Proud Parent Day

After just getting back from our quick one day trip to Austin, we woke up early this morning to go to the  annual Math Counts contest.  Thankfully, we remembered the contest yesterday as I did not have it written in my calendar.  We thought we would be staying with my mom for a nice weekend visit.  This will just have to be postponed until next weekend.

Homeschoolers were well represented as a whole, since the three coaches have all been homeschool moms at some time.  This was nice because we all got to sit in a room designated for coaches and chatter away the morning while we waited for the group to complete their math problems.  We did  spend some of the time reviewing the questions as well and enjoyed sharing information.

Henry was our only official home school competitor and he represented Angelina Area Home Educators well....he not only won a nice cash price for the Count Down Round, but then he went on to find out he was the high point individual for the group (of 18) who will go on to state contest in March!

 Also, Ms. Ginny helped coach the winning team who will go on to State.  While Ms. Kay coached the second high point individual from her school.
A funny thing happened with Henry.  I have always told him to try to put some kind of answer down for all the items.  His standard answer for items he does not know is 42 (This is the 'ultimate' answer from the Douglas Adams books.)  So, today there was a rather difficult question that involved series.  We (coaches) tried to answer it and the problem needed a special formula and would take some manipulations that would be challenging for all the students.  Then I saw the answer...42...and I laughed!  I announced that I knew Henry would get the correct answer.  The other coaches asked why I was so confident and I told them.  They laughed as well...since they tell their students to do the same thing in hopes that their standard answer will one day match up in a correct spot!  Sure enough...when I spoke to Henry...he had no idea how to work the problem and chose 42!  Awesome...and now I know something we should try to understand before the state contest next month!

It was an amazing MATH day all around!

Also, wanted to mention how awesome is doing with her new job.  The owner of the store sees her potential and has asked her to work as her assistant manager.  Any time the owner needs to be away, Amanda is to work the store.  She has already come up with new ideas to improve paperwork, finances and displays.

When she was a small baby, she loved to pass her hands across material when we were clothes shopping.  She loved the way the different material felt across her skin.  As she grew older, she would find ways to dress up.  At one point, we moved into a home that had a trunk of dresses left in the attic.  Amanda would wear those fancy clothes all over the house!  Fashion and design have been a favorite project for her throughout the ages.  All this has led up to her enjoyment of this job.  She told me it is her "dream job" and her happy smile each evening has proven that she does enjoy herself.

I am so happy for her to have this experience.

I am also so proud of her for being confident in her abilities and being able to show her strengths so quickly.  I look forward to hearing her adventures at the dress shop and will share with you when I can.

Today she also had a surprise.  Two of the customers she worked with were her good friends.  This might not seem too strange if they knew she worked at the store.  However, the odd part of it was the first friend was coming in for a bridesmaid dress that had been ordered long before Amanda took this job.  The other friend knew Amanda worked at the dress shop but did not know that was where the dress was coming from.  There was a lot of confusion and chatter among the girls.  The owner was a little surprised, but found the two episodes interesting.  Two girls....two dates for weddings...they chose this day and time to come to the store!

The Search for a Van

So....a few days ago I spoke about the search for a job.  Today, I thought I would share our search for a van.  A few months ago, I began having this idea that we needed a bigger vehicle.  Not for more seats but for more room and easier access to seats.  The more we looked at options...the more we realized the only real choice was a big passenger van.  We were not in any real hurry and figured it would happen when it needed to happen.

We were going to join the BIG VAN CLUB (as our friends call it) but we were not in a big rush to take the plunge.  We had talked to many families about all the pros and cons.  IT was most likely going to happen and the children were all excited trying to think of ways to make a van unique for our family...like painting it all colors of the rainbow...creating a big magnet for the side...naming the vehicle (we name all our cars!), etc.

About a month ago, it became a little more urgent as we began looking at needing new tires (way to expensive to spend on a vehicle we would trade) and other minor expenses as well as wear and tear.  We had come to a point in our loan for 'old' family vehicle that we could break even, so we began our search in a more earnest effort.

Our plan was to work with our local dealer.  However, yesterday afternoon while taking care of banking business, we were given an offer that we did not think we could turn down.  Unfortunately, it was located almost to Austin and we needed to beat the clock and get there quick.  The dealer PROMISED he would hold the vehicle for us until this afternoon.  Never trust a used car salesman (No offense to those who might be used car salesmen...I really hold no grudge against you!)

We woke up at 5am...got the children into the car by 6am and were half way to Austin by 8am (Michael drives way too fast!) when we decided to call the dealer.  He told us the vehicle was ready for us and on hold as mentioned yesterday....then called us back 10 minutes later to tell us that it was not on the lot and must have been sold.  When Michael questioned him on it, he told us that we should have called earlier, but did offer to pay for our gas.  We were annoyed and I told Michael that we should just pull over and think it through as to our next step.  Just as we were trying to get back on the road to head home, we got a call back...the van had just been moved and was still available.  So off we were once again for Austin.

To make a long story short...we got the van...used but in good condition.  We happily drove home in our big white whale (Michael wants to name it Moby Dick!) and happy to have the space.

We still have not determined a name...many ideas thrown around...

Dragon Fire Tongue (Brendan)
Golden Heart
Van o'White
Pot of Gold (The boys want to paint it gold to go with our school theme...Reynbow School of Lifelong Learning)
Reynbow Wagon
Royal Carriage

Any other ideas?  We are open to suggestions!

Our friend gave us several ideas to add to the van as well...

Side step (it is a long way up/down)
Rear-view Camera (to help with backing out)
Baskets to store supplies (items tend to go from one end of van to the other easily)

We look forward to the many adventures in this new van.  Road trips are a must before it is officially broken in for our family.  We are so thankful for this blessing!

SIDE NOTE:  While we were driving back and forth from Austin, Amanda was starting her new "dream job" at the dress shop.  She loved her first day and is already being asked to take on big responsibilities.  I will tell more about this over the weekend.  Too tired tonight to go into details and this post is too long.

Loss of One of Our World War II Vets

Today the older boys (Sean and Henry) and I, along with Zaira, went to a funeral of one of our local parishioners.  Sylvester (known as Bud to most) was a World War II veteran who served his country during his youth and came home to work in the woods of East Texas.

There is a lot to be said about going to a funeral for a veteran.  I must say that I am usually emotional any time the veterans are remembered.  The connection is to great as I look at the risks Michael takes when he is deployed.  However, mostly, I just feel the sorrow of the families and the playing of Taps seems to be a trigger of those feelings.

Today I was further saddened by the idea that some family members did not accept the opportunity to seek forgiveness.  I told Michael and the children that should I ever make them so mad at me to avoid my presence, I pray that they would at least come to my death bed and my grave.  I pray that these family members seek consolation in their grief when they realize their loss.

Was Bud perfect, my guess is he had his faults (as we all do) and he sought peace in his last days.  I pray that he has found that peace now.

I spoke to his niece after the funeral.  I told her that I wish I had been able to meet with him and hear his stories.  She told me that most of his stories were quite colorful but so fun to listen to from his perspective.  May he rest in peace.

The Search for a Job

So...the last few weeks have been set in job search mode for Michael and Amanda.  You might recall that I briefly mentioned there attempt to job search at a job fair in Dallas.  This was a complete bust and I think both of them were quite discouraged from the experience.

Michael has hung on...applying for more jobs each day via the internet.  He does have a job so it makes it easier to bounce back and continue the search.  His main goal is to get out of Afghanistan deployments and be closer to home on a regular basis.  We have decided to let God lead the way and see what comes of this effort.

Amanda it seemed took a few days off from the job search and was getting down.  Then, Michael and I had a talk with her about needing to set goals and move forward with plans.  That night she decided that the best option was to start by setting a goal to wake up each day and set up a normal routine for the day.  This would include working on her online courses, writing on her book ideas, and applying for jobs.

Last Wednesday, she set out around a near by town square with resume in hand.  She went to about 10 businesses and hoped that one of these local businesses would be hiring.  Several took her information and said they would call, while others gave her applications to fill out to return.  She liked this idea so much that Thursday she went in the other direction and gave out more resumes in that town square.

This was on Valentine's Day and she was even given a little gift (for me!) from one of the shop owners (so sweet!).  However, she had really hoped for a job.  One of the shops she entered was a dress shop full of formal wear.  The owner was so sweet and told her that she was interested and would look over her information and "talk to Jesus" about the situation.  Amanda looked at this as a good sign and felt like this was an initial interview that went well.

Friday, she got a call from a chain restaurant that is located in town.  She had only filled the application out as a last resort, hoping she would not need to take a job in the food industry.  She was being called in for an interview on Saturday.

She asked if she should even count on a  call back from the dress shop.  I told her that she should stop by the shop on the way to the other interview and see what happened.  That led to a second informal interview with the owner and a chance to come back for a formal interview on Monday (today).

Her interview with the restaurant went well, but that made Amanda worry that she would be "stuck" with this job.  So, then the phone call came yesterday that she dreaded...the restaurant offered her a job, which she accepted.

Then she went to the interview at the dress shop and she was offered that job as well!  She was so excited when she came out to meet me.  She asked what she should do about the other job.  I encouraged her to consider both offers and make the best choice for her.  She did this and choice the dress shop by calling the restaurant to decline the offer.  It was hard to do but she felt relief (a good sign!) after this was done.

We then took a celebratory walk around down town...stopping at the candle shop to have a nice conversation with the owner (mentioned above) and a walk around an antique shop.  It was a good morning for the 'Reynolds girls!'

Meanwhile the boys stayed home and completed their school for the day.  They also arranged for a forester to come by the house to create a management plan for our property.  This was done in hopes that we can obtain an agriculture exemption for timber.  This was a good experience for the boys to hear a professional discuss our land and the habitat that it creates.

A good day for all!

Power to the WHAT?!?

So, I was sitting in church today...enjoying the readings from Luke 4: 1-13 about Satan tempting Jesus and trusting in God over seeking power from worldly sources....imagine my surprise when Edward points out the shirt directly in front of us..."Power to the Beaver."  Is this what our world has come to?  Giving power to a fake cartoon mascot for a gas station?  Unbelievable!

We learn in the Gospel reading that Jesus is tempted in three key human temptations...food, fortune, and fame...and rejects them all to give his trust to God the Father.

Two points that I found interesting in this reading of the temptation...

First...Jesus was filled with the Spirit after his baptism and led into the dessert for 40 days...to be tempted by the devil.  God the Father (all-knowing) knew Jesus would be tempted by the devil and did not prevent this from happening.  God knows when we will be tempted also but does not prevent this from happening.  However, God will not let us be tempted beyond our resources...He will be there to help us during this time.

Second...after the temptations of the devil...finished with every temptation...he (Satan) departed from him (Jesus) for a time.  This shows that Satan was not finished with Jesus...he would be back to try again.  To the last moment of Jesus life, Satan was there to tempt Jesus from his mission.  Satan does this in our lives as well...seeking out moments of weakness or stress to come in and tempt us.  I was once told that one of the greatest times to pray for someone is at their deathbed because Satan is there to the very end (giving his full effort) trying to win our soul.  However, God is there to until the end to give us strength.

So, NO...I will not give the power to some imaginary rodent....my power will come from God.  We learn from Paul as he speaks of a difficult time in his life when he asks God to remove his hardships and God speaks to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”  At this Paul states, "I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ;e for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

A nice message for these days of Lent when we should seek to strengthen our trust in God as we prepare for Jesus death and Resurrection.

Many Ways to Say I Love You!

Today was a wonderful representation of the many ways to say I love you.  I felt that I should blog about the many ways we were able to do that today.

This will be a photo blog of the events of the day with a few captions.  Our desire was to represent the many ways to say I love you without words!

Valentines from Gramma

From the heart!

It's all in the Sign!

For LOVE of Chocolate (She does not even know what chocolate taste like..but she wanted it!)

Lover of Classic Music

Seal it with a KISS!

Our homeschoolers love arts & crafts...especially when we can give the results to others!

We love of our Vetearns!

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday...the first day of Lent...40 Days leading up to Easter...traditionally this is a time to give up some vice that takes us away from God's loving graces.

Our family all have taken on different forms of penance.  Michael and Sean chose to spend at least 10 minutes each day in silent prayer, along with an hour on Sundays.  Henry and I gave up electronic devices, unless needed for school or work.  Edward is going to try to give up some of his Lego time to pray.  As a family we will avoid eating out so we can save this money to give to the Pregnancy Help Center.

I also wanted to reflect on a thought I had when we went to Mass today.  I had one of those Jonah moments...I have to admit that is was not a good moment in my life.  I could imagine myself in Jonah's position...sitting on the hill above Ninevah wondering why God would save such a wicked city.  Looking out at the CROWD that filled the little college chapel (standing room only!), I just felt so surprised by the rush of emotion that went through me.  There were so many people that are normally not present from week to week.  I asked myself what would bring them in such droves to this Mass.

Repentance...there is that inner need deep within even the worst of sinners to repent.  Maybe they do not even realize this need but they still come...drawn to the Father for forgiveness....drawn to the Son who is merciful...drawn by the Spirit for guidance.

I am reminded with the imposition of the ashes on my forehead that I am no different then anyone else who comes before the Lord...

"Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return."

Who am I to judge those that come to find a way to meet this inner need?  I cannot reject those that God loves so much in spite of their outward or inward appearances.  God loves them just as much as He loves me....and am I not as bad as these with my own vices to repent?

My hope is to spend my Lent reflecting on this and try to improve my own walk with God....that I may rent the cloth that binds me to my sins and take up the penitential forms of ashes and sackcloth.  May this be an inward journey that leads to the joy of Easter.

For me this meant something drastic.  I have decided to take away all unnecessary computer use from my life during this time. I will only come on the computer once a day in the evenings. I have become quite attached to this medium and I am hoping that if I can do this I will be able to spend more time in prayer and more time with my family, instead of having my computer attached to my fingertips.

Also, know that even though I might not know your exact needs as I would reading your many Facebook posts and emails, I will be be praying for all my family and friends throughout this time. God knows your needs and just the mention of your name will be enough to open God's graces to assist you through lives joys and sorrows.

God bless and may this be a time of yearning for God's love in your life as well.