Aug. 13, 2007 - Perseid Meteor Shower

Doubtless you've heard all about the Perseid Meteor Shower that was scheduled to take place last night and tonight.  Usually I read about such things, flag the e-mail message,  and decide to sleep rather than attempt star gazing.  I grew up in the city; we didn't have stars.  At best we can see the Big Dipper, Venus, and (in the winter months) Orion.  But now that we live in the country, I thought we should take advantage of the opportunity to marvel in God's creation. 

I started going outside around 9pm and Chris and I finally saw a big meteor around 10pm.  We decided to set the alarm for 4am and wake the kids to see them.  The neigbor's lights, the street light on our cul-de-sac, and the trees were enough of a nuisance that we were going to have to drive out of the development to a neighboring farm to get a clearer view.  When the alarm went off at 4am, I went outside myself to see if I could see any before waking everyone up.  It was cloudy and I didn't see any, so I reset my alarm for 5:15am and tried again; this time I saw one.  I woke Chris and the kids and we piled them into the car for our literal field trip.  We drove to a farm field that didn't have anything planted in it, laid a blanket on the old corn stalks and peacefully gazed at the sky.  Ha!  With 4 squirmy, chattering kids, there was nothing peaceful about it.  The younger two were especially full of questions, complaints, and were altogether wiggly!  What a sight we must have been!  A couple of us saw a few meteors, only one was really noticeable and not even as much as the one Chris and I saw last night.  We're still too close to the city and there's too much light pollution.  After about half an hour, we loaded back into the car and drove home, stopping at the McDonald's drive-through for a rare breakfast treat (?) before heading home.  Chris read to us from Genesis 1 as we ate and we talked about stars and signs and the glory of God's creation.  Then I went on a bike ride with 2dd8 while Chris showered and we enjoyed a bit of the sunrise; the sun was a glorious red globe! 

Next time we'll have to go camping and after reading of KindredHeart's idealic experience, I'm thinking we need to go camping on the beach!  We might not have seen such a glorious display, and our kids' chattering was not nearly as soothing as the sound of the waves on the beach, but it certainly was a memorable experience, and I had fun waking my sleepy kids and putting socks and shoes on their feet while they wondered in their half-sleepy state what in the world we were doing.  They'll cherish memories like this one someday, and when they relate this adventure to their kids, the one comet they did see will be the biggest, brightest comet ever.  Because everything is bigger and brighter when you're a kid! :)

Jun. 26, 2007 - Chimney Rock Park

I have a potentially controversial post about arrogance in the church composing itself in my head.  Uncertain whether it would be edifying to actually type it out, posting more pictures from our NC vacation seems a much safer route to take this afternoon.  (How's that for a tease or a copout- take your pick?)

Friday we spent the day at Chimney Rock Park, which is a phenomenal place!  We really wore ourselves out and didn't make it to the 404 foot waterfall, (which was disappointing since I'm all about getting to the waterfall at the end); nonetheless, we had a fabulous time enjoying God's creation! 

Can you see me and the two younger girls beneath the flag pole?

There was an Appalachian man who played the Hammered Dulcimer splendidly. (As an aside, my 6 year old is singing Step by Step at this moment, it's such a joy to hear her singing, "I will follow you all of my days" with her whole heart!)

These make great pictures, but it sure makes this mama nervous for her kids to be hopping around and such at an elevation of 2, 280 feet!!!  I'm not exactly afraid of heights, but I am afraid of my kids flipping over guard rails from such heights!

Playing peek-a-boo in the rocks was fun!  There were all kinds of neat hiding places!  But once again, it wasn't really a place I wanted my wee ones to be playing hide and go seek, I wanted to SEE them AT. ALL. TIMES. 

Praise the Lord for yet another glorious day!  (And that we all managed to avoid falling into the depths!)

And how fitting that we were listening to Lincoln Brewster in the van!

Oh Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth
Oh Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth
The heavens declare Your greatness
The oceans cry out to You
The mountains, they bow down before You
So I’ll join with the earth and I’ll give my praise to You

"Before the mountains were born 

Or you gave birth to the earth and the world, 

Even from everlasting to everlasting,

You are God."

Psalms 90:2

Jun. 25, 2007 - Biltmore Estate

We were so excited to receive an wedding invitation from a college friend who we inaccurately assumed would always remain a bachelor; however, since we already have plans to go to Pennsylvania this summer, we didn't think dh would be able to take time off work to go to North Carolina for the ceremony.  When a business trip was scheduled for Father's Day weekend, we were not at all thrilled, until his manager gave him the rest of the week off in compensation, the exact dates of the wedding!  So we hastily made hotel reservations (boy was THAT expensive!), called the bride with our last minute RSVP, loaded the van and headed to Asheville for an unexpected vacation! 

Thursday we spent the day at the Biltmore Estate: what a place!  These are just a few of the many pictures I took that day. 

The whole family in front of the Biltmore House

Two little princesses dressed for a day at the Estate.

3dd6 makes herself at home on the front porch while our son poses with a lion.

Hanging out by the fountain.

Where'd these goofy kids come from?

May. 30, 2007 - The Waterfall at the End

I can be a very driven person.  I’ve always been a trailblazer and in the past few years I’ve had to make a concerted effort to slow down and enjoy the journey.  I’m not always very good about appreciating all of the little things along the path.  My goal is to get to the waterfall at the end.  Having my camera in hand is one thing that helps me to take note of the beauty all around me, but as much as I have improved in taking the time to stop and smell the roses, I still like the waterfall at the end best! 

Check out those faces, this was NOT posed!

They had SO much fun, swimming in their clothes!

Taking a brisk shower in the falls! 

Surf's up!

Visiting the falls was the last thing that we did at McCormick's Creek.  The car was completely packed, and hiking to the falls was almost an after-thought.  We weren’t sure we were up for it, but we were so glad we went.  It compensated for all of the rain and mud we had endured.  It was great to watch the kids having as much fun as I always did!  The only problem was that everything was packed and I wasn’t thinking ahead to foresee coming back to the van with soaking wet kids.  When we returned to the van and prepared for the hour and a half drive home, the only dry clothes that were accessible for the kids to change into were the swimsuits.  Oh, the irony!  Now we know, and even I will be more appropriately attired to splash along next time!

May. 29, 2007 - My Favorite Colors

Why do we bother with all the nuisance and hassle of tent camping?

Because green and brown are my favorite colors!

I’m still young enough to enjoy playing in trees!

Dh and my two youngest daughters engulfed in the beauty of the woods.  Who are we that God should consider us?

There is such beauty and diversity in the various shades and textures.

Lifted up by her father’s strong arms, she can peak through the massive forked tree.

A picture of strength and beauty.

Following in his mother’s footsteps, this boy of mine likes to play in trees as much as I do!

Thanks for joining me on my nature walk through the woods!  Next time we’ll climb on some rocks and splash in the waterfall!  It’ll be such fun!

Mar. 28, 2007 - How Great Thou Art Class

This week we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a 3-Day art class with Barry Stebbings of How Great Thou Art.  I am not very artistic and do not have much training in art.  As a result, I have been quite negligent in teaching art to my kids.  The farthest I got in art education was to purchase the oft recommended Drawing With Children which looks lovely on my shelf. 

Our lack of art education didn't seem to matter much to my son who is not strong with fine motor skills, but when my girls began showing much more interest at a much younger age, I knew that I needed to pursue something.  So, I was quite excited to discover that Mr. & Mrs. Stebbings would be in town offering very affordable art classes.  We were not disappointed and would highly recommend these classes to anyone who is lacking in this subject.  The one word of caution is that Mr. Stebbings moves at a very rapid pace, packing in as much instruction as possible, so prepare your kids lest they be discouraged.  Overall, I was greatly impressed by the character and integrity of this couple and how well organized the class was (especially considering there were over 100 kids participating!).  Mr. Stebbings continually uses art to point to God, and I was impressed by his love for God, and for all the children.  He is an excellent teacher and firmly believes that art is a learned discipline.  He even managed to encourage me that it's never too late to learn, and I really learned a lot just in these three afternoons!  This class was a tremendous blessing to all of us, and I am looking forward to using his curriculum with the kids! 

Here are some pictures of the fun!

Mr. Stebbings

Homework: sketching flowers

Personal assistance from Mr. Stebbings

Painting sunflowers

Oct. 23, 2006 - One-Room Schoolhouse: October 6, 1906

Earlier this month, I stepped back 100 years in time with 1ds9 and 2dd7 on a field trip to a one room schoolhouse.  It was one of the best field trips that we've ever been on (and there have been many)!  We had visited one-room schoolhouses previously, and received a short lesson from a period reenactor, but the difference in this school-house visit was that we all reenacted an entire school day: from 9:30am to 2:30pm.  We tagged along with a friend and her kids who had been invited by a group from their old church. 

We were required to dress in period appropriate clothes and bring an appropriate lunch (we chose cornbread and cheese-- wrapped in wax paper, apples, cloth napkins, and Mason jars full of water). 

The school day began when the school marm rang the bell and the children lined up to enter the schoolhouse.  The teacher then called roll and the children were required to stand when their name was called and she spoke to each one individually about community and family happenings ("Please, thank your mother for the plums, tell your father that you will be staying after school next week to prepare for the box social..."). 

Elianna was so nervous, but she stood up and answered properly anyway, "Yes, Ma'am."

Class proceded with instruction in geography and government, writing with ink pens, cyphering (working math problems) on slates, learning a phonics jingle ("Be, Bi, Biddly I, Bo..."), reading groups using McGuffey's readers, a Spelldown (can I say that there were no homeschool spelling bee winners in this group?....I was absolutely appauled!) lunch, and recess! 

Recess, of course, was a fabulous time!  The kids had sack races, played stick ball, practiced on wooden and tin can stilts, played jacks, marbles, and with hoops.  What began as a chilly fall day resulted in a glorious sunny afternoon ideal for wholesome play! 

The woman who ran the school and taught us, did a phenomenal job!  The kids were enthralled by the entire experience, and I had a great time myself.  It was one of the most fun times we've had homeschooling!  At one point in the day, I wondered whether we might be more likely to send the kids to school if this was the type of school they could attend.  "No," I decided, "they still belong at home!" 

But we will probably go back to visit again when we can take the younger two girls too!

Oct. 4, 2006 - Glass Class

Tuesday, we participated in our first homeschool class at the Children's Museum.  It was a Glass Class, centered around the Chihuly exhibit. 

The kids enjoyed various activities inspired by the exhibit and learned all about glass and how things are made from it. 

While I absolutely loved the baby and toddler years, I am thoroughly enjoying this next phase of life where all of the kids can participate in learning, and I'm not having to entertain a toddler or nurse a baby while keeping up with older kids!  Here 4dd3.5 proves that she is competent of keeping up with her older sisters. (She really enjoys being a "pre-schooler"!) 

Now, I'm trying to work up the courage to attempt to create a Chihuly piece of art with the kids, here at home. 

Some additional resources related to glass are:

Sand to Glass by Inez Snyder, Looking at Glass Through the Ages by Bruce Koscienlniak, Glass by Mary Firestone, and Glass by Chris Oxlade.

Learn-about-glass at the Tacoma Museum of Glass which also has two interactive programs at the Virtual Hot Shop. 

Aug. 11, 2006 - Keeping Busy

We continue to keep busy while we wait to move into our house.

Last weekend we enjoyed going camping at Clifty Falls with a group from our new church.  The majority of this group went on a missions trip to Mexico in the spring and has continued to meet as a small group since then.  Of the 7 families we went with, I only knew two (one was the family we met in Virginia and the other is the family whose house we are buying).  I was curious how it would be camping with a group of strangers, especially ones who have a common bond/experience.  I need not have worried!  We had a fabulous time and the other families were so welcoming.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship as we shared dinners and sat around the campfire toasting marshmallows and making smores.  We also enjoyed hiking to see a couple of the falls and spent an entire afternoon at the fantastic pool.  There is a lot of diversity of ages and families in the group and our family blended very well with theirs.  You would have thought that we'd known them our entire lives from the way that my kids roamed from one campsite to the next.  One woman (who has been unable to have children in her 7 years of marriage) was a bit suprised by 4dd3.5 climbing up on her lap as we sat around the fire, but it was a blessing to her.  I'm really glad that we went!   By the way, we borrowed my parents' Jeep tent (since ours is in storage in VA) and it was fabulous!  Have you ever heard of a tent with closets?!?  They were so cool, and very practical with keeping things organized!  Who knew?!? 

The night before we went camping, we were suprised by my middle sister who came to visit from Florida.  Only my brother, brother-in-law, and husband knew she was driving up, so the rest of us were very suprised.  It has been good to see her and spend some time with her.  Tuesday we drove 1.5 hours to go to the Colts' Training Camp.  It was a fun time, even in the rain!  We got a late start, so we didn't really see a lot, but we enjoyed the experience and took a couple of pictures of some of our favorite players.  We've also been helping my sister rip down ugly wallpaper in her house along with my brother.  It's a lot of work and we made a big mess!  It's nice to live close enough to help though!  And, my littlest sister (who came out to help me in Virginia before we moved and to watch the kids while I was here house-hunting) finally got a job.  She started this week working at a bank.  She's been unemployed for almost 2 years, so we are all very excited for her and thankful for this opportunity.  It's a huge answer to prayer!

The other highlight of my week was attending a homeschool moms' night with some of honeybee's friends.  It was a very neat group of Christian women who were again, very welcoming.  Most of them use the Principle Approach, which I don't exactly use, but I still gathered numerous gems from the discussion which I can apply to what I do.  Also, it was encouraging just to be with fellow homeschool moms.  I did not realize how much I was missing that!  I was blessed with such a wonderful group of homeschoolers in Virginia and have been missing them a lot, but God is good to bring other families into my life. 

Jul. 20, 2006 - A Break in the Heat Wave

My parent's computer is located in their library, a room with no windows, no fans and of course, no air conditioning, so sitting in front of the computer for any length of time with temps in the 90s and humidity that makes it feel like it's 100, is not very desirable.  Thus, no blogging!  But, God is gracious to be providing a break from the heat in the form of a summer shower.  I love the rain and thunderstorms and truly enjoy rainy days.  I'm looking forward to spending this afternoon reading books and playing games with the kids, but first, I thought I'd take advantage of the cooler temps to post a blog.

This week has been full!  The kids have been enjoying Vacation Bible School at my sister's church.  It has been a little tough for me though as this is the first time in 8 years where I have not been serving in some capacity at VBS.  I've never before dropped the kids off and left!  Would you believe that I was actually in tears on the first day as I walked out, leaving three of my kids and all the fun behind?  It's just not me.  I'm the type to be involved, always serving somewhere.  It's hard to walk away.  It left me feeling very homesick for my Virginia church which will be doing VBS next week.  I was preparing to teach Pre-School Music before the sudden turn of events led to our move to Indiana.  I'm really missing it!  I am grateful that at least my kids do get to participate, 3dd5 has come home every day and retold the missionary story of Mary Slessor.  She amazes me with her ability to remember every detail and it's amusing to hear her using words that she normally doesn't say as she tells the story verbatum. 

Monday, after spending the afternoon at my sister's air conditioned house, we celebrated 1ds9's birthday.  Would you believe that in this heat with no air conditioning I still baked homemade pizza and a chocolate cake?!?  Crazy, I tell you!  I was literally dripping from sweat!  Yuk!  But, it all tasted great and ds was very appreciative.  It was a nice day!  I marvel that he is already 9 years old.  It struck me that we're half-way done with him.  In another 9 years it is probable that he'll be off to college.  Wow!  I pray that I can make the most of the time that I have with him and not waste it!

We've kept busy and out of the heat the other afternoons with a visit to the fabulous Children's Museum and a playdate with artsymama.  The summer reading program at the cool library has been a good escape as well.  Unfortunately, they don't permit you to sleep there! LOL 

Altogether, it's been alright and I have been so pleased that my kids have not been complaining about the heat!  Of course I'm ready to be in my own home, but it's not too much longer until that's a reality and then I'll be overwhelmed by unpacking boxes.  Until then, I'm trying to make the most of the time I have here and continuously seek out God's purpose for this time. 

May. 23, 2006 - Kennedy Center, Teddy Roosevelt Island, Great Falls

We're having drywall repairs and painting done from the top of my 3-level townhouse to the bottom, so we've been out and about on field trips while the men work. 

Yesterday, we went to another NSO Kinderkonzert at the Kennedy Center.  There was a strings quartet who did a teaching lab on Musical Opposites.  Once again, it was a wonderful performance!

On the way home, we stopped at Teddy Roosevelt Island for a picnic lunch.  I was impressed by one of the quotations at the memorial,  "If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness."

This is a picture of my kids in front of the memorial along with two of their friends who had gone to the performance with us.

Today, we went to Great Falls Park.  It is a gorgeous day, the sun is shining and there is a cool breeze.  The challenge was that 3dd5 is still running a fever and recovering from the flu and 1ds8 woke up sick this morning.  He got sick when we arrived at the park, rested awhile in the car, and then felt well enough to hike to the overlook, but soon tired and so we returned to the van where he slept and the rest of us had a picnic, read books, laid in the sun, and played soccer in the grass.  My youngest sister is visiting from Indy and is helping with the kids and packing.  She'll stay with us for a month or so and I am so appreciative of her help! 

This is me with the three older kids

This is my sister with the girls

We saw two Great Blue Heron and also what looked like it could have been either an eagle or a hawk.  I wish I could have gotten a good picture and could have identified it better!  DH would have known!  Here is a picture of the falls, it's better than a postcard!  Oh the glory and majesty of God's creation! 

May. 1, 2006 - C&O Canal and The Kennedy Center

We love field trips and there are plenty of opportunities here in Virginia, Washington, D.C. and Maryland!

Last Thursday, we drove into Georgetown where we went on a ride on the C&O Canal in a mule drawn barge.  It was a perfectly beautiful spring day and such fun to take a step back into history.  The interpreters were dressed appropriately and our guide taught us a lot. 

This is "The Georgetown."                     Here are the kids on board.

Looking up from one of the locks.

These are the mules who pulled the barge.

These are the mules pulling the barge.

On our way home, we stopped at one of the scenic overlooks.  If you look closely enough, you can see the Washington Monument in the distance. 

The kids also found some more caterpillars, so we're going to try to hatch a few more butterflies. :)

Today, we went to a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.  Kennedy Center performances are one of my favorite things about homeschooling here in Northern Virginia.  One of the moms in our homeschool group arranged for us to get group ticket rates at the educational performances, so we pay a third of what it would cost to go as a family.  It's fabulous!  Today's performance was called "Imagine This." Five musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra played several pieces which required using your imagination to enjoy.  From The Flight of the Bumblebee to William Tell, they were engaging, entertaining, and amusing.  Even my three year old was captivated! 

Before the performance, there was an Instrument Petting Zoo.  The kids got to try out several instruments which would be featured in the performance. 

I really hope that I can get a piano soon so that I can begin formal lessons with the older kids.  All of my kids are very musical! 

It was another beautiful day!  This is the view of D.C. from the Kennedy Center.  The Washington Memorial is on the left, the Lincoln Memorial on the right, and the Jefferson Memorial is in the middle.  And look, no traffic! HaHa!

Our nation's capitol is such a picturesque place.  I've enjoyed being so close!

Apr. 6, 2006 - On The Road Again: Long Car Trips with Kids

I recently returned from a trip to Indianapolis to visit my family and get ready for my sister's wedding later this month.  Because my husband's work schedule wouldn't allow him to take off time for two trips to Indiana in one month, I loaded up the van and hit the road with my four kids myself.  It took us 12 hours to get there and about 10 1/2 hours to return home 5 days later.  Most people think the idea of spending 10+ hours in the car with 4 young children is crazy and that I'm crazy for doing it.  I guess I am, but it wasn't really that bad.  People ask all the time, "How do you do it?" so I thought I'd tell you.  Maybe it'll inspire you to pack up the kids and take a road trip of your own, especially as the weather gets nicer!

Music:  This trip we had a varied collection including Veggie Tales, Raffi, Laurie Berkner, Jump 5, VBS Songs, Barlow Girl, Jeremy Camp, and Tree 63.  Bring something for everyone and let everyone take turns selecting what you listen to next.

Books on Tape: This trip we listened to Focus on the Family's Radio Theater Broadcast of the Chronicles of Narnia (The Horse and His Boy & Prince Caspian).  Other trips we've borrowed CDs from the Library. 

Books/Coloring Books:  I always bring along a backpack full of books, coloring books, MadLibs, and activity books.  Sometimes, I create special books from on-line resources (at Thanksgiving for example).  I also include clipboards and blank paper.  I usually bring older, paperback books that I'm not attached to as they can sometimes get torn or crumpled. 

Car Toys: View Finders, Battery Operated Toy Steering Wheel, Leap Pad products, miniature dolls/figurines/cars... 

Snacks:  Dry snacks (like pretzels, trailmix, M&Ms, Reesee's Pieces, Skittles) packed in individual zip lock bags, and juice boxes or water bottles with pop-up caps.  I'm very strict about when these are distributed.  My first rule is, "Don't ask for anything in the first 2 hours of the trip!"

DVDs:  We have a portable DVD player with straps that can be attached between the front two seats in our van.  We only take the DVD player on LONG (3+ hours)car rides or when we're riding at night for more than a couple of hours.  Even when we bring it along, the daytime use is limited and I typically save it for the last couple of hours of the trip after dark.   For example, on this past trip, we left the house about 9am and around 1pm they watched a 30 minute video.  A few hours later they watched another 30 minute video.  Then, I made them wait until dark and until we were 2 hours from my parents' house and then they watched a 110 minute long movie.  They were so excited that they didn't even complain much when 1ds8 accidentally pushed a button to switch the language to French and couldn't make it switch back to English.  Does that count as foreign language class?  teehee  On the way home, we didn't use the DVD player at all until it got dark and then watched a few shorter movies.

My philosophy with the DVD player is use it but don't allow it to use you.  If you allow the kids to watch a DVD every time you go to the corner store, it won't be as effective and soothing after 10 hours in the van!  I encourage the kids to be creative and entertain themselves during the daylight hours, but it is tough once it gets dark and you can't see to read or color or even play I Spy anymore.  If we didn't have the DVD player, we would probably listen to more books on tape, but the DVD player has been a wonderful investment for us. 

Minimize Stops and Maximize Rest Areas:  Because the weather was nicer this trip, I decided to do drive through for lunch and have the kids eat in the van and then stop for bathroom breaks at the rest areas.  When I stopped for lunch, I went to the drive-through first, then over to the gas station.  While the gas was pumping, I got the kids settled with food and they ate while I continued driving.  At rest areas, everyone goes to the bathroom and then the kids run.  If they don't run on their own, I design races for them (running around trees, zig-zagging around picnic tables, running up the hill and down).  If I think ahead enough, I pack lunch and we eat at the rest area (saving both money and time).  Before we get back in the van, we straighten up and throw away trash.  Then I get everyone situated with a book or toy and we're off again.

Field Trips:  It may sound especially crazy to extend an already very long car trip by adding a "field trip" stop, but sometimes it's worth it.  This trip we stopped at Sideling Hill in Maryland.  We all enjoyed getting out of the car for about 1/2 hour, and the kids learned about the three main types of rocks.  That counts as science right?

Car Games:  The Alphabet Game (work together to find all the letters of the alphabet in order on the billboard signs), The License Plate Game (make a list of all of the different states' license plates you can find), I Spy, Car Color Game (everyone is assigned a color and they tally how many cars or trucks they see of that color).

Drive the Speed Limit:  It can be a challenge to obey the speed limit on long car trips, but it's a matter of integrity.  Plus, the car trip is much less stressful when you're not racing the other cars and not on the look-out for the police.  God will bless your obedience and don't forget, your kids are always watching.  Set the cruise control and you'll get there when you get there.

We've lived away from my family since we've been married, so my kids are accustomed to these long car rides.  In the early years I would do more fun stuff like wrapping presents (new boxes of crayons, fun pads, boxes of animal crackers) that I passed out incrementally throughout the trip.  They don't "need" these as much anymore, but those are fun for kids who aren't used to being in the car so much. 

Happy Road Tripping! 

Mar. 21, 2006 - At Work With Dad

My husband decided to take 1ds8 to work with him last week.  Working the night shift, he thought it would be more conducive to having his son in tow and that 1ds8 is old enough to experience what a night of his work is like. 

Overall, 1ds8 was thrilled to tag along and enjoy some individual attention with Dad, although he did complain of being bored several times throughout the night. 

My husband had to transport a storage box from one location to another and 1ds8 helped him with that for which he received $2.50.  (He was thrilled!)

My husband had a couple of meetings and my son had to sit in another room.  A couple of my husband's co-workers chatted with him during that time.  What impressed me most, were the topics that they chatted with him about.  Seeing that he'd brought along one of the Narnia books, they talked to him about them and the movie and compared the two, this led to questions of whether he'd seen The Passion of the Christ (he hasn't) and the Bible studies that one of the guys has done.  They haven't even had these conversations with my husband!  As I picture my 8 1/2 year old son, sitting with these men and conversing naturally and intelligently about spiritual things in a secular office, I can't help praise God for the godly character that He is developing in him!  God is so good!