A Day at Jail...a Fieldtrip

What a treat!  We had another fieldtrip last week to the Police Station. 

Here is our group in one jail cell!

Michael flashing a smile and his "badge" in the police car.

This is why we are teaching our sons about being a "wise son".  Now they know what it would feel like in the back of a police car! ;)

We enjoyed our time at the Sweet Home Police Station!

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days  and years of life and peace they will add to you." Proverbs 3:1-2

Fake Food: Removing Food Toxins

Here are some great tips on "spring cleaning" in the kitchen department...For the last few years I've been learning more and more about our food. Especially since having children, I want to make sure I'm making the wisest choices for them...so they too may learn how to eat healthy foods.  Now by healthy I don't mean "fat free" or "low fat".  I am referring to whole foods.  I try to make an intentional effort to make everything from scatch and use things in their natural form.  If you are interested in learning more or perhaps a refresher here is an article I just recieved today from "Keeper of the Home."
Fake Food: Removing Food Toxins

Taking Time to Listen

"Music can be an instrument for the expression of worship, but there are other spiritual disciplines that come closer to the essence of pure worship-activities like prayer, giving, thanksgiving, and listening to the Word of God as it is proclaimed and expounded.  It is significant that Jesus spoke of truth, not music, as the distinctive mark of true worship (John 4:23-24)." (Quoted from the book "Worship the Ultimate Priority" by John MacArthur)

In our day, we as believers have so many resources at our fingertips. One of the greatest resources I've found that works for me as a busy mother is listening to sermons or bible studies on the computer. While folding clothes, making dinner, and exercising are great times I like to take advantage of filling my mind with His Word.  Constant learning of His Word and growing in the knowledge and grace is what we should desire...after all, He has made us a new creation.  I thought I would share some of my absolute favorites (these are ones that CHANGED my life) that you might be blessed by as well.  These are all free downloads.  You should be able to simply click on the links below.

Hard to Believe - John MacArthur

How God Transforms Our Identity -Elyse Fitzpatrick

Shepherd's Conference 2004 - RC Sproul

May He continue to encourage and strengthen you.

Firestation Fun

A friend of ours from church set up a "fieldtrip" for a few of us that homeschool.  Here we are at the firestation, waiting for the ladder truck to extend it's ladder.

They even sent a fireman up the ladder to demonstrate. (Brave souls!)

Inside the ambulance. 

Firefighter Zechariah ready for action!

The firemen let the kids aim the hoses at the some cones for a competition.

These last pictures are in succession...watch Michael take aim...like a rifle.

Don't mess with this.

Good times.  Good memories.

We are a Musical Family...Well, with Tinker Toys

The boys decided to make some instruments...They created these all on their own.  It's hard to tell, but even Isaac's "trombone" has a little slide that moves.  I believe Michael built a "trumpet" and obviously Zechariah built his "guitar".  If you look closely you can see how he placed a pink tinker toy under the rubber band to make the sound change.

"Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous!  For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the LORD with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings.  Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy." Psalm 33:1-3

Spring

Spring!  Woohoo!  We enjoyed our first day avoiding falling branches due to the weight of the snow.  We found some great places for sledding though!

View outside our window.

We lost power so...here we are melting snow to make sure we have enough water for the day.  It was actually kind of fun cooking over the stove.  I enjoyed the challenge. (For the 2 days)  It also made me very aware of the hard work that many people still do to prepare their food.

My husband's ingenious refrigerator...if our power didn't turn on the next day.

More sledding before the snow melts.

Michael turned 4 years old on Monday!  He asked for spaghetti for his birthday dinner.  Here he's wearing the birthday gift Isaac made for him (his birthday hat).

Three months ago, out of the blue, Michael asked for some "goggles".  I thought he meant goggles for swimming, but he informed me he wanted the kind that pilots wear on "Tora, Tora, Tora" (for those that don't know, Tora, Tora, Tora is a WWII movie...when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor).  So we had to get him an authentic leather pilot helmet as well. :)

Longer Days...Spring's Closer

We always know when spring is close...when we hear those frogs.  This means warmer (a little) nights and longer playtime outside. 

 Laser tag has become a definite family favorite!  Here are some pics of our latest game

Zechariah...attack!

Dad and Michael (getting reloaded) to fend off the enemy...apparently me, the photographer.

Dad is serious about this!

Michael and Isaac escaping my "shot." (Camera shot, that is.)

The war is finally over...

First beautiful day to eat lunch in the tree fort!

Enjoying lunch in the fort.

Sadie enjoying waiting for any leftovers that might come dropping down from the fort.

A walk around "the loop".

A new hiding area.

...and jungle gym.

Our first dinner outside this year!

"Praise the LORD, all nations; laud Him, all peoples! For His lovingkindness is great toward us, and the truth of the LORD is everlasting. Praise the LORD!" Psalm 117:1-2