Ice-Cream Always Taste Better...

on the Mayfield's cow... especially on a hot summer day with a friend.

Inherit the Wind

I posted earlier about the Scopes Trial. But what about the famous play "Inherit the Wind?" The authors Jerome Lawerence and Robert E. Lee stated in the preface to the play ...

"Inherit the Wind is not history... Only a handful of phrases have been taken from the actual transcript of the famous Scopes Trial. Some of the characters of the play are related to the colorful figures in that battle of giants; but they have life and language of their own- and therefore, names of their own... So 'Inherit the Wind' does not pretend to be journalism. It is theatre. It is not 1925." Lawrence and Lee

Here are some of the instances where the play differs from historical facts:

1. The trial originated not in Dayton but in New York offices of the ACLU.
2. When a group of Dayton leaders decided to take advantage of the ACLU's offer, it was not in defense of religion, but to boost the economy of a small town that was suffering the coming Great Depression.
3. John T. Scopes was not a martyr for academic freedom. Primarily a coach of three sports, he taught math, physics, chemistry, and general science. He agreed to help test the law even though he could not remember ever teaching evolution, having only briefly substituted in biology.
4. William Jennings Bryan was not out to get Scopes. Bryan thought the law was a poor one because it involved fining an educator, and he offered to pay Scopes' fine if he needed the money.
5. Bryan was familiar with Darwin's works, and he was not against teaching evolution- if it was presented as a theory, and if other major options, such as creationism, were taught.
6. The topic of sex and sin did not come up in the trial. Neither did Bryan believe the world was created in 4004.
7. Bryan did not have a fit while delivering his last speech and die shortly afterward in the courtroom. Taken from R.M. Cornelius' writings on The Scopes Trial and official court transcripts

There's more... but that's enough for now. If you are interested in knowing the truth, check out http://www.bryan.edu/historical_materials.html

A Feast for the Eyes

Yesterday morning while out walking, I was amazed at the beauty of the apple trees this year. I don't think I have ever seen them so full and so pretty. Maybe loosing all the apples to a cold spell last year has made me more appreciative of them. But when my sweet friend came by later in the day, she too commented about how pretty the orchard is... she called it "a feast for the eyes." You couldn't have said it any better, Ms. T.

Inherit the Truth

"Did humans descend from a lower order of animals or are they a special creation of God, as the Bible says?

That was the central question when John Scopes was tried for violating a new Tennessee law that prohibited teaching any theory of human origins that violated the account of creation found in Genesis in the Bible. Statesman and orator William Jennings Bryan argued for the biblical account and prominent defense attorney Clarence Darrow argued for evolution in a hot, crowded Dayton courtroom July 10-21, 1925."

I got so excited about the arrival of my new nephew, that I forgot to tell you about our visit to The Scopes Trial Festival last weekend. Our Little Man became interested in the history of the trial after listening to an episode of Jonathan Park (http://www.visionforum.com/search/productlist.aspx?search=jonathan+park) ... especially when he realized where Dayton is located. So we marked the festival date on our calendar to attend. How little I knew about the trial that "captured the attention of the world". http://www.bryan.edu/historical.html

Background of the Scopes Trial:

"It was January 21, 1925. Rep. John Washington Butler introduced to the Tennessee House of Representatives House Bill No. 185 which would make it 'unlawful for any teacher in any of the ...public schools of the state... to teach any theory that denies the story of the Diving Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals.'

On Friday, March 13, 1925, the Tennessee Senate, by a vote of 24-6, concurred with the House. Governor Austin Peay signed the Butler Act into law March 21.

In 1924, William Jennings Bryan, former Secretary of State, Democratic party leader, and Chautauqua orator, had lectured in Nashville on the topic 'Is the Bible True?' During debate on the anti-evolution bill, that lecture was distributed to members of the General Assembly and was credited with helping win its passage.

Shortly after the bill became law, in the New York office of the American Civil Liberties Union, a decision was made to test the validity of the law, and a news release was issued announcing the ACLU's interest in finding a Tennessee teacher willing to participate in the case.

On May 4, The Chattanooga Times carried a story about the plan, a story read by George Rappleyea, a metallurgical engineer with the Cumberland Coal and Iron Co. Mr. Rappleyea took the paper to Robinson's Drug Store where he and the proprietor, F.E. Robinson discussed the matter at length.

The next day, during a 'chance' meeting at Robinson's Drug Store, Mr. Rappleyea, Rhea County School Supt. Walter White, city officials, and lawyers, made the decision to test the law. Rhea Central High School teacher John Scopes agreed to be the defendant and was served with a warrant charging him with violating the statue.

Mr. Bryan, in part because of his influence in securing passage of the anti-evolution bill and in part because of his national stature, was invited to assist the prosecution.

The day after Mr. Bryan announced that he would come to Dayton, Clarence Darrow, one of America's foremost defense attorneys, was urged by journalist H.L. Mencken to offer his services. By the end of that week, Mr. Darrow and New York divorce lawyer Dudley Field Malone volunteered to assist Dr. John R. Neal, an attorney from Spring City, Tenn., with the defense.

The confrontation between Bryan and Darrow was only one factor which caught the attention of the world in 1925; the modernist-fundamentalist religious controversy over the authority , even the relevance, of the Bible to 'modern' life was another. This debate within the protestant churches, particularly in the three years before the trial, has spilled over into the popular press and stayed there through the time of the Scopes Trial.

The religious aspect of the trial also raised the prospect in 1925 that a victory by the fundamentalists might coalesce into a political party and propel Mr. Bryan into a fourth run for the White House, a prospect frightening to his antagonists.

Of course, there was a scientific question: Did man evolve from a lower species or was he created by God? That question reflected 65 years of increasing conflict between the then-developing theory of evolution and the 'young earth' view of creation generally held by the non-academic element of the church.

Into this cauldron plunged John Scopes, William Jennings Bryan, Clarence Darrow, and the supporting cast of Friday, July 10, 1925, as Judge John T. Raulston gavelled his court to order."
taken from: "Inherit the Truth" published by Bryan College

Bikes, Trikes, Scooters and Water... Oh my!

Uncle K and Aunt D invited Little Man to visit last night. Little Man 2 was spending the night while his mom is still in the hospital with his new brother (Little Man 4...wonder what my daddy thinks of all these grandsons after having lived in a household of 4 females). Things can certainly get crazy (and loud!) when the cousins get together- especially when you add bikes, trikes, scooters, and water! Was this a birthday party for the baby?

Happy "Birth" Day

Welcome to "Little Man #4". Little Sis did a great job. He arrived around 6:30 this evening. And weighed in at 8 pounds and 1 ounce... much bigger than his brother. He's 21 inches long. We are thankful to have him here and that Sis is doing well. Hope they get a good night of rest.

Little Man 2 trying to see into his mother's room.

Me, Sis "S", and Sis "D" shortly after his arrival, Boy Sis S looks good!

My Little Man was excited about a new cousin.
He got really serious when Aunt S allowed him to hold his new cousin!
Thanks Aunt S. and congratulations!

Labor Day

Labor Day has arrived... for my baby sister that is. She went into labor early this morning. They are now at the hospital. Little Man 3 is with Nana. I'll be sure and post more info later... and maybe a photo or two.

FOL Used Book Sale

It's here.... The Friends of the Library Used Book Sale.

• Member's Only-Thursday July 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria of McMinn County High School. You can join at the door for $15.00 .
• Friday, July 25- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hardbacks are $2.00 and paperbacks are $1.00.
• Saturday, July 26- Half-Price Day with the sale open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, July 27- Bag Say with books costing $3.00 per bag or two bags for $5.00. The sale is open from noon until 4 p.m.

Kids Bowl Free

Little Man and I decided to check out the Summer Fun Bowling Pass that we received through the summer reading program. We went to http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/ to register. Then every day until August 16th, LM can bowl two free games every day. I'm not sure I want to keep bowling with him since I lost both games! But we had such a good time... even being a bit silly since we had the entire bowling alley to ourselves.

More Landscaping?

I sure am thankful for all the rain we received this afternoon. But it caused another tree to fall across the drive. This one had the root system come out of the ground. I think I know what my sweetheart's next project will be.

FIREPROOF

I received this note from my sister. I just had to share it with you.

"Hi Friends,



I’m not sure how many of you have seen the movie 'Facing the Giants' that was produced by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA but it is a great movie and amazing what a church actually came together and produced. The makers of that movie have a new release coming out in September called Fireproof. My husband and I were able to go to a prescreening earlier this month with Chick Fil A and I can’t say enough good about this movie. It stars Kirk Cameron as a firefighter whose marriage is about to go through a divorce, but he learns what real love is and what God’s plan for marriage is. I loved Facing the Giants, but they have even stepped it up a notch with this one. The acting is great and I think we were both were on the edge of our seats one minute, crying and laughing the next.

It is very important that the movie have a big opening weekend, so I am trying to help get the word out and encourage Christians to go see this movie! If we want more good quality movies (no cursing, no indecent scenes, and the gospel presented) like this to be available then we need to be supportive. The opening date is 9-26-08 and it should be at a theater close to you – I know I saw Chattanooga, Cleveland, Knoxville, Cookeville, Nashville and Memphis all on the list, just to mention a few. Please go to the website at http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ and watch the teaser trailer, then find a theater near you to go see it at and help spread the word!

Thanks and I look forward to hearing what you think about the movie. I don’t think you will be disappointed! "

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Ms. J! Is this the big 4-0? You are a blessing.

May God bless you and your home with a year full of happy and joyous moments.

Not only did Ms. MB make a gorgeous cake ... it was delicious too!

Thank You, Vendors!

Yesterday, Little Man and I were able to attend the Home School Curriculum Fair in Chattanooga. We both look forward to and enjoy the fairs. I always come away so encouraged whether I purchase anything or not.

I remember our first year attending a fair. My "little red-headed mentor" gave me some of the best advice. Don't take any money, checks, or credit cards the first day. Just go look and learn. Then return the second day to make purchases. Unfortunately with gas prices so high I can't give the same advice today. But there is something about being able to talk to real people (instead of a computer screen), see and touch the books, and the whole atmosphere of being in the presence of so many other homeschooling families.

I wish there were some way for me to thank all the vendors and sponsoring organizations for continuing to participate in curriculum fairs. Not only does the price of gasoline make it more costly for us to attend the fair- I can't imagine how expensive it is for vendors that travel with trailers of books in tow.

So "Thanks Vendors!" We sure do appreciate not only seeing you each year at the fair, but the council and instruction you invest in our homes and schools.

Back to School... In July?

Yep... we jumped back into somewhat of a school schedule yesterday morning. I think we were both ready to resume a routine. A sweet friend had told me that she starts school back sometime around July. It is just too hot outside for the children to play. So why not get some school days in before the cooler weather and wonderful fall days arrive? What good advice.



To celebrate our first day of school, Little Man and I headed to the Cracker Barrel for dinner and dessert... blackberry cobbler with vanilla bean ice-cream. Maybe we should celebrate the first week of school on Friday with a latte.

Cuppy's

I've done a bad thing:-(

I have introduced my son to coffee ! What was I thinking? That's just it... I wasn't thinking.

Yesteday we decided to stop at the Cuppy's Coffee that just opened. My mistake was letting him taste of my "Jake's Special" Iced Latte. He loved it- even more than his smoothie. (Who wouldn't?) So this morning, I allowed him to buy himself a tall latte (decaf of course!). Now he wants to know if he buy one each week. What's a mom to do? Maybe I should tell him okay... if he gets me one too :-)

Butterflies and Grasshoppers

Little Man 3 came to spend the day with us while his mom and dad were at work. I had forgotten what it is like to have a preschooler around the house... I love this age! Little Man 1 and LM 3 had the best time catching butterflies and grasshoppers in the back yard. Wonder just what they had in mind to do with 22 grasshoppers? I think it was the trill of the hunt.

Rain Showers

Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.

Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:

Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth,

who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Psalm 157: 5, 7-8

The Grocery Game

After shopping at CVS this afternoon, I checked my receipt to see how well I had done using "The Grocery Game." It worked! I trusted the list and spent $6.22. I had over $30.00 of items in my bags (which are all things we use at our house).
So I didn't really need shampoo and razors this week- but Teri from the Grocery Game tells you to purchase while it is on sale instead of when you need the item. I'm not a coupon person- but with Teri's method it is so easy... and fun too.
You can check it out at http://www.thegrocerygame.com/ . There is an area to "Get Teri's List" at the bottom of the page where you can sign up for a 4 week trial for $1.00 . Be sure to enter my email address and you may even save me some money too. Have fun!

Miss A. and The Twins

Miss A. was so sweet last night during our weekly meeting. When she disappeared with the twins, I realized she was allowing their mom and dad some "adult time." (They shared the most awesome testimony with us too!) Thanks Miss A. You were so thoughtful and a blessing to us.

Let's Do Laundry

When we learned that a baby was joining our family back in 1998, I decided to rid our home of as many chemicals as possible. For Christmas that year, my brother-in-law gave me a book called "Clean and Green." It's still a favorite (along with lots of other recipes I have added). It didn't take long of making my own household cleaners before I realized how much money I was saving ... or how irritating chemical smells had become.

Here's my favorite laundry detergent recipe that my two sweet friends and I (along with their daughters) made one afternoon. Sometimes when I am too busy to make a batch or just do not have the supplies, I like to use Seventh Generation... but it can't beat the "homemade stuff."

Powdered Laundry Detergent

• 1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap


• 1/2 cup washing soda


• 1/2 cup 20 mule team borax

Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light loads, use 2 tablespoon. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons. Cost per load using 2 tablespoons is .12 per load. One batch makes 16 loads.

BTW... Dial Corporation (which makes Fels-Naptha soap) will not reveal what the "cleaners, soil & stain removers, and chelating agents" are in their product. Even though Fels-Naptha is an excellent laundry bar soap, I may find myself trying something different in its place.

Meet the 2007 School Horse of the Year

Riding at C & C Stables is right up there with going fishing on Little Man's list of favorite things to do. Especially since he graduated to riding Chucky.

My Biking Buddy

Little Man and I went on our first ride together. It was great. Nana even met us half way with cold grape juice! Now that's what you called spoiled.

The Fever

Poppy told Little Man he had "the fever" and there is only one cure. If only I had a picture of Little Man's face when Poppy told him it was "Fishing Fever"... and the cure? Well, to go fishing of course.

So yesterday morning, we awoke earlier than normal for treatment of the fever. Now why was it so easy for him to pop out of bed when he normally struggles to roll over? Because treatment for the fever is the grandest thing in a nine year old boy's day, of course.

The "fishermen's stories" brought us laughter all evening. I'm so thankful they had a fun and safe day. But I'm most thankful for the pricelss moments and memories that my Daddy is giving my son.

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children...

Proverbs 13:22