Day Ten: The Best Audience

Katie wriggles on her big brother's lap but she has her eye on what the children are presenting today. She already proudly held her painting against her chest and smiled shyly. Last year, her mommy did most of the talking but Katie is beginning to understand this is a safe place where big kids care for her and everyone says they like her work. Eden steps up to take her place at the front of the group and displays her box filled with rows of rocky soil, weeds, and good soil and proceeds to share her project on Parables, which her amazing momma mixed with botany and other subjects to round out her learning while receiving a lasting spiritual message. Katie likes it, I think, and one by one, our children report what they've been working on recently and inspire one another.

nature paintings by Katie

Amphibians and Metamorphosis by Oliver

 Bats by Sara

Africa by Emily

 Parables by Eden

Manatees by Samantha

E.B.White Study by Molly

 Renaissance by Caleb

Model of the Lungs by Caleb

 History of the Trebuchet by Jack

piano playing by Jack

(Oliver records because he's so impressed with his older friend)

 Flexibility For Seniors essay by Meghan

World Biomes by Brooke

water colour painting by Brooke

Jake shares how he began flying lessons and some of the "tricks" he learned in the air for emergency safety procedures. He tells of his dream to fly for a commercial airline someday. The kids are mesmerized. Our biggest kid in the group is now in the workforce and learning to pilot a plane! Time flies :)

 

 

I love how our little group contains varying ages and abilities. Young ones are challenged by older ones, older ones revel in being the heroes and desire to "step it up" next time to impress further. Each new project inspires our children to wok harder and find new subject matter. Grandmas, mommas and children eager to listen... now that's the best audience!

Nearly A Century Of Wisdom

She's a small, sweet package, but don't let her size fool you. She's a hero to her family and an example to her church community. This gentle woman who has worked hard her whole life, embracing her family and her role as wife and business owner is still as sharp as ever. She embodies the Proverbs 31 woman and if you've never read about her, turn to that place in your Bible.  Oma's photo appears in my mind as I peruse this chapter. We celebrated her ninety-ninth birthday as a family and as the slides of her life and offspring scrolled by on the large screen, I prayed I'd glean from her wisdom. 

Oma, we, your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren "rise up and called you blessed". You are a quiet example of God's grace and your legacy of love is what draws us together year after year. We honour you and pray God's richest blessings upon you. Happy 99th birthday and may it be your best year yet!

Singing a song for Oma :)

Hugs For Haiti

An earthquake sent an already destitute land into a tailspin of tragedies. Among many difficult circumstances, Haitian children sleep on wet dirt floors. My Mother-in-law, along with some other ladies in her church, is crocheting milk bags to make mats for them. I'm awestruck at the outpouring of love and benevolence I've witnessed and, short of hopping on a plane, I'm pondering how to help myself. My children save our milk bags for their Grandma and we've donated in whatever way we could but my heart aches for the Haitian people. We talk about them, pray for them and read about them. The tragic photos don't scare my children, they elicit compassion, which is exactly what we are to feel. Compassion should drive us to action.

Any ideas of how to give Haiti a big hug? We'd love to help. If your family or one you know is doing something special to relieve their suffering, please share your ideas.

Gratitude List Continues...

345. for living in a country with rich resources and wealth (sooo want to share!)

346. for a our single, 29 year-old female neighbour, who happens to be an electrician! (she came over and installed our oven and microwave--no more camping for awhile :)

347. for a little boy who looks for crosses on every steeple

348. for USB drives... whoever invented them is a genius

349. for the excitement of the veggie harvest we will have in a couple of months

350. for the excitement of the soul harvest I'm anticipating this year

351. for the faithfulness of God when His children have decided to "hit the road"

352. for weary soldiers who remain faithful even when they face terrible circumstances

353. for kids' music that lifts up the name of Jesus... and they think is pretty cool

354. for fireworks! Victoria Day has always been a favourite memory and holiday because of my childhood experiences

355. for Sunday strolls in the woods

356. for fresh flower pots my husband places on my table almost weekly

357. for a day of pure sunshine

358. for the healing of Anna's little adopted baby, whom she doesn't have in her arms yet

359. for clean kitchen floors