Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Homeschooling Adventures

Wanted to teach the kids some U.S. geography...so they painted a map. Then we played a game where they had to find a state on a smaller map and run to this map and remember where it was and write the state's name on the right state. We aren't finished yet, the east coast is still waiting.


Kyler passing on the Rock Knowledge to his little brother

This was super fun. We have a Detective Lab Science kit where the kids learn all about the history and science of investigation. Today they had to look in the mirror and describe themselves, measure their arms, feet, etc...That's Josie's criminal face.
And the boys':

Missional Photography

I'm usually a blogger with lots of visual and little words...but I am branching out! I wanted to share some words with you because I have just had an experience that I am really excited about!

I had the pleasure of taking the Missional Photography class at Rock Harbor Christian Church in Costa Mesa for the last month. My bro-in-law, Ian, told me about it a few months ago and thought I'd be interested because his friend, Dane Sanders, was teaching it and he said it would be awesome.The final answer for me was that my friend and mentor, wedding photojournalist extraordinaire, Jared Wilson, emailed me the week before and said, "Tell me you're taking that class!!" (He lives in Denver, or he would have!)So that was my cue to go! Although I hadn't yet, Jared very well knew the names and works of the photographers teaching the class, Dane Sanders, Mike Colon and Jessica Claire. Three amazing and very well known wedding photographers.
Joey has encouraged me in my photogradventures since day zero and of course wanted me to go. He came home 2 1/2 hours early every week and stayed home with the kids so I could go to every class.I had no idea what to expect, but having a passion for photography and for missions, I went with eyes, ears and heart wide open.

Dane, Mike and Jessica all shared their experiences and expertise. From photos of their own mission trips to technical digital stuff, they gave us so much. And they were just so gracious. I mean, come on! These guys are the best (which by the way I figured out when I googled them all after class one night)and make buko bucks being creative and awesome and they spent four weeks answering the gooberiest of questions about photography...which by the way came a lot from me!!

This was exactly what I needed, further education in digital SLRs, but more importantly the purpose of the class, learning how to honor people's lives through photography. Through assignments of taking 100 shots a day and taking pictures of random strangers to tell their stories, something came alive in me. The thought that I can tell a story with no words, that I can capture the beauty in a child of God and give dignity and respect to a life that society doesn't think deserves it, fans a coal God lit inside of me long ago.

Because of this class, I met Cesar. In talking with him, I just felt his spirit radiate through his words. He actually wasn't making a lot of sense! But I so enjoyed our time together! I think this picture just says so much about his personality :)


Okay, and Mike Colon thought so, too ;)

I am wondering with excitement about where God will take me next in this area of my life!

Gerbera Daisy and Her Friends

This is a bouquet Joey gave me :) I love Gerbera Daisies...do you see her?


Noobie

This is our sweet dog, Noobie. His favorite thing to do is lounge around on the Wooly Booly, our comfy couch...





Sunday, April 13, 2008

Our Fun at the L.A. Arboretum

We had so much fun last Saturday. We went with our friends, Tony, Heather, Elodie, and Yael to the L.A. Arboretum. We had never been there and it was so cool!! Well, not the weather, it was 96 degrees that day :O But really, it was awesome. So relaxing and the kids were in heaven as you will see...

Friday, April 11, 2008

The Bike Ride Cousin Parade!

Nikki andI took the cousins...all nine of them on a bike ride. It actually went great!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Kyler and his Guitar

Kyler has been learning guitar. Joey has been teaching him and he has really picked it up fast! He is doing amazing. He always brings his guitar to church so that he can play whenever he gets the chance. Well, he got a call from Cindy Lou, one of the children's ministers, and she asked him to help lead worship this last Sunday! He played "Lord I Lift Your Name on High." Here he is!:

Saturday, April 5, 2008

A Day at the Park with Grandma and Papa

Grandma and Papa are just BIG KIDS! So they make for really fun play dates!
Josie and Ellie were playing Cheetah and ZookeeperAnd the kids were rolling down the hills!

Josie's and Ethan's Clubhouse

Josie and Ethan got creative one day with the wooden thingys we've had on the side of our house forever!

Cutie Pie Birthday Kids

Ethan and Ellie
6 and 3
Pirate and Elephant
Cute as can be

Our Fun Rollercoaster

Homeschooling has been a rollercoaster! And it probably always will be, but just recently, we've become a really fun rollercoaster as opposed to the crickety wooden ones that hurt your back. I have finally found some freedom in it, and it has been fun! I have decided to stop trying to do it the way I think it's supposed to be done... comparing myself to others etc.. and have tapped into what we feel is best for our family. Kyler is able to practice guitar and draw like a maniac, Josie is able to have horse lessons every week and really learn about animals, Ethan is able to...well...besides flipping his body through the air and nearing death through crazy stunts...just be a kid, learning through play. And Ellie is able to soak it all in...and just be cute! So, all in all, a really fun ride...although scary at times!