The Aviation Museum of KY

This past Saturday, we made a detour on our way home from Lexington.  The kids knew exactly where we were as we turned and they saw airplanes flying overhead.  Immediately, they asked, "Are we flying on an airplane?  Are we going to Ethiopia?"  Oh how naive...  fly to Ethiopia at a moment's notice?  So very tempting, but not quite possible!

Instead, we went down the road a bit and stopped at The Aviation Museum of Kentucky.  Honestly, until we began driving past signs for it on our way to church, I did not know this place even existed.  Thanks to a Groupon deal, the cost of this attraction for my family of 5 was only $11.  We chose to stop on Saturday in hopes of beating the heat, but unfortunately, the warehouse like building lacked air-conditioning.  It definitely got sticky, but we were able to see all that was there easily in under an hour, so we survived.

 

The museum houses model planes, restored and flyable aircraft, engines, flight suits, and various memorabilia.  Inside, we saw a T38 Talon, a Blue Angel jet, a Navy F-14 Tomcat and several others.  Highlights for the kids included standing inside a GE CF 6 Turbofan Engine which powers a 747 jet and climbing inside a Bell OH58-A Kiowa Helicopter.  They each took turns being pilot, co-pilot, and passenger.  There were so many buttons to press, knobs to turn, and switches to flip.  Jeremiah was in heaven!

Notes to Aspriring Writers (ME???) Review & Giveaway

Upon the success of my 3rd grade Young Author's Award winning book, Dinosaurs in Love, I guess you could say I have been bitten by the writer's bug. I even recall having another award winner as a 6th or 7th grader when drawing from personal experience, I penned a heartfelt tale of a young girl moving away from her school, friends, and neighborhood.  With such great accolades, is it any shock that even as a child, I can remember touting to those around me that someday I would write a book?  The topic?  I always responded by sharing that I'd write a book about gifted kids because nobody understood us.  Not the least bit arrogant, huh?

Since the days of all-nighters, 64 oz. Dr. Pepper's, and college papers, my writing had been quite stagnant.  I had no real reason for the creative juices to flow.  Then, in Dec. 2008, we began our adoption journey.  I needed an efficient way to streamline updates and send them to the masses.  A blog seemed to be the route to take, but in fact what I discovered was an outlet for my emotions: pent up frustration, disappointment, hope, heartbreak, faith, elation, immense joy, and everything in between.  While chronicling the adoption timeline, I found that my written typed words also served as record for the spiritual growth I incurred along the way.  I was writing with purpose.

Upon bringing Jeremiah and Rachel home, we had a transition period where the blog remained silent.  A few months later, I was itching to write again, and thus, began a new blog, The Wellspring of Life.  The blog continues to emerge... growing and changing as new life experiences and opportunities are presented.  Will I ever write a book?  I can't really say.  Do I admit there are sheets of paper tucked away with scribbled notes only I have seen waiting for the elusive "someday"?  Yes, but I'm not ready for a big reveal now - if ever. 

Whether a book comes to fruition or remains a schoolgirl's dream of days gone by, I found an absolute gem.  I believe it to be incredibly inspiring for the aspiring!  In her e-book, Notes to Aspiring Writers, author, Brooke McGlothlin, has compiled five lessons she has learned through her sanctification on the road to publication.  Rather than write a book of how-to's or tips-and-tricks-of the trade, she examines the writer's heart.  Really, isn't that the most important aspect of writing?  I know the author's I gravitate toward, read, and re-read are those whose words are windows to their souls.  Those whose words lead me to the foot HIS THRONE!

While speaking to the writer's heart, Brooke candidly reveals her own both in times of weakness and now drawing from God's strength.  Her writing is very conversational and easy to read, yet her words are poignant and thought-provoking.  While the e-book is short, only 24 pages in length, she provides plenty to contemplate and digest.  Examples...

*It's an unfair trade. He gets my selfish dreams, I get His dreams for a better me than I could ever imagine or ever create on my own. (p.7)

*Could it be that God would call us to give up our own dreams for the sake of picking up His? (p.9)

*In HIS time, He will bring HIS dreams to you. Focus most of your time and energy on knowing Him, loving Him, and walking in intimate pursuit of relationship with Him. Then, when He does bring dreams your way (often disguised as opportunities), you'll be ready. (p.12)

*Isn't living in God's leading more about listening for the next right thing to do, and less about the end
result? (p.14)

*God cares more about changing, wooing, and loving you, than He does using you and your message. (p.17)

*We can learn much from those who have forged a path before us, but there is a spiritual element to this journey that we just can’t ignore: God is sovereign and He does what He pleases. Our life plans are less about us, and more about how He receives the greatest glory. (p.20)

Notes to Aspiring Writers is intended for an audience of women and mothers, but honestly, I believe, everyone could benefit from Brooke's message. Even if your own dreams and aspirations are far removed from ever touching a pen to a page, the lessons within will speak to your heart regarding your own personal aspiration. If you life's dream is to be an author, it is a must read.

This week on the Notes to Aspiring Writers blog, August 1st -5th, Brooke is Going Deeper. Each day she leads participants in taking a closer look at what God is teaching concerning having clean hands and a pure heart in writing or blogging endeavors. Highlights of the book's five chapters will be featured. Join in now - it's not too late. The e-book is available for purchase on Kindle or as a PDF. 

In addition, Brooke has graciously offered a FREE e-book for one of my readers! Hip, Hip, Hooray!

To enter this giveaway:
Leave a comment answering - If you were ever to write a book, what would your topic be?
**Be sure to include an email address, so I can contact the winner!

Additional entries: **Please leave a comment for each.
-Follow my blog via GFC or Networked Blogs.
-Follow me on Twitter @Wellspring_Life
-Follow Brooke on Twitter @BrookeWrites 
-Follow Notes to Aspiring Writers on Facebook
Giveaway will end at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, August 6th. Winner will be chosen at random and emailed Monday, August 8th.

Discolsure

2011-2012 Curriculum

It's that time again...  all the stores are over-run with frantic parents collecting the specific items on school supply lists.  Crayons, scissors, glue...  Honestly, I look at those items and smile.  That hustle and bustle of back-to-school isn't at issue. 

I'm joining in Heart of the Matter's "Not-So" Back-To-School BlogHop.  Today's topic is curriculum, and that's what has had me bogged down.  My three kiddos are all close in age - within 20 months.  A lot of their learning is done together, but when it comes to reading & math they are at various levels.  The predicament is striking a balance while allowing for each of their individual needs and varied learning styles, not to mention making sure there is enough of Momma to go around.  They are still young enough that they are limited as to how much work they are able to complete independently, so I'm pretty hands-on.

The list below reflects what I have planned to start the year.  Nothing is set in stone.  If changes are necessary, they will be made.  I'm sure I'll add to (great products I review as part of the TOS Crew) and take away from this list, and that too makes me smile.  Oh how I LOVE the luxury of wiggle room!

1st Grade
Horizons Math 1 (J is still finishing K Math - Book 2)
A Reason for Handwriting A
A Reason for Spelling A
Explode the Code 1, 2, 3 (C has already completed 1, so he should get to 4 this year.)
BOB Books, I Can Read 1-4, Ready2Read, You Can Read, leveled readers, etc.

Kindergarten
Letter of the Week and K4 Curriculum
Horizons Math K
A Reason for Handwriting K
Get Ready, Get Set, & Go for the Code

ALL
Bible - The Beginner's Bible, Character Study, and Scripture Memory
     ~Read various AiG books, MasterBooks, etc.

Geography/History/Science - Galloping the Globe
     ~Including the following supplemental materials:
     *Considering God's Creation - science lessons
     *Marvels of Creation - animal book series
     *Animal lapbooks
     *Beginning Geography (Evan Moor)
     *Missionary Stories with the Millers
     *Around the World in 100 Years - explorer studies
     *Literature/History Read-alouds from each country

Amanda Bennett Download N Go's

Co-op

Galloping the Globe
     *meet every two weeks with 2 other families
     *culminating activities for each country studied
     *planning 2 years to complete this curriculum

Five In A Row
     *completing Vol. 1 from last year, then beginning Vol. 2
     *multiple families meeting twice a month
     *culminating group activities for each book we "row"

CHIL
     *meets every Thursday afternoon
     *1st period:  History for Little Pilgrims
     *2nd period:  Human Body Systems
     *3rd period:  Music/Gym

Winnie-the-Pooh Book Club
     *meets 4 times throughout the year
     *activities & discussion of the A.A. Milne Classic Pooh books

  

SSMT Verse 15

I'm starting August out memorizing 2 Samuel 22:31:

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.

Hard to believe I'm already on my 15th verse with Beth Moore's Siesta's Scripture Memory Team!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal - Summer Slips Away

This week's events included…

• Funeral visitation for one of the greatest prayer warriors I've ever known.  Ms. Judy was such a special lady!
• A zoo trip with a friend of mine from college and her delightful daughter.
• We attended a park day with the new homeschool co-op we will be participating in this year.
• We visited Jane and Myles, so I could get my "baby fix."
• The kiddos played with Grandma & Grandpa while Jon and I attended an AWAA Board Meeting, shopped for baby shower supplies and a baby gift, and enjoyed lunch at Old Chicago Pizza.
• Visited Kentucky Aviation Museum.
• Baby Shower for lil' Myles.

In our homeschool this week…
Haha!  Teaser... we aren't starting officially until August 8th.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Planners get homeschool Moms all in a tizzy.  You have to find the absolute perfect, be-all-end-all planner for your homeschool.  Trust me, I've been looking for quite some time.  I have yet to find what I like, so I created my own.  I'm excited to give it a whirl and see if it truly meets my needs.  My advice is to create what you can't find.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

• Possibly another zoo trip.
• CHIL Teacher's Meeting/Park Play Day for kids
• HYPE Gym & Swim
• CHIL Kick-Off Picnic

My favorite thing this week was…
Mark and Jane's baby shower.  Words can't express how absolutely thrilled I am that Myles is here.  I LOVE seeing Jane's Proud Momma smile shine.  Not to mention Myles is super cute and fun to hold!

Questions/thoughts I have…
Is the summer truly slipping away?  If it will be cooler, I'm okay with that even though my homeschool plans are far from finished.

I’m reading…

Bible in 90 Days - I'm behind :(  I've got to buckle down and catch up.

I’m cooking…

not a thing.  Raw veggies have been a huge hit this week.  We've enjoyed zucchini, squash, red, yellow, & orange peppers, sugar snap peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, and radishes at most every evening meal.  Actually, I'm the only one who likes the radishes and that's ok.  More for me :)

I’m grateful for…
our incredible adoption agency America World.  We love supporting and serving on AWAA's behalf!  Looking forward to even more opportunities in the future.

A photo to share…

Our favorite photo op at the zoo!  A great day for the kiddos with their new friend!

Homeschool Magazine Freebie

Take a look at the brand new Summer digital edition of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine. TOS is offering this digital issue of the magazine totally free with no strings attached. Enjoy this free gift from TOS—no registration or email address required to view the magazine! Take a peek HERE. Then share the link with your friends by clicking on the share button at the top of the magazine pages.

Orphan Sunday Launch

Today, July 27, 2011, is the OFFICIAL launch date for Orphan Sunday 2011 which will be held November 6, 2011.  Today, all information on the website is complete and up to date.  I encourage everyone to spend some time navigating the website becoming familiar with all that is available - including this powerful 2 minute video.

Orphan Sunday 2011 from Christian Alliance for Orphans on Vimeo.

I encourage every church to host an Orphan Sunday event. For some, the word "EVENT" strikes fear, but please know that we don't consider an event only to be something huge and extravagant. An Orphan Sunday event at your church may be a small group of people getting together to pray, showing the video above in your church service, having a school supply or shoe drive for underprivileged children, making child sponsorship packets available, etc. There is NO RIGHT OR WRONG way to have an event and NO EVENT TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL. Orphan Sunday is quite simply a joint effort to raise awareness among churches for the need to act in obedience to God's command to DEFEND the cause of the fatherless! At least for ONE DAY, let us raise ONE VOICE for ONE PURPOSE!

Do you find your interest peaked or your heart stirred?  Are you convinced that an EVENT is doable?  If so, you are probably wondering where to start.  I point you to the EVENT IDEAS page.  You will find simple to elaborate real-life examples.  You will also be introduced to a brand new addition this year, Partnership Packages, which pair you with a trusted ministry to help you build an Orphan Sunday idea.  It's an event in a box so to speak, and you can rest assured that the Christian Alliance for Orphans partner that you choose will be totally devoted to the cause of the orphan.

Another section of the website, you will want to explore is the RESOURCES page.  There you will find FAQs, PSAs, videos, prayer and Bible study guides, sermon outlines, songs and hymns, PowerPoints, bulletin inserts, posters and flyers, web banners, and t-shirts.  You will most definitely find items of great use on this page! 

Also new for Orphan Sunday 2011, The Orphan's Table allows you the opportunity to partake in a typical orphan's meal.  Experiences are lasting and memorable! leave an imprint on the hearts of those involved in this meal as they pray for the orphans who barely survive on something similar.  This could be especially impacting paired with viewing the Live Event, a one-hour webcast connecting Christians worldwide in guided prayer for the most vulnerable and a time of worship led by Jon Egan of the Desperation Band.  The webcast will stream live on the Orphan Sunday website, November 6, 2011 at 6 PM Central Time.

I pray that you will approach your church leaders, Sunday School class, small group, women's ministry, etc. to get involved in Orphan Sunday.  Get an event planned.  If you need help, feel free to contact me, or find a coordinator in your area.  Then, be sure and get your event added to the MAP.  We want to feel the whole world with red pins.  I'm already so encouraged by the number of international events on the map... scroll down and read the list!  Kenya is on the ball!!!! God is sooo good!