Admirable Works. We needed these products this year.

After years of producing science and history notebooks I thought it would be necessary to try something a little formal. Write Shop has taken a lot of discipline and close observance to instructions but well worth the time. The first few assignments are simply description paragraphs but I have been pleased with their creativity. I can only show Paul's work as Joshua's wasn't on this computer. I will post one here.

My Conch Shell by Paul Houk age 12

Last night I found a beautiful conch shell at the beach. The main structure is shaped like a diamond. Sticking out on the side is a study lip that has a wide opening which leads into the mysterious shell. If I place my ear up to the large opening, I can hear the moaning sea. The blush pink inside spirals up to a small hole on top while the rough tan outside has dull spikes that start at the middle, which also spiral up to the top. As the spikes spiral up, they get smaller I am lucky to own this remarkable conch shell.

This next paragraph is just a first revision:

Dynamite Comes in Small Packages by Paul Houk

I have taken a liking to our aggressive pygmy goat called Swade. Swade’s coarse black and white hair, including his stalwart appearance, fits his demeanor perfectly. Bearded and little, he is rather inconsistent with his attitude. He can be emphatically frisky, yet cantankerous at other times. This hoofed creature has a small set of horns that he uses often, nearly as much as his voice, which greets me with a loud quavering bleat. If any other goat attempts to munch Swade’s victuals he will dismiss it with a swift, though sound, butt with his little head. This mammal can be a curious fellow, and will consume practically anything. I enjoy playing with this stout miniature goat.

Lisa is our much appreciated editor but at least we just run our papers next door and her boys are in this with us. No complaints so far from my guys. We will give a report again at the end of the year.

Above are the spine books for our 20th century history. We include as many biographies and even fictional stories (based on events in that period) as possible. I usually read the spine out loud just because I am all about history now. I won't read their science out loud because I just don't have the passion. So if your curious about how our year is going or you might be looking for reviews on homeschool products yourself... well.. here ya go.

Food Fights, Hay Rides and Pink Ponies

birthday girl- she also received a pet bunny that she carries everywhere
with dad, grandpa Lenz, Julie, Savannah, Joe, Jordan, and Aunt Lisa
She loves her grandma Lenz
it doesn't take a pro to decorate a cake for a 4 year old. As long as it was pink.
John and Abel with a miniature donkey. Maybe this should be our next addition to the petting zoo.
annalise in the corn
goofy
Paul with the baby pot bellied pigs (we may get one soon)
Abel and Paul with the magnets

the pumpkin patch

Our friend Ben
on the hay ride
4 yrs old at mayfield dairy
Sarah's birthday breakfast
baby Judah 7 months
Lily in her new bathing suit wrap
after the fight

Two birthdays were celebrated this past month or so. Lily turned 14 on September 5th. I
wanted to do something unique for Lily and Candace had a great idea- "Let's have a huge food fight in the back yard". She definitely liked it especially when someone gave her a pan of cold gravy left over from dinner. Instead of flinging it with the ladle, she decided to throw the whole pan followed by the ladle at Michael. I just wish I would have helped her a little more instead of running from the syrup that was blown out of an air compressed can, followed by a onslaught of flour. We combined all the birthday money from the grandparents, and with a little more added, we purchased her an ipod. She is still a music lover with a brain full of diverse songs.

The last of September was Hope's 17th birthday party celebrated with a family dinner at Lisa and Ford's. She is still very active in music and is training for a performance in Florida this coming January. Joshua and Hope sang together recently at The Feast of Tabernacles meetings held by our friends not to far from our house. They are improving all the time.

It took about 4 days of going through bags of winter clothes brought down from the attic. The piles in the living room were something to see. (and they were almost all you could see in the entire room) But once again we are all well supplied for the season ahead thanks to shopping all through the year and putting it away. I like being surprised at what I find.

We had a visit from Granny and Grandpa Martin on their way down to Florida. We were stricken with a flu bug the very day they came for dinner which passed to them a few days after they arrived on their vacation. It was horrible but short lived. What are the chances? We hope they were still able to enjoy their time. I was so distracted that I forgot to take pictures.

Finally Sarah's birthday arrived and after a pink pony pancake we met with a couple of special needs kids and their families for a hayride out at Mayfield dairy. It was on a rare, warm sunny day. You can tell from the pictures that the we all enjoyed ourselves.
The evening was spent enjoying a very excited, now 4 year old, whose age and personality makes pink pony parties very fun.

Rainy Day thoughts

"Reading a book is like watching a movie for 3 hours or more and no one cares",said Paul today after finishing his first two literature books in one and a half weeks. I said "yep, I don't care how much you read cause it's a lot better for your brain and reading is more exciting because you have much more understanding of how people think and feel." The truth is I have forced my two older boys to stop reading when I realized they were frying their brains. I knew they needed outdoor time or some other activity. So far I have read Nory Ryan to everyone and Farmer Boy to John. Paul has read George Mueller, the Good Master, and now he is reading Kidnapped. Joshua just finished The Pearl and is starting another. We just started school. They are crazy. John is happy to read as long as it's not too difficult so I challenge him only slightly. The evenings are usually spent playing tennis or golf or visiting with friends and family. I don't even know when they have time to read except I often find the light on late or a book in their hand when they are supposed to be working on a core subject like Science or whatever. Paul's comment really blessed me especially when I realized that he has been molded by the experiences and testimonies of so many others. It's especially important when they read true stories that portray the hurt and pain of bad choices. If they could only believe the truth about sin. If I could only believe the truth. Grace sets us free to see clear. It certainly is a daily realization. I just pray all this reading and education leads them to the love and grace of our Lord and not an arrogant, puffed up, prideful attitude.
I finally attended my mom's women prayer group at her/our church. All the ladies were 60 and up and I was so honored. Honestly. They are all amazing, still faithful and each has their life story. I am a genuine nut about being interested in people's stories. I could look at any picture album and be glued for the next half hour wondering about it all. Is anyone out there like that? My mom had a documentary scheduled but she knew nothing of what it was about. Well ironically it was about a couple whose 4 year old little girl was accidentally ran over by an older man who was a friend of the family. We all cried because of the forgiveness and love of this true story. My Aunt, who attended this meeting, is here from Michigan and I just have been thoroughly enjoying her and especially thrilled to know she is now a changed by grace Christian. She is a pleasure to be around. In fact all of my mom's sisters and their husbands have come to know the Lord and WOW!! I can hardly keep myself from tearing up now from the excitement I feel that we will all inherit this earth together someday. God has truly been working. It is so good to see victory when casualties are falling all around into darkness and despair. We never give up!!!
Don't assume our families are safe from attack. We can rest in him at the same time we put on our armour and intercede for those we love. Our marriages are the first thing Satan wants to destroy. The kids crumble. I hate the lies of the enemy! Everyone blames someone else. Let's walk in His light and pray for others instead of blaming. I guess I feel a little passion tonight. I am totally preaching to myself again. He says "I am the Vine, you are the branches. Abide in me. Bear fruit. The branches that don't bear fruit will be cut off. Apart from me you can do nothing" I know it's not a direct quote but almost. Help us God to be doers of your Words.

A zillion pictures of our Vacation

Sarah twirling on the beach in the fancy skirt she wanted to wear over her clothes day and night.

A view of the cottages we stayed.It was convenient to call for a golf cart to take us to and from the beach.

It's sure helps having a dad to keep the older ones occupied and a mom to stay with the little ones to make sure they get their naps and a little play dough, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk time.

The guys (Joseph included) spent a lot of time practicing on the short carpet in the living room of the cottage.

All the boys. We have big medium and small and one in between those.

Last night at the beach

A natural smile from Lily

Kenny wearing his shell necklace.

I enjoyed watching everyone playing together and relaxing. I was thankful that our 16 year old still seems to think its cool to hang with his family.

Me at the state park after a little walk on the trails wearing my shell necklace that Kenny made.

Joshua and Kenny chasing birds near the pier at the state park.The boys played tennis and golf and rode the waves with their dad.

Just a cute giggle I had to capture. Joshua covered his face with sand and left only a small hole for his mouth to breathe.

John and Sarah at the campsite

Our makeshift camp site. We used the back of our car for sleeping also.

Lily was thrilled with this dragon roller coaster ride. She noticed the fair nearby the first night and continued to bug us til we took her. Everyone rode something of their own choice

John would not give up drawing even on vacation.

Kenny buries Joseph the first night at the beach.

Taking a walk. What a crowd we have now!

Joshua and Paul hoping for "the big one". (I mean a wave and not hoping for a big shark since a lady warned us about an approximate 8 foot shark she spotted in the breakers near her small daughter that was playing right next to the boys)

John on arrival.

We are so thankful for the week we had away. The first four nights we stayed in a beautiful

three bedroom cottage and the next three we spent at the state park camping. It was interesting experiencing the two extremes. The weather wasn't very nice at first but there were breaks of sunshine and warm temperatures here and there enabling us to do everything we had planned. Lily, Sarah, and Paul were sick for 24 hours but at least it was chilly that day.

The camping trip was spontaneous. We were driving south when we passed the state park. We decided to take a look which led to my pleading. I was tired of being indoors with sick kids and was ready for a little adventure. And believe me it's an adventure to go camping when you didn't bring any camping supplies with you on the trip. I got my way and we headed to Wal-mart for a cheap tent, flash light, extra blankets, air rafts, lots of food to cook over the fire, smores, and of course a coffee percolator. We really did enjoy the fires and being outdoors but we hated the sandy clothes , occasional cold showers, and the hard ground. We had a love/hate relationship with a pack of fat raccoons who raided our coolers every night. Kenny wasn't to happy to find our leftover delicious grilled rib-eye steaks stolen in the morning. The tinfoil wrapping with the leftover vegetables was a few feet into the woods. We actually all woke up in the middle of the night because of the ruckus they made. Joshua shone the light on one that was on top of the picnic table and he just stared back at us and then continued to chomp away. There were about 6 more around the table!! They were really sort of cute! There was a pier for walking and pigeon catching (the boys actually caught pigeons several times) and many trails for walking. All in all we had a nice vacation.

On the way home we stopped in Knoxville for the labor day fireworks called "Booms day". We met up with the Ectors and were awed again at this unusual, spectacular display. Lily wouldn't have us miss it.

Now we are back into the swing of things. Tennis lessons, chemistry and Algebra classes,keeping everyone working at home and still planning the year ahead are just some of the activities I have been involved with. Everyone is saying they are glad to be back to school. So far so good.

Summer Update

It's not fall yet and I am pulling out all the energy for the last of the summer activities . The last to be our vacation to the ocean. We have finally posted some unorganized pictures of our summer projects and happenings. We are so blessed!




I finally have a place for chickens after living here for 7 years! Inside of the chicken house -made in the corner of our little barn. It needs roosting bars and laying boxes.

entrance of chicken house with installed old sliding door for a picture window. Soon to be painted red with white shutters. With a little help, I worked for a week or so in the afternoons to complete this project. I felt accomplished!

Sarah-the master duck catcher with arched cattle panels behind her for the outdoor chicken run.

Kenny's idea- a puppy for John-we all love her

Joshua 16 years old

Kenny and John after a tennis match

Joshua, Hope, and Aaron- 4th of July playing music at our friend's house

4th of July - Joshua and Luke with Grandma Lenz

In trouble again ....mom's make-up

Paul's 12th birthday breakfast

goat pen

Lily with Suede

John ,seconds after we gave him this birthday present

We are packing the car and heading out early for Myrtle Beach. We will start school on our return. Josh is taking his Chemistry and Algebra 2 from tutors. One lady is a homeschool mom college math teacher and the other took two years of Chemistry in college. They both love these subjects and their passion is contagious. I am so thankful to know these women and feel honored for the opportunity for Josh. We celebrated Joshua's 16th birthday yesterday ....AMAZING! and Lily will have her 14th this Saturday. The kids are anxious to take this vacation and I hope to make an extra effort to notice all the little things about them that I have missed lately in my busyness.
Our little farm is now established and our german shepherd Lacy has found a loving home in spite of her messes. This intelligent dog has found a place in my heart already. She always seems to be clean and smell nice which has encouraged more affection from me. I released all five of our ducks down at the lake at the bottom of our property because the goats were always into their food no matter what contraption I tried to build to keep them out. Sarah is truly in love with the baby ducks. We saw Priscilla off to college last week and Danika has taken over the office with a little help here and there. The shop should be finished in October sometime and we will see big changes around here. I truly have not minded the people in and out but I am sure I will relish a calm cozy winter.
Paul has begun his 8 week Monday night golf tournament and the sport has become a favorite of not only his but Joshua and of course Kenny's also. I am starting to play more often. (if you can't beat them join em)It dawned on me recently (and it has already started happening) that wherever there are people than there is a chance to show God's love. My eyes were opened to the opportunities we may have as a family out there on the golf course. The boys are already well known and have made several acquaintances with the old and young fellers out there on the course. It is so beautiful out there that I can understand the stress relief that it has provided for my Kenny. I have a much happier husband.
I keep up with world events and marvel at all that is going on. Sometimes I feel things to deeply. I heard about a 12 year old boy being pulled under by the strong currents and lost yesterday. I just hugged Paul and cried. Maybe I am a little nervous going to the beach but I was really feeling for the parents and I realized I have been on Paul's case a little to much lately. He is going through a forgetful, out in space , stage. PUBERTY!! ugh.
Life is heavy but we keep on loving everywhere we go! Right!?

Lots to say... to tired to say it all.

We have been so busy that I have just been to tired to blog at night. We had relatives here for the 4th of July, I helped with a fund-raiser f0r Levi's family the next weekend, put fencing around our back yard the following weekend so we could give John his german shepherd puppy for his birthday, and this weekend we are getting the two pygmy goats, three ducks, and 10 chicks all settled into their new home. The extra fencing we had motivated me to finally get the petting zoo in operation. The kids are really enjoying the animals and I am too if not more so. We celebrated John and Paul's birthdays this last week and now I am a bit tired. We will post more pictures of all the happenings around here later. I put these family pictures up for all the grandparents to see. We will be sending the actual photos your way soon. Miss you all.

Spider

After a trip to dump a bucket into the compost pile John came in and was squirting dishwashing detergent into the dishwasher as I noticed a black widow crawling up his back on top of his white t-shirt. I quickly but silently took my dishrag and killed it. He was a little shook up after I told him what I had just killed. They can deliver a nasty bite.