Model Indian Village

The children have been learning about Colonial America. One of their projects this week was to make a model Indian Village. They have been having a lot of fun. We had to improvise though. We couldn't make wigwams (due to the lack of sticks), so we had to make cardboard houses with grass roofs. We pulled out old photos of when we visited Jamestown a couple of years ago and the kids modeled their village after that. They made a fire pit, log pile, and a deer skin drying. Like I said they had fun and they used some math skills in building the village also.

End of Soccer Season

What a great season! The Thunderchiefs ended their season with a pool party. The coach handed out awards and had nice things to say about everyone. He said Blake was a great soccer player and had some serious skill. He said no matter where the ball is you will find Blake on it. He has really learned a lot about soccer this season from his coach and team. His coach was always positive yet still a disciplinary, just what Blake needed. It was so much fun to watch this group of boys develop their skills. They very quickly bonded with one another and were a very close team. Coach Spencer is requesting to keep the team together next season which starts in February. Go Thunderchiefs!!

Ethan's first haircut

We had to finally get Ethan's haircut. I was tired of everyone thinking he was a little girl and his hair kept falling in his face. So off to the barber shop we went. He was such a big boy and just kept looking in the mirror. Now he looks like a little man.

Happy 11th Birthday Mikaela

Mikaela had a nice 11th birthday. On her real birthday we went to the beach,out to dinner and had cake for dessert. Then on Saturday she invited two of her friends and brother to go see Beverly Hills Chihuahua. She had a very nice birthday!!

Starting Thanksgiving Traditions

We have many traditions for Christmas, but I wanted to start some Thanksgiving traditions. When I was a child visiting family was a big Thanksgiving tradition. Since we are a military family I really feel we need something special to commemorate the holiday and make it special. I found this article written by Deborah at the Old Schoolhouse newsletter. I thought it was perfect and I wanted to share. So, this Thanksgiving we will start this "tradition".


We gather the following items and talk about them and read the scriptures. The devotional centers around why we are thankful for Jesus.
Gather a vine, birthday candle, rock, band aid, chocolate kiss, toy ram, small candy cane, toy crown, puzzle pieces, bread and grape juice.
Vine: We are thankful that Jesus is the Vine. Read Revelation 17:14 and John 15:5. Talk about why you are thankful Jesus is the Vine in your life. What happens when you are not near the vine?
Candle: We are thankful that Jesus is the Light. Read John 8:12 and Psalm 32:8 How can we be a light in our neighborhood, in our family and with our friends?
Rock: We are thankful that Jesus is our Rock. Read Isaiah 26:4 He is stable and secure.
Band aid: We are thankful that Jesus is our healer. Read Ex. 15:26. Talk about different people Jesus healed in the New Testament. Pray for the sick.
Chocolate Kiss: We are thankful that Jesus is Good. Psalm 34:8 says to taste and see that the Lord is good and that the man who trusts in Him is blessed. Talk about how you are blessed when you trust Him. List some things you can trust Jesus with.
Toy Ram and Candy Cane: Read John 10:11 about the Good Shepherd and why you are thankful that He laid down His life for the sheep.
Crown: We are thankful that Jesus is the King of Kings. Read Revelation 17:14 Ask if He is ruling in your hearts. Talk about why we are thankful that God rules over men. Pray for your leaders.
Puzzle piece: Read Isaiah 9:6. We are thankful that Jesus is our Peace. Without God's peace in our lives, it is like a puzzle that is missing a piece.
Bread and Juice: We are thankful that Jesus is our Bread. Read John 6:35 and Mark 14:22-25. Have communion together as you remember Jesus and are thankful for what He has done for you.
I hope you start some family traditions this year to help keep your holy-days Christ centered.