Seacoast Science Center By: Stella

Hi All!
Yesterday, our whole family went to the Seacoast Science Center. It was a really neat experience! There was a whale skeleton to greet us as we opened the door. Then we walked through aquarium after aquarium of fish. We also went to a live pool of fish! We picked up starfish, crabs, and so much more!!! It was amazing!
After exploring the inside, we went outside, and explored the rocks and got soaked up to our waists with waves from the ocean!

Deep Sea Diver

Sailing, Sailing, Over the Deep Blue Sea...

Exploring Habitats....

T-ball By: Stella

Hello Everyone! Rus is very excited! He has started his first sport-T-Ball!
After seeing Leo do baseball, he is very excited about this! He had his opening day this past Saturday, (yes, in the snow, and the rain) and he loved it. (By the way, does anyone reading this know-WHEN THIS SNOW WILL STOP?)
Rus was in a parade, and was very cheerful, representing his team. He stood with his team-his coach, his son, and him. What a big turnout! Well, he enjoyed it, and marched along happily. After standing in the wet field listening to all of the team names being called out, we dashed to the cover of the car, and went to Cumby's to round off the celebration with a big cup of cocoa!
Now for the grand finale... PICTURES!!!

His team is the COBRAS!!!


And he-CATCHES THE BALL!!!


Marching, Marching, Marching ALONG!!!

Standstill...

Ushering in the T-Ball Season...

GO RUS!

Happy Easter!!! By: Stella

Happy Easter from, Filia, Stella, Leo, Rus, and Tert!

Matching Gals'

Pretty Girlie

Happy Easter-to one and ALL!

By: Stella

Leo's Report on the Second Great Awakening

In this time, many had strayed from the Lord and His precepts. This awakening drastically affected many lives. It began on the western frontier of New England. Its effect traveled across the ocean. Camp meetings were attended by as many as 20,000 people at one time. These meetings were held by pastors on the spacious prairie. One of the results of this awakening, was a conviction of their need for the gospel. Drunkenness and gambling were two examples of the ungodliness of the day. Some families had not entered a church building for the past two generations. It ended with Charles G. Finney's preaching of erroneous doctrine and the spreading of his ''new measures'' for evangelism.

Book Review- By: Stella

I was given a very interesting book. It explains God’s infallible word in a very understandable way. Enjoy!

Excerpt from-Case for Christ for Kids:

If you heard that a man fell down dead, then got up and walked away, what would be your first thought? You might blurt out, “He wasn’t really dead! He was just knocked out.” There are a few of these ‘after death’ stories from time to time…That’s what many people have suggested about Jesus. It seems more believable…doesn’t it? … Let’s take a closer look at these not-quite-dead theories. The fake-death crowd offers three items of evidence to support their view: Mark 15:36 says that on the cross, Jesus was offered some drink on a sponge. A drug? Mark 15:44 says Pilate was surprised by Jesus’ quick death. Was he buried too quickly? Jesus walked and talked later. Could it be he never died at all?

Stripped and Whipped. Jesus received a severe beating at the hands of the Roman guards… This tells us that Jesus would have been in a very serious medical condition before he even made it up to the cross… Most of us have seen pictures of Jesus on a cross, but those images don’t usually tell the whole story. The cross remains one of the cruelest torture methods ever invented… Put it all together. If Jesus somehow survived all of this by being taken from the cross a little early—what kind of shape do you think he would have been in three days later? He wouldn’t have appeared fit and healthy like as the Gospels tells us he appeared! ... Being realistic, we must agree that Jesus could not have survived the execution described in his four biographies. So the whole question comes down to his burial place doesn’t it? ... So was the Body stolen? Jesus was not buried in a hole in the ground, but a cave-actually a tiny room cut out of rock… You could easily roll the rock downhill into place, but it would take many strong men to roll it back up… Also, the tomb was guarded… So, highly trained Roman guards stood by the tomb. Do you think it would have been easy for a few of Jesus’ friends to get by them and break in? … What about the disciples? There is one other piece to the resurrection puzzle. Why would the disciples change so much in their courage and hope? When Jesus was arrested they went into hiding… But something happened. Within a few years the same disciples were leading a movement that spread all across the Roman Empire-even though many believers were punished or killed for joining it… Christian history records that ten were executed (out of 11) for their faith. Their belief gave them that much courage (Strobel, 69-82).

By: Stella

For: Fundamentals of Writing Class Newsletter

The True Meaning of Easter By: Stella

Easter is a puzzling holiday for some people. This occasion has been sadly confused and used by some as a day for the ‘Easter Bunny’, candy, and gifts. People have pushed away the truth. The truth is what we are going to look at right now.

Up a road, a band of men were marching. The dust flew everywhere. In the middle of the group a man was carrying a heavy, wooden cross. He was stumbling with this burden, and being mocked and jeered at bitterly. He carried the burden and was later taken and nailed onto that same cross. A crown of thorns was placed on his head, and he had a robe put around him. The mockers laughed and scoffed.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing!” This man looked up to heaven, praying for his unjust, cruel persecutors. Then, a moment later, he called out loudly, “It is finished! Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Breathing his last, darkness covered the land, the earth trembled, and the curtain that blocked the Holy of Holies from all men but the priests, was torn in two.

If this was the end of this truth, would there be hope? So, a man came, was falsely accused, put to death on the cross, and placed in a tomb? If, like he claimed, he was the Son of God, then what do we Christians have hope in? In a man who died? What is so remarkable about that? Nothing- if the tale was over. But, it was not! Three days later, this blameless man rose again! The prophesies about the Son of God were true!

By: Stella

For: Fundamentals of Writing Newsletter

Tert's Birthday By: Stella

Hi all!!
I wanted to share with you some pictures and anecdotes from Tert's birthday.

We all awoke with many happy birthdays to overwhelmed Tert. He would look down and make this serious, downcast face whenever we wished him a happy birthday, or said something about his birthday, (unless it was about presents, that is!) We had donuts for breakfast and then hurried to prepare for Co-Op. (Everyone always hurries on Monday morning around here!). The donuts were hastily eaten, and dishes wiped. Chores were done, and we hurried out the door. We picked up Grandma Z., who had her arms full of balloons, and bags. (She was going to teach the preschool class for Tert.) She put her bags in the trunk, and we went off. We arrived at Co-Op early so that Grandma would have time to set up. We were a little too early; the doors weren't unlocked. We waited in the car for a couple of minutes until the cars started filing in. Then, we got out of the car with our backpacks and bundles and headed upstairs. Grandma took out her things, while Leo and I went to class. She taught a class, made specially for Tert's birthday. (In the preschool class they go through all of the letters of the alphabet.) Grandma got the letter U. So, she made a class-Happy Birthday to 'U'! It was very cute and fun with cake, presents to open for the letter 'U' (who was incapable of opening presents). Tert enjoyed it tremendously and was eager to show Dad his 'U' present that he got to bring home, a picture of Uncle Adam.
After we had classes and dropped Grandma off, we headed home. We unpacked our various bundles and then had lunch-banana(YUMMY!) muffins, with some milk and nuts. We finished the yummy lunch, and after a little bit of play, the boys went for naps. Leo and I went on a walk with Cora, and then came home to play a game of trivia with Mom and then watch Latin. After that we hastily got ready for a fun afternoon-evening plan with our friends-the Woods.
We drove over there and were greeted by sap boiling smokily in pans. We went into the house, and saw the new baby chicks, which Leo went off to help take care of. After watching the little ones for a bit, I went off with Mrs. Wood and Mom. We walked along the maple tree run, and looked for the sap. To their surprise (and not to mention relief) the trees were budding, which meant maple syrup season was over. After looking at some neighbors' horses, we headed back. Armed with sleds, buckets, and hammers, we kids went into the woods to pull the taps and buckets off of the trees. After finishing that, we scattered and played until, after what seemed a VERY short time, were called back to the house. We were saddened by the news that we had to leave, but sweetened by some freshly made maple candy. It was still warm; it was so fresh. It was the best that I have ever tasted. The Woods gave us a generous, GENEROUS surprise when Mrs. Wood handed us a jar of their syrup. Having made 5 gallons of maple syrup, out of 250 gallons of sap, (which meant trudging through knee deep snow sometimes 2 times a day, and careful boiling and stirring of the sap,) this truly was a labor and gift of love. We can't wait to try out this delicious treat, and MANY thanks to the devoted Wood family.
To return... After saying goodbye, we all went home, and got into pj's. We were tired and ready for supper. Soon Mom had plates of pizza ready. When a pizza had disappeared, we all cleared the table. I helped Mom get the dessert ready-brownies, chocolate sauce, and mud-pie ice cream! MMM! It was very good. Our appetites fully satisfied, we sat down and handed Tert present after present. He loved them all, and it was very sweet to watch his enthusiasm. He said that it was, "The Best Birthday he had EVER Had." I think that that is a better conclusion that I might think of, so I will end here. Well, after some pictures of course!!

I (Stella) crocheted a little frog for one of my birthday presents for Tert. He at first was a little nervous about it, but then grew to like it... :D



Birthday Boy likes his frog now!!!


Grandma Z's Preschool Class-



New PJ's, SWEET!!!!!!!!!!


Make a wish!!


What is it?!!!! OH, IT'S A...


Get ready for take off...



Fellow Present Openers...


BALLS!!!!!!!!!!!!


And the last present of all, it's A- SCOOTER!!!!!!!!!!!!


Birthday Fun!!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERT!!!!

Mater's Musings

I'm feeling kind of nostalgic this week. It has struck me how many milestones my kids have hit this year. Last Sunday, as Stella stood before our church making a public profession of her faith and assenting to her membership vows, I realized that we have crossed the halfway mark in raising our firstborn.

Later that evening, Stephen and I indulged in a peaceful springtime walk - just like we used to when we were dating. We left our capable older children home with their younger siblings while we circled Forest Lane. No strollers, front packs or tricycles. Just the two of us, holding hands like newlyweds, and savoring uninterrupted conversation and rejuvenating laughter. When we arrived home, we found a freshly cleaned dining room - set with fancy dishes, fresh flowers and yogurt parfaits for two. Our big kids realized how much this time meant to us and got caught up in making our evening as romantic as possible.

Little Filia is changing before our very eyes. I have felt many twinges of guilt over my sporadic photos and journal entries. I had determined to capture every sweet memory of her infancy, yet here I am with a six month old, still searching for time to collect my thoughts about her birth. The other evening I was passing Stella's desk, and I noticed a baby's first year calendar lying open. Sighing, I remembered pulling this calendar out of a box of hand me downs and thinking wistfully that it would be great for me to keep up with in those spare moments when I'm not homeschooling three children, teaching at Co-Op, chasing an active toddler, washing diapers, or nursing a newborn. Flipping through this pesky little token of my negligence, I noticed to my surprise and delight that the calendar's pages had been filled with stickers, hospital keepsakes, dates of our baby's milestones, tender little notes and anecdotes - all recorded with painstaking care and love by Stella! I was so touched by this beautiful demonstration of Stella's devotion to her baby sister. Stella has become Filia's second mother. She will carefully choose her baby sister's outfits and dress her in the morning or prop little Filia on her bed with the rest of her dolls or snuggle her in the rocking chair while she crochets. The two of them are already inseparable friends, and the measureless love that the two of them exchange when they grin at each other is one of the sweetest sights I've beheld.

Filia's big brothers also treat her with so much tenderness. I love catching Leo admiring his beautiful sister. The two of them simultaneously break out into their most charming, dimpled grins as Filia rewards him with her babble.

Filia reminds me of my Rus as a baby. Although her eye color is still pretty indistinct, she has her brother's fair skin and light hair. Their baby pictures show so many similarities, and I often wonder if she will share his fun-loving, sweet disposition.

Little Tert, our tornado, takes great delight in making Filia laugh. He has located all of her ticklish spots; however, he can usually cause her to join in his rambunctious laughter just by making silly faces and voices at her. Now that Filia can wiggle and roll on the floor, she will strain to follow his every move as he darts to and fro. She has adapted beautifully to this noisy, unpredictable environment of hers and soaks up constant attention from her doting siblings.

The Lion and the Mouse Retold by: Stella

Years ago in an exotic jungle there lived an extremely prideful lion. He would trot around the jungle with his giant paws, ready to snatch any small creature foolish enough to cross his path.

One very hot day, the lion lay down with a monstrous thud on the velvety grass. He sighed and was soon fast asleep. Along came a mouse, who was very meek. He nimbly scurried over the lion’s humongous body without perceiving the ‘king of the jungle’. The lion softly opened one evil eye. Seeing the tiny creature he made one aim at him and in a flash, had the prize dangling before him. Timidly, the mouse looked up. Terror swept over him! Before him was a huge, muscular lion! The jaws of the lion opened and revealed flashing white rows of teeth. They sparkled in the hot sun. They were sharpened to a point. His eyes were dark brown and full of wickedness. His paws had nails as sharp as iron which looked like they could tear a tree down. These same paws mercilessly clamped around the little mouse. By this time the mouse, who knew he had but one hope called out pitifully, “Please my king! I beseech that you have mercy on my humble personage. I wouldn’t make a very big snack anyway.” Trembling uncontrollably now, the little distraught animal spoke a tone louder, “Perhaps if you save me, I will be able to help you some day, and repay you for this great kindness.”

At this the lion roared with laughter. He tossed the poor animal in the air and exclaimed, “You? Save me? You are but a mouse! How could the smallest of creatures save the king of the beasts? Well-you may leave, but don’t be such a silly little creature again!” He chuckled again as the mouse scampered into the forest.

Some days later the lion was strutting through the forest, looking around ravenously for a bite to eat. He was as prideful as ever that day. Little did he know, because of his foolish boasting, he was going to suffer. He quickly pounced around a tree, hoping to snag a victim. The next thing he knew, he was snagged in a mass of ropes and locks! There were hunters in the jungle, in hope of catching a lion to bring to the circus. It looked as if they were about to make a pretty penny. The lion was struggling vainly to get out of the ropes, but with every movement of his colossal paws, the ropes grew tighter. The lion set back his head with his glossy mane and ROARED! The roar went through the jungle like a rocket. The trees swayed. Animals leapt into their homes; mothers sheltered their children, and on the other side of the jungle, a certain little mouse lifted its head…

“Oh, my!” mused the little mouse. “Could that possibly be the same kind lion that set me free?” He pondered a moment, and then scurried across the cool, damp grass of the jungle. The mouse looked around. The jungle was in a tizzy! Animals were popping their heads out of their burrows to discern if the lion was still roaring. They would huddle together in fear as the roar was heard again. The mouse ran faster and halted. There was the same lion that had once held him captive. The same eyes were there, but this time looked weak. The lion had sweat rolling down his giant brow. The mouse hurried forward at the next, “ROARRRRR!”

“Oh! Please, do please stop! Oh no! The hunters will hear you! Please!”

This caused the lion to look up for the first time, (or rather down) at the little mouse. The mouse darted forward and with his velvety brown head looked up at the lion. He quickly glanced at the ropes. He picked up one, and SNAP! The little white teeth pierced swiftly through the sturdy ropes. The lion, who was very surprised, looked down at the bustling creature before him. Once the last rope was snapped, the mouse sat down, exhausted. The lion reached up to a tree and knocked down some food for the mouse. The mouse smiled at this kind gesture, and gobbled it up.

The lion spoke in his deep tones, “Little mouse, because of your kindness, you have taught me one of the most important things in life. Kindness goes through the hardest of hearts. Even the strongest can be helped by the weak, or shall I say meek?”

The mouse smiled and only muttered, “I was just keeping my promise, great king.” The mouse stood and hurried off.

From then on the lion was changed; no one could recognize this gentle, kind, lion from the haughty, proud one that they had previously seen. Even the lowly can help the great.

By: Stella

For: Fundamentals of Writing Paper