Day 1: Virginia Air and Space Museum

I didn't count yesterday as "Day 1," since we spent the entire day in the car getting down here.  Traffic was terrible and that coupled with rain and extreme fog, made for an interesting all-day commute to Williamsburg,Virginia from Pennsylvania.  But, we arrived safely, so that is all that matters and were able to get some much needed rest for our first full day of "seeing the sights."  There is SO much to see and do around here, we won't possibly be able to see it all in the few days we will be here.  I guess that will be an incentive to come again.

Today, we visited the Virginia Air and Space Museum, which is the official visitor center of NASA's experimental facility at Langley and of Langley AFB.  Just that in itself is totally cool!  :-)

It is a completely hands-on facility where my kids were able to come face-to-face with the actual Apollo 12 Command Module (we couldn't believe that three grown men had to work, eat and sleep in that thing for 10 days!) that came back from the moon in 1969,

a moon rock

They were flight deck controllers

climbed aboard fighter jets

and "piloted" a DC-9.

They flew in a simulator

and our oldest enjoyed flying every type of simulator in the museum!

We took a 180-day journey to Mars

and I learned that I would only weigh about 6 pounds on Pluto!  Yay, Pluto!  And they don't even want you to be a planet anymore.  ;-)

It was a really fun day at the museum.  The kids (and the grownups) learned so much and had fun learning about it.  The best part was that the museum had reciprocity with a science museum to which we already hold a membership, so we didn't have to pay admission.  How great is that?!  I also took a visit into the Educator's Gallery.  To any of my teacher friends who are reading this, please contact me for information.  NASA offers limitless resources to teachers (including home-educators!!!).  I came home with amazing posters, lithographs, lesson plans, etc. for free!!  If I had more time, I would have been able to record space flights and documentaries from their extensive library, as well.  I plan on emailing them for even more resources.  It is all free through NASA's educational program.  Wow!  An awesome end to an awesome day!

Spreading Some Sunshine

Some extra sunshine came my way when I received this wonderful award from Judy at Judy H-J's Thoughts. Her blog is comprised of reflections of what life has been like since losing her identical twin.

This award is given to bloggers who "positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere." Thank you, Judy, for seeing this in my blog!

Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1) Thank the person who gave it to you
2) Answer the questions below
3) Pass the award to 10-12 fabulous bloggers, link their blogs and let them know you awarded them.

Here are my answers:

1) Favorite color: purple
2) Favorite animal- cat
3) Favorite number- 17. I never really had one until my kids told me I just "had to." lol I picked the day of my birth and it stuck. :-)
4) Favorite drink- Hot tea and now that it is getting cool, hot cocoa, as well.
5) Facebook or Twitter- I have a FB account, and have been lucky to reconnect with some old friends, but I am not on it very much.
6) My passion- being the best wife and mother that I can be, living a life that is pleasing to the Lord, taking photos of my kids and writing my blog.
7) Giving or getting presents- definitely giving!
8) Favorite day- Sunday-- the only day of the week that my husband is off from work and that we can spend as a family.
9) Favorite flowers- roses

Here are the 10 blogs that have brought sunshine into my life, through their inspiring posts and/or their kind comments:

1) Duggars Family Blog

2) Forever, for always, no matter what

3) Home with Purpose

4) Magnolia Lane

5) Mom's Mustard Seeds

6) Ordained Praise

7) Our Side of the Mountain

8) Slightly Nerdy Sometimes Cool

9) Our Good Life

10) Say What?

Flashback: Kiddo #2's Confirmation

On November 9th, our sweet Kiddo #2 made his Confirmation. 

For my non-Catholic friends, our Confirmations are a very special time for our young people.  They stand up, of their own free will, and declare that Jesus is their Lord and Savior.  They publicly proclaim their belief in Him and ask that, through the hands of the Bishop, that the Holy Spirit will come upon them.  They become "Soldiers for Christ!"  We are so proud of him! 

It was absolutely beautiful.  We had a wonderful time with our family and friends afterwards, enjoying good food and each other's company.  What a blessing!

We were also very blessed that my dad, who is a deacon in the church, was able to participate, in addition to our very dear friend who is a priest.  Kiddo #1 also assisted as an altar server.  We are so proud of him, as well, wanting to have a part in his brother's special day!

May God continue to bless all of our young people and may the Holy Spirit enkindle in them the fire of His love!

Prayer to the Holy Spirit (by St. Augustine)

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,

that my thoughts may all be holy

Act in me, O Holy Spirit,

that my work, too, may be holy

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,

to defend all this is holy

Guard me then, O Holy Spirit,

that I always may be holy.

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap Up- November 18

It has been a good week.  I know I must sound like a broken record each week when I say that I can't believe that Friday has come again....

In my life/homeschool this week:   On Monday, Kiddo #4 was very excited to get back at her sewing class.  The classes were cancelled for awhile because the shop had sustained serious damage from all of the floods we had here in PA.  Monday afternoon also saw all 4 kiddos have their music lessons.  Kiddos 2, 3 and 4 play piano and Kiddo 1 has taken up the guitar.

On Tuesday, we dug out a gift that one of the kiddos had gotten several years ago but never used.  It is called "Geo Safari Laptop."  There are quiz cards on anything from parts of speech to geography to history, and at all different grade levels.  The kiddos really enjoyed using it!  It is great that I see them now going to it and picking cards to do on their own.  Gotta love an "educational" toy like that!  :-)

Tuesday afternoon was homeschool bowling and kiddo#4 was excited to see 2 of her friends from family retreat.

Wednesday was some work on matching states with their abbreviations and making our own pizzas.  Kiddos 1 and 2 attended their first writing class.  It is being conducted by another homeschooling mom and is on "Writing through Literature."  They are going to be starting "A Christmas Carol" soon.   She says she can get even the most reluctant of writers to write!  :-)

Thursday morning had Kiddo #3 getting his birthday portraits taken (will hit double digits next month!) and continual work on U.S. geography.  Saxon Math and Bible studies of course are included each day, as well.  :-)

Friday is our "light" day.  We are looking forward to getting ready to go down to Williamsburg for Thanksgiving next week.  (Hopefully next week's post will be full of wonderful pics from down there!)

We have done Hershey the last few years, but because of everything that has been going on the last few weeks, I hadn't gotten the chance to make a reservation and when I phoned the other day, everything was completely booked!  But, we are really looking forward to seeing Busch Gardens decorated for Christmas and to having an authentic Thanksgiving dinner on the Jamestown Settlement.  We have several tours booked in Williamsburg.  One of them will be having the kids make colonial ornaments and another will have them drilling with the militia!  :-)  We were so blessed that the military base down there had a vacancy!  It makes things affordable (and doable!) for us when we can stay on a base, which is far cheaper than if we were to stay in a regular hotel.  We are so grateful that this option is made available to servicemembers and their families!  Because of this, we have been able to take our children on several getaways.  :-)

 

Today is the last day in voting for your favorite blogs.  If I could humbly ask for your support in the Favorite Homeschool Mom category and the Best Photos category.  I would be most appreciative!

What I'm reading: I am continuing to read 1 John with "The Good Morning Girls" and the book of Proverbs with "The Mom's Toolbox."

A quote, verse or photo to share: "Children learn by asking questions, not answering them." ~ Jan Hunt 

(Not Quite) Wordless Wednesday

Wanted to share a few photos from our church's family retreat that we just were on this weekend.  What an extraordinary experience!  We didn't want to come home.  :-)

Each family made a prayer box

Each family's room had an inspirational quote

Beautiful grounds for meditation and prayer

Games

Playing in the talent show

Family games

Fellowship

with new friends and old

special family time with our own families

and our church family

Remembering our Veterans- November 11, 2011

*In lieu of my regular "weekly wrap-up" post, I am writing instead this tribute to veterans.  We must never forget their sacrifices*

Veterans' Day is not just another day. Looking around, it seems like it, however. Many schools are open; people going about their regular routines. Do they realize that it is due to the sacrifices of those who have worn our nation's uniform that they can go about their daily lives freely and without fear? Do they realize that the principles upon which this nation was founded have been defended and fought for over the last 225 years?

If you are lucky enough to know a veteran, thank him or her not just today, but everyday.

I received the poem below in an email newsletter some time ago. It spoke volumes to me, not only as a soldier's wife, but as a patriot and as an American. I am proud beyond words of the veterans in my life. Their example has inspired me to be a better person, a better American. May God bless them always and the great nation they protect!


THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN


The Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass..

Step forward now, Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.


I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear..

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears


If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.


There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'


Author Unknown~

Below is a photo of my husband during his duty in Iraq.  I am so proud and humbled by his selfless service over the past 27 years.

Homeschool Blog Awards!

I was so honored that my little blog was nominated for "Favorite Homeschool Mom Blog" Award!  What an awesome surprise to wake up to this morning!  I am touched that I am in a category with such extraordinary blogs and bloggers.  Many of them I am honored to now call my friends and they have my utmost respect.

I would truly appreciate your support!  Click on the picture below to cast your vote.

Thanks so much and God bless!  :-)