apple camp

My computer is still in need of help, but I was able to look through a few photos tonight.  Here are a few photos from our adventure at Apple Camp (aka Apple's indoctrination of their awesomeness to an 8 yr. old).

The two of us enjoyed this free workshop at the Apple Store - The Domain location.  On the first day she "made" an original song on Garage Band with their Smart Instruments.  That may have been her favorite part.  She had to write a storyboard of her film.  On the second day we put the song and her movie clips together in iMovie.  It all wrapped up on Saturday with the Apple Camp film festival.  We went as a family to that and enjoyed the quirky films made by 8-12 year old kids.

She didn't want me to post her film yet.  But is was a cute movie documenting a tea party she had with friends.  We may have to do this adventure again.  It was too much fun!

I read another book! It's a summer miracle.

I decided to read Lewis' The Great Divorce because I found this interesting series by a favorite author/teacher, Ken Boa.  

"It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between." — C.S. Lewis

When Lewis says "old," he is probably talking ancient.  This is stretching enough for me.  This little book from the 40's, written shortly after The Screwtape Letters.  


It is a fictional piece.  Don't take it literally, but there are true principles communicated within this fantasy.  It's about a group of "ghosts" who board a bus in Hell and go on a trip to visit Heaven.  It's about a collection of stories of individuals who are either choosing to move toward God or away from Him.  


I found it captivating.  I've probably told 5 people in my life so far they have to read it this summer.  I can be a little pushy at times. :)  I just found it that fascinating.


I was excited to read Ken Boa's guide alongside.  It helped me engage at a deeper level some of the spiritual truths in the story.  It reminded me of being in a book club, except it's with a crazy-smart christian professor (I'm fascinated by his degrees...Th.M., Ph.D., and D.Phil...what??).  I have read only a few classics since college/seminary.  I'll try to take Lewis' advice and throw in a classic here and there.  Books that are decades/hundreds of years old and are still in print seem to hold amazing value.  I hope my girls capture a love of reading too.  The "Taste of the Classics" series would be wonderful for them when they are in high school.  I'm tucking that idea away. :)


A few more links:
The Great Divorce :: free to read online (I found my copy easily at my library)
Ken Boa - The Great Divorce :: here is a book discussion you can listen to online, free

practical theology for women

For me, during this season of life, I make a big deal about finishing a book.  It is no small thing for me and I love to read.  I just rarely finish books, because I'm always reading 5 books at one time.  I'm kind of a spaz like that.

I finished Practical Theology for Women late last night.   I committed to reading it with 2 friends from church.  We met for lunch today to discuss some of what we learned from it.

Wendy Alsup broke her book into 3 parts.  The first section has several chapters on faith.  The second part was discussing the character of God, and the last section dealt with communicating with God (studying His Word, the Spirit's role and prayer).  In her chapter titled, "What is Faith," I love what she writes to us as believers for when we face a loss or a struggle.

Wendy writes: "He doesn't ask the same things of any two people, and the struggles he allows into your life will be intensely personal.  But when they come, ask yourself, "What is it I believe about God?"  Do you believe that he is good?  Do you believe his promise to work hard things for good in your life?  Do your trust that he's acting consistently with his claims of love for you?  Simply put, do you believe him?  And in that dark moment, are you going to let your belief in his goodness or your despair over your struggle lead you?  Truly, those who lose their lives in the arms of God's grace are the ones who finally see what true living really is."

I love those questions that she poses there.  I had a favorite moment in each of the 3 sections of this book.  I spent several days thinking about what she wrote about Christ in Philippians 2.  Her exhortation about the Holy Spirit near the end of the book was another highlight for me.

This book was a wonderful read and gave my friends and I much to discuss.  I love theological discussions and books that have a deeper level of theology.  Like I mentioned, I have only so much time to read and it is precious to me.  I try not to waste that time, so I choose what I read carefully.  I would have shied away from this if it was self-help or shallow.  On the contrary, it dealt with core truths in our Christian faith and in a very sincere, encouraging way for women.  That is what I was hoping it would do.

When it comes to reading something that really challenges me, I have a few things I read every few years because they always impact my life so much.  I love reading a sermon by C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory.  I also love A.W. Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy.  Practical Theology for Women reminded me of what I love in these two writings.  I love reading these things because they make me so hungry to read more of God's Word and remind me of all that He has done for me.

rest time

I have been trying to include more "story" in my pictures. It is very common for me to get too close with my camera and miss details that tell story. I love that this photo includes her book, her favorite blanket, and her bunny/body pillow (that is dressed up in sister's top). This photo is a treasure for me.

At 7 years old, you can not call it naptime. But there will be rest time in my house...for mom! On our home school days, our big girls have quiet time in their rooms for about an hour after lunch. I get an hour to recharge.

This is what home school at our house looked like today.
 Lovely, isn't it?
 It is hard to get our work done efficiently with the little munchkin around.

Each month they memorize a poem in school.

This is the poem from September. I had to record it while she still has it memorized.

A Pizza the Size of the Sun by Jack Prelutsky

October's "Autumn Greeting" author unknown + some outtakes.

1st day of the 1st grade

Here she was this morning. A little excited, a little nervous...looking cute and very accessorized. That backpack looks huge! First grade...I can't believe it. This seems like we are really in school now. We stopped and prayed with her this morning & I took as many pictures as I could before I got the exasperated looks. I know she's going to have a lot of fun. I already can't wait to hear about her day.

reading 1st words

These are the first words I have heard her read.  I didn't realize how exciting it was going to be to watch her learn!  I won't be able to spell out "secret parent code" with Adam for much longer. 

1st day of Kindergarten

Our first day of school went great! She was ready for school and had no trouble taking her seat. We tried not to be offended when she didn’t even want to give us a kiss goodbye. It was as if she was thinking, “Ok, you can go now. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time…I’m good. See you later.”

I thought of her through out the day and was sentimental, but (to my surprise) I wasn’t an emotional wreck. In fact, the house was incredibly peaceful and it was awesome! I enjoyed the quiet time with my other girls. It made me realize how bothered I get by the sibling rivalry…it drives me crazy. I was recharged by some time without it, for sure.

We chose for her to go to kindergarten at Sterling. It is a university-model school and I plan on explaining what that is sometime soon. But we are very excited about this year she has ahead. Since I am teaching her at home 2 days a week, I know I’ll be stretched this year as I learn how to do this.

One more thing...we all have to wake up dark-early.  I was asked, "Why is school starting in the middle of the night?"  I didn't expect our front-porch pictures to be in the dark...and the rain.