What can I say but, "the day in the life of a homeschooling family...."

We did some work in the city for my aunt who is moving offices. I did some filing, Kevin and the boys did some phone wiring in the new office. After we finished, about 8:00pm on Friday night, we went to leave and lo and behold, our tire was flat. Well, why waste that beautiful lesson, Noah our youngest and Dad worked on the tire. I realized that Sam had not practiced violin that day and he had just learned something new so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get in some practice.

SO imagine the scene: Dark foggy parking lot, with the yellow glow of streetlights, a 1999 Suburban on a jack, a 7 year old "helping" dad change the tire while our 9 1/2 year old is serenading us with violin music. It was a site to behold.

Happy Homeschooling.....

So, we have thus far survived the "Firestorm 2007". We have recently sent home the last of the "refugees" from Julian and have put our house back to order. We had 8 additional people, for a total of 12 (including 6 teens) in our home for the last 5 days. It was a blessing. The fires are still going strong in some of the areas around us; however we are getting smoked out pretty badly for the first time all week. Can't complain much I guess. We have lost power and regained it, and lost phones a couple of times.

It was amazing to fellowship with my two homeschool mom mentors. I was blessed beyond measure by the wisdom, gentleness and love that they shared with us all during a really crazy time. There was order (most of the time), a spirit of cooperation and true honesty. When one of us was struggling, we would have a group huddle and pray through it. We had a wonderful "man of the house"; my friends’ husband stayed with us and kept everything going (generators, communication, and spiritual headship). My husband was on the fire line for a few days and the other husband was in town helping with power problems.

We saw great tests and feel that the Lord helped us through each one of them.

The fires are almost out, but there are still many problems for San Diego. Please keep them in prayer. May God refine with His pure fire.

I am thankful for:
-The story of Baby Noah and seeing all those around the country rally around his family. What a privilege to be considered one of their family in Christ.

-Remembering how wonderful it is to snuggle up and read with my boys! I can't believe I put that on the back burner for the last couple of months!

-The encouragement I received from my friend Kelly in Borrego Springs yesterday!

-My family in Christ.

-My Grandparents (all of them)

-My Husband and how much he loves the Lord!

-My Sister and how much she has grown in the Lord

-Autumn weather!!!!!

-And most of all.....for the love of Christ that still overwhelms me every day~!!

Chivalry is alive and well…

My adorable son Noah, was protecting our friends daughter as we walked up to feed the horse and llamas the other day. He claimed he was a Roman soldier. He was wearing his Ancient Egyptian golden wristbands and carrying his Ancient Egyptian throwing sticks (as weapons) which he had made during our studies (thank you handsnhearts.com for the great kit). SOOO to top off this great outfit he had a pink ducky bucket on his head for his helmet! It was great!!! He was so serious about the whole thing. We have been working on what it means to protect and care for women and those who are vulnerable (thanks Vision Forum). So I couldn’t laugh at him about it, it was darling. He would walk in front of us and “check the are for any dangers”.  Then we would take about three steps and he would do it again! I asked him if he was sure he wasn’t an Egyptian soldier, he was adamant that he was a Roman soldier….whatever works I guess!!! Just wanted to share and encourage all of you out there, Chivalry still exists in the world!

We finally got to the beach. After living in AZ for almost 3 years and only 4 trips to the beach in those 3 years, we WENT!! It wasn't my very favorite beach, but it was my second favorite and that was good enough. It is amazing how much fun and how LONG  2.5 hours feels like! You can't beat, free entertainment, nature, fresh air and of course the water! All it takes is a little time (2 hours) and gas money (only 1/2 of the 401k each trip with the price of gas these days). We had a great day. The kids were zonked by the sun and so we had a very peaceful ride home listening to the Call of the Wild on cd (love the library books on tape). We got slurpeez at the 7/11 and cooled off in the a/c and cruised. A great summer day. The problem I now face is getting motivated to do school today!! I am still in my jammies, the kids are watching a movie and NOTHING has been done, and it is almost 10am! The problem is hubby is not home this week (working in town very early so he stays at Grandma's). So I am not getting up when I am supposed to! SOOO Tonight, it is early to bed, tomorrow is early to rise..etc... Well, my youngest is now asking for breakfast (Did I mention NOTHING has been done yet today!!!)...Toodles...

By LAURA ITALIANO

June 9, 2007 -- The devil may have made him do it, but it was Jesus who made him confess.

An Arizona man shocked cops in the East Village this week by walking into the local precinct and announcing that he'd strangled a woman on East 13th Street during an argument in 2004 - and that Jesus Christ wanted him to turn himself in.

Authorities said the confession has solved the previously cold-case murder of Myrna Gonzales, a 45-year-old homeless woman whose body was found folded into a large steamer trunk in a vacant lot at East 13th Street and Third Avenue.

"We wish Jesus would solve more of these," one law enforcement source said.

Michael Mohr, 51, might have gotten away with the slaying. But he'd recently had a religious conversion, and realized Jesus wanted him to do the right thing.

Gonzales' body was found June 6, 2004, in a vacant lot outside Mohr's building.