Meeting San Antonio

Part of the reason I've been absent from my blog can be blamed on our trip to San Antonio, TX last week (the rest. . .yeah, I dunno, less time since school has resumed and when I sit down at the computer at 10 pm I am just so tired and brain-dead I can't summon the words!).
This was Easton and Kiana's first time flying. To say they absolutely loved it would be an understatement. I think the other flyers in the airport were highly amused by their excitement.
We absolutely love San Antonio and I hope to get to visit again. The Riverwalk was my favorite part and I took waaay too many pictures!
If you've never been there, it is a lovely three-mile walk along the San Antonio river which is littered with little shops and restaurants and it's simply beautiful.
We were fascinated by all the unique flora. I think next time we go, we'll pick up a TX field guide so we can figure out what some of these cool plants are. The kids kept asking me "what's this one?" and I kept saying "I don't know."
Easton desperately wanted to ride one of the boats, but we decided not to this time. It was nice to just leisurely make our way along the strip, stopping to look in little shops or get ice cream when we needed a break from the heat.

I didn't get a good picture of the Mexican restaurant where we ate, but it was H-O-T--too hot for this wimpy mama!
Of course, no trip to San Antonio is complete without a trip to see the Alamo. We had heard it was rather a disappointment, but we enjoyed it. We had to pick up a copy of the movie to watch with the older kids just for fun.
The highlight of the trip for the kiddos was the much-anticipated trip to Sea World.
We had picked up new sunglasses for Easton and Kiana and they were rocking the look!
We were pleasantly surprised to discover Sea World's amusement park section, and Kiana was in her element as Zoe sat by her on the carousel!
I'm sure you can tell that I had Tyrell in the sling so Alan got to join the little ones on the rides! Poor Kiana is so short she can't ride *anything* without an adult.
I took tons of pictures here, too, but I won't show you all the shows with aerialists, dolphins, belugas, walruses, sea lions, etc., etc. Shamu, however, is just classic. Soooo huge!! We were all in awe of God's wonderfully diverse creation.
The kids insisted we sit in the splash zone. . .
Easton and Kiana really enjoyed the area filled with Sesame Street characters, songs, and playground equipment,
and Tyrell found the whole experience exhausting! :)
The next day we got to meet with some friends who live near San Antonio. They homeschool also and have six children who match up nicely with our children. The big kids got to hang out and visit and play games and the little ones played and played and played while the grownups relaxed and visited (and enjoyed the kids being in a home rather than a cramped motel room). Easton was especially impressed that twins Tommy and Andy were also into trains.
They also came to our motel to go swimming with the kiddos in the huge pool.
Briana and Adrianne especially enjoy their friendship. They have so many interests in common and just wish they lived closer to one another. They're hoping to try to coordinate going to TeenPact national at the same time in the next year or two.
Another highlight of the trip was our visit to the Witte museum.
Hands-on science museums are always a hit with my kids.
Destry pulling himself up without the benefit of multiple pulleys. . .
Easton explaining that the air pressure from the bowling ball travels through the tube to shoot the tennis ball high in the air. . .
"The boys" making lots and lots of noise. . .(and examining it to see how it works and declaring they should build one!!!).
Kiana fascinated by what she can see up close with the telescope.
Proof that I was there (since I'm always the one behind the camera)!! I sat down on a bench to rest a minute with Tyrell snoozing in the sling, then grabbed Destry and asked him to take a picture of us! :)
The guys were especially fascinated with this water wheel and persevered diligently to figure it out and make it work.
All around it was a fun trip, but we were all ready to get back home.

What Have I Been Reading?

I'm so far behind on blogging in general and hashing out my reading materials in specific that I'm going to do a three-in-one post. First, a brief look at "reading the classics" with my friends:

• THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL by Baroness Orczy

This book was just a fun read for the month of July. Set during the French Revolution, it's delightfully easy and free of the strange angst one finds in many classics. I think this was a worthwhile read, however, because it's good for us to consider this time period in history and be aware of the dangers of mob rule. On a more personal note, I think it's good for wives to consider our attitudes toward our husbands. Familiarity can tempt us to overlook our husband's strengths and look upon him with scorn while admiring the perceived traits of some other man, just as Marguerite did. Too often we think we know better, too often we fail to communicate and show humility. Marguerite learned from her mistakes and gained a delayed appreciation for her husband and perhaps we can learn from her experience instead of walking that path ourselves.

• CATCH 22 by Joseph Heller

Our August book was strange and disturbing--yet thought-provoking. I had never read it before and looked forward to it with anticipation. I'm not a huge fan of satire, however, and the many characters were confusing. I literally *made* myself finish it, but since that time, I can't stop thinking about it!

The book is set toward the end of WWII and (in a strange way) comments on topics such as the illogical ineffectiveness of bureaucracy and a twisted version of capitalism and free market gone berserk. I was especially struck by the frantic efforts to preserve life contrasted with the observation of one serviceman's death: "It was easy to read the message in his entrails. Man was matter, that was (his) secret. Drop him out a window and he’ll fall. Set fire to him and he’ll burn. Bury him and he’ll rot, like other kinds of garbage." Surely "life is but a vapor" and this realization should drive us to the Lord.

But I think that is why I can't stop thinking about this book. There is such a pervading sense of despair and desperation--hopelessness--throughout. Catch 22 tells us there is just no way out, we are powerless, everyone is out to get us, the "powers that be" are illogical, ineffectual, and/or dishonest, "all is vanity", our destiny is death, and all we can do is make the best of this short life we have, enjoy the moment, and perhaps even take advantage of everyone else (even to the point of endangering our allies) to get as much as we can while we can. What a sad and depressing message! The little mention of faith is even painted with a brush of scorn as the chaplain struggles with his faith and is irrelevant to the men he is leading and other characters either deny God's existence outright or attempt to manipulate Him to fit their image and needs (idolatry).

Obviously, the characters in this book need the Lord. In reading, however, I was struck by how cynicism can creep into my thoughts as I ponder subjects such as government or the economy. As a Christian, shouldn't my attitude be one of hope and a focus on the big picture rather than being dragged down by earthly concerns? There is no "Catch 22" with the Lord--He is faithful, He is in control, and He is good.

• MARTYR OF THE CATACOMBS

This short but intriguing story was set around 250 AD in Rome as a member of the Praetorian guard surrenders his life to Christ and experiences the persecution that drove hoards of Christians to the catacombs or herded them to their death in the Colosseum. He is first drawn to learn more about their faith by the PEACE and even rejoicing they displayed in death and the HOPE evident despite their circumstances. After his investigation, Marcus realized "Before, I thought I was a just and a righteous man. But beside the Holy One, of whom I now have learned, I sink down into the dust; I see that I am a criminal before Him, guilty and lost. How can I be saved?" (53)

Studying times of great persecutions for Christians really convicts me. What will/would I do should I live in such times? Marcus is faced with many temptations, from denying Christ outright to rationalizing that he could help other Christians if he just avoided the whole issue and "blended" in, and even setting his faith aside for the time being until emperors changed and the persecution abated. As I read, I consider that it actually might be more difficult to LIVE for Christ, especially in the dark, damp, underground catacombs, than to die a martyr's death. Paul himself summed it up with the famous "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:19-26).

Perhaps you think it's silly to think of things like this. How could we ever come under such widespread persecution as the Christians did so many years ago? I read the description of the age of the Roman empire and it sounds a little too familiar:

"The nature of the times in which they lived will explain their situation. The simple virtues of the old republic had passed away, and freedom had taken her everlasting flight. Corruption had moved over the empire and subdued everything beneath its numbing influence. Plots, rebellions, treasons, and strikes cursed the State by turns, but the fallen people stood by in silence. They saw their bravest suffer, their noblest die, all unmoved. The generous heart, the soul of fire, wakened no more. Only the basest passions aroused their degenerate feelings" (81).

Lest I fall back into the hopelessness and despair manifested in Catch 22, I find encouragement as one of the characters tells Marcus, "All the persecutions which we have yet received have served only to purify the hearts of the people of God and exalt their faith. He knows what is best for us. We are in His hands, and He will give us no more than we can bear" (70). The church during that time was known for its love for one another, as Christ had predicted.

Sectarian strife, denominational bitterness were unknown. They had a great general foe to fight; how could they quarrel with one another? Here arose love to man which knew no distinction of race or class, but embraced all in its immense circumference, so that one could lay down his life for his brother; here the love of God, shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit, stopped not at the sacrifice of life itself. The persecutions which raged around them strengthened in them all that zeal, faith, and love which glowed so brightly amid the darkness of the age. It confined their numbers to the true and the sincere. It was the antidote to hypocrisy.

They did not shrink, but boldly proclaimed their faith and accepted the consequences. They drew a broad line between themselves and the world, and stood manfully on their own side. . .They never separated the ideal Christian from the real (86).

Wow! Those words stir me, and give me hope. They remind me that the trying of our faith brings patience. I am reminded that fire refines and purifies from dross. I pray that if I should ever face such persecution, God would strengthen me to faithfully confess Christ's name. And I am challenged to examine myself. Does my life show others the peace, joy, and hope of Christ? Do I have love for the brethren? Is there a clear line between me and the world, or do I compromise? Do I settle for a lower standard?

They never separated the ideal Christian from the real.

My Little Fishies

I sometimes wonder if my children have gills instead of lungs. They practically lived in the pool during the summer! It's especially ironic considering I never learned to swim as a child and am now, er, let's just say not a fan of deep water. I've enjoyed getting in the pool with the kids and my hubby this summer on those really hot days, but it's only about four feet deep! :)
I love the memories they made, and I am so glad they are comfortable in the water. As we take down the pool for the winter, Easton is campaigning to swim without the arm floaties next summer. . .
Mama says "We'll see."

Focus on Fine Arts

We've had such a wonderful week! We've accomplished a lot and had fun together and it's been nice to get some better routine in our days so we appreciate our free time a little more.

My favorite times with the little ones this week have involved poetry. We started learning Robert Louis Stevenson's poem about "The Swing" and have enjoyed reading poetry together while sitting on a blanket outside under a shade tree.

Who has seen the wind?
Neither I nor you:
But when the leaves hang trembling,
The wind is passing through.

Who has seen the wind?
Neither you nor I:
But when the trees bow down their hesds,
The wind is passing by.
--Christina Rossetti

This was their favorite poem of the week. As I read, their faces softened with wonder and they looked at the trees around us, watching the leaves and pointing out their tremble. It was one of those beautiful moments I tucked away in my heart.We are using Who Has Seen the Wind: An Illustrated Collection of Poetry for Young People as one of our resources for poetry and art appreciation this year. I could simply GUSH over this book--it is that wonderful and precious. The selection of poetry is delightful and each poem is illustrated by a lovely piece of art, including some by well-known artists Cassatt, Gauguin, Manet, Monet, and Renoir. I can't recommend it highly enough. It is one of my favorite resources we are using this year. (I'll try to stop gushing now, but I LOVE this book!)

My favorite times with the big kids this week were in our study of music history and appreciation. I couldn't be happier with Discovering Music. The big kids were introduced to all kinds of wonderful music this week and enjoyed writing responses to and descriptions of the music, evaluating tempo, dynamics, instrumentation, texture, surface and harmonic rhythm, and text. They asked their piano teacher to share a favorite song from her childhood, then listened to this piece and answered questions about it. They weren't crazy about the song (Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley), but they had fun interviewing her to get the context of the piece.

I just love being a part of this adventure with them and I enjoy their different reactions. As they were engrossed in Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Op. 49, Destry finally burst forth with "Oh! I would love to be able to conduct this piece!" And after listening to Scott Joplin's Maple Leaf Rag (approximately 50 times!) they determined to ask their piano teacher for the sheet music, and Destry ran off to the piano to pick out some of the notes. Briana is filled with enthusiasm for discovering the context of each piece and is always the one to point out what she can hear the music saying. It's a blast--I'm having so much fun with them!
The best find of the week on our nature walks was this small bird's nest. The wind had blown it out of a tree onto the grass and the kids pronounced it a treasure. Upon examination, they found it to be constructed of hay and horse hair (which they thought was very cool) and we all marveled at how God could have made birds to know how to construct such a delicate home.
Daddy has been reading the first chapter of Genesis to the kids this week before he goes to work to focus on the amazing creation of us and our world. The little ones have fun retelling the days of creation with felt illustrations.And of course there's been art--messy, sticky, creative art--because it's Easton and Kiana's favorite part of the day.

Fun Summer Hairstyles

Sharing just a few of the styles Kiana has been sporting this summer. . .
Most styles have involved braids in order to cut down on detangling sessions and to keep her cool. Sometimes I would start a style with braids in the front and leave the back curly for a couple days (which I love to do because I get to see her beautiful curls but also have a cute style around her face).

But a couple other styles have involved box braids in the back which will stay nice for several weeks, and I can change up the style framing her face. In the above picture, she is wearing my first attempt at crisscross corn rows which were darling but got fuzzy after just a couple weeks.So we changed the front style to a couple of angled corn rows and a ponytail with three braids.I think it's really cute and it was a really fast style touch up--only took me about 30 minutes! (The dress she's wearing here, incidentally, was made for her by big sis Briana. She knitted the top, then sewed it to a darling bottom made with a Dora print. Kiana loves it and wants to wear it all the time!)
Another precious style was this piggy tail style in which I parted her hair ear to ear and cornrowed the front section to one side and gathered the ends of the cornrows into a ponytail. Then I cornrowed the back section to the opposite side and again gathered the ends into a ponytail.
This one might have been my favorite on her, particularly cute and cool for a three-year-old girl, but it also lasted the shortest amount of time. Next time I think I'll try smaller sections for the cornrows and we'll see if it lasts longer!

Simple Pleasures

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?

Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,

Till I can see so wide,River and trees and cattle and all

Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--

Up in the air I go flying again,

Up in the air and down!

Robert Louis Stevenson