Well, today this Lord's day was a little different. We woke tp a blanket of snow. We had to alter our plans after the final decision was made to gather together and worship at 2:00 (the roads were too slippery in the A.M.). We decided to make some memories with the snow. Ella and Nic went out with me. We threw a few snowballs then decided there was enough snow to make a snowman. He ended up being quite cute! I was impressed. We all made snow cream for the first time after daddy gathered the snow for us. It was scrumptous and easy to make! Then Luke decided to get in on some of the fun and made a few snowballs. He ended up creaming out little snowman with snowballs (after asking permission first). Then of course, we went to worship our God. After which, we went to a friend's house to celebrate a couple's wedding. It was a day filled with family, friends, and worship. What a day!

About the title for my entry-I just didn't know what to title this one. Actually, I have gotten tired of being such a "lurker" that I decided to post a little something. Toward the end of this month I am doing a little co-op class for the homeschool group I am with. I am doing it on the circulatory and respiratory systems. So... any ideas for hands on activities on the heart, blood, or lungs? It will be all ages but we will break them into 2 groups K-3 and 4th and up. BTW-We will actually have a cow and pig heart to disect-cool! Come on all you educators out there, help me out here!

I thought I needed to add a new entry. Luke said a funny last night on the way to church. I just thought I would share it. Short and sweet....

It is 6:45 at night which translates to almost complete darkness since we turned our clocks back. Ella says as we journey down the road in our van, "Oh, look what pretty leaves on the trees." Luke replies rather indignitley,"Ella, you are NOT nocturnal!"

I guess it helps to know Luke is my completly black and white child. Everything is either wrong or right. There is no room for imigination with him. He really doesn't even enjoy reading fiction books, atleast not as much as non-fiction. Ella is my imaginary little girl. She loves to make-believe and pretend it is real! At times she lives in her own little world!

On another occasion Ella was talking to a friend in the van (an inaginary friend). Luke began telling her she did not have a friend in the van and was insistent in it.

I kow it has been a while since I have posted. I give no excuses. Besides, I just enjoy reading all your blogs! I do have a question to throw out there though. I would like to hear some of your thoughts on the subject. James 1:13-15 says, "Let no one say when he is tempted , 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

Obviously, God does NOT tempt us but how does He test us without tempting? I know verse 14 has to be the answer but I am curious if any of you have any thoughts on the subject.

Luke has turned 7 so we have had to sign up with a cover school this year (which means extra $$$-BLAH). I had to attend the manditory 2 hour long kick-off meeeting last night for the cover school we signed up with. I was expecting to find out some information we "had" to know. It ended up being a giant newsletter with this class offered here and that one there. Moms meetings, park days, history fair, field trips, etc-these were all announced and detailed a bit. I can't remember one thing discussed that wasn't already in the monthy newsletter. Needless to say, I felt it a waste of time.

Anyway, the reason for this entry are a few thankful thoughts for a group we have been with for 2 years now. When Luke turned 5 I joined this group of christian homeschoolers from all over north (even some central) Alabama. There was no fee to pay (YEAH!!!) and you just do what you want and when you want with the group. We have field trips, co-op classes taught by the moms, moms meetings, parties, etc... There really is too much to do with this group. We have to pick and choose what seems best for us at the time. As I was listening to all the happenings my new cover school was having, I was thinking how grateful I am that I can do almost all the things mentioned with fellow christians! It really is a great blessing that my children can get their "socialization" with other fellow christian families. That's one of the many reasons we decided to homeschool in the first place (ie, influences). I, as a mom have this wonderful support group in which I can ask advice, seek knowledge, and learn from the many wonderful examples other moms set!

As I was growing up in a very small and rural town, having christian friends was not an option. Once at Auburn with this huge church of christians my age, it was just the most wonderful thing I had known! I am sooo very thankful to the Lord that my children will at least have the opppurtnity to make life long friends that hopefully will share their faith! I do realize those that you think will be good influences can end up for the bad. For that matter my own children could end up being bad influences. It is my hope and prayer that with the Lord's help He will guide Chet and I as we endevour to raise our three children. The little seeds we plant the Lord can give the increase. I am just thankful the Lord has put this good leaven in our lives!