that the office and process of our leadership selection did. I truly think with proud, yet humble, feelings of being part of this homeschooling movement … I say look out world … change is in the air!
Promotion Day!
Yesterday was our homeschool support groups' annual Promotion Day.
R's, at age 7: Highlights of this past year include the brave way you let go of the only home you’d known and clung instead to the loving hands of God that reached out to you from friends and family. You learned about Columbus, early explorers of America, the creation story, the books of the Bible, the 10 Commandments, and the Apostles Creed. And you learned to read! Imaginative play and singing songs are ways you entertain yourself. Your wit and joy and perfectly formed arguments show us that debate is in your future. We love you and are proud of you!
K's, at age 15: The instability of life gives us opportunities to trust God in different ways than when things are going well. You learned about that kind of mature trust in the Lord and that He works through various means to care for us. Despite that, you persevered in teaching others and being an excellent friend. Your quiet service to your family is appreciated. Your huge heart and capacity to love and forgive will enable you to serve others throughout your life. Follow your dreams of using your voice to help others. We love you and are proud of you!
S's, at age 18, and graduating: How we go about handling the adversities of life teaches us a lot about ourselves and in your case provided many with inspiration about grace and trust in the Lord. Your service to others is commendable and a valuable asset as you set out to pursue your dream of being involved in the political world. You danced through good times with friends this year, showing another side to grace and confidence. Your giving, teaching spirit will bless others as you now encounter them as a graduate of homeschool. We love you and are proud of you!
Sorry the quality isn't better, I'm just learning how to use the camera on my cell phone.
It was such a fun day! The zip line seemed to be the biggest attraction this year.
S and K took turns at it and enjoyed it. Now for K, this was no big deal, as any opportunity she gets she scrambles up rock walls and loves to rappel down. S, however, has had a fear of heights, so climbing up the vertical and then going down the zip line were major accomplishments for her!
Anyway, I thought I'd share the Promotion Day certificate wording with you and some pictures taken yesterday. Our group gives the certificates made by a volunteer (thanks Jane!) with 100 words or less sent in by the parents and issued by age.
R's, at age 7: Highlights of this past year include the brave way you let go of the only home you’d known and clung instead to the loving hands of God that reached out to you from friends and family. You learned about Columbus, early explorers of America, the creation story, the books of the Bible, the 10 Commandments, and the Apostles Creed. And you learned to read! Imaginative play and singing songs are ways you entertain yourself. Your wit and joy and perfectly formed arguments show us that debate is in your future. We love you and are proud of you! K's, at age 15: The instability of life gives us opportunities to trust God in different ways than when things are going well. You learned about that kind of mature trust in the Lord and that He works through various means to care for us. Despite that, you persevered in teaching others and being an excellent friend. Your quiet service to your family is appreciated. Your huge heart and capacity to love and forgive will enable you to serve others throughout your life. Follow your dreams of using your voice to help others. We love you and are proud of you!S's, at age 18, and graduating: How we go about handling the adversities of life teaches us a lot about ourselves and in your case provided many with inspiration about grace and trust in the Lord. Your service to others is commendable and a valuable asset as you set out to pursue your dream of being involved in the political world. You danced through good times with friends this year, showing another side to grace and confidence. Your giving, teaching spirit will bless others as you now encounter them as a graduate of homeschool. We love you and are proud of you! Hubby was part of the MC team, and here's one of him giving S her certificate.
Sorry the quality isn't better, I'm just learning how to use the camera on my cell phone.
June 9, 2007
Graduation and Freedom
We've been to a few homeschool graduations this year. All tastefully done with moments of nostalgia as well as challenges presented for the future along with a careful synopsis of the educational endeavors of the people graduating. They've been good times shared with great people!
S is graduated by stoke of pen by her father and I. The homeschooling laws of Colorado are such that since we've been in charge of her education, we get the pleasure of issuing her diploma. She opted NOT to have a ceremony, which is her prerogative.
R is having a bit of a hard time understanding that, however. Why hasn't S had a ceremony?
So the other day she and S were having a conversation. R says to S, "So you're free now. You just need to cut the cord umbilical." R thinks that if S has graduated she needs to be doing things "out in the world" and not stay here at home.
Well, S is doing things out in the world. The Lord has crafted her education and opportunities to formulate experiences that well suit S's vocation as politico. S has been offered the position of Executive Director of a PAC (political action committee) that also is a SDC (small donor committee).
Congratulations, S! We're proud of you.
S is graduated by stoke of pen by her father and I. The homeschooling laws of Colorado are such that since we've been in charge of her education, we get the pleasure of issuing her diploma. She opted NOT to have a ceremony, which is her prerogative.
R is having a bit of a hard time understanding that, however. Why hasn't S had a ceremony?
So the other day she and S were having a conversation. R says to S, "So you're free now. You just need to cut the cord umbilical." R thinks that if S has graduated she needs to be doing things "out in the world" and not stay here at home.
Well, S is doing things out in the world. The Lord has crafted her education and opportunities to formulate experiences that well suit S's vocation as politico. S has been offered the position of Executive Director of a PAC (political action committee) that also is a SDC (small donor committee).
Congratulations, S! We're proud of you.
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