The Blurrrrrrr

Have you ever had those moments where life and things are flying so fast everything seems like a blur? We've been experiencing those kinda moments for the past several weeks and I am so desperate to just sit down in peace and quiet, rest, think and BLOG!!! But by the time the end of the day comes lately, it's before I know it and I just fall asleep.
Yes, we do have a contract on our house! But we don't want to count our chickens before they hatch.....nothing is over and done until you sign on the dotted line which could be on or before May 21st.
We've also been to Hattisburg, Ms and back visiting family and friends and I had the time of the year this past Sat. hooking back up with some of my college mates for a good ole game of soccer. Yes, we were able to relive the Glory Days for a few hours and it was awesome and incredible and over way too fast! And I've got "marks" or "soccer wounds" to prove it :) Hopefully, I'll find some time very very soon to recount the event play by play for the sake of remembering it and recording it to remind me of how much fun it was in the future, hopefully a slide show too. Just not right now...I've got to go cook 10lbs of taco meat to feed the church tonight :) Hope to be back soon.

What a Day!

On a spur of the moment decision I decided to take the boys on a 4 hour canoe trip today with two other homeschooling families. We actually got in the water at 10:40am and got to our final destination at 4:30pm. How long did I say it was supposed to be? 4 hours? Ok, so it took us 6 hours but it was worth every minute!! One of the homeschool dads has an adventure business that he conducts on the side and it's awesome! A treasure to us each time we've participated over the last two years, check them out @ http://www.robertoaksadventures.com/ Here's the blurp for our adventure today:

Canoe trip down the Barren Fork of the Collins river, We will be leaving from just below the dam at the park below the Frank G Clement Bridge about 10:00 am. Our take out is at the ramp near the VFW. The trip will last about 4 hours. We will shuttle people back to the park to pick up there cars. The Barren Fork is an easy moving senic river with many small but fun rapids.Suitable for beginers and still fun for the more expirianced alike.Expect to encounter Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese, Blue Heron, King Fishers, plenty of turtles. On recent trips down the Barren fork I've encountered playfull River Otters.
We encountered ALL the wildlife mentioned above, plus cows, horses and donkeys and explored a cave and found many treasures there, stalagmites, stalagtites, columes, a beautiful fugus growing out of racoon dung, racoon tracks and many observations of how the water has cut into the cave and made so many different patterns. And most impressive was the little 8 year old girl who caught a fish, crawfish, toads and anything else she could with her hands to show everyone! She and James were the best 8 year old kayak duo I have ever seen, like 2 peas in a pod!! And they saved many many articles of clothing, drinks and canoe paddles after two of the canoes capsized behind them, they were everyday RESCUE HEROS today and no my boat was not one of the ones that filled with water. I actually remained dry all day and I think I was the only one.....how did that happen??? James also had his first experience swimming through a current today, he did great! He said it was alittle scary but he took on the challenged like a real adventurer!!
Hopefully I can post the pics soon. I'm exhausted and the trip went so long we missed church. We'll all sleep VERY well tonight!
THANKS OAKS!!! It was AWESOME!!!

p.s. I know I've gone overload on the posts lately but please take the time to read the uncovering the truth about modesty if you take the time to read nothing else :)

Priceless Kid Moments

I was just outside laying in the hammock trying to get a few minutes of peace and alittle sun and Josiah comes out to rest with me. Here's the convo. that followed

J: I just thought of something
M: What's that?
J: When the moon is out, Satan is it.
M: Huh...
J: You know because he's like the dark side and God's like the sun.
M: I see that, but ya know God created the moon to be the light during the dark, just like he created the sun during the day. God's kinda like the moon and Satan is kinda like the dark.
J: Yea, and Satan is like trying to kill all the stars.
M: Yes, and you know we're kinda like the stars and God's like the moon.
J: And you know in that class I used to go to, they said something like we are the roots and God is the tree.
M: Yes.

Another cute story that needs to be recorded happened at the bowling alley the other evening on John-John's b-day. Matt and I were at the counter sorting out how many games we would play and the details as all the children ran to look around in the game room. As I walked over to check on them James is digging into the prize slot of one of those digger machines so estatic! James and Josiah say "Mom, we got you some earrings!"
Me: "Wow, thanks! How'd you do that?"
James: "It was just on for free."
Me: "Wow, cool, thanks!" And off we went to bowl. As we are leaving the bowling alley John-John exclaims "My wallet! I left my wallet!"
So Matt and John-John unbuckle and go back inside to look for the wallet. Several minutes later, they come out and Matt looks mad and John-John is sobbing.
Me: "What?"
Matt:"Who put John-John's $5 in that stupid machine?"
John-John, sobbing: "James did!"
Everyone:"NOT ME! NOT ME! NOT ME!"
Me:"JAMES(like how they scream ALLLLLVINNNNN in the chipmucks) You are getting a spanking when we get home."
James, profusely "Mom, mom, I didn't do it! But I didn't!" I sense he's actually telling me the truth.
Me: "JOHN-JOHN! Did you put you money in that machine? Tell me the truth!"
John-John still sobbing: "Yes but James did and then Josiah".
After 15-20 minutes of this we finally get the story sorted out. John-John knowing he had money in his wallet and it was his, saw the money slot and the game and thought he would make the most of his own opportunity. However, he knows his brothers are better at these games then he because they can actually see over the control so he motions to them when the power is on. They jump at the chance, first Josiah tries, then James. BINGO!!! James wins and mom gets a beautiful pair of dangling earrings for John-John's birthday!! How sweet and what a way to spend the only birthday money you got! I tried to get Matt to take the earrings back in and explain to the lady what happened and try to get my son's $5 birthday money back but NO. Matt said it would be a lesson learned, indeed it will and I have some of the most beautiful and prized earrings a mom could want. I will wear them well and often, they cost my son a lot!
That night I thanked John-John for my earrings and he said looking very downtrodden "yeah, because James got them from that STUPID machine!" Lesson accomplished :)

Good Morning!

Got to be one of my all time favorite songs ever written!! Just makes me want to dance this morning! Enjoy and shed the shackles!!!

Warmth on the Skin

Yes, it's that time of year again.....spring.....gives birth to summer and we begin to shed the layers and feel the warmth on our skin. However, how much is too much and what is modesty anyway? This is one of the best articles I've read about modesty and it brings the truth into plain view. The lost art of modesty is something not just us ladies needs to bring back into fashion but one the guys should read up on too. Ladies, we will be examples or conform to the ways of the world and all our friends around us? We will fill in excuses to justify what we want? Will we push the envelope as far as possible or will we err on the side of caution? Guys, we will respect women and give attention to modesty and inattention to immodesty?


Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind......."we have to change our way of thinking about what's appropriate and what's expected of us as followers of Christ. Would you wear that in a boat ride with the Savior? Or to church with the King of Kings?

Modest is Hottest :)

Uncovering the Truth about Modesty
http://www.lastdaysministries.org/Publisher/Article.aspx?id=1000008635
Please take the time to read, it's a bit long but worth your time.

Happy Birthday Johnathan Paul Jackson

We'll I was going to post this on his birthday but I'm 19 minutes late......it's not his birthday anymore. I can't believe my third little boy is 5 years old!! Wow! He was 4 weeks early when he was born and he's been making a STRONG statement ever since! He's a fighter alright, so determined and diligent and dangerous if you cross him :) At the same time he is deep, devoted and downright adorable!

He chose pancakes for breakfast and said that he got to go first at everything today because "he was the birthday boy". We had choc. cake with choc. chip ice cream after lunch, he had his first t-ball practice today, his dad bought him a fishing pole and then we all went bowling. He was so proud to tell everyone he talked to today that he was 5! Where have the baby years gone :( He's only 5 and I wish I could start all over.

John-John, we adore you! You have brought us great depth and joy. May your depth keep growing deeper than those deep brown eyes!

Joy

This month's virture, JOY: finding a way to be happy even when things don't go your way.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Phil 4:4

Honestly, I'm struggling in this one this month. Things have seemed trying lately on all fronts. However, with my faith placed in Christ and a hope to come, I am trusting that joy and happiness will return!

Keeping Perspective

When going through difficult times, struggles or hard times as we all go through in life, I find comfort in looking to others who have gone through hardships. It always helps to put your own problems in perspective. And generally "it could always be worse". You can usually find situations in the world that make what you're going through look like roses.

For instance, as I'm continuing to read in Acts, I come to Acts 24. Paul is in custody and has been in this situation many times and for long periods of time. How does he react? What does he do? He reasons with those who will listen, he waits, he prays, he trusts in God, he's generally patient, he always sees his surroundings no matter what or who his surroundings are as an opportunity to teach. He doesn't fight, he doesn't ask for bribes(vs 26), he doesn't even try to escape, he doesn't seem to really seek counsel from anyone but God. Hummm............

I'll try to follow his example and if things get worse I'll go read Job :)

Oprah

I'm sure many of you have been sent the latest Oprah bashing YouTube video. I tried to post the following comment on the video but my comment was 139 characters over the limit so I just thought i would post it here.

I'm really bothered by all the Oprah bashing that is going on recently. It really just sickens me and is no good sign of who we are as "christians". You'll have to give me more convincing proof that she denies Jesus. I've never heard those words come out of her mouth. I'm not saying she hasn't said it I'm just saying I haven't heard it and haven't heard her critics give me enough proof that she did say that. What I heard her saying was that there are many ways people take to get to their realization that they DO need God and a Savior. I don't watch Oprah anymore, I don't have time AND more importantly, I don't know what she would say because I haven't personally asked her. And all I hear lately is gossip, critisim and people misquoting her or giving their own personal interpretation of what they think Oprah said when I didn't interpret it that way at all. Until I hear more convincing proof or I talk to her myself I'm going to stay out of the "bashing Oprah" bandwagon. And I would encourage other "christians" to do the same thing. Quite Frankly, she's done way more good then most of our churches have done in the USa and abroad! So quit gossiping and worrying about Oprah and Be The Church!! That will change the world!

*don't worry Matt didn't write this I did!

B/, after seeing the video and hearing the hype(if you have or paid any attention to it) I would like your thoughtful assessment of it when you get a chance. You usually think alittle differently than most common folk so I would appreicate your insight.

Jackson Academy....a way of Life

Some people have been asking me about our schedule so I thought I would just post it and then it's on here for those that might find it interesting.

6:30amYoungest usually arise and watch alittle PBS while Matt and I arise and have some Q.T.
7:00-8:00am Everyone, rise and shine and give God the glory!
8:00-9:00am Breakfast, getting dressed, hygene and morning household responsibilities. Those that finish early get to play outside or pick an activity to do until beginning of school(but No t.v. or video/computer games)
9:00am School begins. Opening prayer and other opening activities that vary from day to day or week to week. Older children work relatively independently on things they can accomplish on their own, like Math and Language Arts sheets, updating calendar, journal writing or reading. Little ones watch Seasame St. or play relatively independently with one another or alone. I am finishing up morning work myself and going from here to there helping those that need it and/or playing with little ones.
10:30am Snack and quick break
10:30-12:00 Finish up morning work/play. Clean up.
12:00 Lunch and recess
12:30-2:30 Naps and quiet rest time, reading for olders or finishing up school work that I need to directly teach or help with like science and history.
2:30-3:00 Wrap up school day. And little ones arise.
3:00 PLAYTIME and snack!!!
4:30pm Dinner prep. begins and Pick up Time
6:00pm Dinner and evening activities
8:00pm Begin getting ready for bed and Pick up Time
9:00pm Q.T. for Matt and I.......awwwwww!!! We made it through another day :)

Thursdays at 10:30am we visit the local Library for storytime for the little ones and picking out books covering subjects we are studying for the older kids.

We try to keep the t.v. off (except for alittle PBS for the little ones) until after 3:00 or all your "work" has been done. T.V., video/computer games are a privledge in our home and are earned or taken away accordingly.

*morning responsibilities-some people call them chores, we call them jobs and no they don't get paid for chores. We tried lots of those different tricks and it didn't work and I didn't really like all the gimics to try to get them to do things that they should do anyway. It's just a part of their responsiblity of being in the family. Learning to take care of themselves and to take care of others. Morning responsibilities include things like feeding pets, gathering dirty laundry, putting up clean laundry, emptying the dishwasher, making beds, getting dressed, brushing teeth and hair, etc. picking up. Playing with the little ones.

Highly Recommended Homeschool Books:
Better Late than Early
A Mother's Rule of Life

p.s. I also added slide show pics to the last post of our b'ham visit, thanks Ash!