Trevor goes to college

Actually it was one better than that. He went to Grad School.



Virginia Tech is sponsoring a semester-long program to get kids ages 8-12 interested in science and technology. It's the first of its kind anywhere, and the 450 slots were filled within three days.

Today's topic, held in the largest lecture hall on campus, was presented by Stanford University's Dr. Keith Devlin. Some people might know him as the Math Guy from NPR (whatever NPR is, haha).

Zoology? No.
Biology? No.
Try math--very cool!

The students were grouped in tens, and Trev's group was seated in the second row of the hall. There was only one other boy in the group--who likes Legos, Star Wars, Lego Star Wars, and --incredibly-- also homeschools. We ate lunch together and enjoyed getting to know each other.

"Wow! That's my favorite thing too!"

(Noteworthy, as we haven't seen snow like this in a year . . . or more!)

The classroom (and the entire school) was a sea of maroon and orange. Hokie Birds were everywhere. The boys were drawn to this one because . . .

It was covered in LEGOS!

They even both had their DS's in their cars and had a chance to play together.

Two peas in a pod

In the afternoon session, the kids went to a giant computer lab where they did some crazy things like type in number patterns to form 3-D figures on the screens and move them around. Something mathy, something sciency, something way over my head.

I started talking to another mom who was waiting for her child and couldn't believe it when she said she ALSO homeschools. (This is only the second mom I've talked to all day, so I was two for two. :)

At the end of the session, we were again with Trevor's friend and his parents and began chatting with a school police officer--and, no kidding, found out that he and his wife also homeschool. A VERY weird day for all that to happen.

And a very fun day. It was well done, and we are both looking forward to the next session. And seriously, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to plant a few seeds in Trev's head now--a visit to a college campus, math, science, computers . . .

Before and after

I posted recently that a SMALL house project was in the works. It started out as practically nothing. I wanted mosaic tile just between my sink backsplash and window, 2" high and 3' wide. (I wanted one in my old house too, but we never put anything up.) The water splashes up there a lot, and I knew it would start making the white wall look bad.



While I just wanted the tile only between the window and the sink, Robert thought it would look good all the way around the kitchen, two rows of accent tile. So he put up two rows of tile above the backsplash, and it did look good. It looked so good that we thought maybe we should try it all the way up.


We were a litle concerned that it might be too dark, but now that it's up, I don't think that at all. We already have a lot of light coming into the kitchen, and I really like the dark tile instead of the white wall. The kitchen looks out into the dining area and living room, and this helps to set it apart a little bit too.

I love doing things to make a house OURS, and I think I've started something. Within a few days of the tile going up, we laid out masking tape on our bathroom floor, thinking about how we might use that space a little better.... But that's just wishful thinking. Any bathroom work is a definitely a looooong way off. :)

Book Review --Calvary Chapel Distinctives: The Foundational Principles of the Calvary Chapel Movement by Chuck Smith

Chuck Smith began the Calvary Chapel movement in Southern California back in the '60s. He wrote this book detailing what makes Calvary Chapel different. (Let me be clear that all Calvarys are not identical, and nor are Calvarys unique. Calvary shares many practices and beliefs with other churches.) While Calvary Chapel is not a denomination, they are a loosely affiliated fellowship of churches.

I originally found the book's text online in its entirety. I really wanted to read it, but it was difficult on my computer, scrolling through a few pages night after night. I also wanted to share it with Robert. I buy as few books as possible, but I wanted a copy of this for my own.

The chapters cover topics relevant to Calvary Chapels: God's Model for the Church (Book of Acts); Church Government (leadership); Building the Church God's Way (no membership, lack of "programs"); Striking the Balance (Arminism v. Calvinism); etc. There are brief descriptions of CC's history woven throughout, which I enjoyed.

It was a great book for me to read, and my husband is now taking his time through it. While I'm familiar with Calvary practices, I didn't know the purpose behind some, and I also have better insight into other areas that I hadn't given previous thought. This was an excellent and informative read--but only to someone who attends CC or has a strong desire to learn more.

What's up with this?

Friday, 8:30 a.m.

18 cars in the DQ parking lot.

There's even a line at the drive-thru.

This is a common sight, whether it's a weekday morning or Saturday morning. The place is packed, busier than any other time I've ever seen it. And it's not the only breakfast place in town; there's also Bojangles, McDonald's, and Burger King.

I've always wondered. I'd stop in sometime, but I don't think Blizzards on are the breakfast menu.

Weekly Menu

Dad's choice--spaghetti and meatballs, Caesar salad
chicken jerusalem, rice, corn
Western sandwiches
Dad's choice
French Onion Soup, bread, salad
Laura's Hearty Penne Beef (hopefully this week!)
chicken Caesar salad, cream cheese stuffed jalapenos, sweet and sour meatballs?, potato nests

Lunch (with or for):
filet o'fish sandwiches
smoothies
grilled PB&J
parmesan pesto things
tortilla rollups w/meat, lettuce, tomato, dressing

On the back burner:
Renita's Funnel Cakes!!!
chicken fajitas
Laura S.'s chicken pot pie (when I'm feeling particularly brave)
meatloaf (ground beef in freezer)
Orange Chicken (found on Heather's blog)
hot dog ideas from SHS! (link only available to SHS members)
BLTs
pork tenderloin (in freezer)
chicken mango sausage (in freezer), and rice and beans
pork chops (in freezer)
Greek soup

Book Review -- Christian Writers' Market Guide '09 by Sally E. Stuart

Publisher's blurb for this book:
------------------------------

For 24 years running, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has remained the most comprehensive, complete, essential, and highly-recommended resource for beginning and veteran Christian writers, agents, editors, publishers, publicists, and those teaching writing classes. This year’s Guide is even handier with a CD-ROM included that features the full text of the book for easy searches of topics, publishers, and markets, as well as 100 pages of exclusive content including indexes and writing resource listings. This is the resource you need to get noticed—and published.

Completely updated and revised to feature the latest on:

• more than 1,200 markets for the written word
• 416 book publishers (32 new)
• 654 periodicals (52 new)
• 96 literary agents
• 100 new listings in Resources for writers
• 226 poetry markets
• 316 photography markets
• 25 African-American markets
• and 166 contests (29 new)

Sally E. Stuart is the author of thirty-six books and has sold more than one thousand articles and columns. Her long-term involvement with the Christian Writers’ Market Guide as well as her marketing columns for the Christian Communicator, Oregon Christian Writers, and The Advanced Christian Writer, make her a sought-after speaker and a leading authority on Christian markets and the business of writing. Stuart is the mother of three and grandmother of eight and lives near Portland, Oregon.

------------------------
(And no, I didn't read this. It's a freebie provided by the publisher for doing the review. But I flipped through it, and it looks very helpful, comprehensive, if you are hoping to market your writing.)

What the dog dragged in

I let Lucky run free this afternoon, something I usually don't do.



He happily returned 40 minutes later, carrying home this bone.

I don't even WANT to know, but I can guess it's not from anyone's garbage.

Ugh.

Weekly Menu

breakfast (this is such a cheap dinner!)
pizza
giant burritos
Dad's choice
Laura's Hearty Penne Beef (thanks, Heather, for the recommendation!)
???
French Onion Soup

Lunch (with or for):
smoothies
grilled PB&J
Linda's Marinated Mozzarella
parmesan pesto things
tortilla rollups w/meat, lettuce, tomato, dressing

On the back burner:
pork loin
Renita's Funnel Cakes!!!
chicken fajitas
meatloaf
Rocky Mountain Salad
Laura S.'s chicken pot pie (when I'm feeling particularly brave)
anything with ground beef, I have a LOT of it
Orange Chicken (found on Heather's blog)
hot dog ideas from SHS! (link only available to SHS members)
BLTs

Trevor

Trevor was sent to his room tonight. Within five minutes, he was downstairs, hoping to convince me he'd been upstairs a v-e-r-y loooooooooonnnnnnnggggg time.

Love the soapsud beard and cane

I'll probably be sorry later, but it was totally hilarious.

Sunday in bits and pieces

Emotional time at church today. Our assistant pastor has been hospitalized for the past ten days with bleeding in his brain. It was very serious, and it's expected he'll be released tomorrow. Today, up with the worship team, his 17yodd was singing her heart out to Jesus. Amazing testimony on so many levels . . . I couldn't help but cry. What an awesome God we serve.

* * *

Afterwards we had a family fellowship bbq. We've had a run of single digit temps earlier this week, so only the bbqing was done outdoors. :)

Does he need more food? Another plate?
(Maybe he's just looking for me!)

I'm finally beginning to feel a little better, and it was very nice to relax with friends this afternoon.

* * *

Robert shot this frozen waterfall pic on our way home.

* * *

After we came home, I tagged along with Rob and Trev down to the creek, which marks our property line. I haven't been back here in months.

* * *

This is what's left of a cabin right next to our property line. Years ago, the land used to be part of a dairy, and was parceled out 15 years ago. There's another cabin (still standing) halfway up our road. We don't know who lived in either one, but we've heard stories. It kind of creeped Holly and me out last year, but we've gotten used to it. I'd guess there are more scattered back in here; they're not easy to spot unless you practically stumble upon them.

* * *

Tomorrow wraps up a four day weekend. Friday marked the Virginia state holiday Lee-Jackson Day, which commemorates Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson. While I appreciate that it's a paid holiday for me, it must be one of the oddest holidays ever. But it's not as odd as Lee-Jackson-King Day--from 1983 to 2000, Virginia combined Lee-Jackson Day and Martin Luther King Day, celebrating them simultaneously. I don't even know WHAT to say to that.

* * *

We're behind one day in school. If I call a school holiday tomorrow, does that even things out? Or make us two days behind?

Six steps to successful worm dissection

1. Make sure everyone's done eating.

Trust me on this.

2. One cheerful Mom.

What FUN we'll have today!

3. One unenthusiastic Dad.

Yippee.

4. One reluctant daughter reads partial directions to Dad.

"Our butter knives are sharper than this."

4a. Daughter quickly flees, and Dad figures his job is done.

"Formaldehyde GROSSES me out."
(Not to mention 10-inch long dead worms, I'm sure.)

5. Add in one eager younger brother.

Trevor can't wait to dig in.

6. SUCCESS!!!

"Mom, can *I* do this science next year?!"

Oh sure. We can't wait.


Thankfully, dissections are done for this year.

Sneak preview

We've been in this house for a year and a half. We've moved the washer/dryer to the basement, replaced a light fixture, and replaced a sink faucet. I can't believe we've gone this long without really doing anything.

Even Holly is complaining that the walls are too white, this place is too bare.

I can't stand another day of it.



SO a decorating project is in the works. It's already grown considerably than the initial plan, and I can't wait to post pictures when it's all done.

I get giddy just thinking about it!

Book Review - Look Me in the Eye: My Life With Asperger's by John Elder Robison

I admit, I judged this book by its cover photo and almost couldn't not read it. John Robinson writes of his life with Asperger's syndrome, his unusual childhood behaviors not helped by his wildly dysfunctional family life. Eventually dropping out of school, he finds himself designing guitars for (the rock band) KISS, and later lands a position as an R&D toy engineer with Milton Bradley. Unhappily climbing the management ladder, John quits corporate life and begins his own auto restoration company, which he continues to run today.

John was somewhat familiar to me--I couldn't help but think of the many engineers I've worked with to recognize many of their often quirky traits as similar to the author's. (Given the choice, I'd choose engineers over attorneys any day.)

There are a few passages that make it inappropriate reading material for teenagers; however, the author has taken note of that and rewritten those in the newest paperback edition. I liked the book. It was a sometimes sad, very honest story of trying to fit in, and finding one's own place in life. It will stick with me for awhile.

Road Kill

This news article has done nothing to ease my fears on hitting a deer. Last year was the third year in a row that VDOT removed over 1000 dead deer from county roads, that's just on MY county roads.

* * *

This post sat at my computer all day, unfinished. I didn't know what else to add. It finally dawned on me that, while over 1000 deer died, I don't think one person died hitting a deer. (And even if one did, at least the odds are on my side.)

I'm actually feeling better now.

Weekly Menu

A little late. I've had a killer sore throat and no voice. Surely it's something like strep and I'm infecting everyone within two miles of me.

* * *

red Beans and rice, bbq sausage, salad
YOYO
breakfast
Robert's Beef Noodle Soup
Shredded Beef Tacos
Crispy Parmesan Chicken, Creamy Orange Jello Salad, green salad
YOYO

Lunch (with or for):
smoothies
grilled PB&J
Linda's Marinated Mozzarella
parmesan pesto things
tortilla rollups w/meat, lettuce, tomato, dressing

On the back burner:
pork loin
Renita's Funnel Cakes!!!
chicken fajitas
meatloaf
French Onion Soup
Rocky Mountain Salad
Laura S.'s chicken pot pie (when I'm feeling particularly brave)
anything with ground beef, I have a LOT of it
Orange Chicken (found on Heather's blog)
hot dog ideas from SHS! (link only available to SHS members)
BLTs

How I stalked Jerry Jenkins

Reviewing Tim LaHaye's book again brought to mind the day that I stalked Jerry Jenkins. Along with LaHaye, Jenkins is the co-author of the wildly popular Left Behind series. Jenkins lives in Colorado Springs, and we've even stumbled upon him at a book signing in Sam's Club.

At the time, Robert was reading the adult Left Behind books, and Holly was reading the children's series. Because I clearly had too much time on my hands, I wondered where exactly Jenkins lived and easily found his home address. (Honestly, you can find just about anything on the internet.) Oh, he was quite close to where Holly used to go riding, and we decided to use that as an opportunity to "drive past" his house.

Armed with my directions, I made my way down various streets (which happened to turn into dirt roads). I finally found HIS street and turned into it. It quite literally was HIS street--a small, dead end, his was the only house on the "street." As Holly, Trevor and I turned around in the dead end, trying to get a glimpse of the house, a pick up truck came flying down the driveway.

Both kids ducked down in the back seat.

The man driving the truck got a good look at us--er, at me. Why on earth would a mini-van mom be driving down this little road? Fortunately, I was also able to get a good look at him--and it wasn't Jerry. Mortified at having been caught, I meekly drove away. It was all quite anti-climatic but one of those days you never forget.

Although it was definitely his house. I can find a photo of that too on the internet, and I even see the same truck parked in the driveway.

Which reminds me. Author David Baldacci lives nearby. When If I check out his house, I'll be sure to post it here.

I'm not a stalker. Really.

Book Review -- My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq by Ariel Sabar

I am drawn to books of different cultures. There are several storylines woven throughout this book; I'm afraid I'll do each one a terrible injustice here.

There's the obvious--author Sabar details the life of his father. Yona grew up in the small town of Zakho, Iraq, moving as a boy to Israel in the 1950s shortly after it became a state. Yona eventually earns a scholarship to Yale and becomes a professor at UCLA. Sabar is ashamed of his odd, foreign father and does all that he can to separate from him.

A portion of the book opened my eyes to the trials faced by the Jews migrating to the new Israel. It's a period of history to which I've never given much thought. The state was ill-prepared for an influx of several hundred thousand Jews within its first few years of existence. Instead of the Promised Land, the people lived in tent cities, faced many prejudices, and mourned the lives they'd left behind (or been forced to leave).

And this is a fascinating tale of the 3000 year old Aramaic language, the native language of Jesus. Thought to be virtually extinct in the 1900s, it was the language spoken by the Jews in Zakho--the first language of Yona, and the language upon which he built his academic career.

These three stories tie this book together in one sweeping epic, and one son's search for himself and for the father he never really knew.

Very definitely recommended.

Book Review -- Revelation Unveiled by Tim LaHaye

Originally titled Revelation Illustrated and Made Plain, this is a verse by verse commentary of the Book of Revelation. It was particularly interesting to me, as we are working our way through Revelation in church.

I found the book easy to understand and Biblically sound. LaHaye will often detail different interpretations and then explain what he believes and why. Overall, a good book, although I prefer my pastor's teaching. ;)

Book Review -- Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

This book was recommended reading in Leonard Sax's Boys Adrift, which I reviewed last year. I've checked it out several times over the past year. It's a great book, causing me to pause and think about how much time my kid (because it makes me think of Trevor more than Holly) spends plugged in. In fact, it's hit me a little too close to home, and although I raced through the first 2/3 of the book, I've stalled on the last 1/3. But the fault doesn't lie within the book.

Basically: our kids are the first generation to have so little contact with the outdoors.

In addition to a LOT of thought-provoking reading, I appreciate that the author shares dozens of different ways to plug your kids (MY kids) into nature. I really need to stop being so lazy, to do more than just read about the advantages. And I need to re-read this book again and again. I need all the encouragement I can get.

Definitely recommended.

Book Review --Capturing the Light by Peter Watson

Ooh, this is a lovely landscape photography book. The author/photographer critiques his own landscape photography. Each two paged spread includes a half page of personal narrative about the photograph, where it was taken, what he was hoping for. A thumbnail of the photo is included, with detailed info such as filters, and his likes/dislikes about the scenery. The facing page shows the photograph full sized.

I liked the personal side to his writing. I enjoyed following the author on his travels, as most of his photos were from the British Isles, Maine and Australia. I appreciated the simplicity of his instructions; he makes me believe I could take photos like this. And ever since I began reading it, I've been scoping out vantage points for snapping shots--in my spare time (haha).

If you have a thing for landscape photography, I recommend this book.

Book Review -- Discipleship Journal

Okay, this is not a book but a really great magazine! I found it at my library, and I was skeptical at first. Just the name made me wonder if it was an LDS or Jehovah's Witness magazine. I was very surprised to see that it's put out by NavPress in Colorado Springs. We know The Navigators well.

Funny how I was not aware of this magazine when we were living there. I like it much better than the popular Christianity Today. I have found the articles in DJ consistently interesting AND relevant. I even enjoyed reading the ads--and that's something you never hear *me* say.

Discipleship Journal--check it out at your library.

Weekly Menu

Dad's choice
ham, baked potatoes, Caesar salad
grilled cheese sandwiches, soup
Dad's choice
BLTs??
breakfast
tacos

Lunch (with or for):
smoothies
grilled PB&J
Linda's Marinated Mozzarella
parmesan pesto things
tortilla rollups w/meat, lettuce, tomato, dressing

On the back burner:
pork loin
Renita's Funnel Cakes!!!
chicken fajitas
meatloaf
Rocky Mountain Salad
Laura S.'s chicken pot pie (when I'm feeling particularly brave)
anything with ground beef, I have a LOT of it
Orange Chicken (found on Heather's blog)
hot dog ideas from SHS! (link only available to SHS members)

True confessions

We pulled our stove out last night. It's the first time in about a year and a half, and we were prepared to be totally grossed out.



Instead, I was totally amazed that it looked this good!

Que Pasa?

1. Why is it that you can take your kids to a Mexican restaurant...



...and the kid who will usually eat anything orders chicken nuggets and french fries?



* * *

2. Why is it that you can go to a store in Southern Virginia...


...and the signs are in Spanish?

Recipe - Muffuletta

MUFFULETTA

10" round Italian bread loaf, 16 oz.
2 c. Olive Salad (recipe follows)
1/2 lb. sliced hard salami
1/2 lb. sliced cooked ham
6 slices Swiss cheese
6 slices provolone cheese

Cut bread in half horizontally. Spoon 1 c. Olive Salad onto bottom of bread shell; top with meat and cheese, and remaining 1 c. Olive Salad. Cover with bread top, press gently. Wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight, so salad soaks into the bread a little. Cut into wedges, or crosswise.

OLIVE SALAD


1 qt. jar mixed pickled vegetables (look for ones that contain cauliflower, onions, carrots, peppers and celery; I could find only a Vlasic brand with the main ingredient of cucumber, which was also fine)
1 red onion, quartered
16 oz. jar pitted green olives, drained
6 oz. can pitted ripe (black) olives, drained
1/4 c. sliced pepperoncini salad peppers
2 T. capers
1 T. minced garlic
1/2 c. olive oil (I used regular oil)
1-1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried basil
1/2 t. ground black pepper
7.25 oz. jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and coarsely chopped (optional)

(This is easier than it looks; I did it all in the food processor and it took just a few minutes. I made about 1/3 of the above recipe, since I didn't need more than 2 cups.)

DRAIN pickled vegetables, reserving 1/4 c. liquid.

PULSE pickled vegetables 4 times in food processor until coarsely chopped; pour into large bowl. Pulse onion 4 times in food processor until coarsely chopped; add to pickled vegetables in bowl. Pulse olives and salad peppers in food processor 4 times until coarsely chopped; add to vegetable mixture. Stir in capers, next 6 ingredients, reserved 1/4 c. pickled vegetable liquid, and if desired, chopped roasted peppers. Cover and chill 8 hours to blend flavors (or slap on the sandwich to let sit for a while). Cover and chill leftover salad up to 2 weeks.

Yield 6 cups.

* * *

I would happily eat this as a spread on bread or crackers. While Robert didn't like it in the sandwich, he said a few times that it'd be great mixed with cream cheese and spread on crackers or in a sandwich.

Story of my life

This storyline repeats at my house at least once a month, with only the minor details changing.

* * *

We had a potluck at work a few weeks ago, and someone made Muffuletta. I've always wanted to try Muffuletta--it's basically a sandwich made with olive salad relish, and sliced Italian meats and cheeses. It was wonderful, and I couldn't wait to make it at home.

Flash forward to New Year's Eve prep. I'd originally planned to make a variety of hors doerves for us to eat, including the meatballs that I'd made for our church on Christmas Eve. Then I switched to Muffuletta. Rob made QUICK plans to fix chile rellanos instead.

It was a short reprieve.

I whipped up the olive salad earlier today. It was much easier than I'd expected. There are several ingredients to chop up, made easy with short bursts of the food processor. Trevor even taste tested and gave praises. (It's safe to say he's not a picky eater.)


We sat down to dinner.

Holly took a bite, no, just a look, and asked how to scrape the stuff off. That was no surprise to me, I was surprised she still was considering even eating it.

Robert was silent. That's a sign, and not a good one.

Trevor ate a few bites, turned to me looking very guilty, and said, "I don't want to make you feel bad." (Thanks, honey!)

Robert boiled water to make instant oatmeal. Immeidately both kids chimed in, asking if he'd make some for them too.



It's a good thing I like Muffulleta. There's plenty of it left.

And I'm thinking that meatballs--in the crockpot with chili sauce and grape jelly--sound great for dinner tomorrow night.

Flashback to 2008

Or at least flashback to yesterday.

Holly and Trevor did a lot of school work. No need to give them sympathy; this is makeup work from before Christmas!

Robert made his famous chile rellanos for dinner.

Our New Year's Eve snack was chips and clam dip, along with bbq chips. Holly and Trevor added hot cocoa with marshmallows to the mix. Um, yeah.


The dog couldn't figure out what in the world we were doing up so late. He loves his bed, and I usually don't see or hear from him after about 7 p.m.



Robert made it to midnight (yay!) and we dashed outside to light a few leftover fireworks.


It was COLD, and we saved the sparklers for another time.

MyNiceSpace.com

New Year Myspace Comments

Link to Lee

If you didn't get Lee's "High School English: A Grouch-Free Guide to Grading," you need to check this out. It's an excellent resource for teaching writing at a middle- through high-school level. While I get her (free!) monthly newsletter, I don't think I've linked to a specific post before--while Lee's columns are always terrific, this one is in a class by itself.