http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:01:00 -0500 Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:01:00 -0500 Besides working, preparing Sunday School lessons, homeschooling and preparing for Inventions Day, which I will be posting about later, on Memorial Day I took a trip to Flagstaff to visit my Mom.  I missed seeing her Mother’s Day – which his very unusual, but since we were in Tucson, I postponed our day for May 26th which was Memorial Day.   May 26th marks the anniversary of several emotionally sad happenings in my mother’s life including the death of my mother’s mother.  My Grandma tragically passed away in 1989 but the memory is as vivid for my Mom and I as if it happened yesterday.  She was on a road trip to St. Louis with her husband when the car they were driving starting acting up.  Both of them got out of the car just within St. Louis city limits and Grandma’s husband got down to check out the muffler.  My Grandma got down with him to get his hearing aids and when she stood back up, she either tripped or lost her balance or something and fell into the oncoming traffic, was thrown about 30 feet and according to records died instantly.  I’ll never forget the night we got the call.  We flew to St. Louis and had quite a family reunion.  We had a memorial service for her at the temple (as the family’s background is Jewish).  My Grandma loved to paint – and the Rabbi who spoke at her service spoke of an empty canvas.  I don’t remember everything. So, the children and I went to visit Mom and bring her her Mother’s Day gift.  I had decided to give her the gift I won from the Teacher’s Lounge adding to it several other goodies.  That Friday, my family went to Phoenix for a Senior Graduation Ceremony who graduated from Homeschool.  And then went to the local church for a reception.  My daughter and I play the violin in church along with my son who plays the harmonica and another young man on the cello and our beloved piano player.  We are not at all professionals! But we do play from our hearts to the Lord and He blesses us.  We were asked to play the song, “Be It Unto Me” for the reception.  I had never even heard the song before and it was a difficult one to play… but once again, the Lord blessed us and I THINK we did ok.  :/ My baby (now 7) had a birthday on May 30th but we were unable to celebrate till June 7th.  We went to the park and played lots of games.  Melody’s favorite game that we played was “Capture the horse’s tail”.  Each child tied a string around their waist and tucked a bandana (the tail) in the string in the back.  When I said go, everyone ran and snatched each other’s “tail” and tucked it in their own string while dodging others from getting their own “tail” snatched. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/577102/ Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:01:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/577102/ Do you all miss me?  Well, me too… assuming you said “yes” of course J  It has been since just before Mother’s Day since I last blogged!   Life has just been such a whirl, where do I start?  I guess I’ll start with… just before Mother’s Day!  April the 9th through the 16th we took a family trip to Tucson to visit some friends of ours – a family of 5 children in the age range of my own children with the exception of Lydia.  But… no problema!  More friends down there invited her to stay with them.  A HUGE blessing for her.  She doesn’t have very much fellowship here where we live with girls her own age. We got there Friday and went to a school play about Esther in the Bible.  Two of our friend's children were both in the play; their son being Mordecai.  This was extra special to me because over the past couple years, I’ve been writing the script for our own Sunday School children’s play… of Esther!  In fact, we had just picked parts a few weeks before… my own son being Mordecai - of which he wasn't too thrilled about.  Although this play was very different from what I plan to do… we all enjoyed it immensely and it was very encouraging to me – in part because I keep putting ours off for different reasons.  Probably because it’s going to be a blessing and satan doesn’t want that so he discourages me or keeps everyone out of town.  Also, it was encouraging for my son who wasn’t wanting to be Mordecai.  He has since enthusiastically changed his mind.  When we got there to the school, I didn’t expect to see anyone I knew besides our friends that we came with, but it turned out that  I knew a LOT of people – one of which was a gentleman who I used to “baby-sit” years ago.  Well, not exactly baby-sit; as he was about 11 the first year I started watching him, but mostly I was watching his younger siblings.  There were a few other families there as well. On Saturday, we all went to Sabino Canyon and had a picnic.  The kids played in the little creek and Army, my hubby, went hiking a little to check out a cave.  He got close to it and decided not to jump down into it.  It smelled very strong of animal.  Probably mountain lion.  Wise decision.  He got a pretty good shot of the entrance, anyway. Here's the cave from down below.  Army is standing just below the cave between the two cactuses A fallen log.  If I find out what it is, I'll post it. Some pretty cactus flowers       We took a trolley up to a couple of points, but it was a little disappointing for all of us as we weren’t able to go up to any significant places like we were wanting. I was, however, able to get a good shot of Sword Rock.  Another day, we went shopping! Fun!  We went to several thrift stores and I was actually able to find a couple of things for myself!  Their little boys found some camo wear.  They wanted to look like Josiah.                                         The girls playing dress up My friends'  parents live behind them and so one night we had a picnic barbecue outside. It was so relaxing!  The whole trip was relaxing, somehow, even though we were busy.  We all had just a wonderful time of fellowship, laughing, talking, (I don’t think we did any crying) and swapping recipes.  In fact we were enjoying each other’s company so much that they just couldn’t stay away from us and came to visit us the following week after we left J Actually the husband came to help with the painting of our almost completed church building.  So, naturally, she came too. We didn’t do anything as exciting as when we went to their house.  But we still enjoyed each other’s company.                                    Grace (aka - Wyatt Earppy)                               Josiah and Lydia at the restaurant   The adventures of my life will continue in future postings.  Stay tuned…              We had only intended to stay through the weekend at the Mercado’s, but Bro Isaac offered Army to put him to work for a few days… so, we stayed! Lydia was invited also to continue to stay with the Steinke’s. On one of the days I took care of the little ones (except baby Grace) while Sis Claudia took  Bro Isaac to Urgent Care.  He was having some kind of pain in his chest and jaws.  I think it turned out to be heart burn.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/573648/ Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:11:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/573648/ It isn't very often that we get to go anywhere, but this weekend we are going to Tucson to visit some friend's of ours. Their son is Mordecai in a play of Esther. I really wanted to go to see his play because guess what I'm doing with my Sunday School children? Same thing. And MY son is also Mordecai! Purty neat, huh? I'll have to blog about it when i get back... sometime. My life has been so crazy lately. Besides my normal stuff; teaching homeschool, Sunday School, house work in my own home, cleaning other houses, helping my hubby run his business... I've also added some other blessings: putting together a play (Esther) being in charge of putting together our yearly homeschool project that we do with other homeschoolers from our church, trying to figure out what to do for my youngest girl's 7th birthday at the end of this month, getting ready for my oldest to have her 9th grade graduation. (she's past the 9th, but i want her to be able to go to the really nice ceremony they have at the homeschool convention this year). You know, I have lots to blog about. But when in the world am I going to find time??? Happy Mother's Day y'all!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/529581/ Fri, 9 May 2008 08:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/529581/ Sh'ma Yis'ra'eil Adonai Eloheinu Adonai echad. Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.   Barukh sheim k'vod malkhuto l'olam va'ed. Blessed be His Name forever.   V'ahav'ta eit Adonai Elohekha b'khol l'vav'kha uv'khol naf'sh'kha uv'khol m'odekha. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all they soul, and with all they might.   V'hayu had'varim ha'eileh asher anokhi m'tzav'kha hayom al l'vavekha. And these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart.   V'shinan'tam l'vanekha v'dibar'ta bam And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them   b'shiv't'kha b'veitekha uv'lekh't'kha vaderekh uv'shakh'b'kha uv'kumekha when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.   Uk'shar'tam l'ot al yadekha v'hayu l'totafot bein einekha. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.   Ukh'tav'tam al m'zuzot beitekha uvish'arekha. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on they gates. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/527551/ Mon, 5 May 2008 17:09:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/527551/ I love cleaning Mr Bill's house.  He's always got something interesting to either say or do or show or give.  The other day I caught a tarantula in a jar.  Didn't think of getting any pictures of it.  The kids did, but it was too blurry. Well, I called Mr. Bill to see if he wanted it and he did.  He said he would trade me some morning glory seeds for the tarantula.  Yesterday was my cleaning day and he told me to bring the kids because he could do a lesson with them using the hairy creature.  So while and my oldest daughter cleaned, Mr. Bill taught them about the tarantula.  Here's my youngest daughter's account in her own words, uncensored and in its entirety: "Melody, what did you learn about the tarantula from Mr. Bill?" " its fangs, the two back legs that aren't really legs, he showed us a dot... kind of like a hole in the middle but I don't know what it is... I forgot.  Oh he put oh now another thing about a scorpion well he said they're poisonous some are and some aren't and geko and never mind.  Gekos are always having a heart on their back and they always go in cities.  but he was kidding.... "  All this was said to me while she was looking at the Gecko picture that's on an advertisement for Geico.  Let's see if Grace can fill us in: Grace?  "that their poisonous.  They always tuck their fangs in and their fangs are very very sharp and the little tarantulas fangs are this big.  They eat crickets and grasshoppers.  They can live without eating for a month.  And he said the babies are really really tiny.  And he showed us his black widows and he said he got bit by one.  I think he said he had to go to the doctor or hospital or something.  I think he said his nervousness ... when you go like that (extending your arm) you touch the wrong thing.  And his other one he has now killed the other one.  Mr Bill  ripped open the egg sack thing and there was tons of eggs in it. He said they are really dangerous.  Tarantulas have these little claw things on their ends and he let me touch them - they get stuck on my finger.  He said that was so that if there's a storm they can climb into a bush.  If you put two tarantulas in together, they'll eat each other."  After the tarantula experience, Mr Bill took the children on a little "hike" up the road to harvest some greens for dinner.  They included tumbleweed and something else but i only know what it is in Spanish... quelites.  We chopped up the tumbleweed and put it into our salad.  The kids weren't too impressed .  The quelites are a lot like spinach only the leaves are smaller.  I've used them before.  I fried some chopped onion and tomato and added the quelites.  My hubby introduced them to me.  After the hike, my son wanted to try out kayaking in Mr. Bill's pond.  So he did.  And he didn't want to stop when it was time to go home.  My brave Josiah, taking on the rapids The rapids meaning, the rapidly blowing wind on the water making rapid little ripples Like I said... rapid wind Melody rowing her own boat (the dock) We have to right NOW????? Yes, son.  Till next time....... http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/517436/ Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:23:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/517436/ In case any of you didn't know I have a new blog site over at The Homeschool Lounge.  I entered into the contest for the Mother's Day gift and today I found out that I WON!  WOW!!!  Here's a picture of what I won: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/517396/ Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:08:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/517396/ A beloved friend of ours went home leaving precious footprints in our hearts.  On Monday, our family went along with the young people in our church as well as several others to see him... one last time.  We all took our turn shaking his hand as he poured out his blessings to us.  I will never forget his barely audible last words to me … “I’ll be waiting for you”.  “I’ll be waiting for you too, Bro Herb.”  was and is my reply.  He gave me the sweetest smile.  Each word heaved from his heart - one breath, one word - at a time.  He commented on Lydia’s beautiful music, I couldn’t make out what he said to Josiah or the little girls.  While we sang, I felt such a sweet peace in the room.  Bro Herb was singing too, with all the little bit of strength he had left.  It was the evening.  The next day, he went  home.  Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to see him one last time before crossing the bar. The funeral was beautiful.  The young people sang, and one of the young men recited the Psalm of Life by heart. And then our precious brother’s body was laid to rest many others that have gone on before. A PSALM OF LIFE WHAT THE HEART OF THE YOUNG MAN                     SAID TO THE PSALMIST TELL me not, in mournful numbers,         Life is but an empty dream ! —     For the soul is dead that slumbers,         And things are not what they seem. Life is real !   Life is earnest!         And the grave is not its goal ;     Dust thou art, to dust returnest,         Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,         Is our destined end or way ;     But to act, that each to-morrow         Find us farther than to-day. Art is long, and Time is fleeting,         And our hearts, though stout and brave,     Still, like muffled drums, are beating         Funeral marches to the grave. In the world's broad field of battle,         In the bivouac of Life,     Be not like dumb, driven cattle !         Be a hero in the strife ! Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant !         Let the dead Past bury its dead !     Act,— act in the living Present !         Heart within, and God o'erhead ! Lives of great men all remind us         We can make our lives sublime,     And, departing, leave behind us         Footprints on the sands of time ; Footprints, that perhaps another,         Sailing o'er life's solemn main,     A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,         Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing,         With a heart for any fate ;     Still achieving, still pursuing,         Learn to labor and to wait   Till we meet, my precious friend and brother! Till we meet http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/509132/ Mon, 10 Mar 2008 08:01:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/509132/ Today we went with Mr. Bill down Fossil Creek road, just up a couple miles from where we live.  Arizona never ceases to amaze me with its vast diversity!  He took us to see the “tipi’s” which were formed millions of years ago under water.  The formations are called fumeroles which are hot water and air vents.  There are still hot springs nearby, but we didn’t go there.  Being in this area felt eerie and like we were on a different planet. Phlox   Lichen on the rocks (pronounced Lie-kin)     Strange formations   Hiking with Mr. Bill Josiah going up the winding staircase A Praying Mantis Cocoon.  Lots of tiny Praying Mantis's will crawl out of this cocoon Framed   Eating Red Dock.  Mr. Bill says its like rhubarb.  Well, I've never had rhubarb, so my oppinion is that its like celery because its stringy, only a bit sour.   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/505473/ Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:35:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/505473/ Several weeks ago we did our first “official” Nature Study.  We’ve done nature studies before but never called them that.  For our first “official” Nature Study I had everyone, including myself, draw a picture of our sprouting Broccoli that I started indoors.  Here’s the results (notice that some have mushrooms in them as well):   Melody's     Grace's   Josiah's Lydia's And mine! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/505457/ Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:18:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/505457/ My son is thoroughly enjoying doing Science experiments from his book.  For some reason, I never thought of just letting him do the experiments on his own.  I always had this idea that we had to do science experiments together as a “class”.  As you can guess, we rarely got around to it.  Josiah was delighted the minute he started doing his first experiment on his own.  I had no trouble getting narrations… oral ones, anyway.  The book we are currently using is called My Big Science Book by Simon Mugford. He made a little Diver man out of aluminum foil, put a glob of sticky tacky for a weight, and a paper clip to hold his bent straw air tank.  Then the little diver dude was put into the water and the lid closed to the bottle.  When Josiah squeezed the bottle, the diver would go to the bottom of the bottle.  When he let go, the diver soared up to the surface.  The reason for this, in Josiah's own words, "is when you stick him in his tank, the straw is full of air and so he floats.  When you squeeze it , it forces water into the straw and the air pushed out and he goes down to the bottom.  When you let go air goes back in and water forces back out and it floats to the top." In the next experiment,  Josiah tied a spoon to the middle of a 3 foot string.  He inserted each end of the string into his ears, one in each ear.  Then he banged the spoon onto different hard things such as a table or the metal file cabinet.  BONG!  It sounded like a bell.  Again, according to Josiah, "The reason is because when you hit it the sound travels up the string and you hear the sound like a bell instead of the tapping of a spoon." "Can I do another one now, Mom?"  nope... gotta wait till next time.  How's that written narration comin along, Josiah? http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/505446/ Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:50:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/EagleHeights/505446/