The baby boys really enjoyed the leak in the waterhose
(Gene fixed it - its not nearly as much fun now)
Tri-County Christian Home Educators
Kindergarten Graduating Class of 2012
Jorja & Ansley
Miss Jorja Grace Pinckley
Jacob, Lora, & Jorja
Josiah
"That" Family
Introducing Miss Jorja
Her part of the entertainment - She sang "Hosannah"
Here's the zoomed-in video (thanks to Alex)
Presenting the Diplomas
Friday was our 5th Famliversary - and we bought a $19.90 pool. 8' wide, 30" deep (until you splash all the water out). Saturday, after all the festivities we went home and played. The short people (and the not-so-short-anymore people) were really excited. But I don't have pictures of that. So, heres a cute Jacob "dancing" at the graduation reception (to the beat of his own drummer).
Lesson (re)learned this week: Don't blink. You'll miss the whole thing.
"We were just talking about them getting older - now here we are. How'd we get here so fast?"
Sunday evening we joined a small group of like- minded believers for some fellowship.
Like-minded because they also believe Jesus is Lord! The family is a priority, and it is our responsibility to disciple our own children. That we are to encourage one another in every good work, and often. That we are not alone. Homeschooling, courtship, the headship of the man/husband/father in the home.
It a pretty tall order.
The peace and joy on the faces of the parents and numerous children couldn't be missed. We know that nothing is impossible with God!
We watched Voddie Baucham talk about the home. And just had a great time being together as the family of God.
(In case you were trying to count that top picture - 5 families, 28 young'uns (2 were missing). 2 months - about 19 years in age)
This isn't the video we watched there but it's a good on to take the time to watch.
Yesterday, over bowls of ice cream on the back porch, three little kids reminded me of the importance of "TRAINING" them up.
I was sitting just inside, minding my own business. Just listening.
Lora and Jorja were discussing and explaining to Jacob about Satan, that he isn't "under the ground," but he "causes trouble." They explained that we are waiting for Jesus to come back and he will "lock up the devil." They also told their brother about having Jesus in your life so you can "go live in heaven." And that "The Spirit helps us."
How many 7 and 5 year old sisters do I know that make witnessing to their 3 year old little brother part of everyday life? Just these two. I'm sure there are more. More in those like-minded families.
They got quiet for a minute and Lora said, "Lets sing a song!" Lora and Jorja started singing, "One God, One God, Three Persons in one." Jacob started singing "Jesus Loves Me."
I just listened. And put all these things in my heart. And smiled.
No need to correct. No need to redirect. It wasn't perfect. But my heart swells with the knowledge that "they get it!" I'm encouraged to keep on with whatever it is we are doing. To keep trusting God DAILY to lead, guide and direct. That I am just the vessel.
We are raising arrows. Still young, tender shoots. We are called to set them straight, help them flourish, then watch them soar.
"I have no greater joy than to hear my children are walking in the truth."
Papa came over last Saturday with a borrowed tractor and helped us reclaim some of the yard. We knew there was an out house behind the little, old barn but we have seen it in several years because nature was taking over. For some strange reason we like knowing we have this 4th bathroom - even if we are still scared to open the door all the way - nature can be pretty scary.
pecking in the out house - see any spiders?
Thats a pretty nice potty!
We also planned to bush hog the field - but Papa found LOTS of blackberry bushes. We LOVE blackberrys - not many make it to the freezer, or even in a cobbler. So, now we have some nice trails through the little trees and blackberry bushes. The boys are loving riding their bikes there and the little girls have tried to explore all the new places to play. (Now, we just have to kill some poison oak).
Blackberrys growing
We haven't planted much this year. Gene was unhappy with the garden location from last year - I'm totally indifferent. So Papa tore up a new garden spot. I didn't take a picture of dirt so here are some of what we have growing so far. (Don't laugh to hard!)
My Red-neck Squash patch.
You can see the corner of the "dirt" to the left.
Tomatoes and on the other side of the clothes line
is my cucumbers - We are going to make a trelis "bridge"
between them. Then there is Truck-of-Many-Colors.
And we grow LOTS of pretty weeds and children. (These are weeds).
This week we also disected owl pellets. Owl pellets are not poop, but puke. Somehow that is supposed to make it better. Each pellet has little mouse bones and enough fur for new coat.We are supposed to glue the skelton (or as much as we can) back together on a sheet of paper. (That may not happen - at least not anytime soon. All mouse bones currently reside in ziplock bags on top of the school cabinet).
My Scientist making observations.
Lora and Jorja were my fun lab partners.
And heres somemore cute from this week.
SUPER JACOB!!!
And his super power if his belt!
Playing sweetly. You wouldn't guess that that Josiah just got in
BIG trouble twice in the last 20 min.
And one of my favorite shots of the week. (please ignore the disaster that is my house)
The Super-est Daddy Ever, happily carrying half his load.
Once upon a time, about 7 years ago, I was pregnant with baby # 3 (I tell time in children). My dear granny had Alzheimer's and began to need more constant care. My confidant wasn't herself anymore. During that time I became aware that there are people in the world who not only would tell me to end my pregnancy but would also suggest that dear granny's life was such a burden we should just do the "nice" thing and go ahead and take Granny out. To ease her suffering, or the financial burden, or emotional toil that caring for or losing someone can have on a family.
Does this not completely disturb anyone else?
With baby #4 in the oven, my first marriage was in ruin. Dear Granny went Home.
And I had someone offer to adopt #4 - really!
Thankfully, no one suggested (as least not in my presence) a way to "ease the burden" that #4 would make. The value of their life may have gone down dramatically in my eyes had they said such a thing. And it may have led me to begin a new prison ministry.
I've learned over the last couple of weeks that my community is OLD! There are lots of home bound and other seniors in our midst. I've talked with them, prayed with them. And have a long list of those who need our prayers as well as our support.
ObamaCare scares the mess out of me. And who will stand with the old-ies? Who will stand for the weak and defenseless? Should the Lord tary His coming, what will the world look like when my children enter the winter of life?
We had our informational meeting last night for Franklin County Right to Life. I'm called the president, leader, or some other such title which makes it sound as though I know what I'm doing. I don't. But I do know Who does. I know those who have lead the way in the march and I know how to ask a question. Now if I could just think of the question!
Mike Griffin, was our guest speaker. He is Senior Pastor of Liberty Baptist in Hartwell, GA and the GRTL Field Director (GRTL means Georgia Right to Life). He has worked to promote and protect life at our state capital for several years. And this year we have seen the passage of some great pro-life bills.
I have hoped and prayed that the turn out would be great in number. It wasn't. But as Mike said, he'll "throw just as much corn in the trough weather all the cows come or just one!" And he did a fantastic job.
Then we ate cookies.
Mike also encouraged me by commenting that it only takes a spark to get a fire going.
On the one had that made me giggle because that's what my brother-in-love said was the reason he and my sister-in-love eloped.
But it also reminds me that with God all things are possible. And even when I feel like no one ever listens to me - they are watching. What will I do next? (There's really no telling!)
And God has called me to this so until He sets my feet in a different path I'll keep walking in this one.
And Pass It On keeps running through my head.
During our "debriefing" last night, Gene and I discussed how some people are Christian - but don't show it.
Are you a REAL Christian? What's your fruit?
Do you say you are pro-life but do nothing which would prove it?
How about political concerns, do you complain about the state of the union but do nothing to promote Life, Liberty, or the Pursuit of Happiness?
How big is you rear-end getting while you wait for vending-machine god to grant all your request? God gives every bird it's worm, but He rarely throws it right in the nest. Grow some wings. Run on. The Lord will strengthen you.
(Is. 40:31)
And my goodness at the fingers pointing back at me! Stepping off stump now.
We spent the weekend getting encouraged. We thought we might, but it wasn't what we set out to do.
We went to our first home school convention. I've heard them hailed as fantastic and downed for being a big commercial. We loved it. Besides learning how to better use our time the next time we go, we learned about diet (which we were already being a little convicted about), parental rights (or the lack thereof), courtship (from those who have been there), reading (or not reading), creation science (DINOSAURS = COOL), and so much more.
Our school "curriculum coordinator" got to put her hands on stuff - got LOTS more catalogs to pour over, and advice from other professionals (ie: moms who've been there).
The students had fun too! We signed the four middle kids up for the children's conference and they had a blast. And they learned stuff, songs, Bible verses, how to give a "round of applause." And our unsocialized bunch made some friends.
The oldest two went to the Teen Track. They enjoyed all of it except the lectures they had to sit in with parents (some of those were very . . .um . . . soothing).
And all the kids enjoyed seeing dead animals. One of the vendors had specimens. Worms, owl pellets, starfish, dogfish, fetal pigs . . . the teacher told the students not to pick them up, but when her back was turned the principal gave in. And he took this picture to prove it! -->>
Another fun family adventure. And my bad joke of the week is: Whats the difference between a public school teacher and a home school teacher? Home school teachers take the whole school to "teacher conferences."
I said it was a bad joke.
While I'm on this train of thought, let me encourage you to become a member of your state organization and of the Home School Legal Defense Association, hslda.org - you can also find your state organization on their website. They really do work to protect our freedoms. They also give great advice or have the resources to help with whatever you may be facing.
<<--My Wrist-bands-of-many-colors.
You may be asking yourself now, "where are the babies?" or "what does the title of this post have to do with anything?" Or maybe you haven't, but its a good segway.
The little boys stayed with Grandmother Friday night and we all stayed there Saturday night. (She's still tired.) We all got up and went to church with her Sunday morning. And what a GREAT service. Which leads me to men. This thought will not leave me (at least until I get it out):
Fellas, OPEN YOUR BIBLE! Read about courageous Joshua in Joshua 24. Then, especially if you are married or hope to be one day, flip over to Ephesians 5. Read it. Apply it to your life. LOVE YOUR WIFE. And let me just add that when you are doing what God calls you to do, being who he calls you to be, and your wife looks at the husband verses in Eph. 5 . . . well . . . it can be very exciting. (Disclaimer for the wives: this is why some churches hold to the women keep silent rule - tell your man in how much this excites you once you get home. Hehe!) (And if you think this is a little TMI - get over it!!! You especially need to read up on marriage).
And then guys (and gals) keep reading. Read it together (and/or find a good devotional book).
Because when a man loves a woman, really loves a women . . . it's wonderful. It's all kinds of healthy. It's such a great picture of Christ and the church.
And it makes it so much easier for your wife to do what God called her to do. And that whole submitting/reverencing too. Click here to read Ephesians 5
A powerful video that we saw Sunday morning. JESUS SAVES!
