Welcome to our
Haven at Home!
We are a conservative,
Christian, military,
homeschooling family.
This is our little place
where we share our journey
of tending to our 'sheep'
as we home educate
and raise our children
for our Lord Jesus Christ.
As I was scurrying about the house, cleaning here and there, I noticed Will playing at the dining room table. When I asked what he was playing, he informed me that the castle was The Alamo and how it was under attack. Will loves history and can frequently be found reading one of his favorite history books for the umpteenth time. Today it was The Alamo and he was excited to play out this story after giving me a little preface as to what was going on. I just love hearing them tell me stories and I was delighted to hear of his creative play...
The Alamo... the men at their stations...
Colonel James Bowie (the taller one in the pic)...
(l)William Travis (a.k.a. Buck) and (r)Austin under the Colonel's command (also, an unnamed captain in the center)...
General Santa Anna (president of Mexico) and his army ready to attack...
I didn't have time to share our day yesterday but wanted to share some photos of our visit to the beach.
Last year, at our previous station, we enjoyed a lot of beachschooling. The beach we had there was a natural beach with lots and lots to learn from. Since we've moved here, we've only visited the beach once or twice, perhaps. This beach is mostly for swimming and we avoid it during its busy season. But since the local schools and such have started back up we decided to give it a try and the children were thrilled when we announced that we were going to the ocean with friends. ;o)
On our way, we decided to pick up lunch and then enjoyed our lunch at the picnic tables when we arrived...
Afterwards, they were eager to go enjoy the water...
Carolynne is intimidated by the ocean so she would not go without holding a hand which is okay... ;o) and Ally was happy to oblige...
Will and Beth enjoyed the fun...
Ally was eager to borrow some clothes from her friends and join in the fun, too. Here they are having fun...
Beth liked to run from the waves...
Will really enjoyed himself, too...
It was a real blessing to see Ally having so much fun, too...
Carolynne had fun, too, and started getting a little braver towards the end of our visit...
It was a delightful and exhausting time. ;o) Here were some views of the ocean... such beauty!
After the beach, we came home and took baths. Then we left to vacuum all of the sand out of the van and treated ourselves to supper out. ;o)
Today we've been trying to pick up the house, catch up on laundry (including the sandy items), catch up on emails, make misellaneous appointments, etc...
Now we're off to make an 'extra supper' for a couple that has been visiting our church... they just had their first baby. I can't wait to see the precious one.
Then we look forward to being in God's house and with God's people.
What a blessing it is to have those special friends that the Lord has purposely put in our lives. As I mentioned in my previous post, it is such a blessing to have a friend/friends that we can pray for and with, have like-minded fellowship with, encourage one another in the Lord, grow in the Lord together, praise the Lord together, labor together, eat together, weep together, laugh together, sing together, read together, to bless one another with that friendship.
Thank you, Lord, for the friendships you have provided. Thank you, Lord, for the Friend we have in You.
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity" ~ Proverbs 17:7
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." ~ Proverbs 18:24
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." ~ Proverbs 27:17
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." ~ John 15:13
This morning a dear friend greeted me, at my home, with a delicious cup of coffee. She and her children came to spend the day with us. Isn't it a blessing to have friends, sisters in the Lord, that we can pray for, fellowship with, encourage, and even work with? ;o)
After spending some time, relaxing on the couch, sipping our coffee and chatting, we tackled the bookshelves in my reading room. What a task! There a 5 full-size bookshelves in our reading room and they were filled with books (praise the Lord for His goodness!). Our task was to organize the mess of books into some sort of system that would benefit us. We decided to shelve by subject (mostly).
First we started taking books off of the shelves and setting them into piles. phew! When lunch time rolled around, we had a little 'picnic' in the midst of our mess...
Afterwards, we got back to work. It was an enjoyable time of laboring together (despite the dust... lol). Here's a view of some of the piles on the floor...
The books seen were, mostly, science, history, and literature. The literature and history were placed on the empty bookshelf (in the picture). The top two shelves were literature (classics, poetry, read alouds, fiction, etc...), the next two are history (living books, unit studies, geography, social studies, etc...) and the bottom shelf is for art, artist study, music study, handicraft, home arts, etc...
The bookshelf to the right in the picture was as follows... Top shelf - this year's 'will be using' 'school books' Second shelf - Bible/Bible study tools for youth Third/Fourth shelf - Science, nature study, nutrition, math Bottom shelf - books for the children to use freely
Across from the last bookshelf mentioned is my 'old books... pretty books' shelf... The top shelf are the more 'delicate' books, then there are a couple of 'handsome' resources and, also, a few 'book sets'.
To the left of that shelf are built-in shelves... The top three shelves are for encyclopedia sets and a set of resource books. The bottom shelf is photo albums.
On the other side of the doorway is the other built-in bookshelf... The top shelf are a couple of nature study resource books, Charlotte Mason books, etc... Second shelf is miscellaneous homeschool helpfuls. Third and fourth shelves are for miscellaneous Bible study books, parenting books, etc...
And I even had a stack to add to my 'time to part with' book bin...
It was a very productive day! I still have shelves in other rooms to tackle but we were satisfied with all we got accomplished. And we did have a lot of fun.
"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour" ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9
Also, today, the children discovered a sparrow that was stuck in our neighbor's birdfeeder. We were all sad for this little bird's suffering but we were delighted to be able to help it. We rejoiced that we were albe to get its head unstuck. And they were tickled to touch it and see it up close. A word of caution... Be careful what feeders you buy for your backyard feeder. This poor little fellow got his head wedged into that little hole of the birdhouse-type feeder and couldn't get its head out without help. We were thankful the children noticed it. ;o) I'm sure they'll always remember the day that we helped the little sparrow in its time of crisis.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I wanted to share a little about our camping trip that we took with Daddy on Thursday. It was very difficult to choose which photos to share. I had taken a total of 415! Though I'm not sharing all 415 photos, I did select almost 40 to share, so if my blog is slow to load, I do apologize. ;o)
The campground we visited was about an hour away. We were originally going to share a smaller cabin but decided that, with two toddlers, we should upgrade to one with an indoor bathroom. ;o)
Here is the cabin we stayed in...
It was a cute one room cabin. All of the beds (2 bunks), a small table, and a small kitchenette were in the one room with a small bathroom connected... so small that you had to be careful not to hit your head on the shower door when you used the commode. ;o)
For us, though, it was perfect! We loved sharing the one room together.
We enjoyed exploring the grounds, too... ... heading to check out the campground store.
Taking a walk to the pier...
Never a dull moment... lol...
Like father, like daughter... LOL... Her tongue is blue from her blue raspberry slush. ;o)
Arrived at the pier...
Then we headed back to enjoy the playground... Beth and Carolynne enjoying the slide
Will and I playing tetherball
Daddy and Ally played with the chess set that all of us were excited and amused to see...
The pieces were quite big... We, also, enjoyed the giant checkers game that you can see in the background.
Later, we started preparing for supper. The lil' girls helped me with the potatoes...
The children were happy to help and watch Daddy fire up the grill, too...
Making supper...
While waiting for supper to finish, the lil' girls collected sticks for the firepit...
Will was given the privilege to use the camcorder and discovered that he really likes it!
Supper time... Mmmm!
After supper, we cleaned up and played outside. Closer to dusk, Daddy started up the fire in the pit and the lil' girls were excited to help...
Meanwhile, Ally challenged Will to a chess game...
Then it was time for Smores...
After eating Smores and cleaning up, we sat on the porch and sang songs together...
Then we turned in for the night. We enjoyed sharing the one room together. ;o)
In the morning (Friday), after breakfast, we were eager to go fishing. So Daddy got the poles ready and we headed out...
We had lots of fun fishing together...
A few hours later, we packed up and headed for home. On the way back, however, we stopped in a nearby town at a cute little cafe for lunch... a cow cafe... Everything cow... even clever menu items.
After our meal, we enjoyed some ice cream ('homemade' at the cow cafe)...
We enjoyed eating in the room they had available for families to enjoy. The room was painted in a complete farm theme. Cows, mostly, were painted on the walls but there were also a horse, cat, dog, sheep, a pig in a blanket (lol), oh yes, and ducks... lol
The children, also, enjoyed playing in the 'corral'...
It was such a cute little cafe. ;o)
We had such a wonderful time with Daddy! We're already talking about our next 'camping trip' with him. ;o)
Early this morning we took Daddy to the airport for his return flight to Iraq. We sure appreciate prayers for his safety as he travels the next couple of days or so. What a blessing it was to have him home for a little while. Thank you, Lord!
I hope to post some photos of our camping trip soon. Enjoy your weekend!
"The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another." ~ Genesis 31:49
We're off for a day of 'roughin' it' in a cabin with Daddy!
We're looking forward to camping together. ;o) He leaves Saturday to head back to Iraq and I will likely wait until after that to post again. Hope y'all enjoy the rest of your week!
My soul in sad exile was out on life's sea, So burdened with sin and distressed, Till I heard a sweet voice saying, "Make Me your choice"; And I entered the "Haven of Rest"!
I've anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest," I'll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep o'er the wild, stormy deep, In Jesus I'm safe evermore.
I yielded myself to His tender embrace, And faith taking hold of the Word, My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul; The "Haven of Rest" is my Lord.
I've anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest", I'll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep o'er the wild, stormy deep, In Jesus I'm safe evermore.
The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole, Has been the old story so blessed, Of Jesus who'll save whosoever will have A home in the "Haven of Rest"!
I've anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest", I'll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep o'er the wild, stormy deep, In Jesus I'm safe evermore.
O come to the Saviour, He patiently waits To save by His power divine; Come, anchor your soul in the "Haven of Rest", And say, "My Beloved is mine."
I've anchored my soul in the "Haven of Rest", I'll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep o'er the wild, stormy deep, In Jesus I'm safe evermore.
(hymn written by Henry L. Gilmour photos from allposters.com)
Early this week, my beloved and Ally had a father/daughter 'date day'. During their date, they visited a local store and came across this 'toy'. My beloved had to bring it home to share, so I thought I would share it, too. ;o) It's tacky but funny...
"Flies just like a chicken" lol
LOL... the things that amuse us. ;o)
Only a few more days with Daddy but we are enjoying them. Tomorrow we will be 'camping' in a cabin at a campground that is somewhat nearby. We are looking forward to spending time and making memories with Daddy.
Hope y'all are enjoying your week and have a wonderful mid-week prayer service.
Marci has been hosting a "Count Your Blessing Monday" each week. I was excited to participate this week. ;o)
Although I have already shared this blessing, I just wanted to say, again, what a wonderful blessing it is that my beloved has been able to come home from Iraq to 'visit' for a couple of weeks. (I posted about my beloved's arrival here. And I have shared a little about his visit here, here, and here.)
It has been such a blessing to see he and the children strengthening their relationship, creating memories, spending time together and enjoying one another. It has been such a blessing that he and I are doing the same. ;o)
We have been enjoying our time with him SO much! The Lord is SO Good! He provides just what we need when we need it!
"I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses." ~ Isaiah 63:7
They sang the first and last stanzas. Here are the words they sang and below is a video of them singing. ;o)
Hold the Fort Ho! My comrades, see the signal Waving in the sky! Reinforcements now appearing Victory is nigh! chorus: "Hold the fort, for I am coming!" Jesus signals still, Wave the answer back to Heaven "By Thy grace, we will!"
Fierce and long the battle rages, But our Help is near; Onward comes our great Commander Cheer, my comrades, cheer! "Hold the fort, for I am coming!" Jesus signals still, Wave the answer back to Heaven "By Thy grace, we will!"
We are continuing to enjoy spending time with Daddy while he is home. ;o) I will likely not be posting much to read while he his home but I do hope to continue sharing photos.
In my previous post, I shared the children playing with our new Elefun game. They have enjoyed this game quite a lot and really enjoyed it when Daddy joined in...
Daddy and Will have enjoyed playing with our new flying disc...
Last night, after supper, we enjoyed another new-to-us game...
The younger ones (and Dad, lol) thought the new card holders came in handy...
After our Uno game, Dad and Ally worked together to put up our new blinds...
What a blessing it has been to watch as my beloved and our children interact and strengthen bonds with one another. And what a blessing it has been that he and I have been able to do the same. ;o)
"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." ~ Psalm 34:1
We have been enjoying our days with Daddy! I've seem to have taken an unplanned break from blogging regularly, too. ;o) My blogging and commenting will continue to be sporatic while my beloved is home. ;o)
We have been keeping busy while Daddy is here. We're sometimes busy with activities and such and sometimes busy with just being a family at home. All have been wonderful moments.
I do not have a lot of time to blog this morning but I just wanted to share some photos from the past few days...
Saturday...
Ally and Daddy spending some morning time together
Oh Dear! LOL... we're still laughing about this photo!
Will and Daddy playing a game of chess with Beth looking and learning. ;o)
Ally helping me make pizza on Saturday. We had our pastor and his family over for food and fellowship.
Beth in her silliness
Sunday was a wonderful Lord's Day. What a blessing it was to worship together as a family!
On Monday we all did a little shopping together, worked a little in the garage, had fun and just enjoyed Daddy... Carolynne helping Daddy
A candid moment from Ally ;o)
On Tuesday, Daddy spent time at home with the younger ones as Ally and I had a mother/daughter date. I took her to Red Lobster (since she LOVES seafood) and then we did a little shopping together. It was such a precious time to spend with her, to share each others' hearts, and enjoy one another.
At home, the younger ones and Dad enjoyed playing a new game we picked up on Monday... The little elephant blows lightweight butterflies out of its trunk and they catch them with the nets. Even Daddy enjoyed playing!
Ally shared some songs she had been learning on guitar...
Today began with waking to see my beloved at my side. What a blessing that was! It, also, began with Beth at our feet. ;o) Will rose early, eager to make his daddy a pot of coffee. Soon enough, we were all downstairs beginning our day together.
What a delight it was to sit in the backyard, in the gaezbo, drinking a cup of coffee with my beloved! We spent the morning just enjoying Daddy.
I knew I'd have to have the camera handy today (and for the next two weeks!) when I entered the living room to see this... It just melts the heart!
Later this morning, Dad presented the children with a few special things he had brought home for them. He gave each of them lil' dog tags that say, "With love from Dad, U.S. Marines, Iraq 2007". They were each thrilled to have those.
Ally was excited to get a little porcelain doll that he picked up for her while in Germany...
He had something particularly special for Will, too. On Will's birthday (last week), Daddy was visiting his brother (Will's uncle) in a different part of Iraq and on Will's birthday, Daddy and Uncle flew a flag in honor of Will's 9th birthday. After flying the flag, they took it down and folded it, signed an official certificate, and got a photo! It was quite a special gift!
We know it is something that Will is going to treasure in years to come!
In addition to other gifts, Daddy gave out a few foreign coins and, also, pogs. Pogs are a 'cardboard coin' that can be used at exchange stores on military bases. They children thought it very interesting that he could purchase things with cardboard. ;o)
(you can click on this photo to see it larger)
Later, we all had lunch together! ;o) Ally made a yummy corn chowder...
It was a smorgasboard, really. Ally and I ate the corn chowder. The younger ones wanted Spaghettios. And Daddy wanted a double-decker PBandJ. But it sure was nice to sit at the table together...
After lunch, Will and Dad did some yard work together. My beloved didn't mind, at all, mowing the grass. It had been a while since he had seen so much of it! ;o)
Ally was out, too, feeding our wildlife. ;o)
As they worked outside, the lil' girls enjoyed some books...
After the yardwork, Daddy took the lil' girls to the store. They were excited to be in Daddy's truck with Daddy... By the way, see how the picture is a little 'foggy'? It's been so hot and humid here this week that everytime I try to take a picture outside, my lens fogs up intensely. Yikes! Is it hot where y'all are? My poor beloved is having to adapt to this moist, humid heat instead of that dry desert-like heat. He thinks this may be worse. lol
As they made a quick trip to the store, I began our traditional sourdough pizza for Fridays...
After eating, it was a sweet sight in the living room...
Daddy was dozing in and out of sleep...
Ally was working on a new crochet project...
Carolynne was relaxing on the chair...
Will and Beth enjoyed snuggling...
Oh, what a blessing it is to have Daddy home... even if it is only for a while.
Our 'special guest' arrived yesterday evening! The children went to Vacation Bible School, riding with some friends, and I went to the airport alone.
My excitement was at its peak as I stood at the airport window watching the plane land and the passengers exit. I cannot describe the sudden overflow of emotions that surrounded me when I saw our 'special guest' walking of the plane! And my face showed it... wet eyes and all!
After enjoying a wonderful supper with our 'special guest', we went to the church to pick up the children. Oh, what a moment!
This week has been flying by for us. In addition to Vacation Bible School, we have spent some time with friends and much time preparing our home for our 'special guest'. ;o)
I do not have anything profound to share. I just wanted to share some photos from the past couple of days.
The last couple of days have been real 'scorchers' so yesterday the children enjoyed playing in the water outside... We added a little baby shampoo so they could clean their toys as they played. They loved it!
Today we worked at cleaning the house. And I am happy to say that my laundry room floor is now visible! woo hoo! Mount Washmore has been chiseled down to merely a laundry hamper full. ;o) We've been washing counters, walls, floors, and toilets; picking up toys, putting away clothes, sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and sorting papers (yikes!). Ally spent time in the reading room organizing the books on the book shelves. She's such a sweetie...
The younger ones tackled the lil' girls room. I was proud of them! They started off with a bit of a mess... But they did a great job and had fun doing it.
We've, also, been 'working in' some fun time ...
We've had some busy days for quite some time but we are looking forward to a more relaxing time in the days to come!
I do not know how regular my blogging (or responding to comments) will be over the next few weeks but I will 'touch base' as I am able.
I will share our 'special guest' as soon as I can.
Enjoy the rest of your week! We WILL! ;o)
"My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:" ~ Psalm 63:5
I made a post earlier this week sharing our first night of VBS but have been unable to share more until now. ;o) The week has been racing by! We have been having a wonderful time serving the Lord this week in VBS.
Below are some photos from the past couple of days...
Here are Ally and I registering the children as they arrived at VBS...
Song Time...
Time for the penny offering...
Snack time in class...
Beth and Carolynne made paper plate happy faces for the craft in their class. The lesson was on obedience and the face was a visual aid in showing there is 'happiness' (joy) in obeying.
The arrival of our "special guest" is drawing near! Today I am continuing to get our home prepared. I hope to post later about our day from yesterday. Ally will be resizing some photos for me so I can post them later on.
Some have shared their curiousity in knowing who our "special guest" will be. And there was a request for any hints. I will share just a few...
* We are not expecting a new baby ;o) *This "special guest" is not really a "guest" at all *The younger children will be PLEASANTLY surprised! *It will be the best anniversary gift ever!
We had a great first night of VBS! Below are some photos from this evening...
Preparing to sing "Rescue the Perishing".
Puppet presentation... (Ally is the puppet on the far left.)
Taking the penny offering.
The 'firemen' won the penny offering tonight...
Ally, Carolynne, and Beth sitting on the Police Officer side. Will is in the back on the fireman side.
Leaving for class time... Beth, Carolynne, and Ally are at the end of the line. Ally is helping in their class.
Will leaving with his class.
Beth and Carolynne's craft... The Bible lesson was about when God sent ravens to bring food to Elijah. The craft was a paperbag raven and a plate of 'food'.
Will's craft was a cut-out raven and he wrote in colored glue "Trust in God".
After craft time, it was snack time... and that's when I came in... ;o)
After snack time, everyone returned to the auditorium...
We all looked forward to a much anticipated event! During the neighborhood Bible clubs we've had the past few weeks, the children have been memorizing particular Scripture verses. A young man (teen) in the church volunteered to allow whoever memorized ALL of the verses on the list the opportunity to put a pie in his face during VBS! Will was proud to be one of those that memorized all of the verses...
The children (and the adults) had a wonderful time! We look forward to tomorrow night!
We've had quite a few busy days lately. Last Friday, we had our homeschool park day then sourdough pizza night with friends. On Saturday, we met at the church to go 'blitzing' in the nearby neighborhood, inviting them to VBS this week. Sunday was a wonderful Lord's Day. The sermons were such a blessing, as was the fellowshipping.
This morning, the children and I started to really clean house (or, as the Marine Corps calls it... field day). We are preparing for a, um, "special guest" very soon. ;o) Here were the children this morning...
Ally worked at cleaning up her room...
Will and Carolynne worked together in Will's room...
Carolynne also helped by throwing the dirty laundry down the stairs to be washed... Oh dear! LOL... Needless to say, I was working on chiseling away at Mount Washmore. ;o)
Beth was helping to pick up the floor but was easily distracted... lol ;o)
This afternoon was spent visiting with friends. Then this evening we headed to Vacation Bible School, which I'll post about next.
Today the children and I had the opportunity to meet fellow bloggers. Karen (of Kindred Haven) and her daughter, Christie, were near our 'neck of the woods'. We were so delighted to meet them for lunch! We had such a lovely time getting to know them!
We sure enjoyed a wonderful 'meet and eat' with these dear ladies!
Today was our final day of the neighborhood Bible club. For our game today, we had a relay race using spoons and marshmallows. ;o) The children really enjoyed it... Ready to begin the race!
Beth running with the marshmallow in the spoon.
Will running the race.
The children (and the helpers), also, enjoyed song times... Singing "Grow Grow Grow"
Singing "Jesus Loves Me"
The Bible lesson was about the Armour of God...
After the lesson, Ally led in the question/answer time...
And, of course, you just can't end the last day of neighborhood Bible club without a little 'extra fun'...
LOL!
It has been such a blessing to participate in this! Now we look forward to a busy time of Vacation Bible School at church next week! (And we're preparing for something else that is special, though we can't share it yet... {{excited giggle}} )
This will continue to be a busy month for us. I do hope to respond to comments as soon as possible. ;o)
The years truly do fly by! Today Will turned 9 years old! Birthdays are so bittersweet... Reminising when he was so tiny... Remembering so many of his milestones... Recalling so many fond memories... Looking at photos... past and present... Wondering when he got so big anyhow! ;o) At the same time, looking forward to the days ahead... wondering and anticipating what the Lord will do in his life. {joyful sigh} I do look forward to those days though I deeply enjoy where we are now.
Yesterday, I gave Will a pre-birthday haircut. We had let it grow out a little this summer but there were many 'pros' in cutting it. He was happy with the outcome...
Daddy called early this morning to wish his son a very happy birthday! That thrilled him (and me)! ;o)
After our neighborhood Bible club, we went to the local all-you-can-eat pizza place for, of course, pizza (and their yummy cinnamon rolls). Afterwards, we headed home for fellowship with friends.
Later in the afternoon, we all gathered in the dining room to sing "Happy Birthday" and share cake and ice cream...
After finishing up their treat, Will opened his birthday gifts...
Lincoln Logs
Slingshot
Bugle!
Sound the battle cry! LOL
We had a wonderful time! And he was thrilled that his birthday was on a Wednesday so we could be in God's house! ;o)
What a blessing Will is to our family! Thank you, Lord, so much for perfectly placing Will in our family. Happy 9th Birthday, Will
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24
"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." ~ Psalm 127:3,4
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