Let the Tutoring Begin

Our school is offering tutoring after school M&W.  I signed the kiddos up - I remember the Japanese family we hosted a while back.  They really take the kiddos education seriously.  My kids are not failing math - but really... can't they be doing better?  Sure they can... so - until they have "arrived" they will be going to school, after school.

They are not excited.

Thank you Northstar for offering this to us.

#642 Back of a Police Car

"Your Friend Calls to say she saw you in the back of a police car Yesterday. What happened?"

You know what?  If a friend asked me that recently - I would LAUGH OUT LOUD! Literally...  I wouldn't be surprised.

March 29 - a Saturday night - I was driving home from working at Casey's.  Late at night - it was dark.  I got pulled over by a police car.  Hmm....  It could be multiple things - as I was reading a text from my dear daughter and I had no idea how fast I was going.

It was neither - I had a bulb burned out on the license plate.  After not showing the kind police man my license and registration or insurance papers (as both papers were out of date, that were in the glove compartment), he gave me a verbal warning. I showed him my old ones and he scanned my name, and found me to be an upstanding citizen.  He took my word for it.  Plus they have it in the system that my insurance is up to date.  Whew...    I saw a man and woman walking straight lines on the highway after being released - I do believe they were on the look out for drunk or drugged drivers.  Me - I got nothing.  Whew!!

One week and a day later.  April  6, on my way to church no less... pulled over again, this time by a sheriff.  I was speeding.  "Did I know how fast I was going," he kindly asked?  Not a clue...  67 in a 55 zone.  Oh me... once again - no current papers to show the man - and this time - not even a valid driver's license as it was left as home.  He walks back to his car and I'm praying that the fine will not be $300 or even $500 as I've so recently heard others received.  Please, oh please, oh please..... 

Just a verbal warning and a thank you for wearing my seatbelt. 

WHAT IN THE WORLD!!?!!  Oh happy day - I sure did Praise the Lord on my way to church THAT week. 

So - if some one ever says they see me sitting in the back seat of a police car - I'd say, "Third times a charm."  HA!  AND... a few days later - A Wednesday I believe, I was driving Dani home from Softball practice.  That's right... I see lights in my rear view mirror.  Oh no... oh no, oh no...  Out loud I say, "Oh Dani - a 3rd time, I can't believe it."  I pull over - and a fire truck ZOOMS past.  "Oh it's a fire - praise the Lord."  HA!  Sound odd I'm sure - but I've never been so happy to see a fire truck. 

There is an inside story to all of this - that someday God will reveal.  He is faithful and just... helping me to see people's true colors in all this.  I am happy to say that I am walking with him and doing the best I know how with what he has given me.  Praise the LORD I've never been in the back of a police car - other then during a school field trip.  But by the grace of God. 

Friday - our last day here, 2013 Colorado trip

Today we set off towards Trap Lake.  When we head up into the mountians, I ride in the back cargo area of the suburban.  If we were in a car, would I end up in the trunk?  I don't know.  I don't like to get car sick.  If I sleep through the trip, tha seems to help.  So I missed seeing where the mud had recently been scrapped off of the road, due to a mud slide.  Mud slides are often a result after a fire.  Nothing holding that dirt in place.

So - we arrived at Trap lake and had to walk a long way to the fishing spot.  I wish I could show you photos of this amazing place.  One side of rhe lake buts riggt up to the side of a mountian, and the side of the mountian is full of stones.  Large, small and everything in between.  I believe it is the end result of a glacier.  Pushing southward, then stopping to rest on the side of this mountian, melting, leaving a hole, filling with water and leaving all these stones behind.  I may be wrong., but it makes for a good story.  It also makes for a difficult trip to ones fishing spot.  I had charged the batteries for the good camera.  They were still in Lovelamd, plugged into the wall.  I had left the tablet home to lighten the load.

Well the rocks were Tough travel. You will just have to believe me.   BUT worth it if you are doing the fishing.  6 fishers - getting their limit in around 3 hours.  Tori got the biggest.  A 2 pound trout.  Mansel caught the first.  Grandpa caught the last.  Milo caught the most at one time. . . Reeling in two fish at one time. 

Watch facebook for photos.  I have a few on my phone. 

We had a picnic lunch.  We headed to the vehicle a few at a time.  The speedy ones leave the others to straggle along.  Once again the slow ones got to see the fun stuff.  I heard a sound, turned to see if it were Grandpa - or a cow - LOL.  It was a moose.  Big as a horse, no antlers.  So don't ask for any more specifics.  I've got nothing for you.  Wayne was right behind me so I whispered, "Wayne. There is a moose."  We stood and watched it amble out of the woods, towards Aunt Karen.  Ha!!  We both pointed at it - so she kept on walking until she was no longer in it's path. And she stood by us and we watched it walk across the clearing into the woods on the other side. How exciting.  Wayne was thrilled.  It was neat to see. 

On the way home, we once again stopped at a shop.  Picked up some trinkets.  Utilized their clean flush toilets.  Oh happy day!!

Of course we ate trout for supper.  Tori cooked hers over an open fire and ate it all.  What fun.  The reat of us ate ours grilled. 

After supper Aunt Karen took us to a super neat ice cream place.  Chill, in Loveland, CO.  They use liquid nitro to freeze the ice cream - made to order. Delicious.

Then we packed our gear - getting ready for an early departure tomorrow.

I am refreshed. 

Respite - that is what this trip was all about.  Good conversation.  Helped me solidify some of my opinions.  Helped me see more clearly how our actions are shaping the children.  I have a tough job ahead of me, and appreciate all prayers said for me!! 

Thursday, 2013 Colorado Trip

Oops - I forgot to blog before I went to bed. Now I am awake at 2:30 a.m.  I'll blog now. 

We hiked up to Alberta Falls in Estes Park.

God's creation is beautiful.  It was a short hike.  We could do it in just a few hours.  We hiked up to the falls - one mile, which included some down hill hiking.  Then we hiked back, taking a different route, which included more down hill places.  I hope I don't lose my toe nails.  How long does that take to happen? 

Karen and I got to see a ptormiga.  It is a bird, about the size of a free range chicken.  We saw several, actually.  One mom with a few chicks.  We would spot these when we would see people photographing them.  I doubt I would have found any of them on my own, as they are not easy to spot.  They blend right in with the background. 

On the way back down from the falls, Aunt Karen pointed out to the kiddos where the youth group from her church used to stop and wade in the river and climb on rocks.  Wading in a river in Colorado  is similar to wading in a creek in Iowa.  Except it is much, much colder.  Tori mentioned it was like an ice bath after running in track. 

When we got to the vehicle - we saw lightening and decided to try to find a sheltered place for lunch.  We didn't really find one.  We stopped at two stores for the kids to shop at.  An Indian store.  The Indians happen to be manaquins who set on a bench on the porch.  The other was a Dam Store.  Not a typo.  One t-shirt for sale said, the store that allows children to cuss and not get in trouble.  I never saw the dam - but I bought 2 shirts there.  My mom mentioned to the kids that I sure wear a lot of Knoxcille Panther gear.  LOL So I added 2 Colorado shirts to the mix. 

While we were shopping it dropped 15 degrees, I bet.  I made sandwiches in the back of the suburban.  We ate in the vehicle in shifts while some were still shopping.

It was nap time for me when we arrived back to home base in Loveland.

Tori wanted to shop more, so she and Milo took off armed with the GPS.

After nap time, THEN I was ready for a Ticket To Ride game!!  I love that game.  Mansel, Danielle and I played.  (I won) 

Supper of hot dogs was delicious! 

The boys got haircuts or trims - then we retired.  What a fun filled day!!  :)

Fishing on Friday. 

Wednesday, 2013 Colorado Trip

Today was a biking day. 

Grandma and Grandpa borrowed two more bikes, thus ending up with enough bikes for all the kids and grandpa to ride bikes today.  They took a 6 mile trip to a park. Grandpa rode a bycicle built for two with Wayne.   Grandma and I then met them at the park and we had a picnic lunch. 

While at the park we played a little catch with a baseball.  Mansel, Wayne and Grandpa took turns hitting the ball and some of us chased and chased the ball around. 

They rode back toward home, and on the way stopped to swim in the Big Thompson river. 

I headed home and read some more.  What a relaxing day for me. 

We went to church tonight and ate supper with them at church.  Shepherd's pie.  I wonder which shepherd it belongs to?  It was delicious.

Church was good for me.  I plan to memorize James with my kid at home and in my Sunday School class this school year.  Well - my teacher talked about James tonight.  That was a blessing.

Church was good for the three youngest as well.  I had asked the kids this morning to serve someone today, but not tell anyone about it.  Tonight in their class, they learned about serving others using their individual talents.  In their class they made encouragement cards. 

After church was popcicle time.  Yum. . .

Tomorrow - hiking.  :)

Monday

Today I started the day by reading my bible outside.  They are having great weather here.
The grands took us to Chilson something or other.  It is like our Recreation Center in Knoxville, only 50 times bigger.   I played Pig in the water with Grandpa and the kids.  Grandpa lost.  Surprisingly enough - I kept getting lucky.  I bet he kept getting water in his eyes.   ;)  My mother can swim like a fish b.t.w.  I swam laps - only they were like 1/2 of what she was swimming, for 30 minutes.  If even that.  She swam for over an hour. 

Then we went to Kohls.  Dani couldn't find one shoe before we left.  So we thought we would buy her some new tennis shoes.  When I looked down at her feet - her current flip flops were too small.  Good thing she left her tennis shoes behind.  We got her size 3 shoes.  That would have been uncomfortable hiking in too small shoes. 

Then to Walmart. 

Then home for lunch.

Then Karen took some of us to a thrift store.  I got 3 books.  Surprise.  LOL. But - one of the most fun things of the day?  We went to Esh's.  Oh my goodness.  They sell groceries that are expired or damaged.  I bought the same exact brand of grapes before we left for $.99/ lb at Walmart.  They were on sale.  But at Esh's.  $.59/lb.  WOW!  I got a fun sort of k-cup.  The kids bought gum!!  :)  What a hilarious store.  My parents bought 4,751 boxes of cereal for this week.  CHEAP at Esh's.  (only a slight exageration). 

What a fun day.  While out and about - we found some statues to pose by. 

Home for grilled chicken for supper.  Once again outside.  It is beautiful here.  Did I mention that yet?  Absolutely beautiful. 

They kids are playing with Grandma's fiddle that we got her for Christmas from the Cracker Barrell.  That thing is hilarious.

Mansel has started rading Mr. Phill Robertson's book.  I hope he hurries up with it.  I want to read it too. 

And last, but not least, when ever we get a chance - someone is squeezing in a few hits of ping pong. 

Comparisons 2012 vs. 2013

I found the photo I took of the kids last year at the same spot.  WOW what a difference. 

New Favorite

I know I've shared this on FaceBook already - but this is my new favorite family photo!  Taken November 2012 for our next Church Directory.  I think I like it so much because in the midst of my family - I have peace, and joy, and can smile!  I hope you print this off and use it as a prayer card for 2013.

THE JOHNSTONS: 2012 in Review

The Johnstons

We didn't send out a Christmas card this year. (I don't remember the last year we did, actually).  I seem to get overwhelmed BEFORE Christmas... but look - we got a good family snapshot - so I'll share it with your AFTER Christmas.  This is a New Years Day Letter.  Maybe I'll start a new tradition.

This photo was taken at Grace Baptist Church, in Chariton, IA, on December 23, 2012.  I LOVE this church and my church family.  It's a wonderful thing.  So - I'll start on the left of the photo and work my way over.

1. Me, Jennifer - 42 years old, and I feel every bit of that age.  I've had a life changing year this year.  I went to some counseling at Freedom Ministries, in Illinois, in April of 2012. That was amazing stuff.  I really learned a lot about myself.  Since then I have been praying differently - really trying to hear what God is saying specifically to me.  I've tried to teach my children how to pray this way.  I think it has clicked with a few.  I need to be diligent with my spiritual training with them.  Keep on keeping on.  I've read amazing books this year.  Wow - I just can not express enough how God is working in my life.

Since I've learned something about myself... I've made changes.  I have sold my Scentsy business.  I LOVE Scentsy, still use it, plan on having a party in January, but I don't sell it anymore.  One reason is time - I am a full time home educator.  5 students.  Some require more of my time then others... but 5 - I needed more time to devote to them.  This is my true full time job.  Speaking of students... let's move on.  That will change the subject from all the other areas in my life that I still struggle with like my weight, my hair,  and time management.

2. Victoria - 17 years old.  This past year she ran in track for Knoxville High School, in Knoxville IA.  Indoor season, then out door season.  She had an eventful summer with a missions trip.  Working R.A.G.B.R.A.I..  Then Cross Country season started directly after that.  Now she's concentrating on school work until Indoor Track season starts up again.  She is in her junior year of high school. She doesn't require much attention from me for school - although I review her work, and am a sounding board.

She goes in to Knoxville High School every day to sing with the Concert Choir.  I love that for her.  I wish I could do it.  I live vicariously through her... singing and learning in that wonderful choir, under the direction of Mrs. Duffy.  It's amazing.

She still loves to fix her hair.  She is considering becoming a cosmetologist in the future.  One more year of school to get through, then she'll begin that journey.

3. Wayne - 7 years old.  He is a 1st grader.  He'd rather do anything but school.  He still says, "I can't read."  We are still working through that book "How to teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons."  Depends upon your child if it is easy or not.  Still plugging away.  He would rather do math.  He would really rather play outside.  Or wrestle.  He is going to wrestling practice once a week, and entering some wrestling tournaments and drags his dad along.  Wait... that may be the other way around.

4. Milo - 11 years old.  Milo is a collector.  One thing he collects is pocket knives.  He may expand.  He asked for a hatchet yesterday.  I said, "I'll let you buy that when you are with your dad."  Oh my... boys.  I didn't have any brothers - and I'm not a boy... so I do a lot of reading about them.  He is doing well with his piano lessons - THAT I know about.  I hope he never quits.  I love listening to him practice the piano.  He is in 5th grade this school year.  We are learning in history about the Romans right now.  From Rome to the Reformation is the time period we will cover this year, and we are using the My Father's World curriculum.  Interesting stuff.  I can't wait to get back to it... one more week of break, then back at it for a while.
 
5. Mansel - 13 years old.  He is my busiest child.  Always involved in something.  7th grade is the year I have them try every sport because it's free through the public school.  He went out for football for the first time this fall, and cross country as well.  He didn't run at every meet, but did make it to 3.  He improved in football a lot.  Going from "yard football" in knowledge to starting on the offensive line the last game to cover for a starter who got injured.  That was a fun experience.  Now he is wrestling for the Knoxville Middle School team, which he knows, as he has wrestled since he was in Kindergarten.  He needs to know more.  He is a big 7th grader, so he wrestles the more experienced 8th graders often times.  Next sport.  Track, then baseball... fun year.  He is going through the Further Up, Further In, Narnia unit study for school this year.  Reading is right up his alley... he has read these books over and over again. I need to have him help me organize the book shelves in the Den with me, so he can "discover" some new reading material. Avid reader - praise the Lord for that.

6. Danielle - 9 years old.  We call her Dani most times.  Which only gets confusing when we go home to Dan's house - and they still call him Danny.  He's a grown up at our house and at work and church, where he gets called Dan.  Anyway... Dani loves life.  And most of the time it loves her back.  She is a sensitive little girl... figuring her way around in this family.  As a 3rd grader she is in her 2nd year of Patch the Pirate Club at church.  She LOVES to get the drama parts which are offered each month... sometimes she will memorize a part ahead of time and ASK for it.  She likes that attention.  So she has a good mind, and is a hard worker.  She likes hanging out with her friends from the Heritage Home Educators (HHE) co-ops that we are a part of this year.   I can't wait for her to get into 7th grade.  She's going to be a runner as well...  that is my favorite type of sport to watch; cross country and track and field.

7. Dan - last but not least... the Patriarch of our family.  He still works at Pella Corporation - which has down sized quit a bit in the past few years, but he keeps having a job to go to.  For THAT I am grateful.  It pays the bills, and a few extras, like wrestling club.  He is taking Wayne and Mansel to wrestling practices once a week, then to as many tournaments as he can afford.  He is the manager of our yard, keeping the swimming pool clean for the kiddos in the summer, mowing the grass.  Cutting the wood that we burn for heat in the winter.  I sit here in a cozy home while it's in the single digits outside... not worrying about the heat bit one bit.  And our cars are usually purring like cats all the time.  One has a broken mirror right now - but that's due to icy roads and inexperienced drivers, not low maintenance.  He'll get that fixed before long - and all will be right with the world.

I appreciate you staying and reading about our family.  If you would - you could use this as a prayer list, and pray for us as often as the Holy Spirit brings us to your mind.  Ahead of us are times of great spiritual growth, and educational milestones that need to be met.  Character training is a constant thing around here.  Pray that I have the wisdom I need to keep these kids feet on the path of Holiness. That's my plea... you may need to call Dan, and see how he wants you to pray.

Thank you for all you do for our family.  Some donate time, money, most pray - and some I'll never know.  Thank You, Thank You, as I can't walk this journey alone!

2012 Christmas Tree

This year, Milo started the decorating process.  He drug the tree and decorations up from the basement.  Most of the set up and decorating was done by the 3 littles, with a bit of help from mom.  I am so glad they like to help with this.  Actually, I am glad I didn't pass my disdain for decorating on to them.  I rejoiced with them and gave them free reign.  They really like being in control. 

And look - it didn't turn out so bad. 

Little League

We have 3 players this year. Danielle is the newest. She is playing softball.



She loves it. Go Mariners!

Milo is a rookie - the Mets.





Mansel is in the major league this year. Rockies rule!




Soon it will all be over and we won't know what to do with all our time.

posted from Bloggeroid

H.H.E. Field Trip to Fire Department

After our trip to the Knoxville Police Station we walked across the street as a group and took a tour of the Knoxville City Fire & Rescue Department. 

We got to meet a paramedic and she explained some of her uniform and how the volunteer system works.  They carry pagers around with them and they have certain tones for certain volunteers.  She opened up an ambulance and let the kids wander through it and ask questions.

A fireman explained his uniform to the kids as he put it on.  There was good discussion about fires and fire safety and plans for what to do if there is a fire at your house.  We came home that night and discussed again what our family would do and where we would meet if there were a fire here.  I love field trips, they usually trigger great conversation later.

Once they get the uniform on it's very different looking.  For short people it could be scary.  The oxygen tank makes lots of noise and beeps. So this fire fighter got down on their level and they pretended what to do if there were in a burning house and they saw a fire man. I had Wayne and Danielle go up and touch him.  You are to go TOWARD the fire fight, not under your bed and AWAY from the firefighter.  In the fire station is a great place to become familiar with a fire fighter.  Lets just hope we never have to meet one in our own home.

They got to climb in on and around a fire truck as well. 

I think Tori even looks interested... maybe. 

Thank you Knoxville Fire & Rescue Department for the great field trip! 

H.H.E. Field Trip to Police Station

Our Home Education Co-op has a great field trip system set up.  They schedule a field trip about once a month, and we usually try to attend.  In January we went to the police station.  Police Chief

Daniel Losada, (also knows as the juggling police man)  did a superb job of giving us a tour of the facilities, explaining his uniform, showing us his vehicles, and answering all our questions.

In the 2nd photo he is working his way around his belt that he puts on each morning for work.  When he puts that on, he adds 22 pounds to carry around all day long.  He passed around some handcuffs for the kids to hold and feel.  He explained his taser.  Wow.  It was a good visual for us to talk about later... why would anyone ever want to be a criminal and on the wrong side of the law?

The chief took us out side after a tour of the building and let us look at a patrol car.

He talked about the lights.  The RADAR system.  I learned that they have antennae on the front AND the back, so once you pass the parked car you should NOT stomp on the gas and feel safe, because he can still record your speed even as you are pulling away from him.  Pays to go on field trips.  I learned a lot.

Tori learned what is was like to be in the back seat of a patrol car.  Not too comfortable.  Plastic windows back there so one couldn't spit on the patrolman if they felt the need to.  Not too much leg room back their either.    The city of Knoxville does have a neat ride along program that the kids can do, sort of an abbreviated apprenticeship, if they would like to see what a patrolman does while on duty. 

Chief Losada really got up close and personal with the kids.  Here is a photo of Milo in the front seat of the patrol car learning all about the lights and sirens.  How COOL is that?

So we all gathered around for a photo op. 

Thanks Chief Losada!  Our family enjoyed the field trip to the Knoxville City Police Station.

Early Morning Skating

WHO Van & Bonnie's Early morning talk show hosted a free skate at the Brenton Skate Park in downtown Des Moines.  I must have been nervous -- because they weren't moving that fast just sitting there. 

The kids and I went.  Wayne & Danielle got to stand close to them.

Bonnie is just as pretty in real life as she sounds on the radio.  She gave me a beautiful smile as I snapped her photo. 

We got early - early for us... 5:30 AM, but not as early as they did... they have a 4:59 club, which I'll probably never be a member of.

We left the house at 6:20 and got to the park at 7:17... not bad time.

Then we skated.  FUN was had by all.

Milo.  Milo was videotaped and got on the 5:00 evening news for about 3 seconds.  They showed him getting up off of the ice.  Apparently he fell down. 

Tori and some friends we found up there.  2 other home school families that we know also listen to WHO News Radio.  They took advantage of the free skate.  It's always fun to have friends around - no matter what you are doing.  See the pretty bridge in the back ground... and the fog. 

Dani had FUN!!  Not too much snow on her pants... when she fell she got RIGHT BACK UP!  It wasn't so crowded that the beginners couldn't hang on to the railing if they wanted to.  Worked great for Wayne and Danielle. 

Milo and Wayne hung out together some.

Another WHO listener saw me taking pictures and she offered to take one of me... so I let her.  I'm so glad I did.  The lighting is flattering. 

Mansel skated full speed the whole time.  He's just a blur in all the pictures.  What a pretty shot of the neat buildings around the rink.  This is where we got our skates and our free breakfast they provided.

THANKS WHO and VAN & BONNIE!  We enjoyed our time with you.

Danielle's 6th Birthday

Danielle turned 6 this year... so you know what THAT means.  She got to have a friends party.  Really crazy -- when I started that rule, I had like 1 kid.  So I never dreamed we'd have a kids party at our house only 2 weeks apart... but that's is what happens when one turns 10 on 08/31 and one turns 6 on 09/15.  THAT my friend is 2 weeks apart.  That is why I haven't blogged about it yet... I'm just now recovering from that much activity in such a short time.  LOL  

They DIDN'T even attempt to swim in September... the water was COLD... so they just ate ice cream cake instead.  LOL  She wanted Subways from Subway - of course, and a DQ Ice cream cake.  A totally CHOCOLATE ice cream cake.  That's my girl... it was delicious.   We normally do a normal home made cake, like you saw that Milo's was.  But for friends parties... we splurge.  In only do them when they are 6, 10 and 16... so you know... that's spread apart... right?  :sigh:  Just about broke the bank... but that's ok... how often do we have a friends party anyway?  I've already figured that the next one will be in 2 years... when Wayne turns 6... then 4 months later when Milo turns 10.  LOL  Look at that... 2 more again in the same year... at least it won't be 2 weeks apart.  Oh wait... 2 more years... Tori will turn 16... in August.  June, Aug., and October... friends parties.  I'd better start saving NOW.  

WHO THOUGHT OF THIS RULE ANYWAY??  Me...

But you know what?  All I have to do is look at that grin on that little girl's face up above and it's all worth it.  Right?  Right.  

Danielle likes to entertain us.

Danielle and the tunnel from Jennifer J. on Vimeo.



Does she entertain you as well?  

Hair Cuts

My girls got hair cuts.

Dani was the first. She has been begging to have her hair cut like Fran's -- the organist at our church. So -- I did it. I googled "how to cut short hair." Found the word pixie... and then went from there. Apparently Pixie is what it has been called for a while... a friend from church said her mother gave her a Pixie hair cut and she didn't much like being called a "young man."

When I asked Dani about that she said, "I don't care -- I like short hair." We need to call her Danielle to strangers... because if she is wearing her soccer gear and this pixie do... it's hard to tell sometimes.

To me her face is so beautiful, that I would never confuse the issue... but I'm her mommy! Ü

Then there is Tori -- she saw Dani's cute cut... she wanted one too. So -- her long locks are long gone, and she's a pixie too. I really like it. Much faster to get "done".

Here Tori, Milo and Mansel are pictured wearing their dad's old High School t-shirts and jersies. #34!! Go Chargers!!

Tomorrow -- you can see the video of the 1989 CHS Football team being honored at the 2009 Homecoming Assembly in Chariton. Pretty neat.

What are Grandmothers Good For?

Snuggling!! Exactly.

Look at Danielle's face... pure happiness!

Thanks Mom for loving the kiddos!