Our Journey

Mindstorm

2011-09-19T13:05:00.000-05:00

This past week was more of the same...school, work out, school, FLL, school, meeting with a man about a house who happens to have horses! We went to see an old friend from our early beginnings about a house plan he designed. I worked with Mike when I met John. Mike's desk was next to mine and I got to stare at John while he worked with Mike on a metal building. Then one day John asked Mike if he wanted to go to lunch and asked if I would like to go too. That was it. I was done. Mike went on to chaperon a couple more dates between John and I before we took off on our own. Anyway, now that the trip down memory lane is over, back to the house. We are getting closer to our dream of building a new home. I never realized how difficult, expensive, frustrating, etc. it was to design a house. Why can't you just take down a wall here and put up a door there? It looks so easy on paper. This is going to be a long process. Good thing John and I have a solid marriage that can weather this storm.

Speaking of storm, (hey! that was pretty good) Johnny got an early Christmas gift on Saturday. That is a big deal around here for two reasons: 1) We NEVER give Christmas gifts early, even on Christmas Eve! and 2)It was MINDSTORM! Johnny has been wanting LEGO Mindstorm for a couple of years now but it is a big investment. Since we joined First LEGO League, we decided he needed it early so he can help with the programming. So we called him in to our bedroom on Saturday and gave it to him. This is the reaction we like to see when giving or doing something for the kids:

He has been called into the bedroom and doesn't know why I have the camera out.

Sorry the next few are so fuzzy, he was laughing, jumping up and down and then crying because he was so excited. I don't know who had the bigger smile...John, Johnny or me!

Needless to say, the rest of the weekend was spent in his room setting up a table to train the robot on, and working with John to get the commands right.

Three Weeks Down

2011-09-15T08:41:00.001-05:00

We are on our fourth week of homeschool and I couldn't ask for a smoother transition from summer! We have a great routine every morning and get started around 8:30 and are finished by 12:30! The kids aren't complaining just asking a lot of questions. The Internet is my friend.

Along with school we have joined a robotics group for the First Lego League. We contacted a great coach in Saginaw to ask if we could come watch so we would know how to form our own group. The kids clicked nicely with the other kids and they were asked if they wanted to join their team. So four meetings later, we are on a robotics league and all of us are enjoying it.

A couple of weeks ago we went for a drive and ended up Downtown at the new Tarrant County College River Campus. It is an unusual style of building (I think it makes Downtown look too modern) but they have this great water structure running through the entire campus. Since it was 100 degrees outside we kicked off our shoes and went wading.

Ah, the family photographer finally gets in a picture!

Our Johnny Boy! He really needs to stop growing. He is getting so tall. Soon enough his hair will be as long as he is because he doesn't want to cut it!

I love this picture of my husband. This is his funny story telling face. I love this face. It is his most used face because he is always making me laugh. Eleven years together and it feels great!

Our Sweetie Girl! If you click on the picture you can see the sweet dusting of freckles across her nose! I love this sweet little girl.

New School Year

2011-08-22T10:15:00.000-05:00

A new year means new learning, for both the kids AND me. We are staying strong with Math although it will be on the computer this year using Teaching Textbooks. We are studying world history using "The Story of the World" and I am looking forward to this because I don't remember a thing I learned in school. Spanish and German were put on the computer to learn. Although Spanish is where we want most of our focus, German is the language Erin wants to learn so she can talk to Pepaw Shore. We will be having spelling lists and tests every week, which has the kids all in a tizzy until they see that most of the words are the same ones they see in the books they read. And speaking of reading, Johnny has finished all the Percy Jackson books has moved on to "Fablehaven" series of books. Erin has read several "Hank the Cowdog" books, Judy Moody books and Dork Diaries for girls. We don't homeschool in the summer because I need the break, but we do sit down every morning and read together. They think they are having fun, they don't know they are learning grammar, spelling, history, language arts and much more. The kids will be starting a creative arts class at Arts Fifth Avenue which is a six hour day without me! What will I do?! I understand they will learn music, theater, dance and set building. So excited. And in between all that we will tuck more learning in. I tried to track down scout troops for them to join but had the hardest time getting anyone to call me back.

Every year I have been taking pictures of them standing in front of our maps. We spend a couple of hours the first day working on a memory book of the past year. I pulled out last year's memory books to see how much they have grown and what changes have occurred.

Johnny's Fifth Grade Picture

He has grown 1.5", lost 3 teeth and shoe size went up 3 sizes.

Erin's Fourth Grade Picture.

She grew 2", lost four teeth and her feet grew 3 sizes also.

Good thing both kids only wear flip flops!

Another big change this year is our computer lab. Since the kids got new computers for Christmas for their rooms we had their old ones to use strictly for homeschool. We wiped them clean of all games and put their math and language programs on them. "Bill Nye the Science Guy" is bookmarked on You Tube since I don't really like teaching Science, it was suggested to me to let them watch and learn from his videos. There is also a program to teach them to properly use the keyboard with both hands and they are already pretty good at that. The kids also have blogs that they will be journaling on this year. Here are the links if you are curious...Johnny's Room and Erin's Room. Erin also has a cute blog that she updates every month or so called Littlest Pet Shop Adventures.

All in all, I am excited about being able to continue on this homeschool journey for the kids. I LOVE being the one to teach them and watch them learn. I am SO grateful that John is behind me 100%!

Oh, Snap!

2011-07-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

This is my sweet boy, Johnny. He loves to help me in the kitchen. This morning he helped me snap peas to put in the crock pot for dinner. We have some really deep conversations when we are alone. I have to keep the Wikipedia page open on my computer because he's constantly asking what this is or what that means. The dictionary apps on my iPhone are well used. I wonder what my mom did when I was a kid and asked questions. Come to think of it, I don't think I was ever as inquisitive as Johnny.

So this morning we were snapping peas and I was telling him about my summers spent at my Oklahoma grandparent's farm. My Grandma Collins had an amazing garden and she grew everything, even big fat worms that grossed me out. My fondest memory is of sitting on the grass by her chair with bowls of green beans, just snapping and talking away. Sigh.

I told him it gave me a nice feeling to remember that. He told me he would tell his kids about the times he and I spent snapping green beans. Man, I love that kid!

I Heart Face Photo Challenge - Water

2011-07-25T10:17:00.001-05:00

This week's challenge at I Heart Faces is Water! Now this is a challenge I can enter since we have taken about 562 pictures with our water camera this summer alone!

This picture was taken of Erin under water at NRH2O. I thought under water pictures would be so easy. Nope! I need goggles to be able to see clearly to take the picture. The fun part of having a digital water camera is you can take 562 pictures to get that special one!!

P.S. I used my Canon PowerShot D10 that I bought last summer. I carry it with me in my purse. Not only does it take great underwater pictures but sometimes I get better results with this than my DSLR! Gasp!!

Early Morning Sun Flare

2011-07-23T17:20:00.000-05:00

This morning I was sitting out front waiting for a friend to pick me up to go to the Farmer's Market. It was a bit cooler and by cooler I mean it was only 92 degrees at 7:30 am. I don't know how many days we have been in the 100's and don't really care. It is hot in Texas, period. Always has been always will be. But it is where my home and life is. I don't plan on leaving Texas and so I will tolerate the heat...as long as I can photograph sweet sun flares with kissy lips!

Bragging Rights

2011-03-12T12:05:00.004-06:00

That use to be my personalized tag on my car when I lived in Memphis, Tennessee.

I have always LOVED being a Texan. I am more proud today than I have ever been.

You see, my cousins, Marcie and Susan have done a lot of research and work on our Shore family.

That is my dad's family. I am a 6th generation Texan!! How cool is that?!

It seems that our great, great, great...grandfather, Elijah Stapp, signed this little document back in 1836 to give Texas its independence from Mexico.

On February 26th and 27th we embarked on a journey to Washington-on-the-Brazos for the 175th Anniversary of the Signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence. A spot in the road somewhere between here and Houston. But being the "road less traveled" travelers we are, we took some back roads to see new parts of the great ~~Country~~ State of Texas.

On one of the back country roads we came across this old church in Marlin. It was beautiful so we got out to take pictures. When we got up to the door there was a sign that told us to come on in. IT WAS OPEN. That doesn't happen too often. We walked in and toured the church. It smelled like my grandparents old church in Washington, Oklahoma, and creaked that way too. We went from top to bottom and took pictures of the stained glass windows, pews and everything in between. What a piece of history. The German settlers built this church, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Congregation, in 1894 and later changed the name to St. Paul United Church of Christ. Thanks to my nephew, Andrew, for taking this photo with his phone.

Kosse Posse

Andrew on his cigar box guitar

The next little town we stopped in was Kosse. We stopped in front of an old feed mill to take pictures against this great backdrop. When I Googled Kosse, I found out that an old train depot from Kosse was moved to Saginaw, only a few miles away from us now. Small world.

Pepaw Shore showing Johnny the family tree.

The three most important Shore men in my lives...Erich, Dad and Joachim.

We made it to Navasota where we were staying for the night and checked in to the hotel before driving to Brenham, where my cousins were staying at a beautiful bed and breakfast. Cousin David grilled an amazing dinner for all 24 of us.

My brother Erich and I.

The next day we went to Washington-on-the-Brazos, where the signing took place. There were thousands of people there and most of them were descendants of the signers of the D of I. We watched re-enactments, walked around the beautiful park and met distant relatives. Someone had a copy of the signers names.

I love my Canon for pictures like this. I was able to click, click, click and get all of the canon action!

During the celebration Sam Houston, not the real one but he looked like it, called out all of the names of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. As he called them out, the descendants stood up. Chills ran up and down my spine. Just a neat moment to be a part of. Feels good to be a part of Texas history, both past and present. The picture below is of my brothers, our kids, my dad and my cousins and their kids. Their father, Walter, was my dad's brother. He wasn't there with us because he passed away in the early 70's but he was sure there in spirit.

Shore Family

This man isn't a Shore, he's a Lobsinger and even though I am proud to be a descendant of a Texan, I am equally proud to be a Lobsinger. Thank you John for putting up with all the ribbing from my family about not being a Shore. You are an honorary Texan!

P.S. Thanks to my dad for having the Stapp/Shore family hats made up for us.

BTW, we lost Johnny's if anyone wound up with an extra.

Martin Luther King Memorial Day ~ PUP 1-17-11

2011-01-17T10:55:00.000-06:00

My dad writes a weekly inspirational letter. His "PUP" for today is a good one. Today this country celebrates a great man. Martin Luther King did so much for our country and I hope to learn more about him so I can teach my kids. Here is what my dad wrote:

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

— Albert Einstein

I saw a film of a meeting held by civil rights workers who were planning to go into the South in the early 1960s. A leader in-formed the group that three of their colleagues had just been killed by racists.

He warned them that their lives would be in danger should they choose to continue their mission.

"If any of you wish to change your mind, I will understand,” he calmly informed them.

After a long moment, one woman in the back of the room stood and began to sing a Negro spiritual.

Soon everyone in the room rose and sang with her. All of the workers elected to go to the South.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is one of my heroes. I respect him because he relied on the power of God, truth, and love rather than falling back on base instincts. Even more important, he walked his talk.

Rather than sending other men off to war, he marched in front of his troops. Rather than making a particular person or group the enemy, he singled out fear and prejudice as the enemies to be overcome. He went to jail rather than compromise his integrity. He lived his vision and died with great courage. He didn’t just talk about world transformation. He lived it. In his now famous “Letter from the Birmingham jail,” he wrote: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,"

Although you and I may not take upon ourselves the breadth of his mission, the same challenge calls to us. We must live what we believe and not give in to fear. We must act on our principles rather than simply talk about them. And we must find ways to join, not separate from, our brothers and sisters.

It is fitting that our country honors a man such as Dr. King. As we live our own ideals, we honor the cause for which he lived and died.

Give me the strength to walk with integrity; help me to live what I believe.

I am here for a mighty purpose.

I change the world by following my truth.

Thanks Dad for sharing your eloquent words.

Jeanne

Dutch Blitz - A Vonderful Goot Game!

2011-01-12T08:19:00.000-06:00

Monday came so soon this week after the first "regular" weekend since the holidays. It was so cold out there, somewhere in the 20s. I tried to get out of bed to go workout but the bed was so warm. Because of that little error in judgement I slept until 9:30am! The kids were up and reading when I came out screaming that I was so sorry I slept in (we usually start homeschooling at 9:00am.)

Because of that, my morning was thrown off. I decided to have a little fun with the kids while semi-learning something. This is where Dutch Blitz come in. Our friends in Houston, the Bradleys, sent us this fun little card game. In this game you have to count fast, pay attention (which was our big homeschool lesson for the day) and have fun. You make piles of cards in number order and try to get rid of all the cards in your "Blitz" pile first. We have played this game a few times and really enjoy it.

Have a game night with your family. Just don't take it too seriously.

Jeanne

A Pop Of Color

2011-01-04T11:19:00.000-06:00

It's so dreary out there today. No sun and no warmth. I looked out the window and saw these red berries growing on our fence. Such a pretty pop of color on a gray day.

I received a 50mm prime lens for Christmas and was not sure how to use it until I went outside and snapped these pics. Now I get it! Now we need a pretty day so I can go to the Nature Center and take more pictures. Tomorrow is National Bird Day, maybe we can go on a nature walk!

Speaking of which, today is Sir Issac Newton's birthday. When was the last time you reviewed the three laws of motion? We studied about them this morning. Wow, I really should have paid more attention in school. Now I get it!!

Jeanne

A Little Friendly Competition...

2011-01-03T20:53:00.000-06:00

between a daddy and his daughter.

There is nothing like a bout of Wii boxing to get your heart pumping.

Jeanne

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T12:37:00.000-06:00

Happy 1-1-11! That is so fun to write. I am almost sorry we aren't homeschooling today so the kids can write that on their papers. ALMOST!

2010 was a very good year. I wanted to do photo recap for 2010 but I have been sick the last few days. John is not feeling well and we are trying to keep the kids from getting it. We did have a great Christmas and a great 2010.

We wish y'all a happy and healthy new year in 2011!

Jeanne

P.S. The "2011" glasses are what happens when you are too sick to go buy new year glasses and have to alter the 2010 ones.

I Heart Faces Photo Contest - Pets

2010-12-13T13:39:00.000-06:00

The kids and I check I Heart Faces blog on Mondays to see what the challenge is and again on Friday to see the winning photos. We have entered a couple of times in the past and I have enjoyed going out of my box to take a specific picture. But this week I didn't have to reach very far into my imagination when we have a Diva dog right here in our home who does funny stuff all the time and I am forever taking pictures of him.

This is Gump. He is our sweet, bratty, snuggly, adventurous Shitzu/Wienie rescue pet. He makes me laugh and cry at the same time. He is a magician who can disappear as soon as my back is turned (so he is not allowed in the front yard anymore due to two hour long adventure hikes.)

Today, as we were settling down for some math, the kids told me to look under the tree. There he was, on the tree skirt we put down last night. I was able to grab my camera and snap this picture before he realized he had been caught and moved to some other soft area to lie down. So thank you I Heart Faces, thank you for pushing me past my normal boundaries in photography and thank you for allowing me to put my stinker dog up today!