THE COOL SKOOL

It's been so long...

2011-09-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

So it's been awhile since my last post....I mean a long while. I kind of got caught up in the new media of Facebook and Twitter for the last couple of years. Anyway....I still am homeschooling my 2 kiddos. This year I have a 5th grade boy and an 11th grade girl. Oh my~!! It seems crazy to me that I could have a 16 year old kid!! I don't feel like I am old enough to really have a kid in 11th grade. Oh well...I do!!We started this year off with a bang. I was really excited to start school this year. Summer was very busy and chaotic and I really like busy and structured. So we jumped in and got started the last week of August.

This year my 11th grader is doing GBT 3 through Escondido Tutorial Services. This year the main focus is the Medieval period. She is also studying her 2nd year of Greek and taking a biology class. She is finishing up Algebra 2 and U.S. History from this summer. She is on the Mock Trial team at our private school and she dances 6 hours a week.

My 5th grader is doing Ambleside Online year 5. This is includes History, Geography, Biography reading, Nature Study, Natural History, Literature, Grammar, Bible, Art Study, Composer study, Plutarch, Shakespeare, Poetry, Hymn study, Folksongs, Latin, French and Math. Something new this year for him...I enrolled him in a Beginning Writing class at our private school. He is also taking Ballroom dance, Hip Hop dance and choir.

I took up a little side job at the dance studio where my daughter dances. I am the volunteer coordinator for the Nutcracker production. This helps pay for the many hours of dance that my kids take. I am thankful for the little that it helps and I enjoy my time at the dance studio.So that is it for now...hopefully it won't be so long until the next post.

A Tale of Big Bear.

2009-02-24T20:40:00.000-08:00

We were all packed up in our mini van and ready to go. One last thing is all he went back for. He got in the drivers seat and tried to start the van. It wouldn't turn over. Bummer. Everyone got out but me, I moved over to the drivers seat. They pushed the van out of the driveway and and then he moved the truck next to it to jump it with the jumper cables. Off we go. Don't turn the car off til we get there!!

We arrived at the cabin at about 3pm. There was snow. Ryan showed up around 6pm. We, just Fred and I went out to a romantic dinner at Thelma's. The food was not very good. But it's all about atmosphere right? And the company your with. After dinner and Ryan finally making it there we settled in to watch a movie. Castaway with Tom Hanks, a cozy fire and family, what could be nicer? A few minutes before the movie ended Ryan says, "I can't feel my finger tips!" What could that mean? "It means I am getting a migraine, last time I had to go the emergency room and couldn't walk or talk and the pain was sooooo bad." Okay, what do we do here? Fred is half asleep on the chair, kids in bed. "Let's Go!!" I throw him in his car, it has started snowing at this point and it is about 9pm. He has a prescription for migraine medicine at home. I tell him to call mom and get the RX #, no answer there....Call Sam and George, they have a bottle of the medicine at their house too. By this time we find out there is no 24 hr. pharmacy on Big Bear Mountain. Bummer! The lady at Rite Aid said to try to get the ER to fill it for us. No luck there. He has to get checked in. Off we go home with all the over the counter migraine medicine we can purchase. Just before arriving back at the cabin he says, " I feel like I am going to puke" as he is hiding his head from any light. GREAT!!

Meanwhile...back at the cabin Fred discovers that a pipe has burst at the back of the cabin.

We finally arrive back at the cabin. I give him 2 nyquil and 4 advil migraine and put a cool patch on his head. Turn the lights out and put him to bed on the couch. Meanwhile, I wake Fred from his long winters nap by the fire. "It is starting to snow, we have to put the chains on Ryan's car or we will not be able to go anywhere, and if he gets any sicker we might have to take him to the emergency room." Grumbling he says, " huh?"

Next scene, Fred and Charif at 11:30pm in the pitch black, freezing cold, snowing now coming down pretty good night, putting chains on Ryan's car. I will spare the sad details. But it wasn't very pretty. However we managed to get them on.

On to the next problem, getting a hold of the cabin owner at close to midnight with no cell reception and no phone in the cabin. It turns out he doesn't keep his cell phone in the house at night. He leaves it in the car.

Turn the water off to the house we will wait until morning to deal with this problem.

Next morning we wake, It has snowed all night. We are really happy we put chains on Ryan's car, but feeling like maybe we should have put them on our van as well, but oh well it probably won't start anyway!! Ryan is up, feels great, pops 4 more advil migraine (btw the package says 2/24 hr. period) and a Rock Star and hits the slopes for snowboarding in his well chained vehicle.

We spend a majority of the day taking care of both the kids who are sicker than they have been in a long time. Still snowing. At some point we ventured outside to stand in the blizzard like conditions. The kids came out too. Bad idea! The snow was coming down fast and sideways due to the wind. That kind of hurts the eyes. Ryan showed back up at the cabin around lunch time. He didn't bother to go back that afternoon, white out!.Must get a hold of owner, still no water!! Fred takes Ryan's car and uses the payphone at the corner market. Call a plumber or just turn the water on and off as needed. We call the plumber, but he won't be able to make it until tomorrow, maybe...depends on if will ever stop snowing.

Still snowing.

Tuesday, wake up still no water. Text message the plumber, never mind, we will survive 1 more day. Too much snow anyway to get to the broken pipe. Ryan leaves for snow boarding. We hang out again. Snow stops coming down around 3pm. We decide to try to shovel out our car a little that way maybe we can put chains on it and get home. Of course it starts right up. It took a while to dig out the tires, but we finally got it dug out. No we need to put on the chains, in the muddy icy parking spot.

We pulled out the chains that were purchases spur of the moment 3 weeks prior on the way up to Big Bear on the side of the road. As we are laying the out to untangle them (we are pro's now at putting on chains, especially in extreme conditions) we find out that one of the chains is broken. Hmm, I wonder if this will still work? $100 down the drain.

Fred decides to take Ryan's car with chains to find a mechanic to see if they can fix them or if we can buy new ones. We will need them to get home. The very nice mechanic quickly fixes the chain at no charge. Yeah!!

Back to the chains again. This time is seems to be going easier, we know what we are doing this time and we can see. Chains on, car moves out of the snow, we are all happy. Ryan can leave us now and we will be ok.

Ryan leaves. Chains on, it is no longer snowing but the roads are really snowy.

We all had cabin fever by this time. Every one put on your clothes and shoes, the car is running, let's take advantage of it and go into town.

We head to "The Village" for an early dinner and window shopping. We ate dinner at The Teddy Bear Restaurant. Cute. Good enough. We proceed to notice Daniel is still not all well. We ignore it and continue with our plans. 10 minutes after walking around we are freezing and now concerned about poor Daniel. As we are heading back to the cabin, driving down Big Bear Blvd. (the main drag through town) we hear a click, click. It kind of sounds like chains breaking. So I stick my head out the window and say, too late, "yeah the chain is falling off." Too late because as I was saying it we were rolling over it, breaking it. Unable to go any further, due to bad, snowy roads and 1 broken chain. We put on our hazards as we are barely pulled over on the side of a major highway through town. Fred is on the side of the road trying to jimmy-rig the chain with the 2 tools we had in the van. Daniel is complaining in the back about being sick and wants to walk back. I keep worrying we are going to get hit. Finally Fred fixes the chain. We drive on, slowly. Listening for any sound that sounds like chains breaking or coming off. We make it back.

Back home to the cabin. Still no water.

Wednesday, day to to pack up and go home. We started packing and cleaning about 11am. We were planning on leaving about 2:30pm. We really needed to get a hold of the owner of the cabin to see how he wanted us to leave the cabin (water,gas,electricity,etc.) Fred leaves and calls him. He just wants the water heater turned to low. Well that is a problem. The water heater is outside the cabin and the door is blocked by about 4 feet of snow. Fred will have to shovel it,see picture below.

All is packed, everyone has gone potty, water turned on to flush, then off again. Load up....the car won't start!!! Everyone back in the house.

Fred had to walk down the street and find someone to jump the van. Ten minutes later we are loading up again. Don't shut the van off!!!

The road we took up to the mountain is still closed due to the many feet of snow (more snow than Big Bear has seen in 5 years). We had to go back through town to down the back way. It is now 4:30pm and we are just finally starting down the mountain. Holding our breath the entire way, because of the chain. We finally got to a place that we felt like we could take the chains off. YEAH!!! Our butts were going numb from the vibrations.

We finally made it home at 8pm. Too long!! I hate going the back way. Safe and sound. It was all in all a good time and I didn't mind any of the drama, because at least I was with my wonderful hubby and we were doing it together.

Coolskool this Fall

2008-11-23T20:56:00.003-08:00

Here is what we have been up to lately at the coolskool homeschool.

Writing with quills and berry ink. We were studying the Declaration on Independence and John Hancock.

This is where we were trying to teach our homeschoolers what it meant to "line up".

Making Hasty Pudding

Nature Study, sketching White Birch

TriCorn Hat-studying George Washington

Sunday Best

2008-11-23T20:49:00.000-08:00

This year Daniel is in the kids Choir at church. For their Christmas program they are doing a choral program. They are instructed to wear their Sunday Best.

"Sunday Best" ?? What is that? have you been to our church?
Anyway, Grandma Becky took care of that. Here is our boy looking handsome in his Sunday Best and singing in the childrens choir in church last Sunday

Because I am a Super Saver Shopper

2008-11-11T09:40:00.001-08:00

My Super Shopping Savings this week!!!

This was a great week for savings. Not everything I purchased was on the list, but most.
Here is what I got!

Here is the link to the savings I get. The Grocery Game.

A GIRL LIKE HER

2008-10-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

It is so fun to have a girl like her. She is so energetic and fun. She lights up the room when she walks in.

She has decided to try her foot at acting which of course she is a natural. She auditioned last week for the part of Amy in Little Women. Today we got the call. She got the part of Aunt March in the youth cast. This is a small but good role for her. She gets to really act. Aunt March is an old prissy lady.

We are very proud. The show will be late in November, early December. We will keep everyone posted.

1st day of School

2008-09-08T14:07:00.000-07:00

Today is the 1st of school. I was up early and made blueberry muffins from scratch. Yum!!! This is a tradition. We always have blueberry muffins on the 1st day of school. This has been the tradition since Penny's 1st day of Kindergarten.

In this 1st picture you can see the kids are looking a little tired. They were up earlier than they have been all summer.

This year is a big year for us. I am teaching to both grades. In the past I taught to Penny's level and Daniel just had to get what he could from it. Except for Math and Language arts that is.... Anyway this is what we are learning about this year.

Daniel- 2nd grade
Bible-learning about how wonderful Jesus is
History- introduce U.S. history study key figures such as Columbus, Washington, Ben Franklin, Lincoln and many others.
Learn about patriotic symbols such as the U.S. flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Statue of Liberty and the Liberty Bell.
Intro to U.S. geography with a brief trip through all 50 states
Science-we will be exploring the fascinating world of science-stars, weather, plants, animal, atoms, energy, gravity, friction, sound, computers, and much more.
Art
Music-Patriotic Music and Tchaikovsky
French
Spelling
Reading
Primary Language Lessons
Math
Poetry

Penny-8th grade
Bible
History- survey of The Civil War and WWII
Science
French
Latin
Pre Algebra
Art
Typing
Grammar
Writing

Penny doing a bible lesson

Daniel doing a French lesson

Last Summer Fling

2008-08-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

Camping at Carpinteria State Beach
Back in February my friends Freya, Leslie and Wendi called me on the night before Feb. 1 and said, " Do you want to go camping in August?" So we got on the computer at 8am and booked our camping for the following summer. Here are some of the pictures.

camping cousins

On Saturday Mom, Walter, Ryan and Amber came up for the day, here we are hanging out on the beach. Beautiful weather.

smiling Trey is 2 months old

Beach Bums!

Campfire Fun!

It turns out Wendi couldn't go and Leslie had to leave early due to kids school starting etc., Sam, George, CC and Trey came along with us instead. We were there for 6 days, we left 1 day early. We decided that 5 days would be a good amount of camping time, 6 days was 1 day too many!!! I was ready to pack up and leave at 1 in the morning when Penny puked in the tent!! 1 week before school starts, 1 week to do laundry, clean the house, organize the school stuff,rest, buy the rest of the school stuff we need.

45 Years of Faith Baptist

2008-08-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the first Alumni Gala, 45 Years worth of Faith Baptist Alumni. Fred and I went. It has been 16 years since I graduated high school.

Me and my BFF from High School, Margie.

Some good friends from school

All of us from the class of 1992 that showed up. Were missing a few.

It was lots of fun seeing everyone from High School.

Hume Lake July 2008

2008-08-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Our Family was given an amazing gift of a week at Hume Lake in a beautiful chateau. Here are some of the pictures of what we did for a week.

Our last night there we had talent night, no one was exempt....

Jonathan tight rope walked...of course!!!

Penny danced

A family song signed by the Alaskan Martins

a cute little dance by Sophia

A guitar solo by Mr. Freddy Martin

A trip to Sequoia National Park

Becky and Charif holding up a tree...

The next 3 pictures of at Moro Rock. A huge mountain of a rock that we climbed to the top of....see picture 3.

The Martin Family

At the foot of a giant.

Down the rabbit hole, I mean hollow giant Sequoia Tree.

Emily

My Sisters

One Big Happy Family

Me and baby Garrett

Me and my honey

Dan and Jon Playing

Ike and Freddy Playing

Fred mastered the Rubiks Cube

Penny holding a butterfly
Katie and me in the Suzuki

Down by the Lake
Sandy Cove

Back at the Cabin
Family Dinner

The boys eating breakfast

Garrett, Penny, Emily Sophia, Daniel and Jonathan

Welcome Baby Trey

2008-06-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am the proud Auntie of another Nephew. Introducing Trey William Thompson. Born on June 24 at 6:14 pm, weighing 6lbs 12oz. measuring 19in. in length. Born to Samantha and George Thompson.

A conversation with a 7 year old boy

2008-06-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Boy sitting in bath after washing his hair (rinsing it by diving under the water for 30 sec.)
Boy: Mom, what do people with glasses do when they go under water?
Mom: They take off they're glasses.
Boy: What if they need to see under the water?
Mom: Well I guess they just close their eyes and don't see.
Boy: Well, what if they are jumping in and swimming with sharks? They NEED to see to do that, like at Catalina, those cliffs...
Mom: I don't know then...

School's out for Summer!!!

2008-06-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

13 YEARS

2008-05-21T22:39:00.000-07:00

13 years of smiles
13 years of love
13 years of beauty
13 years of laughter
13 years of girl
13 years of PENNY

My first baby turned 13 this past Sunday. We had a big party for her. Karaoke and Friends.

Mommy and Daddy sing a song

Singing with friends.

Little Bro rocks out!

Daddy and Penny sing a duet!!

A Little Bit of Paradise

2008-04-26T14:33:00.001-07:00

Buried in this canyon, just off the main road, behind the freeway is a little bit of paradise. We and our friends, The Jones' discovered this little bit of paradise a few weeks ago. We originally set out to do a nature "walk". We came across this pleasant patch of paradise and headed right out to Target for some rubber boots. These are pictures of our 2nd time there.

EASTER 2008

2008-03-23T17:39:00.000-07:00

Easter Saturday we spent with my family at my mom's house. We had a lovely brunch with eggs, waffles, potatoes,etc. The kids had an egg hunt, dyed eggs and swam all day. The weather was wonderful, about 75. Here are some pictures from Saturday.
The Martin Family
Cousins: Penny, Daniel and Sydny

The Thompsons

Sunday Morning 4:15 AM, we left our house for the Hollywood Bowl for the Easter Sunrise Service.

Back to the house to shower and get ready for church at 9am at Rocky Peak.

After Church with Fred and Becky, we stopped by Grammy and Grandpy's house to say Happy Easter and to see the Tehachapi Wallace's.
We had a 12 noon reservation at the Sportsman's Lodge for a Sunday Champagne Brunch. This was a lovely day and perfect weather.

Yes....we're all wearing the same outfit both days, I did the laundry on Saturday night!!!

A few you might not have seen yet

2008-03-22T17:29:00.001-07:00

The New Daddy Club

2 Knights getting ready to fight for a maiden

Our Little Mermaid

Grandma's Girls

A Sea Treasure

Frozen Banana's Dad's treat!!

Beautiful Smile!

What a view!

Uncle Freddy

Auntie Reefy

A few white flowers

Weenie Roast at Dusk

HZAH FOR THE RED KNIGHT!!!

2008-03-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

As we commence our study of Medieval Times we take a trip to "Medieval Times" The Jones's and 2 of the Kirk kids joined us for the adventure of the day!!

A Long Weekend

2008-02-20T08:55:00.001-08:00

We spend the better part of the long weekend (Presidents Day weekend) painting Daniel's room and finishing the living room. Daniel's room used to be Penny's room and it had a lime green wall and hot pink doors. The living room was 1/2 painted about 5 years ago and never finished. Here is the finished product on both.

Daniel's room is a old world nautical theme. The living room is what Fred calls "American Attic". We love it!!!

BIG BEAR WEEKEND GETAWAY

2008-02-10T21:43:00.001-08:00

The Martins, Samantha and Sydny Thompson and Ninette Arnold
Feb. 7-10,2008
Charif, Penny, Daniel, Sam, Sydny and Mom arrived to the cabin on Thursday night at about 9 PM, there was a giant mountain of snow to climb to get to the cabin door. There was lots of snow everywhere, about 2.5 ft. on snow. It turns out that the toilet froze between us and the last occupants, therefore it was cracked and not useable. We had to go that night and all day the next day with out a toilet.

Fred arrived on Friday night at about 10:30 PM with a toilet and installed it right away. OUR HERO!!!!

Friday we spent the day at "Snow Play" an inner tube rental place. This was great fun!!I will post those pictures when I get them from Sam. Mom spent the day on the slopes, snow boarding. I can't believe at 56 she still snow boards. What a woman!!!

Saturday morning we hit the slopes first thing. It was a beautiful day about 65 degrees and sunny. All 3 kids took lessons, Syd skiing and Pen and Dan, snow board.

About 2PM we got back to the cabin from the slopes. Fred, Charif and Sam went Antiquing and thrift store shopping. We didn't get much, but it was fun. The kids stayed back at the cabin with grandma and played games and drank hot chocolate.

After dinner the much awaited roasting of marshmallows with daddy and Uncle Freddy.

It was a wonderful trip and so much fun. We are so grateful to our friends the James's for lending us use of the cabin.

A few things learned this weekend:

* Penny likes to play with fire
* We really are grateful for indoor plumbing
* You can get your van stuck in a little bit of snow
* snowboarding leaves bruises everywhere
* the back way up the mountain does take longer but is more fun
* kids look really cute in snow clothes, adults don't
* 65 degrees and sunny while waiting for your kids to finish their lessons is really hot.

13 AMAZING YEARS!!

2007-12-17T09:18:00.001-08:00

Today is our 13th Wedding Anniversary. I have been blessed with the most amazing husband for 13 years. I have loved every single minute of the last 13 years. None...would I do over again. I love him more now than I ever did and my love grows more and more every day.

Last weekend we celebrated our anniversary on a little cruise to Mexico. We had a wonderful time away.

I am so blessed and I thank God everyday for my wonderful life.

Happy Anniversary Honey, I love you. Thanks for giving me a wonderful life.

Just about 7

2007-12-17T09:03:00.001-08:00

I can't believe he is just about 7. With Daniel's birthday falling 4 days after Christmas, we asked him if he wanted to have a little party early or later than Christmas this year and of course....EARLY!!!!
So, we planned a little party, Just 7 all together. They watched Star Wars, ate Happy Meals and then the grandparents came and we all ate yummy cake and opened presents.
As you can see in the last picture, Daddy got him a sword. The sword is from the movie, "The Alamo" It was a hit with all the boys at the party.

Thankful for.....

2007-11-26T18:54:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Day

I am thankful for so much this year, as with every year. I have family, friends, faith, health, and love. What more could I ask for.

San Diego Trip on the Train

2007-11-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

We started the day off at 6am, well some of us earlier (sam and cc at 4.15am) I needed to be up at 5.30am to leave at 6.00 am, but my alarm did not go off and i woke up at 6.00 am, so with a mad dash we left the house at 6.20 am, which is when we were supposed to be at the subway station to ride to the train station in LA. Instead we hopped in Sam's car and drove in traffic to the train station in L.A. and ran through the station to get on our 7.20am train at 7.15. Whew! we made it.

We had a nice time at the Dead Sea Scrolls and then we wandered around the Natural History Muesem til it was time to take the train back home.

When in Rome......

2007-11-16T16:01:00.000-08:00

Do as the Romans do. We are in the middle of studying about Rome. This week we had a very busy week, on Tuesday we went to the Dead Sea Scrolls in San Diego, on the train, then on Thursday we had a Roman Feast, Toga's and all.

The Frediluis Familia, Penelope, Danielius, Charia and Fredelius
Lounging on a couch
Penelope-Our "Second born"
Danielius-our "First Born" son, reciting a verse from the book of Romans

The slaves/second born children
We designated all the real first borns to be the slaves and elevated all the second borns to first born position

The Jones Family; Jasonius, Lara, Kalia, and Whitania

The Kirk Family: Timitheus, Julia, Davidius and Emilia

The perfect submissive wife
During the 5 course dinner and after the kids performed for us. This is Penny doing a ballet that she coreographed herself.
a submissive slave
the kids table

SCAREFEST '07

2007-11-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

My kids love to hear stories about Freddy's childhood, especially the stories about Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy's house and the sleepovers they would have and all the scary stories that were told.

This year, a week or so before Halloween Freddy called Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy to tell them that he thought our kids were old enough for some of their variety of scare.

Aunt Judy called me to confirm....I said, sure...if Freddy said so, than Yes. So they started planning.

As you can see in the first picture, upon our arrival at Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy's house they looked a little concerned with what was outside.

My kids didn't seem to notice that. They invited us in and after greeting etc. they invited us to sit down. As we were sitting, Aunt Judy wanted to tell us why they were a little worried about what was going on outside and as she started to tell us, she turned off all the lights.

At that point, Daniel let out a nervous cry. He knew something was up. We turned back on some of the lights and proceeded with Aunt Judy's story.

Penny was not really interested in the story, it didn't sound like anything she cared about, "something that happend a long time ago, etc." Daniel knew something was askew and sat in daddy's lap, crying and plugging his ear. With an occasional, "NOoooo!"

Shortly into the story, Aunt Judy started talking about some one being kidnapped and some children too, Penny's attention was then captured. Also, during this time, Uncle Bob disappeared.

All of sudden Daniel let out a blood curdling scream and covered his face. Penny and I were sitting on the couch and turned to see what was making Daniel scream. There behind us was Uncle Bob, with the Wood Pile Beast Mask on and a very old cape. Upon seeing it, Penny likewise, Screamed and covered her face and hit the floor.

Fred and I were in tears, laughing. Uncle Bob immediatly took off the mask and came down to Penny's rescue and Aunt Judy to Daniel's.

It may sound cruel to laugh at our kids torment, but it's not. We explained to them that we had given Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob the idea to scare them and that it was all in fun.

The kids ended up laughing at the story. And every time I re-tell the story, they laugh. Although, Daniel with a little nervous fear still left.

I wonder if they will want to go to Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy's house next year?

Halloween 2007

2007-11-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

This year for Halloween we had a ninja and a Medeival Princess. We decided it would be fun to go visiting. First stop...Grammy and Grandpy's, we were their only trick or treaters. Next stop, Grandma and Grandpa's for dinner, Chili soup. Yum! Grandpa took the kids around the block for some trick or treating. After that we drove to Simi Valley to meet up with my sister at my mom's house, Grandma Ryan's. Cousin Sydny, was dressed as Pippi Lingstocking. She was so cute. While there we went to a few houses also. The kids baskets at this point were getting very full. Our last stop... Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy's, otherwise know as Scarefest 07, see future blog.

All in all it was a fun evening.

Is this real?

2007-10-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

What you are looking at is not 1, but 2 trucks stuck in the water at the beach. You may ask, "how does this happen?" Well there are several theories....

1. too much tequila
2. too much tequila plus racing on the beach and then then falling asleep and the tide comes in

Seriously...we arrived at the beach in Mexico to end our mission trip to the amazement of these 2 trucks being eaten by the ocean. We watched as the green one in the second picture was tossed about and flipped over and over by the waves. We also watched a tow truck arrive at the scene with a very long cable to rescue the blue truck. I don't think it will even be repairable!!! How could it. The tow truck seemed ready to take care of this, like it happens all the time!!!

Anyway, the moral of the story is: Don't park your truck on the beach during low tide and drink too much tequila.

The Coolskool in Mexico

2007-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

On a Mission trip to Mexico.....

At the beach in Ensenada where we met up with all of the other teams. We had a wonderful time of worhip on the beach before heading out.
me and Katia at the orphanage.

Penny with some kids at the orphanage. Penny was in charge of playing with the kids and face and hand painting.

me and Ceci, a little 3 year old orphan.
Daniel brought one of his toys to play with in the car, after we arrived in Mexico, he decided he would find a little boy to give it to. This is the little boy who now has a toy.
Daniel with face painting

This is out team. Fred was our leader.
This is at the beach on Sunday on the way home.

MY MAN!

2007-09-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe he is 36 today, that means we have been together for a long time, because when I met him he was only 23. A young 23 year old boy, looking for job, working for his uncle, sometimes, and just having a good time with his brother and cousins.

How time flys. But as I look back over the years I see how much he has grown, not just in numbers but in maturity.

He is now a daddy to 2 wonderful children. He teaches them both guitar, reads to them on a regular basis, takes them to archery, dances with his daughter, wrestles with his son, plays lots of tricks on both of them, tells them jokes, cooks for them when he is home, takes them camping, prays with them and for them, works with their classes at church and so much more.

He is now the communications director at CHF. He writes letters for the president and the vice presidents and everyone else, he writes newsletter and appeal letters that thousands of people read every month and then want to give money to help hungry children, he has an assistant and is soon to have a whole department, he is appreciated at work for his hard work and diligence, everyone loves him there.

He is well respected at church. He is in a group of 12 men that the lead pastor is discipling, he leads a father/child campout ministry 2x a year, with over 100 people each time, people call him to teach kids classes, kids know him by name, he writes songs and performs them at church, his song has even been published, he on the men's ministry leadership team and has dinner with the pastor on a regular basis.

He is my husband of almost 13 years. He works hard so I can stay home with my kids. He appreciates all the hard work I do and notices it when I do something around the house. He thinks I am the most beautiful woman in the world. He loves me like no one has ever loved me and he understands me better than anyone else in the whole world.

He is also, a wonderful brother, brother in law, uncle, cousin, grandson, son, friend and co-worker. Just ask anyone....

I love him.

Archers!!

2007-09-08T13:33:00.001-07:00

The Cool School learns archery. Both kids have picked up a new sport and really like it and are really good at it for only doing it 2 times.

Sunday Afternoon Fun

2007-09-03T09:45:00.001-07:00

San Diego Wild.....Day, I mean Park

2007-09-03T09:14:00.001-07:00

A fun day at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. It started with an overnighter at Motel 6, then moved on to breakfast at Cocoa's. Next stop...The Wild Animal Park.
Tram ride first....Penny sick next. Poor Penny threw up the whole 25 minute tram ride. After the tram we made a stop at the petting zoo, then Lorikeet Landing. Anyone for a Rhino ride?

One of those days....a gift.

2007-08-11T21:51:00.001-07:00

James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Today was one of those amazing days, that are a gift from God. We started off by sleeping in, a gift in of itself. We set out at noon for the Ventura County Fair. Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy entered a picture of Penny in the fair, so we went to go see it. We decided before we left that we were not going to ride any rides or play any games. Instead, we walked around, and enjoyed all of the free exhibits, as well as the rodeo. This is the first time we have seen a rodeo. We really enjoyed the show.

After leaving the fair at around 4PM. We made our way over to Ventura Beach, where we just enjoyed the beautiful ocean air.

We stopped for a bite to eat at a local sub shop and ate on the road as we made our way to Leo Carrillo Beach. A favorite of our family. We had a nice time enjoying this beach, as well as watching the Japanese tourist enjoy our favorite beach. I even joined in on their dancing on the beach. They thought is was so funny.

We left Leo Carrillo Beach just before sunset and as we drove South on Pacific Coast Hwy, we decided to stop at Zuma Beach, another favorite beach of ours, and watch the sun go down.

The sunset was amamzing.

We ended the lovely day by stopping at Baskin Robbins on the way home for a double scoop of ice cream.

What an awesome day. Thank you God for my family and thank you family for a great day.

Before.....After

2007-08-07T20:59:00.000-07:00

6 weeks ago Penny got her braces....now she feels just like a teenager.

Dance Recital 2007

2007-08-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

4th of July Fun

2007-07-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

LAKE CASTAIC
local camping fun.
we spent the 4th of July and the day after, camping with our friends, the Heimbuchs, the Williams, the Wynotts, the Thompsons and the Rogers.
We spent our days wading (not swimming) in the lake, boating, wind surfing, bike riding, applying sun block and having a great time. It was very hot, but nice down by the water.
I took some pictures of Fred wind surfing but they are not on my camera. I will have to post them when I get some copies of those pictures.

We watched fireworks down by the water and it was so awesome. We sang our own songs. Thanks to the Heimbuchs and the Rogers for hosting us.

World's Best Dad

2007-06-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the best dad and husband in the world. While the rest of the world is celebrating Father's Day, my wonderful husband is teaching other Dad's to be a better father, through his awesome ministry called Camp CAACONAA. I am so proud of him, not only for this ministry but how he is with his own kids, father, siblings and me. He is so thoughtful and sweet, always thinking of others. I love him so much and thank God for him every day.

I love you honey...Happy Day to you.

Graduations...kindergarten and 6th grade

2007-06-14T21:19:00.001-07:00

Homeschool style...

3 Generations

2007-06-14T21:10:00.001-07:00

Penny!

2007-05-26T20:00:00.000-07:00

At the Huntington Library on a field trip for school

Birthday presents from the Jaime's
-my dad rocks shirt
-cool headband
-great purse

Just blown candles!

Cool new bag and glasses from Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy
Pink Cruiser Bike- from Grandma Ryan, Walter and Ryan
Bike Basket and bell-Auntie Sam and George

Boy, she sure is spoiled!!!

ALMOST 12

2007-05-10T22:09:00.000-07:00

One week from tomorrow she will be 12.
Where has the time gone? I can't believe my baby is going to be 12. It seems just like yesterday that she was born....
And now here she is, tall, beautiful, smart, everything I had dreamed she would be... WOW!!!

Here she is at 4 months old in her Daddy's arms, still her favorite place to be.

Here she is at 1 year, already so full of spunk and personality.

Wow , how much our family has changed in 11 years.

This envelope was given to us on the day we dedicated out little girl to the Lord, with instructions to have her open it on her 12th birthday. It seemed so far away until she would have to open it, now it is around the corner...i wonder what it says???

COUSINS

2007-05-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

I grew up with only one cousin and I did not know him that well. I love that my kids have lots of cousins. We had all the first cousins over in one day. What fun to be an Auntie. I have always wanted to be an Auntie. My kids have lots of cousins and even more second cousins, they don't even know what that means, to them they are just cousins and best friends.

On Top of the World

2007-05-10T21:52:00.000-07:00

Another great day as a family.
This picture was taken by Katie, up at "Garden of the Gods"

Happy Passover

2007-04-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

As part of our curriculum this year, we are celebrating biblical feasts. Passover was last week, but we celebrated it last night. We had our friends the Jones' and the Kirks. We had a great time of fun, fellowship and food. The dinner consisted of: Roasted Lamb, salad, poppy seed noodles, matzo ball soup, egg soup, fruit salad, gifelte fish, passover cake and tea. The Sedar is wonderful to experience as Christians.

The 3 moms who made dinner.

Getting ready to start the Sedar

The mom usually begins by lighting the candles.

Daddy says the blessing on the first cup, The cup of Satification

Daniel and Whitney had the pleasure of hand washing ceremony

The 3 leaders of the families. We split up the leader responsibility between all 3 dads.

Penny enjoying her first Sedar experience.

Daniel too!

Opening the door for Elijah.

Happy Easter and Spring!

2007-04-10T10:34:00.000-07:00

At church Easter morning.

A day in the life of the Martin's

2007-03-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

This is not every day, but this is Wednesday March 21, 2007 The First Day of Spring.

6:30 AM Daddy is always up first, having his cup of coffee and reading the bible.

7:30AM Daniel is next up, he runs in to show me what the Tooth Fairy brought him for his front tooth. 6 quarters.

7:45AM We send Daddy off to work with a family prayer time at the door. Good bye Daddy...Have a good day!

Big Sister Penny always gets breakfast for her and her brother.

While I get into the shower the kids have a healthy breakfast of Cocoa Pebbles and Lucky Charms

While the kids eat breakfast, I sit on the couch and drink my coffee and try to wake up, I also do my daily bible reading.

9:00 AM After getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair and making beds, we sit down for our morning bible and history lesson. Today we are reading about Solomon taking over for David.

Here is morning activity, adding David and Solomon to their timeline books. I like to see Penny helping Daniel.

Daniel and I set out to clean a very messy room.

10:00 AM Book Basket and Snack Time
Book Basket is a time when the kids get to read whatever is in the book basket which I fill with books that I want them to read or look at. They also get a healthy snack, like an apple or banana.

10:30 Penny is working on Math

By about 11:30AM we have successfully cleaned Daniel's room, Yea!!! Mommy loves a clean room.

At this time Mommy needs a break and some lunch. A nice yummy salad.

Almost lunch time finish up your lessons.

A quick reading lesson for Daniel before lunch. Daniel is reading to me.

Lunch Time

12:30 PM A quick trip to the library. We love going to the library, do you see the giant stacks were carrying?

Penny and Mommy work on a spelling lesson while Daniel has some free time to play in his nice clean room.

Here Daniel is working on a math lesson, counting by Ten's

Here Daniel is cleaning up the big mess he made after the math lesson is over.Look closely at the book Penny is reading.

This time I am reading to Daniel, we are enjoying the book "Dr.Doolittle"

While we read, Penny's turn to work on her messy room.

3:00 PM Time for my afternoon Scrabble game...I lost.

It is almost time to go to dance, Daniel wants his dinner early. Tuesday and Wednesday we do not usually have dinner together as a family.

An afternoon batch of chocolate chip cookies is always a nice little snack.

5:00 PM
Off to dance we go, tonight is Penny's Tap class.

6:30 PM
Nothing fancy for dinner, Daddy and Penny eat dinner a little late tonight. Mom is out at a meeting for church

A short skit "Beauty and the Geek" performed for Daddy by Penny and Daniel.

9:30 PM Mom is home now and it is way past bedtime. Time for prayers.

Goodnight, brother, Goodnight Sissy

Good night Baby!

I LOVE YA!

Nite sissy!

Good night sweet girl.

Wow it is already 10:00 PM and I am pooped, time to lay in bed and watch a movie, while Fred catches up on some work out on the couch in the living room.
Good night!

Family Fun in the Sun

2007-03-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the top of Stoney Point in Chatsworth. Today was beautiful. The weather was about 85 degrees with a nice breeze. This is the kind of day we all dream about.

Important Lessons

2007-03-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here The Chindo is giving the kids a lesson on our Christian brothers and sisters in Egypt. Some people from Chf just got back from Egypt and we were fortunate enough to get to hear all about what the Christians in Egypt are like.

Most Thursdays we get together with our other homeschooled friends, here they are doing a Bible lesson.

OPENHOUSE

2007-02-20T19:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Cool Skool Open House.
I think some of you may have a hard time imagining homeschooling...well welcome to my world...my fabulously fun homeschooling world.

LOWER AND UPPER EGYPT STUDY

DADDY AND DAN STUDYING TOGETHER

SABBATH CHALLAH;The kids helped to make the challah and the set the table for our Sabbath celebration

NATURE WALK AND SKETCHING

PENNY AND A FRIEND FROM CAMPUS DAY:once a week we meet with other homeschoolers and have fun learning together in parent taught classes.

BUILDING PYRAMIDS OUT OF SUGAR CUBES: PENNY AND DANIEL AND FRIENDS ON SAME CURRICULUM

GROUP BIBLE LESSON;STUDENT LEAD

THE NUTCRAKER BALLET;PASADENA CITY COLLEGE

POETRY RECITATION

MARCH AIR FIELD MUSEUM

THE PUMPKIN PATCH

PENNY'S TABERNACLE

THE HOLY LAND EXHIBIT;tasting turkish delight and fruit leather from Israel

CHECK OUT MY COOL WALL!

2007-02-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

We have been garage saleing and found some really cool stuff. We were inspired by Anthropologie and by Real Simple magazine. We made it our own and were very pleased with the look. Tell us what you think. We still need to paint the wall.
We also made a stop by Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy's garage...that is a great place to shop....JK.

BOOKS, I LOVE BOOKS!

2007-02-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

When I grow up, I want to have a library full of books, right now I only have 3 shelves full, but someday...I will have many books.

An attitude of Gratitude

2007-02-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today about how thankful I am to have such amazing family and friends...

I think about when we were first married and how everyone came and helped...from Mandy giving me a dress, Becky and my Mom doing all the planning and buying $$$ to Becky and Fred hosting the rehearsal dinner to my mom having the reception at our house, Dad doing the wedding and Rob playing the piano, so much just for our little wedding.

Then later as we always were short on cash, many people helped pay bills and get us out of debt.

I think of the apartments we have lived in, referalls from Dad and friends and then even Annie and Dave had us living with them for awhile.

Then we finally got our house, Praise the Lord! So much work went into that task, my mom doing all the footwork, and lots of prayer and support for that.

Then I think of all the vacations, Wow!!! Costa Rica, Hawaii, Catalina, Cruise, Cruise, Cruise, and countless times to Las Vegas, all paid for by someone else, WOW.

Then of course there is the birthdays and Christmas's and all the LOOT, more and more...

And then in times of trouble or need, there is always some there with a meal or groceries or a kind word...

Sometimes I wonder why I have so much in my life, I know I am extremely blessed! And I thank God every day.

Above all that I am grateful for the relationships. I have the most amazing family and friends. I love each one so much and they each mean so much to me.

I am thankful mostly for relationships. Thank you to all of you who has been something to me. I love you all.

My Wonderful Husband

2007-02-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

I love this picture! I think it shows how much in love we are. I have the most wonderful husband in the world, he always takes care of me and always makes me feel like his Queen. I am the most blessed woman in the world.

For You, TMF

2007-01-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday

2006-12-30T10:26:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE CUTEST BOY IN THE WORLD,
Yesterday was his 6th birthday, we were traveling all day. We had a little party for him on the 27th at Annie and Dave's house.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

2006-12-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

This was my rack in scrabble yesterday when I played with my friend. Needless to say I lost!!!

A VISIT WITH SANTA

2006-12-21T08:29:00.000-08:00

It turns out Grandma Ryan know Santa as well as Mickey Mouse. Santa came to grandma's house for a visit.

Christmas Cookies and Party

2006-12-21T08:23:00.000-08:00

The Christmas season is very busy for us. But we always have time for our friends. Yesterday we partied with our good friends. We decorated cookies, make snowflake crafts, opened presents, sang songs and had lots of fun with our friends.

LOST TOOTH!!!

2006-12-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

I have never seen a kid cry so much after losing a tooth

He was not very happy about Mommy pulling it out.

I only pulled it out so he would eat his dinner.

"Brrrr Baby it's Cold Outside"

2006-12-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

This is the outside of our house a few days ago. Now, I know what our friends up north and in AK are thinking....but for us here in Sunny So. Cal. 35 degrees at 6am is cold!!! There has been a "COLD SNAP" as the news calls it. And brrr!!! were cold. Especially those of us who have to perform nightly outside in Bethlaham.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING.....

2006-12-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

LOOKING OVER THE ORNAMENTS FROM 12 YEARS!!!!

YEAH!! MOMMY IS IN THE PICTURE...

READY FOR CHRISTMAS

DID YOU ALL GET MY CHRISTMAS CARD, BEFORE DECEMBER 1?????!!!!!

Speaking of cool...

2006-11-14T19:55:00.000-08:00

This kid is so cool, he came out saying Waa, waa, waa (ala John Wayne movies), he said, I don't even need a gun, just a guitar.

My New Haircut and Color

2006-11-13T17:55:00.000-08:00

Here is me with my new cut and color, although it is not really styled here and it is the end of the day, so I kind of look tired.

School of Fish

2006-11-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

Freeway Fishing
Today at the coolskool we learned fishing

As we are not pro's at fishing, please check out TMF for the true schooling in angling.

NOVEMBER 10TH?

2006-11-11T13:53:00.000-08:00

Are you sure it is November? Katie and Ike have been waiting for their first snow and here we are the beach wondering what month it is. It sure seemed like June yesterday. We spent our day at Malibu Beach with our friends the Jones' and the Jaime's.

Girls Weekend Away-Big Bear, CA

2006-11-03T18:32:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Penny and I and our good friends the Jones's took a weekend trip to Big Bear. We had so much fun, the weather was beautiful, we had a wonderful time spending some good ol' one on one and all with only a few little extras. When we arrived we found 2 dead mice in traps and I had to be the one to take care of them. There also was a lot of spiders and bugs, being in the mountains and all. All in all it was a great little getaway.

Halloween Fun

2006-11-03T18:11:00.000-08:00

P and D this past Halloween, we had a lot of fun making our rounds. Grammy and Grampy, Grandpa and Grandma, Grandma Ryan, The Heimbuchs and Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy.

Little Women Chapter 9 questions

2006-10-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

These questions are for Chapter 9 only.
Question #1-Do you think Meg's feelings are hurt by her friends talking about her being poor?
Question #2-Why do you think Laurie was disappointed in Meg?

Mrs. Martin's LIttle Women Book Club

2006-10-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Class, I don't have any questions for you yet this week,due to the fact that I have been sick. Please leave a comment about how you are enjoying these chapters. Also, as a reminder you should have chapters 5-7 read by Thursdays class.

Question #1: How does Laurie know all the girls names and which girl is which?
Question #2: Why does Marmee think Mr. Laurence does not like Laurie to play music?
Question #3: How did Mr. Laurence show special kindness to Beth?(not the gift of the piano)
Question #4: What was so bad about Amy's punishment?
Question #5: Do you think there is anything symbolic of Jo scrapping the mud from her boots as she left the school house?
Question #6 What did Amy lesson did Amy learn?

See you in class tommorow.

Thanks,
Mrs. Martin

Happy Autumn

2006-09-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

The first sign of Fall is the colors changing on trees. Yesterday as we drove in to our driveway we noticed that our beautiful White Birch Tree had started turning colors. Yesterday was the first day of Autumn. How appropriate.

A LESSON IN KITE FLYING

2006-09-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

This was a great weekend, NO work for Mommy, great weather and kite flying!!!

Welcome Back to the Coolskool!!!

2006-09-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

1ST OF SCHOOL TODAY!!!

Penny's first day of 6th grade and Daniel's first day of Kindergarten. We had a great 1st day of school. Only 149 days left!!!

Yummy!!!

2006-08-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

Could they be any cuter?

New Friends

2006-08-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

It is so cute when little babies make friends. Last week we had Katie and Sophia stay with us, while they were here our little friend Annabelle,the little girl I babysit, came over. Annabelle and Sophia hit it off right away!!!

Does it make me a bad mom...?

2006-08-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

Does it make me a bad mom if my son has 6 cavities? Today Daniel had his second set of fillings, this time he went to the children's dentist, there they gave him a little gas to make it go easier. The first time was at the regular dentist and he did great, but he did not really know what was going to happen. When we went back to the regular dentist for the 2nd set of fillings, he now knew what was going on and would not hold still, he didn't cry or anything, they were even able to numb him up, but he was very fidgety, so they said "no", he must go to the children's dentist, so there we are today. He did great, they had to go all the way down to the root and cap one of them, he is so brave. He is numb and a little out of it now, but what a big boy!!!

ENCHANTED PLACE

2006-08-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

Ballet II

TAP AND JAZZ

2006-08-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

SALSA

COME ON EVERYBODY!!

UH HUH!!!

2006-08-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Daniel's Hip Hop Dance
Recital 2006

Happy Birthday Sis!!!

2006-08-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

My sisters and my mom and me in Las Vegas for Elaine's 30th birthday.

We had a great time, love you lots sister!!!

Recital is coming!!!

2006-07-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Dance recital is July 29, here is a preview.....

North or South?

2006-07-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

DDDT

2006-07-05T21:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Campers

2006-07-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

This past weekend and early this week we went camping with friends, we spent a lot of time on the lake... fishing, pretending to fish, hanging out and wading in the "No Swimming" area. Check out these fun pictures.

The Heimbuch's New Pool

2006-06-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

We have been swimming here alot so far this summer.

CAMERA FUN!!

2006-06-29T07:51:00.001-07:00

I was experimenting with my camera and these are some of the shots... I love these pics.

Swim School

2006-06-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

Daniel already knows how to swim, but it never hurts to take another lesson. Daniel is taking a 2 week swim lesson to learn side breathing, elementary backstroke and diving. After just 4 days he is doing great. He is very tired but learning lots.

Princess Penny

2006-06-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is where princess Penelope sleeps

A big girl room for a big girl.... A community effort for Penny's birthday. Mostly thanks to Grandma Ryan.

Dinner

2006-06-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Dinner at the Martin's

This is what it looks like when Penny sets the table for dinner

Spending Money!!!

2006-06-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

AMERICAN GIRL PLACE, LOS ANGELES

Nothing inspires spending money like the American Girl Place. Our friends from Washington are in town this month and we had the pleasure of going to tea and shopping at the American Girl Place. It was a girls day out. Lots of squeals and laughter. What a fun day!!

hi Auntie

2006-06-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birtday to the 11 year old

2006-05-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Penny's 11th birthday at the happiest place on earth. We had a great day. Happy Birthday to a great girl.

A Five year old's perspective

2006-05-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

I gave my son the camera for just a few seconds... Thank goodness for Digital, anyway, some of the pictures are really good, so enjoy.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

2006-05-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

What in the world is this? All sorts of moms, sisters and grandma's away from home! Scrapbooking! It does it eveytime.

Lots of Love, "Locks of Love"

2006-05-03T07:25:00.000-07:00

AFTERBEFORE
My sweet girl is always so giving and didn't think twice about cutting off her beautiful locks for children with no hair due to chemo therapy. She looks beautiful either way, but even more beautiful now.

Girls day out...Tea anyone?

2006-04-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the American Girl Place at the Grove in Los Angeles. I surprised P by taking her and her friend and my friend to tea today. The AG Place is a little doll heaven. We had a great time, even though poor P was so sick she could barely enjoy her treats. We can not wait to go back in June.

It must be in the Gene's

2006-04-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

Sunday Afternoon

Two things daddy loves...Hammocks and playing the guitar, so of course my kids, too, love these things.

When I was a kid...

2006-04-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid my grandparents always brought me and my sisters these crazy hats from New Years Eve Parties. A few years ago my grandparents brought my kids some of these funny hats after New Years Eve. This past New Years my kids said to me, " Mommy are we going to get those funny hats again from Grandma and Grandpa?" I love that the tradition has been passed down to my kids. They look just like I did.

Happy Easter from us!

2006-04-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

Good Friday

2006-04-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

Today is good Friday, what an interesting name for a day that someone died. But for Christians it is a great day. Today is the day our Lord gave his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for all of us. Today is a good day, without today,we would have no hope for the future. Today is the day to say Thank You, God, for sending your Son to die for me.Today is a good day.