Academy of Science

While at a curriculum fair this summer, The Acadey of Science For Kids caught Isaac's attention. We made plans to finish Botany and then he could choose a kit that he would like to study (they have lots of subjects to choose from).

When it arrived last week we couldn't wait to get started... and since we had completed our study of Botany... we decided to go ahead and dive in instead of waiting until after our break. It's great! And fun too!

You can check out one of his lessons at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eueOTtHuosg

Sunday Afternoon Hike

What kind of animal was in that tree?!

I'm glad I did not know there had been bear activity in this area when we chose this hike, or I would not have gone. I've always had a fear of coming upon a bear while on a hike.


Isaac behind Grotto Falls.

How he would have liked to hiked on up to Mt LeConte!

We could not have ask for a better day!

Help Me Understand

Maybe it is due to all that I am learning as Isaac and I study early American History and the founding fathers of our country (that gave everything including their lives!) ... but I do not understand President Obama. Could someone explain to me why he does not salute our military... even on Veteran's Day?

(Taken on 11/11/09 at Arlington National Cemetery)

And why he bows to foreigners when he does not even show proper respect to our own heroes? I just don't get it... and it irritates me too!

(11/16/09 Washington AFP photo- bowing to Japan's Emperor...
BTW he's the first US President to ever do this... Why?)

Center of My Joy

Jesus, You're the center of my joy,
All that's good and perfect comes from You;
You're the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do,
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

When I've lost my direction,
You're the compass for my way.
You're the fire and light when nights are long and cold;
Thro' the sadness, You are the laughter
That shadows all my fears,
When I'm down and out Your hand is there to hold.

You are why I find pleasure in the simple things in life,
You're the music in the meadows and the streams;
You're in the voices of my children,
In my family and my home,
You're the source and finisher of my highest dreams.

Jesus, You're all that I need,
You are my joy, You are Jesus,
You're the center of my joy.

Gloria Gather and Richard Smallwood

Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

Have you heard the news?

The newest movie by Sherwood ....

Courageous

Check it out at: http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

You Have Got To Be Kidding

When a friend sent this to me via email, I thought it was a joke. Unfortunately, it's not!

Is not the first Thursday in May "The National Day of Prayer?" No one is forced to participate. What next...Thanksgiving?

Shirley Dobson will be giving a deposition tomorrow (11-10-09) from 8:30-4:30 PM.
She is being sued by a group “Freedom From Religion” because she asked the President and other political leaders to pray for our nation…as leader of National Day of Prayer. http://ffrf.org/news/2008/NationalDayOfPrayer.php

Wow!

Check out what I saw from the patio!

I could not even get the entire bow in a photo...

even when I drove to the bottom of the hill!

Growing World

Funny how entertaining babies can be, isn't it? While watching Jonathan roll around the floor this morning, Eddie commented on how Jonathan's world has grown beyond the Baby Einstein play mat. He's right. It seems that just a few days ago "Jon Jon" was has a great time turning on the music, watching the animals dangle above him and drooling on the bright colored pictures. No longer is he content with the borders of the mat- his world has grown larger.

Seven Months

How time flies! Our little guy is already 7 months? Wow!

LIfe Is Such A Fagile Thing

Laiel's mom- April- sent this out today. Not only as she touched my heart this past month- I have seen such great faith and love in action. How much I have learned and "grown up..." I don't think I will ever fully comprehend. My life too has been changed. Amen April.... may I never forever be and may I never forget.

You know, life is such a fragile thing!!! (by: April Upton)

As I sit here this morning with my Bible and my coffee, reading, praying, communing with my Heavenly Father . . . I have been thinking about the last month. Here I am at home with my daughter. She IS healing!!! She IS getting stronger!!! Yes, she struggles some with where she is and why . . .

Jonathan (about 10 wks old) and Ms. Lai last summer

But my heart is heavy this morning with thoughts of others. With Shannon Bird, as she still lay in the hospital bed - comatose!!! Her loved ones and family have been faithful with their prayers. Twelve weeks now and they continue to endure . . . looking for the work of the Father. And I BELIEVE the Almighty will be faithful!! Why the Bird's test seems so much longer than ours, I cannot say. Only HE knows!!!! But my life was forever impacted by meeting and sharing a corner of the SCC waiting area with Theresa and Duane Bird.

Then there was Rita!! Dear, sweet Rita! Her and her husband were vacationing in Gatlinburg. Mr. Prindell took a spill and hit his head. Long story short . . . he didn't make it. Rita spent several days in the SCC, all alone! She was a dear soul. Encouraging, faithful!! When her husband died I felt as if I had lost a dear friend . . . and I had never met the man. Jim and I had prayed, as well as many others. Rita had believed! And yet the Father's answer this time was not what we anticipated.

One thing is certain!!! THERE IS A REASON FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!! Whether we ever uncover the reasons, perhaps not so certain. But it gives a body much to think on!!!!

My life has been changed by the events of the last month! I pray forever so!!!!!!

"The wind blows where is wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; . . . " John 3:8
BUT HE KNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!

Please continue to pray for the Bird and the Prindell families!! Thanks, April

Remind Me Again

Ah... The end of "Daylight Savings Time." Remind me again why "someone" says we have to spring forward only to fall back again. http://kimiskorner.blogspot.com/2008/11/so-why-are-we-changing-clocks-this.html