I just thought that I would share a few random thoughts this morning. I know I need to take some time and write some posts with a bit of "substance" but I need to compose my thoughts. It has really been a whirlwind of a month and even though I have the relief of having finally arrived at our destination there is still so much we need to accomplish.

There are several of us that are sick, myself included. We have some nasty colds. This has of couse been compounded by varying allergies, continual altitude and temperature changes. I am drinking alot of OJ and we are running out of allergy medicine.

Hubby is trying to get checked into the base and let all of the right people know that we are here but this may prove to be more difficult than it normally would be. We found out via a hotel clerk the other day that the wing commander was found dead of a gunshot wound, Sunday I believe. The memorial service we found out is today so the chaplains office is understandable otherwise occupied.

I am also needing to get in to the doctor since it has been 5 weeks or so since I have seen the OB. At least I have some baby movement so I am not too concerned but it is time to get in for a check-up.

We are enjoying the daylight, though very little sunshine. The children are having a harder time trying to convince themselves that going to bed is a good idea. I have no problem goinbg to bed at 10 or 11 with it being light out but the children still want to stay up. The one thing that the older children do not seem to understand is that the little ones get up with the sun which means I do too! I am sooo tired! Oh well, that comes with motherhood. I will just have to make a point of getting in a nap this afternoon. I do have a ton of laundry to do today though. Only half of our clothes are dirty but they are the ones for the cooler weather here in Alaska not the ones for hot San Antonio so I have to get the laundry running! There is a nice wooden park a block over from where we are staying so I am sure the children will enjoy playing over there often while I am working away on the laundry.

We still have to go house hunting and exploring the area. I MUST find that Costco in town! I know that I will have to start thinking about school again soon but I really cannot do much as most of our school supplies are packed in the crates which I will not have access to until we have a home. Please pray for us in finding the home that God has prepared for us and that we can get into it soon. Not only for the sake of being settled, getting out our school supplies and getting started on that but because we are praying for our dogs to be kennelled and that adds up quickly.

Well, it is after 9 am and I am not even showered or dressed so I had better get on the move! Thanks for reading my ramblings and I will get to work on some "meaningful" posts soon!!

Labels: journal

Well, the ferry trip was wonderful! It took us through such beautiful places! I did get seasick and lost my lunch but only once and it was out in open water rather than the milder water. Our one child that with ADHD had a tense first day on the ferry too. I think she has some anxiety issues also. The first night was stressful for her and all three of her ticks were manifested again and in succession as well as a return of the bedwetting which of course brought many tears. After the first night though things were back to normal and she had a wonderful time.

We were able to see humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, and bald eagles. Our drive through Canada was fun also. We saw several bears, swans, and a fox. We are still looking for the moose but am sure they will be in view before long. The scenery is so beautiful! God is such an awesome creator!

Prices are very shocking though! I knew it was expensive but give me a break! $7 for a gallon of milk, $5 for a package of bologna, $6 a gallon on gasoline, and a 20 ounce diet dr. pepper cost my hubby $3 today!

Alaska is a bit cheaper than Canada was but it is still costly. I think hubby filled up for $4.80 a gallon tonight. Well, we are settling down and getting children ready for bed and should arrive in Anchorage tomorrow. So until I get another chance........that is the update! Hopefully, photos will come soon!

Labels: Alaska, journal, travel

There are many different reasons people decide to homeschool their children. I would like to share with you today why our family homeschools. Being fully aware of our reasons propels us forward and it gives us purpose. Placing these reasons ever before us pushes us on toward our goal.

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

This encompasses every aspect of life, at all times and in all things. I do not believe this can be fully accomplished if the responsibility is abdicated to others and children are put under the authority of those who disagree with the biblical approach to every aspect of life or are obligated to teach using a secular curriculum with a humanistic and atheistic approach. There truly is no real neutrality. Here is a quote from a book I have read recently, it gives a good summary. This is enough to propel me to move forward and count the rewards when I am feeling overwhelmed. It is what God has called me to do as a Christian mother.

The biblical mind is not compartmentalized into two distinct areas of though: secular and sacred. All of life is under the authority of God's revealed Word, and children were to be taught in terms of this comprehensive authority all the time.

from: Standing on the Promises by Doug Wilson

I acknowledge that all will not agree with my reasons for homeschooling. Many will have other reasons and some will just flat out disagree and that is ok. We have our reasons and they are grounded in the Word. These reasons as propel to continue on our homeschooling journey. When we have a frustrating day, they urge us forward and help to keep us focused.

Labels: Christianity, Conviction, Heart of the Matter, Homeschooling, newsletter

Labels: Christianity, Videos

Well, today is the day that we board the ferry. We have to arrive 3 hours early for boarding. I will post more about our ferry trip once we get settled with a permanent computer. For now, I thought I would share about the ferry we are traveling on. This information is from the Alaska Marine Highway website. This is a photo of the actual vessel we are traveling on and details concerning the ship. It looks to be a fun and exciting three days! More Later......

The M/V Columbia is the largest vessel of the Marine Highway fleet. Launched by Lockheed Shipbuilding in Seattle in 1974, the Columbia is 418 feet long, with capacity for 499 passengers and 134 vehicles (20' lengths). Its 103 total cabins include 44 four-berth units, and 56 two-berth units, 3 of which are wheelchair accessible. The Columbia boasts both a fine dining room and a cafeteria. The gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge round out the passenger amenities. Photo by Captain Jack Meyers

Labels: Alaska

Here I sit in my hotel room wishing I was already asleep. I am finding that I am tiring easily. We spent almost two weeks in the Spokane area. Our older children were able to attend camp and we had a great time visiting family and a few friends. There were many more people we would have liked to see but there is only so much time. We did take the opportunity to do a few other things that we enjoy in the area.

We all finally feel as if we are moving. Before it just felt as if we were coming home from a year long vacation. Now that we are somewhere that we have not been before it is beginning to feel like we are on the move.

The children are beginning to show the strain of traveling for so long a period of time and are a little bit tired and cranky but I think that will settled down with the adventure ahead of us for the next week of travels.

Thank you those who are praying for us! I will check back in as time and access to the web allows. May God's riches blessings be upon you all and may you be aware enough to recognize them!

Labels: Alaska, journal, travel

STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR MARRIAGE.

Marriage is not a contract. It is a covenant, made before God and witnesses. Marriage is not a fuzzy feeling of love. It is a commitment. It is a commitment to build a godly marriage that is a picture to the world of Christ and His bride. It is a commitment to build a family and raise a godly seed. It won’t always be easy. It’s hard work. But we are committed to the task. We take no notice of difficulties. We are not daunted by problems. We keep on with the task, because we are committed to a vision of building a godly generation. We are not concerned only with the present, but with the future, and the generations to come. We have no thought of quitting because we know that it would affect not only our children now, but also the generations to follow. We keep pressing on toward the goal, pushing through the mountains of difficulties, as we trust in our God.

Got any rivers you think are uncrossible?
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?
God specializes in things thought impossible!
He can do what no other can do!

God is for your marriage. He will be with you to make it strong and precious. There may be times when the tide goes out on your marriage. When the tide goes out, you see all the ugly things on the beach. When the tide goes out on your marriage, the ugly things loom large. But don’t despair. Don’t look at the rubbish. Look to the Lord. There is a divine law I want to remind you about. The tide ALWAYS COMES IN AGAIN! If you are going through a tough time, hang on to God. The tide will come in again with love and blessing and reconciliation.

~Nancy Campbell~

Labels: marriage

SEPARATE EVIL FROM YOUR MARRIAGE.

Keep your marriage and your home a pure place for the habitation of the Lord. Don’t allow the filth of the world to creep in. It can happen so easily. Don’t watch immoral movies together. You’ll have a limited selection, but be strong about this. When you sit and watch immorality and filth, you condone it, you deaden your conscience, you negatively affect your marriage and you defile your home. Oh, one of the saddest things I hear from wives as I speak to them all over the country is the grief and lament that their husbands are glued to the TV and many of them are involved in pornography. Oh how I grieve. Pornography is destroying thousands of marriages.

Keep your marriage bed holy. Just because you are married does not give you license to do kinky things. True intimacy in the sexual act can be gloriously satisfying without trying other things. I like this statement from Matthew Henry. "Those who keep themselves pure in times of common impurity, God will keep safe in times of common calamity."

Don’t bring death to your bed. Most contraceptives either kill newly formed life, or kill the sperm that holds the potential of future life. The Pill, IUD, Depo-Provera, and Norplant are all abortifacients. They cause the death of a newly formed human being. Keep your bed holy.

Ezekiel 44:23 says, "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean."

~Nancy Campbell~

Labels: marriage

SANCTIFY YOUR MARRIAGE WITH PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING.

None of us are exempt from trials. We all face hard times in our marriages. What do you do? Grumble and groan? Complain and criticize? Talk negatively and nastily. Oh it is so easy to do this, because this is how we feel. But here’s the secret. Take it to the Lord in prayer. Thank Him. Trust Him. All your groaning and blaming one another will not solve the problem. God is your Deliverer! You can trust Him. Learn to hang on to God and look to Him as your source. Don’t trust in your husband’s ability alone, but in the Lord.

Make it your habit to pray and praise the Lord together daily. If you pray daily together, you’ll keep free from "the little foxes that spoil the vines" that eat away at your marriage. Make your home a house of prayer and thanksgiving. Matthew 18:19 is a wonderful promise for married couples. "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Notice these words – "If two of you…" The two of you together can claim great power and miracles in your relationship and in your home as you faithfully pray together.

And never forget the exhortation in Ephesians 4:26, "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath." If you have an argument or get upset with one another, don’t act like a baby and put on the silent treatment. Sort it out. Say "I’m sorry." Forgive one another. Never go to sleep until you have restored the relationship. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

~Nancy Campbell~

Labels: marriage

SWEETEN YOUR MARRIAGE.

Ouch! This is a challenge to me. If I start to get a little harsh, Colin will say, "Come on, Darling, be sweet to me." And I do have to be reminded! But he never lets me get away with sharp words. He always pulls me up to be gentle and sweet.

How do you sweeten your marriage? With words - sweet words, soft words, encouraging words, cheerful words, positive words, helpful words, supportive words, kind words, wise words, forgiving words, loving words, pleasant words and life-giving words. You can’t miss having a successful marriage if you put this secret into practice!

I am always challenged by Song of Solomon 4:11 where the Bridegroom speaks to the bride and says, "Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue." What drips from the honeycomb? Sweetness! What kind of words drip from your tongue?

A dear friend called in this morning and shared this quote with me: "People turn their best side out: they are delightful in company, but snarly at home. There they give vent to their dissatisfaction, their temper, their grouch. They are scent-bottles abroad, vinegar-bottles at home… To be a Christian at home one must learn to ‘keep sweet’."

Your words will gradually kill your marriage or they can keep it alive with love. It’s your choice. Proverbs 18:21.

~Nancy Campbell~

Labels: marriage

SERVE YOUR HUSBAND.

This is meant to be a time of sharing my secrets. Can I share with you what I believe is one of the most destructive forces in a marriage? It is the sin of selfishness! The secret of a successful marriage is selflessness and serving. If you are trying to get something out of your marriage for yourself, you will never be satisfied. It doesn’t work that way. Forget about yourself and think of all the ways you can serve and satisfy your husband. This will bring you joy and freedom. This will release your husband to love you. Even Jesus, the Son of God, did not come to be served but to serve. He was our example. Read Philippians 2:6-8.

Stamp on all the works of the flesh that poke their way up in your life - your self-pitying, self-centered, self-gratifying, self-serving, self-pleasing, self-opinionated self! They destroy the marriage.

Marriage seminars are good. Marriage counseling is good. But they are not the total answer. I know couples that have been to loads of marriage seminars and still have problems in their marriage. All you need to do is forget about self, start serving and your problems will disappear!

Make your home a refuge where your husband can find peace and harmony from the strife of the workplace. Daily prepare a nutritious and appetizing meal for him. There is nothing more soothing than coming home to find the table set nicely, the meal ready with delicious smells floating from the kitchen, a peaceful atmosphere, and everyone ready to sit down to the evening meal.

~Nancy Campbell~

Labels: marriage

SUPPORT YOUR HUSBAND.

We are to complete our husband, not compete with him. Genesis 2:18 says, "And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him a help meet for him." The word "help meet" is "neged". It means, "part opposite, counterpart, over against or before, other side." God made us opposite to our husband. We have a different task. It would have been unnecessary for God to make another creation like Adam to do the same thing as him.

I believe that one of the most fundamental understandings of a successful marriage is to know our role in the marriage. God ordained the husband to be the Provider, the Protector and the Priest of the home. He created the woman to be the Nurturer, the Nourisher and the Nest builder. The husband is the Breadwinner; the wife is the Bread baker! The husband is the King; the wife is the Queen.

We support our husband, not by competing for his role, but by encouraging him to be what God ordained him to be - the leader and the provider. When we take away his God-given task and try to do it ourselves, we undermine him as a man, and we come out from under God’s divine order. Oh you may think you can do a much better job than he can! But that’s not the point. The more you attack his position, the weaker he will become in it. However, as you relinquish it to him, he will gradually learn to take his responsibility. He may make many mistakes at the beginning, but he will grow stronger and wiser as you affirm his role.

In many homes today there are two Adams, both trying to fulfill the role of Adam the provider, rather than an Adam and an Eve. Many women have rejected the role of embracing and nurturing children to take on the husband’s responsibility. The greatest calling that God has given to women is being cut off because they would rather have Adam’s job! As we have adopted this humanistic stance, we see more and more divorce and broken marriages. As we have rejected children and God’s plan for marriage, He has taken away His hand of blessing and we see destruction on every side.

I hate to sound like a broken record but I must reiterate it again. The basic ingredient of a successful marriage is to release your husband to be the provider and leader, and embrace your calling to be a mother and to make your home a peaceful haven for your husband.

~Nancy Campbell~

Labels: marriage

SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBAND’S HEADSHIP.

I guess we might as well start with the one that most women want to avoid! However,it’s one of the secrets so I can’t leave it out! We may not always like what God says but it’s the only way that works. Let’s find out more.

1) Submission is Biblical.

Many couples today believe they can get along doing things their own way, rather than standing on God’s truth. But man’s way doesn’t work. I listened to a preacher the other week who quoted the fact that the percentage of divorce amongst Christians is now higher than the world. How devastating! But this is the fruit of man’s ways.

You can read the Scriptures again: 1 Corinthians 7:3,4; 14:34b; Ephesians 5: 21-24; Philippians 2:6-10; Colossians 3:18; Titus 2:5; 1 Peter 3:1-6. The word "submission" is "hupotasso". It comes from two words – "hupo" which means "under" and "tasso" which means, "to set in order." Therefore it means, "to place in an orderly fashion under something." Husbands cannot demand submission from their wives. We place ourselves under our husband’s protection and leadership "as unto the Lord." It is something we do of our own accord, because we want to do His will.

2) Submission is a heart attitude.

Submission is not an outward act that we do under sufferance. It is a heart attitude. It is an attitude that is worked in us by the power of the Holy Spirit as we yield our will to the Lord. Most of us don’t learn this lesson easily but as we continually yield it becomes more a habit of our lives.

3) Submission is for our protection.

God did not devise submission to bring wives into bondage. No, it is for our blessing, protection and covering. God’s ultimate plan is for His female creation to be under protection throughout their entire lives – under their father’s protection as a single person and then under their husband’s protection when they marry. We see an understanding of this in Numbers Chapter 30.

4) Submission is a kingdom principle.

The word "submit" does not belong in Satan’s kingdom. It is antipathy to everything that belongs to the kingdom of darkness. The key word in Satan’s kingdom is "independence." It was the spirit of independence and "I’ll have it my way" that caused Satan to be cast out of heaven, and he continues to corrupt the world with this same spirit today. It may feel good at the time but independence always brings destruction. This is why we now have such an epidemic of divorce. On the other hand, submission may not feel very natural, but it is a principle of the kingdom of God. The reason it doesn’t feel natural to our flesh is because it is supernatural. It belongs to a kingdom of truth, light and holiness. Most of the time we don’t feel like submitting because it goes against our fleshly nature. However, as we die to the flesh and yield to the power of the Holy Spirit we will have the grace to submit. As we flow in this kingdom principle, we will walk in the power of the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom principles work and no others.

5) Submission is a picture of Christ and the church.

Does the bride of Christ order him around and tell him what to do? Does she wear the pants? Is not He head of the church? God planned for the marriage relationship to picture this truth to the world. Is our marriage a clear picture or distorted? Ephesians 1:20-23; Colossians 1:15-19; 2:9-10; 1 Peter 3:22.

6) Submission wins the victory.

Submission is not weakness; it is power. Submission is for the mature. It is a three-year-old mentality to stamp your feet and demand your own way. Jesus Himself is the example. He sweat drops of blood as He anticipated His submission to His Father’s will. He cried, "Oh my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." In submitting to the Father’s will He won the greatest victory in the universe. He redeemed a people. He won a bride. He won the victory over death, hell and Satan. When you are sweating it out, remember that you have not yet "resisted unto blood." Matthew 26:39; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 12:2-4.

7) Submission takes faith.

In 1 Peter chapter 3, we read the example of godly women who submitted to their husbands, even though their husbands were not Christians, and even at times when they were wrong. But these women had a secret. They exercised the grace of submission toward their husbands, but they trusted in God! Even when they couldn’t trust their husband’s decision, they trusted God. Dear wives; God is bigger than your husband! Remember that. When you think he is wrong and leading you down a wrong path, trust God. God will work for you as you put your trust in Him. Twice Sarah was taken into a harem, but she put her trust in the Lord and God delivered her!

When you walk in a spirit of submission, you will receive seven blessings in your life. You will have…

1) Sensitivity to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life.
2) Serenity - Soul rest and peace in your heart. Matthew 11:28-30.
3) Security and Stability in your life.
4) Sweetness in your life.
5) Soundness of doctrine.
6) Strength of character. And you will be…
7) Saved from deception. 1 Timothy 2:14-15.

~Nancy Campbell~

Labels: marriage

I have come across a wonderful devotion that will strengthen your marriage. It is written by one of my favorite ladies, Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies. It is rather lengthy so I am going to split it up a bit. The title is Seven Secrets For Wives. Today I will give you the introduction and on the following days I will post one of the seven secrets. I think you will be blessed. Please stop by everyday, take these things into your heart, look to the Word of God, and be prayerful concerning them, and may your marriages be strengthened, blessed, and honoring to the Lord.

On the 2nd March 2000 Colin and I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. Where has the time gone? Colin was 60 years old on the 1st April 2000 (yes, April Fool’s Day!) and I follow next year. In the early years of our marriage I remember attending a silver wedding anniversary of a couple in our church, and I thought they were old! When I planned a Ruby Wedding anniversary (40th) for my parents years ago, I thought they were getting very old! Now it won’t be long before we celebrate our ruby anniversary. But age is more a matter of the mind than years, isn’t it? I feel younger than I ever have in my life. However, I do trust that I have become a little wiser and more mature as the years have gone on.

Colin and I have been blessed with a faithful and committed marriage. I can remember thinking before I married, "What on earth it would be like to live with a person for all your life?" Wow, these years have seemed like one day – and now we’re ready for another 37 years! The following are some of the secrets I have learned over the years. They are all biblical concepts. I am sure you must be getting used to the fact that I always resort to the Word of God for the foundation of my life, so back to the Word we go. Here are seven "S’s" for you.

~Nancy Campbell~


So what do you think? It sounds to be a good devotion doesn't it?? Make sure you check back each day for the entire series and please leave your comments. Hopefully we can encourage one another to make our marriages stronger.

Labels: marriage

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10

Oh to be a virtuous wife! I know what she looks like, how she speaks, how she loves her husband, and yet, reaching through the ages, I can still feel the kindred curse of Eve's desire to control...to know better than God, and lead her husband.

Labels: Christianity, Conservative, Courtship, Encouragement, marriage

Labels: Christianity, Sermons, Videos

Today my hubby and four older children are headed to camp for a week. Our children have attended this camp for the past several years. Our travel schedule worked out perfectly for us to stop for two weeks back in our beloved Washington state so they could attend. I am staying in town with the four younger children and we will find plenty of fun things to do! We all miss living here! These next two weeks is something we have all longed for during the past year!

Labels: Alaska, journal

In honor of the great reformer John Calvin's birthday, Ken from the Doorkeeper's Delight has created a new holiday. This new holiday is the International Hug a Calvinist Day. All of the details are on his Facebook page which you can get to from the Doorkeeper's Delight.

Here are a few of the details.....

Time and Place
Date:Thursday, July 10, 2008
Time: 12:00am - 11:55pm
Location: Anywhere you're predestined to be that day

So stop and smell the TULIPs on July 10 and hug your nearest Calvinist. We don't bite.


This year on John Calvin's birthday, hug a Calvinist and tell them how much he/she means to you.

Labels: Christianity, Conservative, Laughter

People often ask me HOW we manage things around our house. So I thought that I would share with you a few things that have worked well in our large family homeschooling situation. Hopefully, they will be beneficial to you. Even if it is not something that you can incorporate, it is always fun to see how others organize their homeschool. Hopefully some of our ideas can be of help in the upcoming school year!


1.Get an early start. This is a very difficult one for me but it makes such a big difference. I am not a morning person and am often up several times a night with little ones but I have found that if we get an earlier start we accomplish so much more. Things tend to run more smoothly for us as well. We try to be up, dressed, fed, and ready for school by 8 am. I will readily admit that it is a rare morning that this actually happens. We shoot for this never the less and it is becoming a more frequent occurrence. It seems if we start school work any time after 9 am then we most likely will not finish our work and we are going all day long. If we start at 8 am we are almost done by lunch and are finished by 2pm. I do not know why it works this way other than we are more energetic and motivated to make the most of the day when the day is still fresh.

2. Keep a stash of pencils, pens, staples, glue sticks, and any other necessary items. Find an easy place to store them. I have a basket thing that I keep ours in. It sits atop the book shelves listed in #2 above. It is on the end that is next to the stairs so even the shorter children can climb a few stairs and be able to reach what they need without any difficulty.

3. Organization is key. Her are a few more ways we organize our things.

4. Take advantage of nap time! Nap time is when you can accomplish a lot! You can finish lessons with the older children or correct papers without the little ones making noise or trying to take pencils. You can have chore time and do a quick pick up to straighten the house, or you can take a short refreshing nap to help fuel you for the rest of the day. You can have your Bible readings or other reading. You can use this time as I am now, blogging. Take advantage of this time.

Labels: Homeschooling, organization

Thank you! Thank you! To my readers!!! I am so encouraged to check in here and see all of your comments! It is difficult being gone from my blog and not checking in every single day but it has also been a bit relaxing at the same time. I thought that since I had a moment that I would share with you what has been going on the last week! A LOT!

We have been busy and things have been a bit hectic and we are tired. Before leaving San Antonio we learned that a friend had died. Please just pray for their family. This occurred while we were packing out. Her funeral is today and I know her family needs prayer.

We left SA and drove for two days and my ankles were swollen and sore! I am so glad that we are dividing this trip up. I had not anticipated the swelling this early on in my pregnancy. The pregnancy is going well though and I am beginning to feel this little one move more and more. We have reached the half way point!! Yeah! Oh yeah, and I did get that ultrasound before we left. We are having a ........................... well, maybe I will make you wonder a bit longer.
Here is our pattern so far...

boy
girl
girl
boy
girl
girl
girl
girl

What do you think we are having??

On another note...
We are currently in Colorado. We had a chance to visit our friends here. Our son decided that he was going to ride their ATV. He rode without a helmet and rather fast. He was thrown over the handle bars and the ATV hit a tree. Needless to say, he spent some time in the emergency room. He is a little banged up but no broken bones or anything. Praise the Lord! The ATV on the other hand is badly damaged and it may take all or more of my son's car savings to repair or replace it. Other than that it was such a great visit. Our children have had a chance to hang out with their grandparents and the friends who live across the street from them. We visited Focus on the Family and to the Rock Ledge Ranch. We also went to the Air Force Academy for the fireworks show. After the fireworks our older five children decided to take turns wrapping up in a sleeping bag and tumbling down the hillside. As one tumbled the others acted as a wall to stop them before they ran into the cars in the parking lot. It was almost