Field Trip

We had the opportunity to visit the California Science Center. Wow was it interesting. So many things to see and learn about. The area dedicated to the human body was amazing. All I can say is WOW the LORD has done some incredible things. It is true that you are 'blind' to not see God's hand in His creation. One room showed the growth steps of the human fetus (all of whom had died of natural causes). It is amazing to see the growth up close. Even as early as 4 weeks the toes and fingers were so evident, not to mention the skull and the little brain growing inside. How can anyone say it isn't really human?! It was neat to walk thru but also still kept in mind that these babies had died, and most likely had caused someone grief in loosing this precious life. The comfort was knowing that each one is with their creator even now. He is so aquainted with all our ways!

The IMAX theatre had a movie on the ocean...in 3-D. It was great. The kids were a hoot to watch because they kept trying to touch the things they saw on the screen. An amusing thing was the sound effects they added to the animals' movements. ie. Clams fleeing from a sun star sounded like those little chattering teeth you wind up.

After the movie we went up to the assortment of Star Wars props and models. It was fun to see everything up close. A must for any fan. The kids had a ball.

Someone has learned to read!

Yeah! after months of working on the alphabet and tricks, songs, and countless review Chandler has read her first book! 'The Apple'

We are so excited. Unlocking the mysteries of learning are beginning to occur. She may join her brother in his love of books - but we will have to wait and see.
The LORD knew it was the teacher that needed to learn patience and humility vs. the student learning her skills.

Look who is 6

Yes, we have a 6 year old in our midst.
The day began with breakfast at IHOP. Smiley face pancakes are a must for kids! We then proceeded home and finished our school day like good little children should. Upon completion we went to Toys R Us to visit Geoffrey's Birthday Club and purchase Chandler's gifts. The birthday club gave her a crown, a balloon, and was supposed to announce her name and age over the loud speaker (but that never happened). We then had her cover her eyes with her crown. Harrison & I then picked out the gifts. Upon making our purchases we stopped at Maggie Moos to pick up an ice cream cake. Chandler picked it...pink icing and all.
Dinner consisted of Thai food (one of her favorites). Opening family gifts was next on the agenda. She received her first jewlery from Daddy. Cake followed. Did I mention that SHE picked it out.
Following the typical festivities we watched an episode of Hogan's Heros (another of her favorites - her father's daughter), and played with the new gifts. Strawberry land was introduced to some new items and drama. Since there is a short supply of men in SL daddy needed a man to play with. A StarWars character was introduced, given a purple pony with yellow hair (they are all the rage these days), and a hairbrush (don't leave home without it). They then proceeded to fend off the advancing hoard of evil robotic somethings led by Captain Harrison. Mom watched the story unfold with great interest.
Stawberry Land was saved and preparations for bed quickly became the focus. Their beds were then occupied and 1st John was put on for their listening pleasure before dream state took over.
All in All a wonderful day.

Legos & Park days

Harrison (with a little help from dad) completed the Lego Super Star Destroyer. Yeah! [cheering can be heard in the background] Now it is on display in the entertainment room...tours held daily...

Yesterday evening we got out of the house and enjoyed the winter weather of 92. yep, it is such a bummer to live in LA. The kids rode their scooters around and then played on the playground

equipment. I had fun playing with the new camera. Since going digital it has been fun to play with the rapid shot option. 168 shots in a period of 5 minutes...14 actually saved.

Harrison honed his skill of jumping off swings. Chandler enjoyed leaping into the sand. Since the creek that runs thru the park has water in it the frogs were out and about croaking and lifting their voices to their creator. Tom & Harrison want to come back and catch a few one night. It should be fun.

Christmas season in Columbia, CA

Ok, everyone HAS to go to Columbia at least once during the Christmas season. It is well worth the trip...at least we think so.

We had the opportunity to visit Columbia (about 1 hour east of Stockton) with Shelley, Gretchen & Alan. It is a small town restored to its glory days during the gold rush period. During the Christmas season the town's folk are regaled in period dress and wander about the town spreading Christmas cheer. The candy store has multiple demonstrations on candy making including candy canes. We were blessed with the opportunity to watch up close how it is done and then were each given a piece to form for ourselves. (It is MUCH harder to do than it looks!) Tom made a cow pie, Gretchen a 'C', Alan a stick, Harrison a cobra, Chandler a heart, Shelley - her own modern art, and I made an 'M'. It was easier to play with it that in was to roll it properly and form the cane. Several of the old storefronts are on display including an apothecary and dentist office (I'm glad for the modern day thank you very much). The local 'bar' complete with bowling alley was availble for our pleasure. The original hotel is open and available to stay in. We tried but it was already booked.

Needless to say, go. The drive up was lovely and the living history was a lot of fun. We hope to make it a yearly trip for at least a little while.

Lordship Salvation - What is the big problem?

I checked out several blogs over the past several days and I can not believe the number of people who find issue with doctrine and must debate it. It appears that it isn't the topic but rather the need to debate that seems to drive this discussion. What is with people that they can't come to terms with the fact that if you are going to be saved according to what scripture says you must therefore believe all of what scripture says. Why do people think of the Bible as being a salad bar vs. a full meal. 'Oh that makes me feel uncomfortable so therefore I won't believe that part of scripture'
Ok so tangent done, back on track. If you are going to 'believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved', then don't you think you need to have Him as Lord in your life to indeed have salvation?
A. Begg has had a great series going on his radio program that talks about salvation and the fact our lives lived out day to day prove the salvation that we have. If we walk away from that day to day placing Christ as Lord, then others have every right to then question where our heart was in the first place.... oh desperate and wicked thing!
I am having to come to grips that some of those who I knew when younger really in all actuality were never saved to begin with. I find this troublesome. I'm angry, feel lied to, and down right silly to have been duped. Though I know that it is really not an afront to me but rather to God that this has taken place...not the lies - since He knows all truth - but more the spiritual affront it gives to His perfect and very Holy nature. Not to mention the fact that the life they lived vs. the life of now is so different. Why live a life that is a lie just to hang out with others. There are plenty of others who don't care. I know that part of my frustration is the sorrow in knowing they have rejected the truth for a lie and don't wish to acknowledge it. Oh what a tangled web we weave ourselves into when we want to shake our fist at God.

A week off School

We are taking a break from the typical week to have a bit of fun away from schooling the kids. The Shepherd's Conference is happening at Grace so the kids (and myself) have the week off.
So far our productive week has brought about repotting a tree that has yet to find a permanent home, painting pictures of trees, digging up a tree root, trimming trees [did I mention we are doing a lot with trees], teaching the kids badmitten (has nothing to do with trees but great hand-eye coordination. Hey you never really stop learning) and running errands. Exciting huh?
The kids are catching up on all the play they don't get during the school week. Harrison is building the Lego SuperStar Destroyer. I'm impressed by the amount of work this thing is taking / and his perseverance in doing it. Chandler is playing with Strawberry Shortcake dolls, My little pony, and trying to read books. We read our first words this last week...rat, sat, mat, cat, bat...you get the picture.
We had what amounted to 'winter' last week with a few scatttttered showers. The kids pulled on the rain gear and ran outside to enjoy it.


Harrison has been improving his basketball skills. We recently placed him in a clinic thru the YMCA. He loved it and can't wait for the next one. Tom has him practicing every day to improve those areas they worked on in the clinic. He also purchased a basketball video game so that Harrison could better understand the way the game is played.