Getting Ready to Work at Rock Ledge Ranch

Right next to Garden of the Gods is a living history museum open during the summer months and it is called Rock Ledge Ranch. You can go and see how people in Colorado lived in the late 1800's. There are different areas to visit . . . Native American, Homesteading, etc.

This spring Gabriel was interviewed for one of their children volunteer docent positions. They only choose the children to work half the summer for just shy of 6 hours a week. I was told a lot of kids apply and only a certain number are chosen. I told Gabriel if he didn't get chosen we'd know it wasn't what God had planned for him. I thought it would be a good experience for him to go through an interview and see what it is like no matter what the outcome.

He went into his first interview with the man that seems to be if not at the top of running the museum than near it. It was a full fledged interview asking him question after question. "If you could go back to any time in history what time would it be?" or "If a child was visiting the museum and did .  . .  what would you do?" I was in a room somewhat close but couldn't really hear the words just the tone. It sounded like they were having fun! Sure enough Gabriel came out and told me that he actually really enjoyed it and that the man was really nice!

Warning Parental Bragging Paragraph for my own memories and Gabriel's future encouragement

Feel free to skip over!!!!:

Time went by and one day a voice mail was left for me saying Gabriel had been selected and how impressed they had been with him. I later I talked to the lady she told me more about how they really were impressed by him and told me that usually kids don't score very high on the interview points and she said Gabriel got a perfect score!!! Gabriel doesn't know that he just knows he had a lot of fun talking to this man!

Gabriel started his training this week. He came home even MORE excited. I was excited about what he was learning too. Learning, of course, how to talk to the people who come through and about interpreting history to the people who come. They also had a safety chat, etc.  He was so excited.

Saturday after the tournament I took the kids to the ranch to pick up Gabriel's period costume. It was one of those beautiful only in Colorado type days. Ok, maybe not only in Colorado but it doesn't get much better than Colorado!! Not to cold not to hot just beautiful! Gabriel picked up his costume which again made him even more excited. Then the kids wanted to stay and just explore around for awhile. Gabriel said to me "I can't believe I'm going to work here!" He is excited about doing homestead WORK. He was selected to work at the homestead sight. He seems excited about whatever that entails even if it is shoveling manure.

Jedidiah exploring a trail on Rock Ledge Ranch.

This is Galloway Homestead where Gabriel will be volunteering this summer.

An outside oven at Galloway Homestead.

Homestead house.

Coming into Rock Ledge Ranch with Pikes Peak in the Background.

Homestead boy from the late 1800's. Gabriel wanted to

keep his outfit on! He likes it.

Part of the ranch.

Goose and gosling at the ranch. The kids LOVED seeing this.

They insisted a picture must be taken.

ranch

ranch

Dirt, trees, birds= FUN!

Ross at the ranch pond.

Gabriel and Jedidiah at the ranch.

Gabriel kept trying to get Jedidiah not to eat and suck on rocks!

Such a beautiful ranch. No wonder Gabriel said

"I can't believe I am going to work here!"

Jedidiah really enjoyed time in the dirt.

Just Funny!

Ross was doing his week day reading to me and as usual I was getting on him for expression. I've told him he is good about reading the words but going from a good reader to a great reader means learning how to be expressive. WELLL, Ross doesn't like goofy and to him expression = drama and he does NOT like drama. His grandma is on his side there. I really do press him in his expression in reading.

Anyway, after he read to me today Annalina was talking to Ross and I was standing there listening. She was telling him that once you learn how to read (which he knows how to read) it is really fun and that if she has a book she really loves that reading is one of her favorite hobbies. Ross always one to give me a good natured bad time said "Unless you have Mommy saying to you 'Put more expression into it!'" And continued to rib me about the hard time I give him. :-) That's my Rossers. I just love him.

New Year . . . New Books

 Carry On Mr. Bowditch

by Jean Lee Latham

This book I read to the kids and it took a few chapters to get into it but once into it it was AMAZING!!!!! We loved it!!!! It is the true story of Nathaniel Bowditch and his life from childhood into adulthood. Life wasn't smooth sailing for Nathaniel but this story tells of this young man's character, perserverence, and generosity of sharing the gift he had been given to change others lives. SOOOO GOOD and a must read!!!! Amongst the hardship it has GREAT humor!! Nat (as the book refers to him) is an incredibly gifted boy and with that comes blessings and challenges. Here is an excerpt from the book:

"How do you want to surprise your father?" 
"With a present. He always brings me something." Elizabeth's eyes danced. "This time I want to give him a present. Something he can use."
"Hmmm. How much can you pay for it?"
"Oh, that doesn't matter. Mother said I could get anything I wanted to."
Nat studied. "Parallel rulers might be nice."
"Do you suppose Father has them already?"
Nat exploded. "Of course! What sort of sailing master do you think he is?" Then he apologized quickly. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bark at you."
"I know. I'm just like a chair you stumble over in the dark," Elizabeth said. "It isn't the chair's fault, but you kick it anyhow."
Nat blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"Your brain. It's too fast. So you stumble on other people's dumbness. And-you want to kick something."
Nat felt his face get hot. "But I shouldn't."
Elizabeth agreed. "No, you shouldn't, because even if people are dumb, they aren't chairs, are they? They do have feelings."
"Lizza, was right," Nat said. "You have eyes in the back of your heart."
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Wow, pointed words and good ones at that!

My FAVORITE humorous part I will not type all out but if you read the book the kids and I got a BIG kick when Lupe came one night to ask Nat to teach him navigation. It is just so funny and so great!!


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The book Natheniel Bowditch wrote, The American Practical Navigator, it said at the beginning of the book is still "a standard text in the U.S. Naval Academy." This book was published awhile back so I don't know if that is still true but still amazing. Nat never went to a day of college in his life! Again, Amazing!


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I'd Be Your Hero

A Tale of Godly Character

by Katheryn O'Brien

Some people might be critical of this book but I thought it was cute. I know in today's world that the word "hero" is to easily used but I think for Mommies with little boys all into going into being heroic this has good thoughts. It is about a little boy talking to his Mommy about how he imagines himself and his Mommy in medieval times and the grand things he will do. She always brings what he says back to a character trait and a Bible verse. The biggest bummer is the verses aren't in KJV but that is easily remedied. This book was perfect for my Carson. I wish I had thought of writing it!

Christmas Season 2012

Well, this is the start of my Christmas season blogs. The above picture was taken with Mrs. W at the piano Christmas party Mrs. W throws every year. The kids had a grand time and enjoyed the lady that came with the exotic animals that they could hold.

This Christmas season our family was invited to sing/kids play piano at a church in the Springs.  That was out of my comfort zone and I know we didn't sound professional but we did practice a lot and I prayed about it. The best is all you can do! It was a good experience but more importantly we got to sing praises to our most amazing Heavenly Father.

The kids and I also went to a home school service project at an assisted living home to make ornaments for the residents. Again a good experience!  I think the elderly really enjoyed seeing fresh faces. It was a most unique experience aside from the service aspect. We were around home schoolers like I have NEVER met before and I walked out with some pretty unique experiences and funny stories. I got to share them the other night with our friends who came over. Just when you think you've seen it all people break the molds and stereo types!!!

We've been counting down to Christmas with our advent calendars and read the Christmas story. I was reminded through my Bible reading that the Word was made flesh. How thankful for that I am. How unique that Jesus the Saviour would come as a "vulnerable infant" to save the world. Christmas day I had time on my own to read the Christmas story which was great. There is a song I like that is about being a mother this time of year. I completely get it . . . it talks about how "I need a silent night" . . . and talks about "all the choas and the noise". There are Christmas parties, entertaining, performances, shopping, etc., etc. It is sometimes hard to focus on the true reason of Christmas . . . the Christ child and His purpose of coming.

Then we had 16 people come through in different groups over the course of about 4 days. We have had a great time hanging out with family and friends. That is all going to continue into the New Year with getting to meet up with a friend I haven't seen in many years and whom I have great memories with and later in the month hanging out with friends and having a lefsa (Norwegian food) making party.

Well, so here I go to post a ton of pictures of memories. It may take me awhile to get them all up.

"Keep Swimming"

The following excerpts were taken from a Veritas Press email . . .  Encouraging words for homeschooling moms. It reminds me of my hubby who told me early on in our marriage after our first big move that the things in life that are worth something don't come easily. Basically, if it is something of value it comes at a cost and I have found that to be soooooo true. Homeschooling is not easy but it has so much value. O.k. so here is the article . . .

Of course, the problem with doing hard things is, well . . . they're hard. However, just because we have all chosen to pursue a more challenging path, doesn't mean we ought walk around miserable and exhausted. We can and should have joy in our journey. For those who sometimes feel overwhelmed, or if you believe that you're falling short in your role as a parent educator, I present the following article by guest writer Todd Smith who, I believe, offers some encouragement to help you regain some perspective and, hopefully, your joy! 

Keep Swimming!!

I’m convinced that the most difficult job in the world is not a rocket scientist, nuclear physicist, or brain surgeon. Without a shadow of a doubt, I believe that illustrious designation belongs to the homeschooling mom.

I should know, after all, because I’m married to one.  And if you’re at all like her (and you are), then I know what you’re feeling right about now. It never fails. Two months into the school year, and you are probably ready to throw in the towel. All those happy thoughts you felt BEFORE the first school day are long gone. Those great plans and lofty ideals you had about the glories of learning and enjoying it have been squashed flatter than a possum on the highway.

I’ve seen the look in my own wife’s eyes. She looks like she’s searching for the nearest exit. Even today, she voiced her fatigue:
“I’m just wasting my time!”
“I can barely stomach singing those same stupid learning songs . . .”
“She is NEVER going to read!!!”
“Maybe homeschooling isn’t the best!!”

Now, I know she wouldn’t quit homeschooling our children . . . but still, I wonder. The lies are coming fast and furious, the doubt is overwhelming . . . the feelings of failure pervade, and the waves of fatigue are swelling and the skies stormy.

Now hear ME, Sailor-MOM!!! Hoist the mizzen mast, something-or-other the mainsail, batten down the hatches . . . we’re sailing into choppy waters (the waters are always choppy). BUT steady as she goes. Do not veer or swerve from your course, because you’re right on target!!!

Thirty years ago, I remember reading a story about a woman who was going to swim a large body of water (it may have been the English Channel or the Atlantic Ocean). She was strong and had trained for that moment and was ready when the big day arrived.

The sky was blue and the sun shining as she stepped into the water, but somewhere along the way a thick sea-fog rolled in, blinding the swimmer. Trying to get her bearings, she would stop, tread water, and then, unable to see even three feet ahead of her, dip her head back in the water and keep swimming. As the fog clouded her vision, doubt and lies clouded her thoughts. As her hope faded, her legs and arms turned to lead, and she finally gave up and climbed into the little boat that was trailing her.

The reason I still remember the story is because moments after she gave up, the little boat broke out of the fog and was right by the shore. The truth was: she was right on target. She would have reached her goal . . . but the fog clouded her vision and caused her to believe the lie that she was off-course, and she acted on it. There’s a lesson to be learned for homeschooling moms.

Mom, you may feel like you're failing and that everyone else’s kids are light-years ahead of your children. . . . BUT the truth is you are right on target. And, here’s one unshakable truth you’re going to want to hang onto: home is the best place for your children and you are the best teacher for them. So keep swimming!!!

I know you doubt that truth and wonder if your kids would be better off “away” from your home . . . away from you, but that is a LIE. Home is the best place for children. It’s the best place to learn, and YOU’RE the best person to teach them. God set it up this way. From the beginning, He could have had that first baby delivered into an institution, raised by a committee, or trained by a “village,” but He didn’t. He gave two now-imperfect parents an imperfect child. Their job? To teach him to love God and understand how he fits into God’s world . . . in order that he might grow up and teach his children.

So keep swimming!!

Still don’t believe that home is the best place for your children? Take a look at today’s school system. What are they trying to do? They’re trying to make their school more like YOUR home!! They have classes on getting along, take field trips to the woods, plant gardens, talk about sharing and being kind . . . ALL the things that kids learn best at home.

So keep swimming!!

So, Mom, the rough seas of monotony may not calm, the fog may be thick, and you may wonder if this is all worth it, but let me remind you as I remind my wife, “Home is still the best place for your children . . . and you’re doing just fine.”

Relax and enjoy those children of yours, because they’re growing up quick and one day . . . will be gone.

Just keep swimming!!!

Todd Wilson

Todd Wilson, author of Help! I'm Married to a Homeschooling Mom and The Official Book of Homeschooling Cartoons, is a dad, writer, conference speaker, and former pastor. Todd's humor and gut-honest realness have made him a favorite speaker at home school conventions across the country and a guest on Focus on the Family.
His articles have appeared in various magazines. Christianity Today also posts his weekly column (The Familyman Weekly) on their website - http://www.familymanweb.com/.
Todd and his wife Debbie, along with their eight children, spend several months of the year traveling the country encouraging moms and dads. His humor, realness, and straight talk to men (& women) have become his trademark.

The Gods of the Copybook Headings--Rudyard Kipling

This is a poem I am having the kids memorize right now. Babe brought it to my attention and wanted the kids to put it to memory. The more I read it the more I like it. I am  going through line by line and  explaining the meaning and then having Gabriel and Annalina repeat back to me the meaning and they are definitely understanding it better now. How true is this poem of today's culture all over the world!! AMAZING!! Truly "every age and race" listen to those Gods of the Market Place promising glitter and gold & fanciful things. . . . . hmmm, or maybe listening to campaign slogans like "hope and change"!!! Unfortunately, we don't even have a candidate that truly focuses on Biblical truth. What society should be concentrating on are those that follow the wisdom of the centuries . . . like God's Word . . . those that make Biblical wisdom a part of their study and see it important to mark down in their copy books of wisdom from the past . . . the TRUTH that we know. We need to return to Truth and not the morally bankrupt feelgoodism. The Gods of the Copybook Headings by Rudyard Kipling

AS I PASS through my incarnations in every age and race, I make my proper prostrations to the Gods of the Market Place. Peering through reverent fingers I watch them flourish and fall, And the Gods of the Copybook Headings, I notice, outlast them all. We were living in trees when they met us. They showed us each in turn That Water would certainly wet us, as Fire would certainly burn: But we found them lacking in Uplift, Vision and Breadth of Mind, So we left them to teach the Gorillas while we followed the March of Mankind. We moved as the Spirit listed. They never altered their pace, Being neither cloud nor wind-borne like the Gods of the Market Place, But they always caught up with our progress, and presently word would come That a tribe had been wiped off its icefield, or the lights had gone out in Rome. With the Hopes that our World is built on they were utterly out of touch, They denied that the Moon was Stilton; they denied she was even Dutch; They denied that Wishes were Horses; they denied that a Pig had Wings; So we worshipped the Gods of the Market Who promised these beautiful things. When the Cambrian measures were forming, They promised perpetual peace. They swore, if we gave them our weapons, that the wars of the tribes would cease. But when we disarmed They sold us and delivered us bound to our foe, And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "Stick to the Devil you know." On the first Feminian Sandstones we were promised the Fuller Life (Which started by loving our neighbour and ended by loving his wife) Till our women had no more children and the men lost reason and faith, And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "The Wages of Sin is Death." In the Carboniferous Epoch we were promised abundance for all, By robbing selected Peter to pay for collective Paul; But, though we had plenty of money, there was nothing our money could buy, And the Gods of the Copybook Headings said: "If you don't work you die." Then the Gods of the Market tumbled, and their smooth-tongued wizards withdrew And the hearts of the meanest were humbled and began to believe it was true That All is not Gold that Glitters, and Two and Two make Four And the Gods of the Copybook Headings limped up to explain it once more. As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man There are only four things certain since Social Progress began. That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire, And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wabbling back to the Fire; And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins, As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn, The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!

Father Son Retreat Coming Soon!!

Babe and Gabriel are VERY excited about their Father Son Retreat coming up! They signed up for this in the spring and were eager then! Lord willing we would like to send both Gabriel and Ross with Babe for next years retreat. We are also hoping it will work out financially and time wise for Babe to take Annalina to Vision Forum's Father Daughter Retreat in Georgia in March!

If you click on the link below on the right hand side is the schedule for the father son retreat this year and you can see what some of those "manly arts" are that they will be learning. We really appreciate what Vision Forums mission is to equip the family to be strong in the Lord and for the fathers to be the spiritual leaders both leading to multi-generational faith in the Lord.

Vision Forum's Father Son Retreat

End of the School Year PARTY!!!!

The kids have worked SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO hard this year in school and I wanted to do something special for the end of school party! I came up with a great idea! I told them that a surprise would be arriving on Friday. On Friday morning we went down the hill waiting for the surprise that was to arrive in a big white van. They were so excited!! Finially, the surprise arrived and it was a family in our church that has 6 kids and they also homeschool!! The kids and myself had a GREAT time!!! The kids loved running and playing. The boys shot guns and collected dead raccoon bones, etc. Annalina played with their eldest daughter and I was able to sit and talk with the mother and chat about life. We all just had a blessed day! The kids helped me with how to decorate the cupcakes and that was another highlight for them. Gabriel thought they ended up looking like sunflowers and they do!!!!