tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50122241665595217872024-03-13T11:26:45.169-04:00Big Newtons and Fig NewtonsThe Adventurous Web Journal of a Family in MaineNewtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.comBlogger279125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-77528355743402899132014-09-29T14:39:00.002-04:002014-09-29T14:39:59.071-04:00Fall Foliage Fiesta!Well, actually it was a drive not a fiesta, but I was having fun with my alliteration.<br />
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I suppose that I now understand where my children got their desire to make their writing paper titles alliterations. It is just plain fun!<br />
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This past weekend was huge for us, HUGE! Tyler and I took our annual fall road trip through parts of Maine and New Hampshire. For the second year in a row we brought some of the boys. This year, Andrew joined us for the first time as well as Josiah and Elijah, who experienced fall fun last year and wanted to go again. In 2013, we traveled NorthEast, or Downeast as well call it here in Maine towards West Quoddy Head and the Eastern most point of the USA. This year we went South and West. The Western mountains in Maine and New Hampshire are some of the most beautiful sights in New England. I grew up camping, hiking, and swimming in these mountains and always find myself drawn to them for a fall drive. </div>
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Our 2014 Fall foliage adventure started with a quick drive to Portsmouth NH to visit the beautiful living history museum of Strawberry Banke. We had a wonderful time studying the architecture, gardens, and listening to the roleplaying employees. There is something quite odd about conversing with a woman about her grandchildren when you know those grandchildren are now dead. At one point I wanted to ask her, "wait! Are you talking about your real grandchildren or those of your character!" Man did she know her history though.<br />
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Andrew checking the pitcher plant for any bugs</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Josiah studying the compost bins so that he can build me one.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Playing on the boat outside one of the houses</span></div>
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After our walk through historic Portsmouth we ventured North along the NH/ME border towards Conway. Our sole destination at that point was Mt. Washington. We wanted to arrive by 5 pm so that we could drive up the side of the mountain and view the foliage from 6,288 ft. It was a beautifully clear day for this and although the activity caused us to not be able to meander and stop along our journey, we all were thrilled to make it to the ominous mountain in time. Mount Washington boasts the world's worst weather as they have calculated the highest wind speeds on its peak along with cold temperatures, snow, sleet, and everything else with only a second's notice. The temperature on the mountain the day we visited was a balmy 64 degrees. It was 84 degrees in the valley and unusually very hot for Indian Summer. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">At the Top! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">The cog railway train came up right after us. Next time I think we may take that so we don't have to drive our jalopy up the mountain. </span></div>
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The drive was terrifying as both Tyler and I are afraid of heights. Tyler is a master at driving though and we made it both up and down the mountain safely. <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">The colors were superb!</span></div>
<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-79882924420530944692014-07-26T16:42:00.000-04:002014-07-26T16:42:00.112-04:00Liberty & Independence for all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000;">Eli milking Tilly</span></div>
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A funny thing happened. Ten years ago, Tyler & I bought our first dog. Actually, we didn't buy her. She was free. At 5 weeks of age we brought her home as a little black ball of fur. Appropriately named Liberty Belle, the poor little girl had to be trained by a mad pregnant woman. But it worked, ten years later she is a very well trained over hyper black golden retriever dog. </div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Libby posing with the boys. I swear she thinks she is a kid. </span></div>
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Liberty is so well trained that she comes, sits, goes to her room, gets out of the kitchen, fetches the ball, and does all of the normal things that a dog does. Except bark, alert us to danger, protect my children in our back woods from rabid raccoons or bobcats, and keep my goats in their pen. Basically, she is well trained for a family in suburbia that doesn't need their dog to do anything except leave the neighbors alone and come when she is called. <br />
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To make a long story short, Tyler and I had this predicament:</div>
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1. Liberty does not protect our children</div>
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2. Liberty is going to die in the next 3-4 years,</div>
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3. Liberty should be here to help train a new dog </div>
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Our answer: </div>
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1. What: An Australian Cattle Dog or Heeler </div>
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2. Cost: cheap</div>
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3. Timeframe: 1-2 years</div>
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Current Solution:</div>
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1. What: A female Australian Cattle Dog</div>
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2. Cost: A deposit and recently milled hemlock</div>
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3. Timeframe: Now</div>
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So we have a new dog, about a year early, but affordable. Her name? Independence. She wasn't free, but she was bought on Independence Day. </div>
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Already, Indy has herded my little Nigerian buck into his pen a handful of times, and is learning the property lines by walking with the boys everyday. Liberty doesn't seem to mind a farm dog on site. As long as it doesn't bother her sticks or balls or frisbees. </div>
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Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-36336197649404780662014-07-24T16:13:00.001-04:002014-07-24T16:13:57.492-04:00Summer Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer living is hectic, hectic, and even a little more hectic. But nothing brings this hectic life to light like a house full of 8 people and a broken washer. Doing laundry a la colonial is yet one more of the everyday events that succeeds in making our life this summer, well, hectic. </div>
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We keep it real though with lots of weeding of the garden, goat care, and afternoon swims in great gram's pool! </div>
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Oh yeah, and by training our new puppy! But more on that one later...</div>
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-23199498337330532462014-04-11T08:18:00.000-04:002014-04-11T08:18:23.834-04:00What Spring may Bring<br />
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Fun smile inducing, laughing, beautiful, and simply glorious surprises!<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">What an Awesome and Mighty God we serve!</span></div>
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-57937225995282755522014-04-02T23:59:00.001-04:002014-04-02T23:59:13.240-04:00Reflections of a Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #660000;">Elijah receiving his first hatchet</span></div>
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The Lord has been good to me. Often, I feel undeserving of the love that the Lord has shown me over the years. For I do not deserve it. I did nothing to receive this love and yet he chose me. I struggle with acceptance. He has shown me that I am loved, accepted, and more than welcome at His throne as though I were an old friend. Always welcome to stop in for a chat, a cup of coffee and a good laugh or cry or hug. </div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Tami & Matthias last fall.</span></div>
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Honestly, on this earth I have had few friends that even come close to the openness that I feel with my Lord. Why would a person want to be my friend if they knew everything about me? I even find myself sometimes going so far as to try to convince people that I am not someone they want to befriend. Maybe it is something from my past, but I just don't trust people. People are fickle, unreliable, dishonest, full of betrayal, hate and sin, why would I put myself at their mercy? </div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Tyler, Elijah and Josiah. 3 of my men.</span></div>
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An earthly confidant is a spouse, sister, brother, or friend that despite all odds, loves us and we love them. I have precious few of these confidants. Each of them is priceless and the loss of one through death, distance or depression is a tragedy. I muse that the Lord is revealing to me the importance of an earthly confidant by showing me that the loss of one or two is not as bad as it seems. Oftentimes, I am so fearful of losing something that I never set out to acquire it to begin with. Yet, amidst great loss the Lord brings joy and I need to rest in Him. He is my strength and I am His beloved. </div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Sandi. The one and only.</span></div>
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The only friend that I truly need is Jesus. He is my rock. He is whom I turn to when I am struggling. When my children all have whooping cough, chicken pox, or broken bones, I turn to Him. When my goats are going into labor, my husband is traveling and there is no bread for the table, I turn to Him. When my only truly close friends depart from my sight, I turn to Him. This is one lesson that 2014 is teaching me and I fearfully anticipate will continue to teach me in the coming months. </div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Andrew & Caleb at SMASH.</span></div>
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What else is 2014 teaching me?</div>
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I need to...</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Trust God to direct my earthly relationships</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Purge my heart of complaints and pessimistic thoughts.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Tear down any strongholds that I have that create a barrier between me and my Father in heaven and the people that He has put into my life.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Enjoy the privilege and voice the joy of spending every hour of every day with five boys. </li>
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What is 2014 teaching you? </div>
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Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-61303501919622233402014-03-22T14:52:00.000-04:002014-03-22T14:55:46.903-04:00Deja VuSome of you loyal readers might recognize this photo from my 2008 blog post <a href="http://www.tractorsmith.com/2008/09/my-accident-prone-son.html" target="_blank">"My "Accident Prone" Son"</a>:<br />
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Of all of my time as a mother that episode in 2008 was the only time that any of my 5 boys had broken an arm. Interestingly enough, Andrew still holds the record for more emergency room visits in our household. Deja Vu? I think so.</div>
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Andrew's birthday is today. Andrew is spending his birthday on the couch, because yesterday he went skiing with his uncle and aunt and spent the afternoon in the ER with his mother. </div>
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When we got back from the hospital guess what Tyler and Eli had done to Andrew Bear? New tradition anyone?</div>
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May your birthday be less eventful, yet more fun. </div>
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-51465255881100693132014-03-18T09:01:00.002-04:002014-03-18T09:04:46.752-04:002014 Skiing Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvYZOVPjj1M/UyhDVy-HMiI/AAAAAAAACO4/0HriNHt2OVM/s1600/Image+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvYZOVPjj1M/UyhDVy-HMiI/AAAAAAAACO4/0HriNHt2OVM/s1600/Image+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Elijah and my dad enjoying the view at the top of the mountain.</div>
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We have gone skiing more often this year than any other. 3 times in all. This is mostly because of a local ski resort that charges a reasonable rate for the day, but also because my father has equipment for all of us which keeps us from renting. As a result, I can take my entire family skiing for less than 50 bucks! We budgeted for 3 trips this Winter and we took them all. It was wonderful to watch the boys progress in their skiing skills. Andrew started out the year needing to ski with an adult, but as of this past weekend he skis alone and very well. His turns and stops were so impressive that we actually took him to the top of the mountain. He did very well, and only fell a few more times than I did. I am not a very good skier as I took it up a few years ago so that I could go with the boys. I am having a great time watching them and learning right alongside them. Even though I have no plans to keep up with their growing abilities, I am delighted to be able to ski alongside them on the mountain. </div>
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Every year, I take a lift interview with the boys so that they can tell us about their progress. Not only do I get a video log of their skiing, but I also get to record their wonderful little voices. </div>
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Here are Elijah, Josiah, and Andrew's lift interviews for your viewing pleasure. Caleb doesn't get a lift interview with me as we never ride the lift together. Caleb still needs an adult to hold a pole for him and I am just not a strong enough skier to be his adult. My dad has graciously and expertly taught all of my boys how to ski and we are so excited to share this activity with him. </div>
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Andrew</div>
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Josiah</div>
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Elijah</div>
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Happy Skiing Everyone!</div>
<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-28383922621646145512014-02-22T07:55:00.003-05:002014-02-22T07:55:48.444-05:00Thought Processes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thinking can be a relatively difficult task. I find myself having the best thoughts while vacuuming, cooking or otherwise engaged and away from paper and pen. Then when it comes time to write a blog update for you all I have no idea what my genius was from earlier. How do you get your brain to wake up?</div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">My boys at West Quoddy last Fall</span></div>
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Along the same lines both my husband and oldest son were talking the other day about trying to learn. If they don't focus their attention correctly then what they are studying becomes extremely difficult to understand. This problem happens to Eli most often in Math. He looks at the problem and suddenly cannot remember anything about numbers at all. He is completely overwhelmed and even admits that his brain seems to be malfunctioning. They both asked, "how do we get our brains to reengage in our work?"</div>
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According to Andrew Pudewa, thinking is a process that begins by asking yourself questions. As he puts it, walking into a room and thinking, "oh this is nice" is not a way to engage your brain. You must ask questions like, "what is this color called?" and "how could I make this room more interesting?" </div>
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Thus our conclusion becomes, when you cannot seem to focus or think: start asking yourself questions. With Eli, we encouraged him to ask himself some of the simplest questions about his math, slowly work his way up and as he does <span style="text-align: center;">his brain will awaken. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">The Eastern most coast of Maine. From our big boy adventure to West Quoddy last Fall. This is what I do when I am not blogging regularly.</span></div>
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Is it working? I don't know. I had at least 10 genius ideas yesterday that I wanted to share with you all, but now while I sit here, they are all lost. I was hoping that thinking through this post would recharge my brain. My brain is now full of thoughts, but not about yesterday's pondering moments. So this is what you get. I am sorry, but then I also hope that you have learned a little more about how to think. </div>
Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-81733097950366960092014-01-05T01:13:00.000-05:002014-01-05T01:13:00.678-05:00Traditions gone AWOL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">Our Christmas Card Photo</span></div>
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In years past I have taken advantage of a good sunny warm autumn morning to: cancel school, yell dressing choices to my children, and rambunctiously require them to march outside. Eli and Siah are old enough to know what is going on when I yell upstairs "Grab a white (or collared or etc.) shirt, either a vest, suspenders or tie, blue jeans, work boots, and march outside now! No School!!" <br />
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Yes, it is portrait day. The day in which I attempt to get a group shot of all of the 5 boys (that ends up on the Christmas card) and also an individual candid shot of each of them. Some years are better than others, but I am usually somewhat successful. <br />
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What I have noticed about this tradition is that while the photo shoot still happens other parts of the tradition get lost in the hustle. Last year, the Christmas card never got sent or created. I was okay with that. This year, the card was sent, but I never posted most of the awesome pics from the shoot on the blog. </div>
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So, as someone who doesn't want to lose this tradition, I am going to post all 867 pictures now. Okay, maybe just a few...</div>
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-85184469452415833682014-01-02T06:28:00.000-05:002014-01-02T06:28:00.347-05:00Success!<div style="text-align: justify;">
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We did it! </div>
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<span style="color: #660000;">Christmas morning drive</span></div>
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By it, I mean many things. First and foremost, we managed to have a busy, productive, yet relaxing, refreshing and nourishing Christmas season. The boys made cookies, breads, advent calendars, Christmas chains for decorating. Elijah found, cut and brought in the Christmas tree all by himself. I didn't flip over the immense clutter of trees and decorations in our house, and Tyler read his first fiction book since high school (if he even read one then, who knows?). Our fridge broke, and we had an ice storm that affected our electrical and internet service, but the Lord watched over us and all is well. Besides, the ice storm was simply ravishing (as my boys would say). </div>
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Secondly, my "it" refers to a 5 year search coming to an end. Thanks to the advancements in medical research finding someone to give my 5 boys the chicken pox has been next to impossible. The futility in the search became ever so clear to me a few years ago when a Doctor from our health center gave me her personal number. She too was trying to find the virus for her own children's immunity. Amazingly,<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-small;"> (how do you like that -ly opener?)</span> exactly 10 days before Christmas one of my close friends got shingles. And like a wonderful friend she called me to offer the virus to my 5 boys. Isn't she glorious? I don't think that we were the only ones that she offered her gift to. </div>
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The long and short of it is that Christmas morning broke with two very spotty boys. The relief that I have now as 4 out of the 5 are almost done with this week of itchiness is wonderful. </div>
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We have spent the past 7 days in happy seclusion. On Sunday, the boys and I had our own church service by singing a song (I am sure that God liked it, even if I am always off key), reading and contemplating the test of Job, and then making a cup rack. We wanted to surprise daddy when he got back from the service. It was a nice Sabbath day's project. Simple, and fulfilling.</div>
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Yes, it truly has been a wonderful month. </div>
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Happy new month and year to you all!</div>
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Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-89975915662807030492013-12-31T08:53:00.000-05:002013-12-31T08:53:33.094-05:00Through the Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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John Piper reminded me today that dying is like entering a new year. He also stated that we, as Christians, should embrace the new year as a time to reflect on the year past. If my life was only what I did, thought, said, or enjoyed in 2013 would I end it tonight knowing that the Lord would say, "well done good and faithful servant."?</div>
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What a profound idea! To give ourselves a yearly checkup on our Spiritual walk. Every New Year's Eve becomes a gift to us to reflect on our life, see where we need to improve and make the proper adjustments. It is like a personal ghost of Christmas past, only it is ours and not Scrooge's. </div>
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When you walk through the door to 2014 will you be smiling and praying for another 2013 or will you be smiling because, like scrooge, you have a chance to change before the real test of death?</div>
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On a side note, I am smiling today, because three of my best Richards ladies and my husband bought me my white dishes for the farmhouse kitchen. Doesn't the white look fantastic contrasted with the red? It is like our sins being covered with Christ's red blood and then made white. What a wonderful reminder of forgiveness in our everyday utensils. </div>
Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-71561808437266898302013-12-03T14:09:00.003-05:002013-12-03T14:10:21.763-05:00Christmas Season<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am bound and determined to make Christmas relaxing and fun this year. On the plans we have many crafts and lots of reading. I love to read, and it is quickly becoming contagious. To my delight, even Tyler has taken up reading. He has been reading books on timber framing, history, and books out loud to the boys. The boys next read with dad is Hatchet, but first every Advent Sunday we read a stave of the Christmas Carol.</div>
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Besides lots of reading for Christmas, we are also sending out christmas cards, and made an advent calendar using origami envelopes that Eli and I folded. </div>
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Snow has started here in Maine and because of my determination to have a relaxing Christmas my boys were able to play outside in it, even during school time. They were building snow men while I milked the goats the other morning, then after school they spent 3 plus hours turning the snowmen into a bonafide snow fort. I even took Eli and Drew on in a snowball fight, and won! </div>
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I am determined to look forward to the Christmas Season this year, and I hope that yours is even more relaxing than mine.</div>
<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-82245164198488291282013-11-26T10:14:00.001-05:002013-11-26T10:15:10.321-05:00Dancing FoolsSome people can dance. Some people cannot. Some attempt to learn, others are gifted, others are cursed. I don't know why this happens, but it does.<br />
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Most of my boys are especially good at dancing. Probably because we have danced with them since they were born. Eli, for example, is a good dancer when he wants to be. It doesn't come naturally for him, but he still can dance when he tries. Matthias, on the other hand, is naturally a world class dancer.<br />
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Here is my proof. Eli obviously wasn't in the mood for dancing so he defaulted to his normal craziness. Matthias is always in the mood to dance.<br />
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-48140840037117932772013-11-13T19:35:00.003-05:002013-11-13T19:36:02.059-05:00Where are You?I am not lost.<br />
Sometimes I feel like it<br />
If you still read my blog then you feel it to,<br />
but I am not lost.<br />
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Tonight, Tyler kicked me out of the kitchen so that I could stop.<br />
Stop cleaning, putting the kids to bed, prepping for school, writing, prepping Classical Conversations.<br />
Stop fretting, cleaning, and trying to do everything.<br />
So I stopped.<br />
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Above me I hear<br />
Tyler reading to my littles.<br />
He says, "This looks like a girls book"<br />
"It is," They say, "but it is fun"<br />
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The boys are excited<br />
They grunt, laugh, and make baby ooup sounds<br />
They like Norma Jean Jumping Bean<br />
I like them<br />
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I have not forgotten you all<br />
I will come back when I have<br />
another night<br />
to stop.<br />
<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-40519598380024841662013-07-09T08:56:00.000-04:002013-07-09T08:56:31.543-04:00Slow but SureMatthias is not much of a talker, but what he does say is so cute! He is also entering the parrot stage which makes it all the more fun!<br />
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-89468974845496342512013-07-02T12:11:00.001-04:002013-07-02T12:11:52.171-04:00Field Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rainy wet weather is so incredibly depressing. Tyler took a few days off to work on clearing some more of our field, but the field was so wet that some days were just a bust. Never one to be down for too long Tyler looked at the wet drizzle and decided that we need a family day. So without further ado we loaded up our monstrous bus of a vehicle and headed out to Fort Knox for a little exploring.</div>
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The canons were a huge hit with the boys. Eli was a little sad to see that only a few were left on site, but he found it very interesting to learn that they were sent out to be recycled during the 2 world wars and the ones left were brought back to the fort after the wars were over.</div>
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I love the view of the flag through the mist. </div>
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Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-64107622431215141612013-05-13T09:59:00.001-04:002013-05-13T10:00:20.446-04:00SuccessAfter many many many years of trying to get a halfway decent family portrait without hiring a professional photographer, but instead using the timer: We have succeeded! At least I think that we did a good job. Not only did we only take 3 photos, but 2 of them are great and everyone is looking at the camera smiling. It is a miracle I tell you. I think that it is because we took the photo at the top of the "mountain" that we hiked on Mother's day. My boys were really trying to please me.<br />
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Look at the 2 masterpieces that we got and please let me know which is your favorite.<br />
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P.S. Don't forget to come to our yard sale this Friday and Saturday in Leeds at 9 AM. </div>
<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-88570683796068268022013-05-08T15:04:00.001-04:002013-05-08T15:05:16.489-04:00Life LessonsLearning as a part of life is what being a homeschooler is all about. Word problems have nothing on us. We live the problems, and solve them out of necessity. <br />
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What better way to learn to count money and give change than to do it? So... Eli and his friend Ethan are having a yard sale. Obviously, us moms and siblings are helping, but this is their venture. They will label things, set them out, sell them, and give change. So, come on over to Leeds less than a mile off of Rt 202 and get some good bargains.<br />
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We will also be there representing our farm DozenAcre and will have breads, granola, cookies, and lunch and breakfast items for sale. So please plan to come visit, eat, peruse, and see what types of crazy things we homeschoolers do!<br />
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May 17 & 18<br />
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9AM - 2 PM<br />
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Leeds, ME<br />
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comment or email me to get directions if you need.<br />
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-28215990508793234652013-04-23T15:25:00.002-04:002013-04-23T15:49:01.553-04:00If You Died TodayWhat would you regret not getting to do?<br />
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That is the question that I am thinking about today. What is it that I want to do while here on this earth? What am I supposed to do while here? <br />
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Christians may ask what we are called to do while here on earth, but what I am finding is that my calling in life is often shown through my deepest sense of loss if I go to heaven now. Let's face it, if you died today and went to heaven you aren't sad. You are having the best time in your life, and you aren't regretting what you didn't do on earth. However, this line of questioning is a good way to be proactive while we are here on earth and may have the chance to reduce our list of regrets. So here is my list. It is short and sweet, because honestly, I don't have a huge to do list from God while I am here. It may be never ending, but it isn't overwhelming. <br />
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1. I wouldn't be here to raise my kids<br />
2. I wouldn't be here to grow old with my husband<br />
3. I wouldn't be able to help share the gospel with my neighbors in Maine, Africa, and beyond.<br />
4. I wouldn't be able to help parents redefine how they educate their children<br />
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Now, I shall take this list, compare it to our list of goals for our family (yes, we have those, and you should too!), and redirect my steps.<br />
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What would your list look like? <br />
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-75189759780739977722013-04-13T20:42:00.000-04:002013-04-13T20:42:58.917-04:00Exciting TImes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">Lucy & Mattie Basking in the Sunshine</span></div>
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We have such exciting times here at the Smith house. I used to tell people that we were busy, but now I just say to those who inquire of our wellbeing that everything is fairly normal. Given this week did have a birthing goat, the starting of milking, and a funeral for a much beloved grandparent. But you know, almost every week has something different in it. So we are always busy, always doing something, and always ready to stop everything else for a new adventure. This week, we spent a good amount of time outside with a goat in labor. The weather was great, the company was superb, and everything was splendid!</div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Matthias awaiting the birth of Millie.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Navigating the woods. </span></div>
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<span id="goog_992433350"></span><span id="goog_992433351"></span><br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-485946462632051922013-04-03T14:59:00.000-04:002013-04-03T14:59:04.387-04:00Spring is Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
In my house, Andrew has the benefit of ushering in Spring with his birthday. So every year, we celebrate Andrew's birthday with a gusto as we all have Spring fever. </div>
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Spring brings bike riding. Regardless of the amount of snow. Actually the driveway was clear, but obviously Matthias was showing off his skills by riding in the snow.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndp3k4g0dFc/UVx6imEiC4I/AAAAAAAACFU/U-mlm9xrDaM/s1600/IMG_3955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ndp3k4g0dFc/UVx6imEiC4I/AAAAAAAACFU/U-mlm9xrDaM/s400/IMG_3955.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Planting some spring bulbs indoors is a wonderful way to bring Spring to Maine a little early. I loved how these came out and hope to do them every year now. They always brought a smile to my face and were delightful to look at.</div>
<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-57298511157710634612013-03-19T12:48:00.001-04:002013-03-19T12:49:10.250-04:00A Very Happy Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnPEvrwlzpw/UUiWV9JU4JI/AAAAAAAACEc/IysWAUSbS5c/s1600/SAM_0347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hnPEvrwlzpw/UUiWV9JU4JI/AAAAAAAACEc/IysWAUSbS5c/s400/SAM_0347.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Each year instead of a birthday party we let the boys choose one fun activity. We have done everything from picnics and movies to bowling and rock climbing. This year, however, when contemplating Eli's birthday we decided that we would choose FOR him. What does a nine year old want to do more than almost anything? Fly in a plane. </div>
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On Elijah's ninth birthday he went on an adventure with dad. The day started and ended with a ride in a little cessna plane from Augusta to Boston. Sandwiched between the flights was a day exploring the Museum of Science in the heart of Boston. Riding the T, lunch at the cafe, and learning how exhibits work were all highlights of Eli's day. The best of the best though? Getting to ride in the copilot's seat all the way back to Maine. What a ride!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OV-odCcgGA/UUiWAFeIGzI/AAAAAAAACEU/rDCNFZCV33k/s1600/IMG-20130318-00137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0OV-odCcgGA/UUiWAFeIGzI/AAAAAAAACEU/rDCNFZCV33k/s400/IMG-20130318-00137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday Elijah!</span></div>
Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-37238876957344987112013-03-02T21:36:00.000-05:002013-03-02T21:36:26.359-05:00Scenes From SMASH<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some of the best scenes from a Shakespeare play are direct results of the actors understanding the play so well that they add humorous elements and fun movements. All of the music in "As You Like It" is given in lyrics, but the kids had to create the music. Not only did they do a fantastic job, but they also went above and beyond. Here are two scenes which show you what I am talking about.</div>
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The most famous "STOMP" scene:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnX87sCLCagu9-7WYlhZ7eWL8TEYbeSvCzoPY4ABC1pDngZ2N9IUwRaVDw4OeG6wMhuFDZfC4Riqd0CHm2jg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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The "Forest of Arden" as a "character" in the play:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxo_QevASw0nZOPfBrm3v4gcVGfU3HVLNR9ue62iKrSyvhV03ugc6w9vhpv0rgfd45UKxBdKcrgmx5m8vSgw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-282003726212099932013-02-28T16:39:00.000-05:002013-02-28T21:26:25.495-05:00SMASH... againEvery year we are involved in SMASH. Southern Maine Association of Shakespearian Homeschoolers. A mouthful, hence the acronym. Every year, my boys count down to rehearsals and performances. They love SMASH. I love that they are learning language and a love of theatre from the best. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oM7nzGeAh8/US-8QPsJ41I/AAAAAAAACDQ/6RjPrjqCPAA/s1600/SAM_0197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oM7nzGeAh8/US-8QPsJ41I/AAAAAAAACDQ/6RjPrjqCPAA/s400/SAM_0197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is a short video of what happens "behind the scenes" during the performances.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhRTZWy2Y76mzwP2fi_qvKOJw8H1eAbnoB6S6HM_Htz0NAkSlwlAzqGTn5pshqg4O5yuxilakn9zYN5cX5XQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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If you want to see the best rendition of "As You Like It" Ever! Check out <a href="http://www.maineshakespeare.com/">www.maineshakespeare.com</a> and come see the performance this weekend!</div>
<br />Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5012224166559521787.post-80118340538977401442013-01-26T13:12:00.001-05:002013-01-30T14:27:36.487-05:00He's Walking, He's WorkingMatthias just really started walking this past week. He now walks everywhere and is so cute wobbling back and forth on his little pudgy legs. And....in this house.... If you can walk, then you can work.<br />
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Newtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08666635044839516017noreply@blogger.com1