http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:16:00 -0600 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:16:00 -0600 SOME people are waiting for their GILBERT...naaa..he's a sissy to me...Willie's much better :D I'M waiting for my Willie who is a burly man. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/746050/ Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:16:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/746050/   On July 18, 2008, at the homeschool convention in Phoenix, I had my Junior High graduation. I was so excited!             At 3:00 p.m., I had to go to rehearsal. The coordinator had everyone in alphabetical order by his or her last name. I ended up sitting between two boys; Gabriel Eagle and Anthony Dominguez (no, he is not a relative J). Thankfully, neither of them talked to me. We practiced until we had everything down pat.             5:30 p.m. - I ran with my mom to our hotel room in the Hyatt and dressed up for my graduation ceremony. I was ready in short time and out the door. I could hardly wait!             6:30 p.m. - I dashed to the hall in the convention center and took my place in the long line of graduates. I felt my heart beating like a drum in the Civil War; loud and clear. I was that excited! (No, I was not nervous.) After waiting FOREVER in line, (some people took a little longer getting primped up and glamorous) we finally walked in, being sure to keep our steps in time to the music. I saw my family’s faces and I smiled at them. Then, we sat in our places. A speech was made and a prayer was said. Two songs were then played pm the piano; one was called, “Across the Stars” (from Star Wars: Episode II) and the other was called, “Donze de la Noche”. Scott Somerville gave the Commencement Address and then a girl sang a song called, “Only Hope”.             Finally, the moment all of us were waiting for! The recognition of the Junior High graduates! I was the 22nd person in line. As they called my name, all of my friends and family yelled and screamed; cheering for me. (It made me feel so special!) I smiled at the camera, but I was really smiling at them. I had my diploma (Junior High) and I was fully happy.             Two more songs followed and the closing prayer was made. Three soldiers came and took the flags out of the room, as everyone saluted it, and then David Monk had all the graduates stand facing him and he spoke to us. Then, we turned to face the audience and more cheering followed. Lastly, we slowly walked out.               After the ceremony, I went to our hotel room. There, I was treated like a princess by all my friends and family, (at least, those who were there) ate and talked. Finally, everyone left and I was perfectly contented.   The End   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/670260/ Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:46:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/670260/  On October 16, 2008, my family went to the forest for our annual hunting and camping trip. The whole year we were looking forward to it and, with growing excitement, as the day drew nearer. Finally, it was time!              When we arrived at camp, Heather Roberts, Serenity Wallace and Mindy Roberts were erecting the tent, so I went and helped them while my parents were putting the trailer into place. The Wallace boys were, at the same time, putting up their outfitter’s tent. (Lucky boys! They were able to have a woodstove in their tent!)             Finally, all the preparations were finished and we were ready to begin our week of fun. Soup was heated while everyone visited and I took notice of who was there. The Wallace clan parents, wee ones, and the Phillips elders had their trailer, Kristin Roberts (Heather and Mindy’s cousin) and Cassia Fraijo were in another, and my family had a trailer. The Peterson boys and their friend, known as Mitch, were in a tent, Heather, Mindy, Grace and I were in another, the Steinke family were in yet another tent (they had also brought a friend; David Calvo), and the Wallace boys had the outfitter’s tent.             Dinner was just being served when the two Martin couples arrived with a trailer as well as a tent. Moreover, we had nearly finished eating when the Cavanaugh family showed up with another trailer.             Then, I took out my violin and Zachary Wallace took out his cello while Laryssa Steinke tuned her guitar. We began playing and my ma brought out her violin. We played happily for some time and then, since he had to get up early, Zachary had to stop. Therefore, the rest of us put our instruments and went to our places of slumber for the night.   October 17 –I awoke at 4:35 a.m. to the sounds of the boys’ loud talking and laughter. (And the boys say girls are loud!) Mindy and Grace woke up. We listened as they all piled into vehicles and drove away to begin hunting. Then we waited for other sounds. At sometime near 5, Caleb Cavanaugh asked if there was anyone awake, well we shouted that we were and dressed quickly. Soon, all of us were ready for the adventures that day would hold. I took them for a walk and we found a perfect spot for a fort. So, within moments, we had walls built nearly as high as our waists and a little corner shade. Everything was made completely of fallen trees and pine needles.             Then, we went back to camp to eat our breakfast.             That night, I stayed in Kristin’s trailer with Cassia, Lydia Steinke, Laryssa (her sister) and Kristin (of course). October 18 –Mindy, Grace and I dressed as pioneers while Melody dressed as a Native American.             Later that morning, Austin Peterson and Wesley Wallace came proudly into camp with their elk. Zachary came in a little later saying that he had one as well. We were all so happy!             That afternoon, Zachary and Brother Russell Wallace went out to find Zachary’s elk. Unfortunately, they came back empty handed. Someone had stolen his elk! L               That night, all the young people crammed themselves into Kristin’s trailer for a game of “Settlers of Catan”. It was so fun! Brother Russell came in after a while, worried because Brother Chris and Sister Jochabed Cavanaugh had not returned to camp yet. He told us to let him know when they came back.             Finally, at midnight, when most of the young people were in bed, they returned. And Sister Jochabed was victorious! October 19 –We had church in the forest. It reminded me of the services in the Crown and Covenant series so much that I felt like I had been transported back in time. There was a path behind the pulpit going into the forest and I kept expecting the red-coated dragoons to come marching toward us!             Anyway, there were some extra people in the congregation that day. Brother Russell’s dad and mom, Emily Wallace, the McGeary family and their friend had come to join us.             Brother Mark Steinke and his family sand two songs. Originally, it had been only one, but Brother Russell, to the congregation’s surprise, promised that his family would sing if the Steinke’s sang another song. So, with a smile, they agreed. After the song, the whole congregation reminded Brother Russell of his promise and urged the Wallace clan forward. They all (except celloist Zachary) sang, “We Gather Together”. It was beautiful and it was so good to hear them sing. They never do. They are my favorite singers ever!             Brother Dennis McGeary preached a very interesting sermon about diamonds. He was saying that diamonds are just like us. They start like a simple, ugly rock, but, with the right cleaning and tests, the rock becomes a valuable, sparkling diamond.             After service, the orchestra (a cello, two violins, guitar, and a flute) continued playing for quite some time. I did not want to stop, but we all did so, one by one.             That day, the Peterson boys, Steinke family, Cavanaugh’s, Roberts’, (except Mindy, who stayed with us) Phillips’, McGeary’s, Emily and the Wallace elders, as well as their friends, left. It seemed so quiet and empty after that. L             Night fell, but the kinner (children) played tag and wrestled each other, the adults talked about this and that, and I talked with Zachary about camp life when he is out hunting.             Then, Brother Chris Romine and Brother Scott Scoffield arrived in camp to join us. More talking followed and we all ate dinner together.   October 20 –The day passed for some time rather boring. Sister Elisabeth Wallace and some of her kinner  *children*(Seth, Justus and Audrey) left.             Late in the afternoon, my da and brother, Josiah, returned. Josiah was grinning from ear to ear, for he had shot his first elk! October 21 –Da got his elk in the afternoon and told us that Zachary had as well (with a replacement tag).               Then, alas, we left the forest and returned to “civilization”.                                           The                      End http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/670259/ Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:43:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/670259/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/642092/ Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:47:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/642092/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/642090/ Tue, 6 Jan 2009 17:45:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/642090/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/621412/ Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:24:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/621412/ http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/599540/ Fri, 3 Oct 2008 13:20:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/599540/   On July 21, 2008, I went with my brother, Josiah, to Hunter’s Education class. At first, I did NOT want to go. I didn’t want to be bored. And these classes were to be all week long. After being so active in Ohio and Michigan, I just wasn’t ready to sit in a room and listen to a bunch of speeches (I already did that at the Convention). So, I had taken a book with me, but, unfortunately, we were in such a hurry to get to class that I left it in the car! ARRR! (And it was a Redwall book too!!!)             Anyway. So, I was a little disappointed about that. During the first 20 minutes, I was bored half to death and I wished I could leave, then a different speaker went up and we listened to him talk about gun safety and we watched a video explaining the importance of gun safety (it was about different actual accidents that occurred while hunting). The video was a little gruesome, but it drove the point home that’s for sure.             Another thing that made the class not so boring is that they took a break and I saw that my friend, Katie, and her sister were part of the class.             By the third day, I was no longer bored and was enjoying myself. My sisters and my mom came for one of the days and we watched a video called, “Shoot or Don’t Shoot”. My sisters were enjoying themselves. The video had examples of times where it made you think whether to shoot or not. There was a few times where some of the students hadn’t completely taken in the surroundings of each hunter. For example, a hunter saw a pair of elk and it was a perfect shot, so he raised his rifle to shoot and the elk began to run. What we didn’t notice was that, as the elk was running, a hunter in orange stepped out from behind a tree. It came as a shock to everyone and it made us want to be a little more observant. My sisters really liked this example: a group of hunters were rabbit hunting with their dogs. Suddenly, they saw a rabbit bound out of the brush. It got away the first time, but it appeared again a little further on. The dogs ran out to catch the rabbit and a hunter raised his gun and looked through the scope. Through the scope, he could see the rabbit, but the dogs were right at it’s heels. Grace shook her head and Melody nearly shouted, “Don’t shoot!” Sure enough the narrator said the same. If the hunter had fired, he’d have shot his dog.              The instructors in the class taught everyone that, while hunting, think with the thought of Murphy’s Law. In other words, be prepared to deal with the worst cases. Always remember T.A.B.; Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Always point your gun in a safe direction. Be sure of your target…and beyond. One other rule to remember: Your real danger and your real safety is in your trigger finger, so Keep your finger off the trigger.             I think the most interesting and fun day was Field Day. That’s when the students (adult and otherwise) went out to practice what they learned in class. We rode in a bus (much to the excitement of my siblings) to a place that was specially set aside for Hunter’s Education. Josiah’s group, group C, went to the Simulated Hunt first. All the kids had to pretend that they were really on a hunt and they had to carry their rifle a certain way, keep their eyes open, think ethically, think of safety, and remember the law and regulations of hunting. For instance, as we walked along, we suddenly saw an antelope on the top of a hill. Do we shoot or not shoot? Well, think of this, can you see what’s on the other side of the hill? Another instance was that a wild boar appeared right next to us. Do we shoot or not shoot? Think, is it ethical? What will happen if you shoot it with your rifle when the boar is so close that you could reach out and touch it? These are questions that the hunters have to think of while hunting.             Josiah did a great job on that, which showed that he’d been paying attention in class. Katie and her sister did a good job too. We went to different stations to see different things and do different things. At one place, we did a blood trail, another place the kids practiced archery, another they practiced shooting .22 rifles at targets in all three positions; kneeling, sitting, and laying down. My brother hit the target within the circle with all 15 shots. :) I’m not boasting or anything…maybe. Others were not so good. There was one girl who only shot the target 4 out of 15 shots. So, my brother was the best. Of course.             We got to see a Red Cross vehicle. It had a huge mast on top with a camera on it that could see anything up to two miles away. The other purpose for the mast was radio communication. There was a Lowlander (from the Scottish Lowlands) with the crew! I know he was a Lowlander by the strength of his accent. (Highlanders have a more rolling accent while the Lowlanders sound more British.) Anyway, we also got to go inside a police car and talk with the volunteers and we visited a man who taught us how to start a fire using a cotton ball covered in petroleum and that you can use a compact disk for signalling. Then we visited the sheriff’s posse and listened to them speak about preventing survival situations. We were going to visit one other place, but a kid who had diabetes was in need of an ambulance, so that didn’t happen.             Finally, we went back to the classroom in the Town Hall and the students took their test. Josiah got 78% on his test! My friend and her sister got 80% and their friend got 90%. So, needless to say, they passed. Then, oh then, we had cake and punch to celebrate. Mmm!!! I love that cake! (I’m getting hungry now. :() LOL! So, that was my experience at Hunter’s Ed. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/568169/ Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:22:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/568169/   Almost a week after I came back from Ohio/Michigan, we went to the Homeschool Convention in Phoenix. I have always loved the convention. Well, this year was special because it was the time we were to celebrate my Junior High graduation. (I actually finished last year, but we didn’t know much about the ceremonies until it was too late.)             It was 3 p.m. and I was sitting in the ballroom, watching the most interesting show I’ve seen (besides “Little Bear” Wheeler). Suddenly, I got a text from my mom saying that I should meet her by the Center’s entrance and go with her to get ready for my rehearsal. I felt my heart leap with excitement and I hurried out with my sisters in tow (complaining all the way because I took them away from the show). I went to the hotel room and got all dressed up. I was soon ready and I raced out the door with my little sister, Grace. There was still a little time, so we went to the Cirriculum Hall and bought two books. Then, I charged upstairs for my rehearsal. The coordinators had us all in alphabetical order by our last names. I ended up sitting between two boys; Gabriel Eagle (I think he was Native American) and Anthony DOMINGUEZ. :P Thankfully, neither of them talked to me. The one had a girl next to him that was all talk and the other was too nervous. We practiced walking and sitting (lol) until we had it down in our heads. Then we were released to go do what we wished.             At 6:30, I dashed back to the hall outside the ballroom and took my place in line. The Color Guards had already gone in with the flags. I felt me heart beatin’ and I could hear it beatin’ like a drum of war. I was that excited. No, I wasn’t nervous. Josiah asked me that over a thousand times (ok, I’m exaggerating, but you know what I mean).             After waiting for what seemed like FOREVER in line, we finally walked slowly in, making sure to keep our steps in time to the music. I saw my family and I smiled happily to them. Then, we reached our designated seats and…well, sat of course. A speech was made to welcome everyone and then a young lady played, “Across the Stars” from Star Wars: Episode II. A prayer was made and then another song was played. Mr. Somerville gave the commencement address and then another young lady sang “Only Hope”. Then…it was time.             I was the 22nd person in line. As they called my name, all my friends and relatives (who were there) screamed and shouted; cheering for me. When I reached Mr. Monk and Mr. Somerville, Mr. Monk said, “You have a very enthusiastic audience.” :) (Thank you everyone!) I smiled in the direction of the camera, but, really, I was smiling for my friends and family. I got my Junior High diploma and I was happy.             Two more songs were played on the piano and and then Mr. Monk told the graduates to stand. Another prayer was said then the three Color Guards took the flags out. We were told to turn to the audience and more cheering and clapping was heard. Finally, we walked out.             After the ceremony, we went to our hotel room. My mom had decorated completely with baloons and little containers of bubbles were sitting on two of our tables. I was treated as a princess and wasn’t allowed to do anything to help. All my friends and relatives (that were there) ate and talked while I listened to them with a sense of joy that kept me quite. (A relief to everyone I am sure.Lol!) Then, everyone left and, after we finished cleaning up, I laid my head on my pillow perfectly content.                 Thank you to all who were there to help make that evening special! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/568168/ Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/568168/   On June 28, 2008, I went to Phoenix International Airport to take my flight (no, not my heavenly flight, unfortunately). My family accompanied me inside, but only my ma could go with me all the way to my gate (rules and regulations caused it to be so). I was to fly alone and my ma was more than a little worried about it. She told me half a million things to do and not to do. A motherly trait that is not to be avoided. J I boarded the plane and was soon off into the clouds; in more ways than one. I was a little nervous about flying by myself, but I’d had a dream, before I left, about my trip and I’d already put my trust in the Lord for my safety.             I arrived in Dayton, Ohio at 7:30 p.m. after a layover in Cleveland. I was thoroughly excited now! I found my bags and I also found a brother and sister who took me to camp in my dream car; an Impala (my dream car). I was late (as I had expected) for service, but at least I was there safely. I happily took my things to “J” dorm and then went to the tabernacle. Brother Adam Knight was preaching and I could feel that the Spirit of the Lord was already circulating the building. The brother made an altar call and then asked those with the Holy Spirit to come and pray with those at the altar. I went forward and prayed until I felt the Spirit surround me and I found myself crying tears that were long in coming. I had received the Holy Ghost the very year before at camp and I rejoiced to see that the girls I was praying with were calling for It.             After service, I was encircled by my many friends from Ohio/Michigan. I was jouyous to find that they were all there. Soon we were in our dorm making new acquaintances and listening to our counsellor, Sister Sally Duke, introduce everyone. There was another counsellor there as well; Sister Heather Miller. I love them both and I hope they go again next year! The Wallace’s came that night with my beloved violin so that I could play for the services.             The next morning, I arose at 4:30 and raced to dress and get ready for the day. I was that excited. Unfortunately, there was nothing to do and all my friends were still asleep, so I had to wait for another hour and a half before I went down to walk around the camp. Emma and Katie Ann Mast and Lauren Erickson joined me after a few minutes. At 7 we were joined by Kristin. At 8 we had breakfast and at 9 the morning service started. Brother Samuel (I can’t remember his last name) from India preached “A Man with Unconditional Obedience”. I loved the sermon! Even though it was early and the people were still half asleep, there was still a great move of the Spirit all over the building. He preached again that evening about the power of the tongue. By that time, the young people were all paying more attention to the service and were feeling the Lord move and were receiving it much better.             Brother Newton Bennet of Tucson, Arizona preached the next morning (the 30th) and Brother Adam Knight preached “A Point of No Return” that evening. Brother Carmen Mills of Canada preached “Happiness” the 1st of July and Brother Ron Spencer preached that evening. Brother Shawn Martin from Arizona preached “Contrast” the next morning (the 2nd) and Brother Ron Spencer preached again that evening. On the 3rd, Brother Carmen Mills preached “Using What You Have” in the morning, and Brother Ron Spencer preached again that evening. On the last morning, Brother Samuel preached once more.             On July 2, 2008, I had a refilling of the Holy Spirit and I had a peace and a joy fill my soul. I felt that I could go on with life with a better outlook. I felt that I could go home and face the battles with a quicker mind. The Lord was good to me during the services and I definitely had a wonderful time. I told my testimony by the bonfire the next evening and it seemed to confirm what I felt. It’s truly amazing how different I felt!             On the evening of the 3rd, I went home with the Mast’s. It was a relatively quiet trip. The reason being that Emma, Katie Ann, and I were sleeping (much to Levi’s relief). Lol! Nothing much was done until the next evening in which I went to the dairy farm where Levi works. It was rather interesting to watch the cows being milked and I enjoyed the whole thing (and I didn’t mind the smell, though others do). The cows were brought in  from a place in the back and were put in sideways with their backsides toward the middle of the building. Levi and another young man wiped the cows’ udders with water and then dried them. Then they suctioned the milking machine to each of their four udders at once. The milk then went into a big jar and, when the cow no longer had milk to give, Levi or the other man pulled a lever and all that milk went up into a tube that took the milk into a giant tank. From there, it goes into a jar that the Masts take home.             Sunday, we went to church at Brother Ray Erickson’s and all of us girls sang Be Thou My Vision. After service, we went to Brother Ben and Sister Alma Erickson’s house for lunch. I enjoyed it very much! (Thank you Brother Ben and Sister Alma!) Then, we went to the Mast’s. This time, though, we had Lauren with us and we were using the Erickson’s van.               Wednesday, we went shopping at the Burlington Coat Factory. I bought a shawl and a skirt (which I later gave to Mariah because it was too short for me). While we were there we put hats and scarves on for a silly hat photo. It was so funny! I love that store!             Thursday, we were going to have a nice little tea party by the pond, but, unfortunately, it started pouring just before that time. So, we couldn’t do it by the pond. But, we weren’t going to keep from having a tea party. Katie Ann came up with the brilliant idea that we should go to the house Sarah was taking care of to have our tea party. All of us were thrilled! Sarah asked permission from the owner and the lady was happy that we were going to stay there. We all gathered in the kitchen and, as soon as Sister Suzie came in from getting the milk, fell to our knees to ask her permission. She laughed and said we had to ask Brother Albert. We asked him, but, like all parents, did not answer immediately and, instead, waited until after dinner to answer. It was in our favor! So, we went to the house with all our pretty dresses and, after setting up, took pictures and then sat down to tea. We all (well, nearly all) changed our names. I changed mine to Alexandra Feodorovna Romanov (the last empress of Russia), Lauren was Lady Laurena, Heather was the Countess of Monte Christo, Emma was Lady Emalina, Mindy was Princess Belinda, Loretta was Lady (or Princess, I can’t remember) Nellie, Katie Ann…I can’t remember, and Kristin was…well, Lady Kristin. Our delicious tea snack included: crackers, cheese, tea, and…Oreos and M&M’s! MMMM! It was so good!             After tea, Lauren, Katie Ann, and I danced the Virginia Reel to the tune of my Celtic music. We were soon out of breath and Heather, Kristin, and Sarah took their turn. It was so fun!             Then, we all got drinks and popcorn and descended the stairs to the entertainment room. We watched Pride and Prejudice. The movie was pretty good except that Jane Austen used my name for one of her characters. It wouldn’t have been so bad, except, that Lydia was VERY flirty and always giggling (not laughing, giggling). I wanted to slap that Lydia. I hope I don’t look like that. She even had the same color eyes and hair as me!             Anyway, when the movie was finished, Emma and I hurried into the bedroom we were staying in and jumped…or, rather, sank…into the bed. It was midnight when we did so. We laughed and told secrets until 2:45 a.m. I will always remember that night.             The following morning, we went with Martha Zimmerman to the Kingwood Center. We had gone there last year, but the house was closed and a lot of the fountains weren’t playing. This year, all was open and the fountains were working beautifully. Such a fitting scene to our eyes after seeing the movie the night before.             Then, we went to the Zimmerman’s for lunch and some of us went for a swim in their pond. I couldn’t resist getting wet! It felt so good! When we were finished, we went out to their garage and some of the girls played Knockout. We went for a tour of the farm and then we had dinner by the Zimmerman’s little cabin. Emma took Lauren and me for a ride on the fourwheeler. It was so thrilling! It made my stomach do flip flops. Dinner was delicious and I enjoyed it. After that, we all played volleyball. It was so funny to watch the young men trying to get the ball! They almost always ended up on the ground.             Our last activity was a game of Knockout. I won only one game, and that one came as a shock. I beat Kristin! WOOHOO! Oh, sorry. He he. :D             Friday, we did some more picture taking. This time it was by the new pond. I love the new pond! It’s so lovely! But, then, it was time to say goodbye. :( I wasn’t ready for that. I didn’t want to leave. Emma and I have become very close. I shed a few tears on the way to Lauren’s. Nathan Erickson met us in the yard when we got there and took Lauren’s things in for her. Then, we went inside. Oh, my. The sight we saw when we walked in was quite shocking. There in the corner of the dining room was a group of boys who actually looked like gangsters. Justin E., his cousins, and Seth C. were standing there with mohawks, guns (fake), dark sunglasses, and trenchcoats. A rather scandalous sight if you ask me.                Anyway. I felt right at home after a few minutes. Lauren had a nice, big bookshelf in her bedroom that I went to immediately. I was thrilled to find a few books that I haven’t already read! (I’ve read most of Heather’s interesting books.) The rest of that day was short and lazy. The next evening, however, we went mini golfing. It was delightful and I enjoyed myself to the utmost; even though I lost miserably. Afterwards, we were just going directly to the house, but the girls wanted to go to Starbucks. So, after a generous offer from Heather (thank you, Heather!) we did. I got my favorite, Strawberries and Crème! I loved it! Then we headed for the house. Well, on the way, we kept hitting red lights. Finally, we hit a green light! And Nathan went nuts. He shouted out the window. I can’t remember all he said, but he ended it with something like, “…and I’m so hyper!” Now that was an understatement for what Mariah and I were like in the backseat. If we didn’t have our seatbelts on, we would have been doing a jig.             So, you can imagine how we were when we got to the house. That night, Kristin, Seth, Justin, Mariah, Lauren, and I stayed up until 5 a.m.! That was the longest I’ve ever stayed up and it was very interesting. Well, the next day we bid our gracious hosts and hostesses goodbye…and a tearful one, I might add. And we flew home.                                            http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/568167/ Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:20:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/irishjoy/568167/