Over the Weekend

Jeremiah helping to clean the camper!

Elijah having fun...not cleaning the camper!

Isaiah ready to eat pancakes at Perkins.

Elijah and Jeremiah showing some brotherly love.

Isaiah...Hey...crayons are fun and sometimes tasty!



Friday-The Christian Homeschooling Association of Pennsylvania held it's 22nd annual homeschool convention on Friday and Saturday. My alarm went off at 5 a.m....and the day began! We arrived in Harrisburg, at the Farm Show Complex, at 8:20 a.m.. The first speaker started at 8:30!! We made it just in time, and in pouring down rain!! So much for the nice hair day!! Ha! We all looked like a bunch of drowned rats!! I have to say...my hairspray held up pretty well through it all!! Shout out for ....Big Sexy Hair Hairspray...job well done!!

Anyhow, we had a great time together. Isaiah was a bit unenthused about all the seminars, but he did well. Jeremiah and Elijah loved seeing all the kids and all the fun things to do at the convention. Jeremy and I ordered Jeremiah's second grade curriculum, and Elijah's K4 curriculum. Elijah was very excited to be starting school. He loves sitting with Jeremiah everyday to learn. We though we'd go ahead and start him early in K, especially with his interest!

The speakers were the best yet at the convention! I was so encouraged by the seminars. I almost felt like I had been to revival!! Awesome!! The convention was just another wonderful reminder of why we are homeschooling the boys! God has truly blessed our family over the years, and I know He is guiding us in a uplifting adventure of His grace and mercy. We saw many familiar faces, and met some new ones too.

After leaving the convention, we decided to go over to Broad Street Market. It is located in urban Harrisburg. It's a blend of a farmer's market atmosphere and a international food court. I love going to get my Indian food! LUV it!!!!!! Jeremy got a Vietnamese noodle bowl with bean sprouts(healthy!). The boys wanted some down home mac and cheese, and they got it. I got Lamb Curry, which was AWESOME!!! We do not have any international foods in our town, unless you consider Taco Bell to fit that bill!! HA!! Our town mainly consists of Subs, hoagies, and more subs!! Such the variety!

Anyhow...we had a blast!! Before we left, we had a unexpected invitation!! There is a restaurant called Tep's seafood in the market. It's basically a down home, southern, deep fried, lard and butter friendly food vendor! They have collard greens, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese and more cheese, coleslaw, deeply fried fish with the bones, and good ole .99 cent white bread and butter served with every meal! You get the picture! I asked a group of regulars what fish they thought was best!? They told me the whiting or flounder! The one man graciously and quickly offered us some of his fish off his plate. I politely said no thanks, but that was not going to happen with this man. He said...go on...take you some of this fish...go on now. His friend said...you better take what he is offering...because he's liable to change his mind...he's tight! His styrofoam container was right in my face, so how could I decline! :) I reached in and pinched a piece off!! It was GOOD and fattening!! Yummy!! I laughed later, when I replayed the event in my head. I said to Jeremy...where else would you find someone to share their food off their plate with you!! He should be glad I wash my hands frequently!! :)

Science Center Trip

Jeremiah & Elijah playing a Animal Grossology quiz game

Elijah learning about cat hair balls!

Isaiah playing in the learning area with the boys!

1. Mommy, Elijah & Isaiah 2. Jeremiah & Elijah learning about force and weight

3. Jeremiah learning about gravity

Daddy, Elijah & Jeremiah trying to blow bubbles in the bubble wall



We had a great day together, and learned many things!! The whole exhibit was on Animal Grossology, which was great with boys....not so great for mom! HA! Actually...I had a blast!! We learned about all the gross things animals do. I have to admit...I never knew there were so many!! After it was all over, mommy got a Starbucks!! Yeah!! Decaf Hazelnut Latte!! Yummy!!

Photos

Jeremy and Jeremiah

Elijah in the van

Jeremiah...so sweet

Isaiah...cheez!!!

Happy Boy!

Happy Birthday Grandma and Stephanie!

Today is the birthday of two very important people in my life...my dear grandma and my cousin Stephanie! Happy Birthday, ladies!! I hope you have a wonderful day today, and that God continues to bless your lives with joy and love. I wish I could be with you to celebrate, and of course eat some cake with you!
I love you both more than words can say! Happy Birthday!

Good Ole' Days

Anyone remember Pilgrim Holiness Youth Camp at Anderson, Indiana campgrounds? I am going to have to date myself by saying....15-20 years ago?????? Anyhow, this blog is in response to a comment made by my dear cousin Stephanie...AKA...MAC!!
The following are just a few of the wonderfully fun moments I shared with her there:
-the infamous whooper fights in the dorms...OUCH!
-the Stephanie Luvs ?/Andrea Luvs ? walls in the dorms...changed every year or was it week?
-your dad's wonderful songs regarding those names on that wall...soooo embarrassing! :)
-the shaving cream in the high heels of those we loved not as much
-hiding in the camp's bus from "campus police"
-pulling our bunk's together to make one big "fort"
-your mom's awesome food...and her love for Hershey's Chocolate Bars
-the dish washing room water fights with the hoses...and they thought we were responsible?!
-The Victory Trio...LUV them...."How the fire did fall, as the saints touched heaven...at the old camp meeting...how I loved to be there!" (remember that one?)
-the fun softball games
-laying on the grass across the bridge...hiding from "campus police"...their flashlights shining on us...hoping we would not be caught...and hoping they would not page "Don Nichols to the camp office...to pick up your delinquent daughter and niece!"
-my trip to the altar every night, because I was being mean to you that week!!
-all the wonderful preaching, music, and spirit filled services we were in
-many more stories, but I will choose not to embarrass us further! :)

I loved my summers at that campground. They made quite an impression on me then and now. We had a BLAST!!!

Days of Elijah

Today was an awesome day in PA!! The sun was shining, and it was just down right beautiful outside!! We went to church in the morning, which was great! Pastor was preaching on Elijah today. At one point he was talking about how Elijah was desperate for God's presence, and how he felt he just wanted to die. About 2 minutes later, our Elijah looked up at Jeremy and said "daddy, I don't want to die!". Funny how kids are really paying attention!

After church, we came home. I made lunch for us all(grilled out hamburgers and hot dogs). For the past month, Jeremy and I have been taking our new neighbor girls to church with us. They are 12 and 13, and they moved here about 2 months ago. They are very sweet girls, and have a huge desire to learn more about Jesus. Anyhow, they had gone to church this morning with us as well. After lunch the girls came over, and we made cookies and a apple pie together. We had a blast!! Jeremy and the boys were outside with the girls' stepdad and brother. The younger girl decided it would be fun to paint my nails. I humored her and let her...5 coats of nail polish later...2 coats hot pink...1 coat red stripe...1 coat glitter...and 1 coat hardener...they were done!! Needless to say, I should've taken a pic. We had to leave for church within about 15 minutes, so the nail polish had to come off. I think I would've need 2 hours for it to dry! :) HA! FUN!

We all went to District Assembly this evening at a neighboring Nazarene church. The service was awesome. We were celebrating 100 years for our district. The worship service was so powerful and wonderful!! FANTASTIC!! Our kids and the neighbor kids loved it. Jeremiah is so excited about Jesus, which is very touching for a parent. His sweet hand was up in the air praising God throughout most of the worship service. We would get done singing, and he would say "Glory to God" or "Hallelujah"! What a precious sight...he was so sincere!! We sang my favorite hymn tonight...And can it be. I love that song! The first time I can recall hearing it(at least that it took a hold to me) was back when I was around 9/10 years old. I was at Pilgrim Holiness Camp in Anderson, Indiana. I was with my uncle Don, aunt Ruth, Stephanie, Eric and Valerie. What fun days those were!! What powerful words "my chains fell off"! Even at that age, I could feel a understanding of what that meant. Now that I'm older and hopefully wiser :), it really holds true.
After we left the church service, we brought our neighbor's children home...and we settled in at home as well! Now everyone's sleeping, but myself!
Remember the One who has set your chains free, and praise Him for it today! Goodnight!

The Mulching Queen

Yes...that is what I'm calling myself after Saturday! Jeremy had a landscaping job he wanted to finish by this past Saturday. He really needed help to finish it, but he could not line anyone up for the job. I called him around 10 a.m., and asked if he needed anything. He asked if I could bring him some lunch. I got to the lumber mill around 10:30 with lunch, and I suggested I help finish the job. Jeremy said sure with a grin and chuckle. I knew he thought I wasn't up for the task. I think he forgot about all the times I've mowed, mulched, pulled weeds, etc. with him! :) The lumber mill is closed on Saturdays, so the kids had a blast covering themselves in dirt. I helped Jeremy finish the job, and ended working for about 5 hours. I shoveled, raked, pulled weeds, mulched how many loads, trimmed trees, etc.. Throughout the day, Jeremy got tickled at my mulching techniques/postures. Needless to say...he was glad to have the help. By the end of the day, the boys were covered in dirt, mud, sawdust, etc.. I took one look at them, and said...you boys are definitely riding home in daddy's truck. Hey...they took of running to his truck. Any chance they can get in riding in daddy's "big truck"...believe me they take it. I am chopped liver in comparison!!! :)
So...just remember...if you need mulch around your house....I'm the one to call!! Ha! Ha!

time change

Anyone know why the time shown for posting is off by over 3 hour? Just wondering? :)

A Day in the Life of a Mom...

So...it's about 8 p.m. on Friday evening, and I look the part for going to bed! I have my PJ's on, my hair wigged up, and bright, fuzzy yellow socks on! The funny part is...I've looked that way all day today. This actually is a rare event, but everyone has those days.
We had a great day of schooling, and everyone was in a upbeat mood. Somewhere between Phonics and Spelling, Jeremiah and I had a funny chat. He asked me if little girls can be trouble...I replied "sometimes"...then he asked if little boys can be trouble...again I replied "sometimes". He then asked "I wonder what kind I'll have, when I'm married?" Funny...being that he is only 6 years old. I told him "probably boys...it runs in this side of the family". He said "I think my wife and I will have 3 boys and then 3 girls. Will that be o.k. with you mommy?" I said "That will be great, but I think you had better get a job now and start working!" He kind of smirked, and then went back to his spelling list. It's amazing what thoughts run through those cute little heads!!
Jeremy came home about 1:30 p.m. for a quick lunch. (Pigs in a blanket and salad) He decided to take Jeremiah and Elijah with him on a landscape delivery. They were thrilled and practically ran out the door. I said "Love you, boys", but the door had closed! :) Anyhow, I looked at Isaiah and said "just you and me sweetie". His response...a smile, a squeal, and "yeah". Too cute. It is almost like he knew the house was his for the taking!! Needless to say we played and lounged and played some more.
I did make supper around 5 p.m.(salmon, veggies, salad). I also made some chocolate chip cookies for our new neighbors and of course my boys! Big hit!!!
I just got through cleaning up the kitchen, and decided it was time to clean myself up!!! This blog sidetracked me for a moment, but why not...it's fun!!

Upcoming event

So...just a quick blog, while the boys are eating breakfast(9:40am). I am looking forward to the upcoming CHAP homeschool convention next weekend. Every year they hold the Christian Homeschool Association of PA convention in Harrisburg, PA. This is a wonderful time to cruise the curriculum aisles and see all the wonderful Christian products out there. They also have seminars going on both days! They are very encouraging for homeschoolers and also Christians alike!
A few things I love about homeschooling:

1. You are home with your precious, gifts from God
2. You get to hear them read for the first time, and see the excitement in their eyes
3. You get to choose what influences they receive during the school day
4. You get to bow your heads and pray together
5. They learn even more about the precious and merciful love of Jesus
6. I could go on and on and on

This morning I was looking over the CHAP convention website for times, etc.. One of the speakers this year is a gentleman named Voddie Baucham Jr.. I'm looking forward to hearing him preach and speak throughout the convention. He has a website....www.voddiebaucham.org.. On his blog site, he has a blog titled...Barack Obama: A wolf in sheep's clothing. If you get a chance, please read the blog...it's not long. About a week and a half ago, Jeremy, the boys and I, met Barack and his wife in Philly. We were there for Jeremy's pesticide training, and also to try the famous cheesesteaks. All at once SUV's, police, and reporters came running by us. I knew someone had to be there(famous). I walked back up to Pat's Cheesesteaks, and sure enough Barack and his wife came around the corner. They came right up to me and talked to me and shook my hand. Interesting lunch, but I would've rather it been "Huck"...even McCain(although rather liberal)!!

Well I'll go for now. I promise pics within 48 hours. I need to call my cousin MAC(Stephanie) to learn how to post pics. Yes...I am behind times in some ways with the PC. I love my laptop...just need to learn how to use all the features!!!

Don't forget today's the National Day of Prayer!! We're going out to the park for the special services later!!! "Keep on praying." 1 Thessalonians 5:17 GO TEAM JESUS!!