Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Potato Planting!
Today Isaac, Camille and I planted potatoes!
This is our first time trying to grow potatoes. They are supposed to planted in a ditch that you add soil to cover as the plants grow. We are planning a bed of them, but Brian hasn't had time to make it yet. So, the kids and I planted them in a deep pot that we will gradually fill. I am not sure if it will work, but it is worth a try!
It was such a beautiful day! Sunny and warm for the first time in loooong time!
Camille planting her seed potato.
Isaac adding some of Brian's recycled compost!
We planted Organic Purple Peruvian Finger Potato, Organic Russian Banana Finger Potato, and Organic La Ratte Finger Potato!
This is our first time trying to grow potatoes. They are supposed to planted in a ditch that you add soil to cover as the plants grow. We are planning a bed of them, but Brian hasn't had time to make it yet. So, the kids and I planted them in a deep pot that we will gradually fill. I am not sure if it will work, but it is worth a try! 
It was such a beautiful day! Sunny and warm for the first time in loooong time!
Camille planting her seed potato.
Isaac adding some of Brian's recycled compost!
We planted Organic Purple Peruvian Finger Potato, Organic Russian Banana Finger Potato, and Organic La Ratte Finger Potato! (Again I added a picture on accident and I can't figure out how to delete it. Sorry for the repeat!)
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Persuasive Essay!
I would like to tell you about the best book that I have read with the Sonlight curriculum. My favorite book is Walk the World’s Rim by Betty Baker. It’s really a great book. I hope that you want to read it after this!
This book is my favorite because it has a lot of emotions and it isn’t always happy like other books. In the book some pretty bad things happen but, it mostly turns out well. You never know what will happen next. Some books have almost no emotions at all, except happy.
My favorite part was when Estaban made friends with an indian boy, named Chakoh. Although there were many fantastic parts of the book, this was the best because it portrays the kind of friendship that grows with watching and learning about a person. After a while Estaban and Chakoh were trusted friends. Estaban was always by Chakoh’s side!
Walk the World’s Rim made me feel like I was actually on the journey to Mexico. If I was on that trip I would be best friends with Estaban and the Spanish conquistadors just like Chakoh! The way the book describes their travels, it must have been cool! I think you’ll agree if you read it!
You will want to read this book because it explains a lot about history. It is an extraordinary story of the three Spanish conquistadors and their slave’s journey from their shipwreck off the coast of Florida to Mexico, and the Indian kid who joined them. I would give this book a five star rating. It is a really enjoyable book.
I hope you read this book. And if you don’t want to read Walk the World’s Rim, go your public library and find a book that is just right for you! You know I will! See you there!
By: Elise
This book is my favorite because it has a lot of emotions and it isn’t always happy like other books. In the book some pretty bad things happen but, it mostly turns out well. You never know what will happen next. Some books have almost no emotions at all, except happy.
My favorite part was when Estaban made friends with an indian boy, named Chakoh. Although there were many fantastic parts of the book, this was the best because it portrays the kind of friendship that grows with watching and learning about a person. After a while Estaban and Chakoh were trusted friends. Estaban was always by Chakoh’s side!
Walk the World’s Rim made me feel like I was actually on the journey to Mexico. If I was on that trip I would be best friends with Estaban and the Spanish conquistadors just like Chakoh! The way the book describes their travels, it must have been cool! I think you’ll agree if you read it!
You will want to read this book because it explains a lot about history. It is an extraordinary story of the three Spanish conquistadors and their slave’s journey from their shipwreck off the coast of Florida to Mexico, and the Indian kid who joined them. I would give this book a five star rating. It is a really enjoyable book.
I hope you read this book. And if you don’t want to read Walk the World’s Rim, go your public library and find a book that is just right for you! You know I will! See you there!
By: Elise
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tin Foil Boats!!
Today we made tin foil boats!
We took them outside to float in the flooded area of our backyard! (We have a blocked french drain. A fun project for another day!)
The kids wanted straws to blow the boats around in the water. The only straws I had were Boba straws. They are extra large around for sucking up Boba from your cool Asian drink. We haven't used them in forever, and I don't have any more Boba, so I think a trip to the Asian market is in order! I am the only one in my family who appreciates Boba!!
Elise had a really cool design for her sail, it was attached on two sides!
Isaac's boat was large and flat.
Here they are making their boats!
The kids wanted straws to blow the boats around in the water. The only straws I had were Boba straws. They are extra large around for sucking up Boba from your cool Asian drink. We haven't used them in forever, and I don't have any more Boba, so I think a trip to the Asian market is in order! I am the only one in my family who appreciates Boba!!
Elise had a really cool design for her sail, it was attached on two sides!
Isaac's boat was large and flat.
Here they are making their boats! I love that homeschool gives us the time for such impromptu fun! Besides, I think Elise was looking for a way out from writing a free verse poem...there's always tomorrow!
Friday, January 15, 2010
A White Christmas!
We braved the frigid north this Christmas...and had the time of our lives!
This Christmas we drove to Montana to have Christmas with my sister and her family. It was the very first White Christmas for all of us!
This picture was taken at the Billings Zoo. Yes, we went to the zoo on a day when the high for the weather was less than 20 degrees! It was soooo cold, but a lot of fun!
Even Isabel loved the snow! She would follow the kids down the hill on their sleds, then jump on them at the bottom!
We had a lovely Christmas! We went to church on Christmas Eve, and lit the advent that evening also. I think it was about 6 degrees when we went to church, the high for the day!
The kids had a blast sledding and playing in the snow!Camille was always the first one done being out in the cold(well, the first kid, I was usually the biggest wimp!) We were very thankful for a really warm coat Traci had for her, it meant she was able to be outside without crying.
Joseph and Daddy trying to stay warm!
Hannah and Camille sledding!
Aidan looks a little cold!
Isaac loved the snow most of all!
Joseph and Daddy trying to stay warm!
Hannah and Camille sledding!
Aidan looks a little cold!
Isaac loved the snow most of all! He was usually the last one to quit playing and he loved to walk around on the ice and snow!
Elise looks like she belongs in the cold!
Traci knows how to gear up!
Ben and Aidan!
On our way home we decided to take the long way! Crazy? Maybe, but we do love a roadtrip!
Elise looks like she belongs in the cold!
Traci knows how to gear up!
Ben and Aidan!
On our way home we decided to take the long way! Crazy? Maybe, but we do love a roadtrip!We went from Billings, Montana to Cheyenne, Wyoming the first day. Cheyenne was a neat town! The home of Wrangler, there were big decorated cowboy boots on every corner.This is a picture of Camille sitting on the one across from the restaurant where we ate dinner. Being in Wyoming, Brian felt the need to order "Bull Nuts". They were deep fried, and we didn't tell the kids what they were until after they tried them!
The next day we drove on to Salt Lake City, Utah. It was such a beautiful drive, especially coming through Park City, Utah. With snow covering the mountains, it almost made us want to take up skiing! Salt Lake City was also very beautiful. We ate at a Brewery downtown(I had a great espresso ale!), and walked around. It was New Years Eve, so there were a lot of festivities. We also drove by the Mormon Temple. It was lit up for Christmas and was very amazing.
We drove home from Salt Lake City on New Year's Day. We had snow on the ground from the time we left Truckee heading toward Montana until we got back to Truckee on the way home. Almost two full weeks of white, cold but beautiful scenery. God blessed us with a safe trip, great weather and fun family time!
Next year....a turquoise Christmas?
(think hut on the beach!!!)
Monday, December 14, 2009
KENYA 2009!
Ok. So here it goes. After 30 hours of travel through five airports we finally arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. You bet we were smiling just to be off the plane! 
Children seemed to be everywhere in Kenya. These three lived in the Masai village where we stayed for eight days. In Masai culture, adults seldom ever pick up their children after they are old enough to walk so as visitors we were immediately inundated with a flood of kids wanting a ride. Most of our free time was spent playing games with the kids.
Pastor Simon from the village where we stayed wore this shirt often. The quote pretty much describes how the local believers approach their walk with God. Shortly after we left, Pastor Simon took several local high school youth on a mission to a neighboring region known for witchcraft. Over 300 high school youth and the headmaster of the school accepted Christ. Wow.
These huts are typical of what you'd find in the Masai Village. Most structures are built from mud and sticks. Lumber is hard to come by and expensive. A few buildings in the Village and structures in town were made from hand chiseled stone blocks. Kids seemed to pop out of nowhere whenever you pulled out your camera.
This is our team from Bayside church with two Masai men who worked as security guards at the Rift Valley Academy where we stayed when not in the village. On this particular evening, the Masai guards gave us a show of traditional Masai song and dance.
Pastor Simon's wife cooked dinner for our team and her family every night we stayed in the village. A typical meal included cooked cabbage, rice or boiled potatoes and flat bread cooking on the hot plate below. One night featured small chunks of roasted meat (goat). Yum!!
Masai children at a Compassion International project site gave us a show of traditional Masai song and dance.
While in the Village, we stayed in a small tent compound surrounded by acacia branches (think BIG thorns). The acacia was meant to keep uninvited guests (think hyenas) out of our camp at night. We heard them calling after dark but did not see any in the Village. The rule was "Do not leave your tent between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am" no matter how bad you need to use the restroom.
Did I mention the kids?
This is the community center where we worked. The block was set and the roof constructed in previous years. We worked on finishing the interior walls and the floor. We were also supposed to install windows and doors but the "tomorrow" when they were supposed to arrive never did. Oh, well. It's Africa.
While in Kenya, we had the opportunity to visit a nearby Compassion International project site. The Compassion board of directors arranged for each of us to visit the family of one of the sponsored children. This family had recently moved back into their house which had been rebuilt after being burned to the ground during racial violence the year before. They literally owned nothing but the clothes on their backs.
This was another family of a sponsored child. Compassion International requires that their project sites by initiated by a local pastor. The sponsored children and their families are drawn into the church as the child receives the benefits Compassion provides. God is truly moving in Kenya! Anyone want to go back with me?
Children seemed to be everywhere in Kenya. These three lived in the Masai village where we stayed for eight days. In Masai culture, adults seldom ever pick up their children after they are old enough to walk so as visitors we were immediately inundated with a flood of kids wanting a ride. Most of our free time was spent playing games with the kids.
Pastor Simon from the village where we stayed wore this shirt often. The quote pretty much describes how the local believers approach their walk with God. Shortly after we left, Pastor Simon took several local high school youth on a mission to a neighboring region known for witchcraft. Over 300 high school youth and the headmaster of the school accepted Christ. Wow.
These huts are typical of what you'd find in the Masai Village. Most structures are built from mud and sticks. Lumber is hard to come by and expensive. A few buildings in the Village and structures in town were made from hand chiseled stone blocks. Kids seemed to pop out of nowhere whenever you pulled out your camera.
This is our team from Bayside church with two Masai men who worked as security guards at the Rift Valley Academy where we stayed when not in the village. On this particular evening, the Masai guards gave us a show of traditional Masai song and dance.
Pastor Simon's wife cooked dinner for our team and her family every night we stayed in the village. A typical meal included cooked cabbage, rice or boiled potatoes and flat bread cooking on the hot plate below. One night featured small chunks of roasted meat (goat). Yum!!
Masai children at a Compassion International project site gave us a show of traditional Masai song and dance.
While in the Village, we stayed in a small tent compound surrounded by acacia branches (think BIG thorns). The acacia was meant to keep uninvited guests (think hyenas) out of our camp at night. We heard them calling after dark but did not see any in the Village. The rule was "Do not leave your tent between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am" no matter how bad you need to use the restroom.
Did I mention the kids?
This is the community center where we worked. The block was set and the roof constructed in previous years. We worked on finishing the interior walls and the floor. We were also supposed to install windows and doors but the "tomorrow" when they were supposed to arrive never did. Oh, well. It's Africa.
While in Kenya, we had the opportunity to visit a nearby Compassion International project site. The Compassion board of directors arranged for each of us to visit the family of one of the sponsored children. This family had recently moved back into their house which had been rebuilt after being burned to the ground during racial violence the year before. They literally owned nothing but the clothes on their backs.
This was another family of a sponsored child. Compassion International requires that their project sites by initiated by a local pastor. The sponsored children and their families are drawn into the church as the child receives the benefits Compassion provides. God is truly moving in Kenya! Anyone want to go back with me?
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