College or not?

 Here's an interesting article that Paul came across.  We have both been wrestling with this issue of higher education for our children over the past several years.  Our modern educational system continues to be a pit that we excitedly push our children into. . .and pay to do it!  Most would agree that schooling and education are separate and that one can be highly educated without any formal schooling. . .

http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/investing/seven-reasons-not-to-send-your-kids-to-college/19572537/

This is coming from two highly schooled individuals who had to then educate themselves after. . .ha.  There is definitely an argument for higher education because you can not obtain certain occupations without certain pieces of paper that supposedly qualify you. . .

Wrestle with us!

August Birthdays. . . .

Baby Joseph - such a little cutie!

It seems I am always having computer issues. . .I think I just need to take a good class on some of these technological items.  I guess something crashed and we lost all that was on the desktop.  How does that pertain to August birthdays?  Well, pictures of  Hannah celebrating her 6th birthday were loaded already.  Hopefully, Sarah hasn't deleted them from the camera. . .

I just need a few more hours in my day to figure out these kind of things!  Always something to do around here!  We can't believe our precious Hannah is six!  She is enjoying a very special gift - a new brother!

Hannah, August 4th     Joseph, August 1st

Chores. . .

Josh is responsible for pool upkeep. . .maybe he'll have his own pool business one summer!

Shucking corn is always a favorite!  And something that preschoolers can help accomplish!

Jon wants to be a handy-man when he grows up, so we try to give him chores that help him achieve that. . .he needed a little assistance from big brother, Josh, this time!

Hannah and Naomi are "Happy Helpers" as they sweep up breakfast crumbs.

I almost titled this post as "Chores vs. Sports" but thought that really wasn't fair.  I'm not against sports and our kids do participate at times in various activities.  However, I believe the modern family attempts to accomplish what chores once provided with sports.  This is impossible.  Sports may have their place and benefits, but they do not provide what chores provide.  Chores teach perseverance, hard work, patience, diligence - but working for the Lord, not the applause of men.  There are no trophies given.  In fact, most chores are somewhat unnoticed unless they are not done well or forgotten!  Chores contribute to the family.  There are many chores to be done in a family of 10.  Many chores become a "rite of passage" of sorts.  As the children grow, they take on chores and hand-off others to younger siblings.  The Maxwells, titus2.com, have an excellent resource on chores and Kendra, preschoolersandpeace.com, has some of her chore charts listed, as well.  Learning to serve the Lord in the mundane, daily activities of life with JOY. . .off to my chores!

Too much zucchini?

Perhaps your garden is growing wild like ours with too much of some items. . .here's a yummy recipe for zucchini bread (although we prefer muffins) and a revised recipe.  Both turned out delicious!

Zucchini Bread

3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
3 cups grated zucchini
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 tsp. cinnamon

Beat eggs until fluffy.  Add next four ingredients.  Mix lightly.  Add flour mixture (mix last five ingredients together) and blend.  Divide batter into two loaf pans or muffin tins.  Bake at 350 until toothpick is smooth.  Remove and cool.

Amy's Revised Zucchini Muffins

3 farm fresh eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
2 cups whole wheat flour (fresh ground from Sassy Chicken!)
1/2 cup flax seed
1 tsp soda
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
3 Tbsp. cinnamon
3 cups grated zucchini

Mix ingredients and put in muffin tins.  Bake at 350 until done.  Eat and enjoy!

Death. . .New Life

I kept looking at the date on August 10th wondering why. . .I know my grandpa died around that date and a cousin was born. . .but it finally dawned on me on the 11th - it was the day I died and was reborn!

August 10, 1990 was the day that God, although knowing before the foundations of the world were set, regenerated me and caused faith to dwell in my heart so that on that day 20 years ago I was able to repent and live for Christ. Ironically, in our American decisionism culture, salvation experiences are really just emotional/spiritually experiences that wane over time. True conversion will progress in seeing God, great and holy and self, low and sinful. As the chasm looks greater and greater, the Cross becomes more glorious. Let us, like David, never forget the joy of our salvation!! I am no more deserving of this grace today than I was 20 years ago. There is nothing I can add to my salvation today, like there was nothing I could offer 20 years ago. It is all grace. Amazing.

I love the lyrics of this song by Vicky Beeching "The Wonder of the Cross" found at the link below. . .

CHORUS:

May I never lose the wonder
The wonder of the cross
May I see it like the first time
Standing as a sinner lost
Undone by mercy and left speechless
Watching wide eyed at the cost
May I never lose the wonder
The wonder of the cross

http://www.superlyrics.com/lyrics/kGRU3EEBF9@H@U/The_Wonder_Of_The_Cross_lyrics_by_Vicky_Beeching.html


Be in awe of the gospel today! May it never lose its power. . .

Welcome Joseph Daniel!

Welcome to our newest blessing, Joseph Daniel!

He was a timely baby and arrived the weekend of his due date! This was a bit of a surprise since the last several babies have been later and later. . . . He's a beautiful little guy and we are delighting in him. His siblings are all loving on him.

Born on August 1, 2010
2:16am
7 lbs. 10 oz.
21 inches


Eight is great!