Numbers Chapter 7

I am committed...

I am committed to reading through the Bible this year!

I've started and stopped SO many times.  I've picked up where I left off, I've taken off days, weeks, months, restarted, just done the Old Testament, just done the New Testament, read all the Gospels, read all the letters, done Bible Studies on topics and books; BUT, I've never, in one year, read through the whole Bible.

So, a group of ladies from Vanguard Church, where I attended MOPS for several years, started an accountability group to read through the Bible in a year.  You can do it anyway you want.  I chose Chronologically because I think and process things that way, in a linear line.  Probably one of the reasons I love Tapestry of Grace so much; but, I digress!

I knew about, and was honestly slightly dreading reading through the rest of Moses' books...he was such a great writer in Genesis and most of Exodus, what happened in Leviticus, Numbers and parts of Deuteronomy????  My husband says I need to be careful not to be offensive; but, if you're honest with me, I think most of us feel the same way.  We all KNOW that if it's in the Bible it's there for a reason, that all scripture is God breathed (2 Tim 3:16-17); but, for those of us that aren't Bible scholars or into hermeneutics or the original Latin or Greek meaning of a word, we're looking for insight from the Lord and the story of HIStory!  We're looking for how we can use what we're reading for teaching or training, so we can be equipped to do His work...what do I do with this chapter?  At times, getting bogged down in the 'poetry' of repetition of what each tribe did and brought for the tabernacle is a bit overwhelming and in Numbers 7...well, by the end I was convinced it was the longest chapter in the Bible (I know that is actually Psalm 119...but again, I digress.)

You can read it for yourself, I prefer NASB or NIV, you can update/change the version at the top...

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%207&version=NASB

So, at the end, I had been distracted a few times by my children, the phone rang, something else happened (can't even remember)...but I was left thinking, and actually said out loud to my husband, "Why, why did I just read about how each of the twelve tribes had a different son of the family bring the exact same offering?  Couldn't he have just said, these are all the sons of each tribe and they each brought 'blank' as an offering, and list the items?  Did he have to list the same items 12 times???"

Again, don't get mad at me... I KNOW it's there for a reason; but, what is it?  If you have thoughts, I'm open, I would love to hear them, really!  I left the chapter at that time; but, came back a day later...what was I missing?  I noticed a few things.  The tribes are out of order, or are they in an order I'm not recognizing...it certainly isn't by birth order or seniority.  They all bring the same thing...is this reminding me that we are all responsible for the same things (ie. the Mosaic Law or the 10 Commandments) to the Lord?  It doesn't matter if we are of the Tribe of Judah or the Tribe of Dan, we are all to bring the same things to the Lord as an offering, whether it is a sin offering, a peace offering, a fellowship offering, a burnt offering...  Is the tribes being in no particular order to show me that it doesn't matter if you are from the first, the last or the lesser known tribe, the Lord looks on you and feels for you the same way???  It doesn't have to be some amazing revelation; but, there are lots of times I will read some of these chapters by Moses and sit and wonder, what AM I missing...  Do any of you feel the same way?

House for Sale!

Is it possible, has it really been 4 years since we first found this house on MilitarybyOwner.com and we called and talked to Jerry and Kim and just knew that this was the house for us?  NOTHING else looked good compared to it, they all needed work (and being pregnant, I wasn't up for that ;)) and so we would always come back to and compare everything to the "Flintridge house".  We've had our last baby here, this is the first house that our whole family has lived in together, we've never lived anywhere this long as a married couple...lots of memories and thoughts run through my mind.  At times I get scared, I'm moving out of my comfort zone.  This house works for us, it has everything we need right now...WHY are we moving????  Then that voice comes back and reminds me why, and I feel the peace again.  Thank you Lord for the peace that passes all understanding.  When we are in Your will, I know we'll be alright!


Here's the listing for our house.  If you are interested or know someone that is...please pass it along.  Thanks!


http://www.militarybyowner.com/homes/CO/Colorado_Springs/Flintridge_Drive/MBO178790.aspx


Centrally located 2101 sq ft. cul-de-sac home, close to all the bases in town! Large and well-landscaped backyard with play structure, trampoline, and garden. Has formal LR and 2 other large Family/Rec Rooms, one with fireplace. Updated kitchen and bathrooms. Exterior painted less than 4 yrs ago.


This is a GREAT family home! There are lots of windows and excellent lighting. Warranty is still in place on the exterior paint. Central air/AC was installed with a whole house humidifier (essential in Colorado's dry climate). Automatic sprinkler system makes yard and garden maintenance a breeze. Large walk-in shed in the backyard for all your tools and extra storage. Extensive woodpile will be left and 2 compost piles for the 40x40 vegetable garden plot. Numerous flower beds with both annuals, perennials, and strawberries. Spacious deck off the Dining Room, with views of Pikes Peak, is amazing for entertaining. Basement has large storage room/pantry, finished bedroom/guest room, and large Rec room that could be a game room, library, large office, etc., very flexible! It is within walking distance of the elementary school, less than .25 miles to Pikes Peak Christian School, and just over .5 mile to the East Branch Library. Please call with any questions or to set up a viewing!

We're moving on...

It is really hard to believe it's the end of February...

I know lots of us say that; "where did the time go", "how did that come to happen so quickly", etc...but really, Indy and I feel like we lost the entire month between the middle of January to the middle of February.  Literally, a flash in the pan!

My sister visited us over MLK weekend and we had such a wonderful time, so relaxing and peaceful.  Two days after she left the reign of the flu, strep throat, pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections began.  There was only enough energy and wellness to maintain the house, the kids, fix some meals, do some laundry and pretend to at times do some school work ;)!  We were so thankful for our friends that brought us meals and groceries, THANK YOU again!

So, the past two weeks have been catch-up and I do mean it...catch up on the house and school work and catch up on research and work to get our house on the market because can you believe it...we're moving out in 2 MONTHS!

People ask, "Why are you moving out of your house so early?"  Well, the month of May is pretty crazy at the AF Academy, there are finals to be given, grading to do, wrapping up paperwork and course commentaries at the end of the semester, and then about 1,000 cadets will graduate, be commissioned in the AF and they ALL need to move, at the same time.  Getting movers during the week or so around graduation is just about impossible.  We want to be done with the move and have our stuff on the way to NC before Indy has to start dealing with finals and graduation and retirement stuff.  We have to be in Springfield on the 11th of June, so we can't dilly-dally too much.

Enter the "house for sale" phase of existence.  Not my best or favorite time, I'll be honest.  The clean freak in me has tried so hard to relax with three kids in the house and since we homeschool, I ALWAYS have 3 kids in the house!  But, as many of you know, when your house is on the market, you get testy about things that normally wouldn't bother you....ie.  You put that coaster in the center of something and it's just where you want it to be...don't move it, or else.  You just cleaned all the sliding glass doors in the house and your kids, with wet hands, decide they need to put their hands all over the glass (normally, I would say, here's a paper towel, clean  it up, or ahhh, we'll get it next week, whether it needs it or not.  Not now, I get upset and they look at me like they don't recognize me, which honestly, they probably don't.)  You've just vacuumed and they decide at lunch to shred their bread into tiny little pieces or crumble their chips all over the floor making me growl like the animal that I know I'm not : (.

Oh Lord, I'm just not pretty right now!  I'm being brutally honest.  Again, not my best time or example of good "mommy" behavior!

We've been praying about putting the house on the market for months...so this seems like a culmination of so much work.  We've been praying for the family that will buy the house, that the Lord will be directing them to this house, that He will bless them financially and that we will get along and that the whole process will go quickly and smoothly.  We know that the Lord has a plan and a family already in mind.  Please, Lord, help us to wait on You for that family.  Help us to know them when we see them!  I also pray that we won't have to live in this 'phase' too long...I know I need to grow in my level of patience; but, I pray that I'm not stretched too thin. I'm claiming the promises of  1 Cor 10:13, that the Lord will not give me 'more than the Lord will help me to handle'....  Often times the Lord does give us more than we can bear, so that we'll lean on Him more, and I know that is what this time is all about.  Help me Lord to remember that I CAN'T do it all on my own, I HAVE to lean on you.  Please also help me to remember that my children are children, and that they still have to play, to make messes, to learn...if a family is interested in our home, they will realize that a family lives here...big surprise, we don't live in a museum!!!  Amen!

A Treatise on Why We Do What We Do

Recently, several of my homeschooling friends have made blog entries about why they homeschool, or what their philosophy on homeschooling is and why that matters…so I thought I would try my hand at the idea and give you a little insight into how our family works and what we believe!

I think I need to first talk about the 2 different “styles” or “philosophies” in homeschooling…one is, that homeschooling is just taking the classroom and moving it to your house OR the second idea is, that it is a lifestyle decision, a total commitment to full discipleship of your children, no matter what other educational options are available.  We are in the later camp.  We feel very strongly about what the Lord says in Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  ⁵ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. ⁹ Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”

I don’t see how I can teach them, disciple them, and work on their character all during the day if I send them away for 6+ hours of that day to another adult, no matter how Christian they are….the Lord gave US that responsibility when he blessed us with our children.  In all good conscience, I cannot abdicate that responsibility and role in their lives.

I think one of the greatest “side effects” of homeschooling is that they are used to having the same teacher every year.  I have known them from birth, who else, besides our Lord, their Dad and their siblings, cares more about them and knows them better than I do?  I can move at their speed in each and every subject.  I know what makes them tick, what their difficult areas are, a new teacher each year will take months to know those things about them, what valuable time is being lost?!  For continuity’s sake, we will definitely continue to homeschool .

I know lots of people make the point of socialization…and I would say, we don’t send our children to school to be with their friends and play…when else in life will we be artificially age segregated to learn things and play?  I certainly don’t see this in our families, not at church, not in our future job scenarios and most definitely not in ministry.  My children are young, and yet they call people their friends that work at the Y, at the stores that we often frequent…I want them to feel that way about all people.  I teach them to respect adults; but, I pray I never have somber teenagers that are unable or unwilling to participate in conversations with adults.  I pray they can also play with toddlers of friends that come over to dinner.  We have been blessed to “socialize” with many a homeschool family that don’t even have children that are my children’s ages, and yet their teens will “play” with my children for hours while we adults converse.  What a blessing that has been!

I am also a big fan of homeschool co-ops, we are currently involved in three!   We get together and do activities and support each other.  We spend the day together or else meet a few times a week to do crafts and talk about what we’ve been learning, do a story time, go on a field trip/outing…it really is exciting and fun, and by necessity includes children from all age ranges…from our oldest at 7 or 8 years old, down to our youngest newborns.   

You might want to know how I run my day, how I decide what kind of curriculum to use….that is a long one and quite honestly, schedules change from year to year and I’ve been known to change a curriculum or two as well.  I work very hard to prepare for each year, each week, and each day of school; to have books that I need on hand from the library or borrow or buy them.  I try to keep our area creative and yet organized and clean.  I spend time in the summer researching and talking to other moms about what they have used and why it works for them and/or why it didn’t work.  I won’t lie, it is a job, it is work, and it takes a commitment!

This year has been a bit different because I’m now doing school with both of the boys (2^nd grade and Kindergarten).  We do a bit of pre-school with Sissi and she’ll listen in to some of our school; but, she is good at playing and stringing beads or playing with play-doh when necessary!  I start off each year with a planning session and I first figure out every subject that I can do with the children together; Bible and Character Training, History, Science, etc.  Then I make a list of their independent subjects; Math, Grammar, Writing, Spelling, etc. and I figure out and annotate, can they do this by themselves or do they need me to do it with them.  I then always start off the day with our Bible Study and then work with the youngest child for a period and have the older two work on something that they can do independently.  For example, I’ll do tracing and coloring books with Sissi and the boys are doing their Handwriting….I spent one on one time with them when they were younger to be sure they knew how to form all their letters, they just need spot checking now.  Then I move to working with Gwangi on his Math, Grammar, and Reading while Sissi goes and plays and Krypto is still doing independent work like his Logic books, reading Comprehension in the McGuffey Readers and some fun stuff like Sudoku books or dot to dots that are up to 200 ;).  When Gwangi is done, he’ll go and play with Sissi, and then Krypto and I can work independently in peace because the younger two already had my undivided attention.  Krypto and I will finish off the morning doing his Spelling, Writing and Grammar.  At that point, we’re done with our morning routine and they can play, we can go on an outing, meet a friend, attend a co-op, eat lunch, etc.  We have a similar routine in the afternoon with our other subjects.

As to what kind of homeschooler I am…well, I would say we are Christian Classical in our model.  I have really enjoyed reading Susan Wise Bauer’s book “The Well Trained Mind” and use many of her curriculums for Grammar and Writing, etc.  When we were beginning to homeschool, I was going to “recreate the wheel”, according to her descriptions and lists.   When a long time homeschooling mom friend pointed out Tapestry of Grace (www.tapestryofgrace.com) to me, I was quickly convinced that I had found the best of both worlds.  Here was a curriculum that used the 4 year classical model of going through History chronologically and tying in Geography, Literature, Religion, Philosophy, Government to the Historical timeline while showing the Lord’s hand in everything … it made so much sense to me!  I love the classical model, I like the rotating through History at higher and higher levels as your children mature.  They learn all the basics the first time through and then in late elementary and middle school they are already making connections, able to do basic analysis…these are things I could barely do in High School because I still had not had  “one time through History” by the end of my school career.  It had all been in bits and pieces and Unit Studies.  I remember studying about China in my Social Studies class at the same time I was learning about Shakespeare in English…no wonder connections were slow to be made for me.  Tying together the Humanities and seeing the Lord’s hand ALL throughout History is absolutely amazing and I am loving learning things all over again (and learning things I never knew) afresh with my children.

I could go on and on, honestly.  But, I’m sure you’ve heard enough.  You can probably tell that I’m passionate about my children, about having our family be together, about education and most importantly about doing what our Father has called us to do.  Is it hard, YES, is it worth it, YES!  I pray you can discuss this without feeling any offense or judgment and that it will give you a view into how some homeschoolers think and why we do what we do.  I would be thrilled to answer any questions or concerns that you might have.

My Sister's Visit

We were so thrilled this past weekend to have my sister and nephew visit us.  My sister is in the Army and is going to be going overseas for the 3rd time next month.  With us leaving this summer for Tanzania, we have no idea when we'll see each other again.  It might be a couple of years.

She chose to come out to visit over our other sister's birthday weekend, which was also a holiday weekend (MLK), so we got lots of time off together.  We were thrilled to meet baby Roman, who is now 8 months old and super cute!  The cousins got along so well and it was such a wonderful and peaceful time.  No sight seeing or big trips out.  We did do a bit of shopping and Megs got a haircut; but, otherwise, we just enjoyed each other's company.

Lord, please keep Megan and Roman safe as Megan travels to Iraq.  Please help Roman to continue being a peaceful and pleasant baby for Becky (Megan's friend who will be watching him for the year).  We pray that they have a lot of access to Skype and that Roman will remember his mommy's voice and face and when they are reunited in a year that the transition will be all too familiar.  We pray that you will strengthen Megan during this time, make the months fly by for her so that she won't even realize that it is already time to come home and be with her baby again.  We love you Lord and we know that you desire reunited families, we claim that for Megan and Roman right now, in Your Name Lord!  Amen

Baby Ro-Ro, he is really the most peaceful and easy going baby I've ever seen, what a blessing he is to his Mommy!

Aunt Kate and Roman at the bowling alley for Kate's 24th birthday party

Aunt Megan and Spiderman with a cape ;)  They were a team!

Aunt Kate and Sissi were also a team when we went bowling

Sisters, before Megan had to go to the airport...oh yes, and do you like my straight hair, she put some time into that project!

The kids, I love how Roman is watching Sissi and Gwangi....Krypto would be such a good big brother again ;)!!!

Megan taught Kate and I how to make necklaces.  Kate made the black flower one and I made the other 4.  Definitely another craft to spend some time on ;)

An Amazing Story

I just love how the Lord knows how things will work out and takes such good care of us.  I love how He surprises us and reassures us that we are in His will.

I've been holding on to this story all week, waiting to see how it would turn out, and I think we have an answer...we have a house to live in when we get to Tanzania!!!  It's not just any house either...after talking with the on-site staff about several houses we could rent while we are there, we got an email from a family asking us to house-sit for a year.  Yes, you heard that right.  They have a fully furnished, 4 bedroom house that is all set up and less than a 5 minute walk from the school.  They even asked us to "watch" their car for them.  It is just amazing, they are leaving in July, we are arriving in July, it really couldn't be any better timing.

The story here is that the family is with AIM (Africa Inland Mission) and they have two of their children graduating from HOPAC this year.  They are coming back to the US for a home assignment (a year) to get their children settled in college and to do some support raising.  They are returning to Tanzania in '12 and so don't want to get rid of their house, their car, dogs, and house help (who they say is excellent).  It really is a win-win situation for everyone.  What it allows for us to do is not rush in and drop thousands setting up a household for 5 people.  We can buy furniture that we like and find the best prices, we can wait until a "good" car shows up for sale, we can determine where we want to live and make arrangements to rent it starting in the summer of '12.  I am SO excited about this opportunity.

They said that the house has a view of the Indian Ocean and is one of the coolest houses in the area because they catch the breeze from the ocean.  I've never lived that close to the ocean before...even in Lompoc, we were more in-land.  I was closer to the water when I was on base at Vandenberg than when I was at our house in town.

Of course, it can be a little nerve-wracking too, moving in and taking over "someone else's life" and stuff.  I think I'll take pictures as soon as we arrive so if we move things over the course of the year, we can still return their house to them in the way they lent it to us (yes, I remember my mom teaching me that growing up ;)).  But really, what I am taking away from all of this is WOW...it gives me chills when I think how fast this process has been moving and how whenever a concern has arisen, the Lord has answered and given us such absolute closure that we just cannot be in doubt that he is moving and arranging and working this whole situation for us.  I can't wait to go, and meet the people that we've been corresponding with via email and over Facebook.  I am so excited for Indy to be teaching at the school and to meet the students from so many different countries, cultures and ways of life!

We're starting our Konos unit study this week "Africa, the Land of Stewardship".  I prepped the first two weeks last night and it is super exciting and the kids are really going to love it.  I am so happy that we have been blessed in so many ways, that we are getting the chance to make a difference in the world that we live in,  that we can impact many young lives when we arrive in Tanzania.  Thank you Lord for having a plan for us, for making the way straight for us to follow.  As it says in Isaiah 30:21 "This is the way, walk in it" and Proverbs 16:3 and 9 "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and He will establish your plans.....in their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."  I am so glad He does!!!!

Christmas Day, a week later!

I can hardly believe it has been a week since Christmas.  How did the time go by so quickly?  

Indy's Mom was out to visit for the week, and the children were thrilled to have her here to celebrate the holiday...our last Christmas in Colorado.  There was no snow; but, it was still a very relaxing time that we got to spend with family and friends that we treasure!

The presents before the kids opened them

Sissi's favorite gift was a "baby set" from Playmobil, to go with her Disney Birthday Castle

Gwangi had wanted the Playmobil Pyramid; but, he was content to settle for the more inexpensive and smaller Sphinx

My reader is always thrilled with his books!

Krypto was so thankful for the book his sister gave him..."Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid".  He still claims he wants to be a teuthologist when he grows up (look that one up ;)).

I am so thankful for my kids, for their graciousness, for the fact that for the most part they are grateful for what they have, and for their joyful spirits and love for one another.  Did they have quite a few presents under the tree...yes, they did, I am grateful for generous and loving family and friends that helped to provide that for them.

I know this is the time of year when we make our "changes" and try to do things better.  I want to thank all of you that have helped me through this year and hold me accountable on so many things.  Whether it is committing to working out, asking how we're doing in school, asking how we parent our children, how we relate in our marriage, or how we are planning to spread the Lord's message throughout the world.   I want you to know that you make a difference for me, for our family and I value and treasure you, just the way you are.  I thank the Lord for putting you in our lives and I remember the verse in Proverbs (27:17) that says "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend."  Thank you for sharpening me this year...I look forward to more "honing" as we walk this path together!