Happy Birthday Stargate Warrior!!

Ryan recently had his 10th birthday - and what fun it was! He is a HUGE fan of Stargate -the SciFi tv series - and by that I mean that he collects cards, props, autographs, anything he can get his hands on. He watches the show whenever he gets a chance. We own all ten seasons... he is totally into all aspects of Stargate. He has everything from posters to coasters... need I say more. But the ONE THING he REALLY wanted more than anything else was a Jaffa staff weapon. He always gets outbid on e-bay. They don't make them anymore. It seemed impossible that he would ever get one.

And of course, we had a Stargate cake!!

Here is Ryan with his only Stargate weapon to date - a zat gun.

Until his birthday, when his parents sent him on a scavenger hunt, with clues all over town. Literally. He went to a friend's house, the back yard, 7-11, Safeway...

even to our favorite Greek restaurant where a clue was handed to him by the owner.

The final clue led him to Danny's office, where lo and behold, the prize of the scavenger hunt was a STAFF WEAPON!!

I shall NEVER forget the look of surprise and joy on my boy's face as he discovered his treasure! It is so rewarding as a parent to give your child the desire of his heart...

It was such a reminder to us of the delight that our Heavenly Father feels when He gives us good gifts! How He longs to give us the desires of our hearts!

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)

Here is my warrior with his weapon! Happy Birthday Ryan!

Ryan's First Painting

Today Ryan came home with this painting - and I was blown away! He painted a picture of Caramel, his bunny who died a couple months ago. I think that we may have another budding artist in the family!!

Words of Wisdom

We may expect between this place and heaven a fair share of trouble. If we write down for ourselves pleasant things, it may probably happen that we have written other than the book of the divine purpose. Many trials will befall us between this and the fair haven; but there is no killing one in them all, for the just shall live through them all by his faith.

Celebrating Jacob's "A" in science!!!

Jacob took his first two high school level classes this year (as an 8th grader) and has done amazing! He took his final exam on Tuesday in Physical Science which covered material from the entire year - and he got 104% on it!! I was so proud of him! He seems to have a natural knack for science... hmmm.... do we see a scientist in the future?!?

So we celebrated with hot fudge, toasted coconut sundaes!!

Easter in pictures

Spring Blossoms in Kenwood

Last week we drove down to to a beautiful neighborhood in Chevy Chase which is famous for it's cherry blossoms. It is a way to see Washington's famous blossoms without actually having to go into DC!! (suits me just fine!) We have been going there for years - ever since the kids were little. This year they have added benches, stone walls, and there was even an ice cream truck and the cutest little lemonade stand!

Beautiful shot of my mom...

Still in love, after all these years.... ahhhh.....

Science Fair 2010

A couple weeks ago the kids participated in the Science Fair as part of our homeschool program. It was not exactly what the kids called "fun" but it was a good experience for them. They each had to stand by their project and answer questions - they both did a fantastic job! We were a little curious as to how Ryan would do as this would be a challenge for him - and a first - but he surprised us and did fabulous!! He interacted with adults with ease, and was happy to answer the questions of the kids!

Hannah with her project on global warming and its impact on arctic animals. She had a really nice display with lots of great pictures and facts.

Ryan standing with his project on geodes. Ryan had one gentleman come up and thank him for including the part about science and evolution versus creation in explaining the age of geodes. It was something Ryan insisted on putting on his board, and so it was wonderful that it was acknowledged by someone else - the man thanked him for emphasizing that all things on earth point to the Creator!! It was the best moment of the day for Ryan.