Holly At Miracle Ranch Summer Day Camp 2007: The Rodeo

Now is time to share about the event you all have been waiting for... *Ü* The RODEO!

Holly had so much fun participating in this event. They had an opening ceremony, where cowboys and cowgirls (the wranglers) rode around the area with flags and we sang our National Anthem.

Then Holly participated in a sack race, barrel race, and a stake race where she was able to ride the horse with out any help; down the arena a little ways, turn around a stake that was at the opposite end and head back to the starting line.

She came in 3rd place for the stake race and received a yellow ribbon. After this camp, our daughter wants to get her own horse and compete in anything and everything to do with horses.

Holly At Miracle Ranch Summer Day Camp 2007 (continued)

Holly had so much fun the past week at Miracle Ranch Day Camp. She can't wait to go back next year! Though she says she still isn't ready to stay there the whole week. That may change by next year though. *Ü*



Here she is showing off her new PINK cowboy boots











Ranch Sign






This is where we dropped Holly off each morning and picked her up.




And this is inside Noah's Landing:



And this...










And this... A cow hide.






And this.... We think it is a horse skull.







Here is where she could buy candy and souvenir's. They also had games to play like air hockey.







She passed her swim test the very first day!

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for all those swim lessons!

Holly didn't like this bull at all. She told me it would always charge the fence.

Donkeys












Here's Holly holding one of the baby kittens.













What is a ranch without any chickens?











Holly said the chicken hates string, so they would put it by the chicken to get it move or peck at the string instead of their hands.






And here is a sparrow nest built on the top of the barn.




This is the momma cat with her kittens. The momma cat looks like a kitten herself.

This is Chocolate Chunk the pony.





And this is 1 of many goats. Holly said they all ran after her on the 1st day of camp.






Here is a momma cow with her baby. Look at that, a chicken too! *Ü*







Here is Pork Chop the pig. He is so HUGE!





The bulls eating some hay.










These are the horses they used in the rodeo events.









Holly with another kitten. It is a little larger then the others. Not sure who's it's momma is.







And here is where they had their Fireside. A place for songs and bible lessons.

Your Bird Coconut

I wanted to share a couple pictures of our Caique Parrot, Coconut. She really is an amazing bird. She is full of character and attitude! I know we will have many funny stories to share with you about our feathered family member.

Here she is watching Jake play Webkinz.






To learn more about Caiques check out this Caique site.

Great Grandma Alva's 91st Birthday!

Here is a picture of the Kids visiting Great Grandma Alva on her 91st B-day (June 5). When we arrived, she was in the middle of a Black Jack game! The kids made her a homemade birthday card, and she just loved it! We had a wonderful time visiting with her. What an amazing women she is.

Holly's Big Catch of the Day

The night before Opening Fishing Day '07, Greg and the kids headed up to Grandpa & Grandma's to spend the night. That way they all could get up early in the morning and go fish'in.




Overall, the fishing wasn't very good, but our little girl Holly caught the biggest fish of the day. It was a 18" trout.





Big sister Jessica gutted and cleaned the fish. She definitely didn't get the stomach to do such a thing from me...






And Dad cooked it!

Yell-Stopping Steps by Lorrie Flem

I just read Lorri Flem's TEACH e-newsletter that included a story about when she was leaving from her mom's house in Eastern WA for a 3 hour ride back home with 7 of her children, and wouldn't you know... she couldn't find her keys. This was my introduction to read a wonderful article at her blog about the art of yelling... Well not an art, but a very poor parenting habit.

I had a very similar experience one time. Ok, I confess.. many times, but 1 that will always will always be in the forefront of my mind. We were getting ready to go somewhere, important I am sure *Ü*, and I couldn't find my keys anywhere. I accidentally locked my bedroom door and was certain the keys were in there. I tired coaxing Mike to climb a ladder and climb in through the window, but like me, he is afraid of heights. This tactic/plan would never work.

Greg was in Japan, I didn't have anyone to call and get suggestions or support. I just prayed. And wouldn't you know it, all of a sudden a lock-smith comes around the corner of our street. HALLELUJAH! I was certain that he was sent from God to help me. *Ü* I flagged him down, told him my story, and asked him how much it would cost to open my door. He said since he was in the area it would only be $30. I happily paid and was soooo excited when he opened that door for me.

I went inside my room and couldn't find those keys anywhere... So we all stayed home...

Later that same day I was doing laundry and wouldn't you know. My keys were in the laundry basket that is located in the laundry room. I just couldn't believe it! And no, it wasn't my laundry that I was doing, but some how my keys got mixed up in the kids laundry that was brought downstairs.

Being a mother of 5 children (or 1, 2, 3, etc.) can be a little challenging at times. When things don't always go as I plan, I am running late/behind, kids are disobedient, etc... sometimes I don't take the time to stop-drop-and roll. I also need to remember that God is there with me always, watching my behavior, etc. and that I can turn to him, pray, ask for patience, a gentle spirit, and help. I need to remember, that I am setting the example on how my children will parent.

Being a parent, whether you're a mom or a dad can be challenging at times. But always remember they are with us for such a short time. And it helps to remember what the other animals sing to Herby* : "Have patience, have patience, don't be in such a hurry. When you get impatient, you only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patience too and think of the times when others have to wait for you."

I truly appreciated this article and it reminded me of things I already knew, but don't always do... Don't you just love those types of articles. *Ü* I hope others with children, or grandchildren, will enjoy it and appreciate this little reminder.

To read the article just click on this: Yell-Stopping Steps After you read the article, check out the rest of the website: Teach Magazine .

If you would like to subscribe to the e-newsletter, click here: TEACH Newsletter.

*Song is from, Music Machine: The Fruit of the Spirit. My favorite tape when I was a little girl.

Joyful Steward Student Planners by Notebooking Nook

I have recently stumbled across some wonderful planners from Notebooking Nook, titled: Joyful Steward Student Planners.

The planners cover 36 weeks and provide bible verses for copywork/memorization, check lists, book reviews, and so much more.

There are planners for the Primary Level, Intermediate Level (1 for boys & 1 for girls), and Advanced Level (still in the works).

There is also a wonderful notebookingnook yahoogroup hosted by the creator of these planners. The file section at the yahoogroup is filled with more wonderful FREE notebooking helps & so much more.

The website Notebooking Nook also has freebies on nature studies, language arts, history, science, and the bible. They have many, many wonderful notebooking pages, on all different types of topics, at very reasonable prices.

Check out the site for samples. Enjoy! *Ü*

Holly At Miracle Ranch Summer Day Camp 2007

Today our little girl headed off to day camp at Miracle Ranch this morning. She is participating in Noah Landing Day Camp this week along with the Horsemanship Option and the Overnight Adventure.

This week, Holly will get to do all sorts of activities from horse rides & a trial ride, crafts, games, nature walks, fireside activity, bible studies, archery, marksmanship, boating, swimming, taking care of animals in a barn, and more. On Friday, she will get to perform in a rodeo.




We're on our way!












Holly with her leader Bazillion (it's a camp name). Holly is on the Yellow Team.





And look what Holly spots in the Barn:








Keep checking back as we will add more information/pictures as we get them. *Ü*

Jessica knitted something for the cat....

Last November, Jessica was busy again creating one of her wonderful items for the cat.



Here she is pictured with Angel sporting a lovely set of knitted earmuffs, paw warmers, & a tail warmer.






"Smile Angel!"












Doesn't she look cute! *Ü* But I wonder where the tail warmer went too....

United Stremaing by Discovery Education

All I can say is "WOW!!". What an awesome tool for all homeschooling families.

I have heard many folks from the WTM Boards talk about United Streaming, but I haven't ever checked it out until today. I signed up for the 30 day free trial (no risk involved), and the first thing my children and I watched was a video on Insects Life Cycle.

I then checked out a few video's on Colonial Life. It was amazing. There are so many to choose from. I found some great ones I am going to share with our summer co-op (Time Travelers Colonial Life), families over the next couple of weeks.

I saw videos for Magic School Bus, Arthur, Shasta Dam, and one on a Tofu Factory. If you're looking for a great way to supplement any study, this site will help you! *Ü*

The post below is from Homeschool Buyers Co-op click on "What's New" and scroll down until you see this message. I sure hope Homeschool Buyers Co-op will be able to work out a good deal for all homeschooling families. This is one program I want for my family.


--- Coming Soon - United Streaming by Discovery Education -----------

We are excited to announce that the Co-op is in serious negotiations with Discovery Education to offer their premier educational video streaming service -- United Streaming -- to members at Group Buy pricing. If you are not familiar with United Streaming, you really need to check it out. Although widely available to schools, homeschoolers currently have to pay $199 for a one year license. We can't give you details yet, but we think you'll be pleased with the offer.

You can check it out now by signing up for a free 30 day trial account and take it for a spin. You will need the latest Flash Player plugin. Discovery doesn't ask for your credit card info, so there's no danger of you being charged at the end of the trial period. By then, we'll have the deal all figured out, and you'll be ready to go!

As before, please don't contact United Streaming directly about this upcoming Group Buy. As the details unfold, we will keep you informed in the weekly Member Newsletter and in the Group Buy section of our website.

Webkinz Anyone???

Our kids LOVE Webkinz ! What are webkinz you ask? Click on the highlighted Webkinz or see what our children have to say about them.



Jake: "You can buy food. I love my webkinz. There is a W shop. And gem mining."



Holly: "They are nice animals we can play with on webkinz.com. "



Timmy: "Webkinz to me are very, very fun. You go to a store and buy one. Go back home and go online. And then you install your webkinz online and get to keep the stuffed animal. You get 2000 kinz cash to buy furniture and food for your pet. You get to do many activities like, play at the arcade, do jobs, go to the club house, and check daily activities. You also can do quizzes at Quizzy's Question Corner."



Jessica: "They are fun virtual pets I can play with everyday."



And yes, even I have one! *Ü*

Knitting Queen

Jessica picked up her knitting needles yesterday and started knitting a scarf. The colors are BEAUTIFUL! I am secretly hoping it is for me...

She learned how to knit by taking a class at our co-op. She has been knitting for a couple years and knits the most amazing things.

Keep an eye on this thread as we will be posting some of her projects in then near future.

Our Homeschool Family

We have 5 children (3 boys & 2 girls), been homeschooling for 12+ years, and plan on homeschooling until the last child leaves the nest.

The 4 youngest children have homeschooled from the beginning. Michael, our oldest, did attend preschool and pre-K while I was still working (before baby #2) and public school off & on from 9th grade and above. He completed an online highschool course, received his diploma and is officially finished with his highschool education, and is now working/living in the adult world. Please keep him in your prayers... That God will continue to work in his life and protect him.

We do attend a local homeschooling co-op where the kids take all sorts of enrichment classes. Here is a sample of the types of classes our children have taken over the years:

* Mike: Apologia Biology, Government, Oil Painting, PE
* Jessica: Cooking & Nutrition, Unit Studies, Science classes, sign language, Latin
* Timmy: US States, Prairie Primer, Unit Studies, Science classes, Art
* Holly: Recorder Band, Sign Language, Cooking & Nutrition, Prairie Primer, Art
* Jake: Sing and Play, Art, Young Creative Pursuits, Math Fun & Games, Bible Stories

I love homeschooling, being at home with my children, and being a stay at home wife. I am very blessed.

My Dream.... That as grand babies come along, I will be blessed to help my children homeschool their children in 1 way or another. Therefore I don't think I will ever get rid of all my books. *Ü*

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb Lapbook

While the older kids were doing their Extreme Weather lapbook, Jake was busy working on his own lapbook called, "In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb" from In the Hands of a Child.

This particular project pack is one from their preschool line. I LOVED the way it was set up. They provide additional crafts (outside of the lapbooking itself), as well as a supply list of items to gather ahead of time for those crafts. It is set up in a 5 Day format, though we took a little longer with ours.

Jake working on his lapbook:



The finished product: