Indian Echo Caverns

We decided to take a tour of Indian Echo Caverns today. We had planned to take a day trip to the beach with our oldest and youngest daughters but the weather wasn't cooperating so we needed to find an indoor activity. We  pass by this cavern often during the week and it has been on our bucket list since we moved (4 years ago!) It was an interesting tour and the guide was friendly and fun (even with her goofy scripted jokes).  On the down side, you were quickly pushed through the rooms of the cavern in order for the other groups to go through the area.  I do wish we would have had a little more time to slow down and look at all of the amazing formations.  I would suggest if at all possible to go another day rather than a Saturday, I am sure it is not as busy during the week. Also, go to the Visit Hershey Harrisburg website to request a travel guide. The guide has a coupon for Indian Echo and many other local activities/restaurants.

Read here about the history of the cave and how it was founded. Also, read here for additional information about William Wilson the Pennsylvania Hermit.

Here are a few pictures of the Cave

Indian Eco Caverns is a limestone cave. The temperature inside the cavern is 52 degrees year round. Take a jacket/sweatshirt along in the summer or take off your coat to warm up in the winter! 

If you are interested in getting a few shots while you are there, hang in the back of the crowd.

Watch your head while walking through the caverns... well, I didn't have any trouble at all for a short girl : )

Some of the formations start to resemble familiar objects such as this one that is known as an "Ear of Indian Corn"

Always look up! 

Love, Love, Love these ladies! 

Just a little silliness...

well...

actually a lot of silliness! 

Peek and see

Here is another peek at our school week! Allowing others to look into our day brings quite a bit of vulnerability to any mama who teaches their children at home.  Many people have strong opinions on how and where children receive an education. I tend to want to tuck my head and do as the Lord is leading our family with confidence and not engage in conversations that would attempt to deter my thoughts and heart with what we know is right for each of our children. I am surprised each and every week I receive phone calls, facebook messages, emails and face to face questions about how we approach school. We always said we would make an individual decision for each of our children with how we approach their education ever since Breanna, our oldest, was a baby. We said if we felt it was best to homeschool we would be willing but I really didn't think it would ever happen. But it did. Various and different reasons each for Maddy and Logan led us to keep them home for the past year and a half (perhaps another post for another day).  We started homeschooling Maddy mid year during 6th grade and Logan started his 5th grade year. Breanna graduated from public school and Olivia attends a public school. I am not anti-public school nor wish to participate in conversations that declare an overall statement that everyone should homeschool or conversations on the other side of the pendulum that no one should homeschool. Sweeping statements of only one way to approach kids that are uniquely different cause me to cringe. We will continue to seek the Lord and be willing to do what we think is best for each of our children. 

So here is a peek behind the scenes.

Madelyn creates her own projects and she will work on them during the day in between her scheduled studies (History, Science, Spelling, Literature, Civics, Grammar, Handwriting, Math, Health & more!) She enjoys learning, is passionate, innovative and has many dreams and ideas. She likes to create PowerPoint presentations as an avenue to teach others what she is learning. We have sat through various presentations over the past few years and we have learned so much in the process. She is currently working on a PowerPoint about GMO's. (Genetically Modified Organism's)

I love the picture of Maddy above, the way it captures her focus, determination and a little of her personality. Logan shot that photo. He has a growing interest in photography, videography and journalism. He recently set up his own YouTube Channel.  We were reluctant to allow him to have this avenue but I am thankful we did because it has fueled his interest and creativity.  You can check out his Channel here

Logan spotted a new bird at the feeder this week so he ran outside to capture a picture. As many of you know they participate in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Click here for the link (for kids and adults). All kids are different right? I decided at the beginning of the year I wanted this to be a consistent activity that they participated in during the week. Not all kids show an interest in what you might get excited about...at first. It's a challenge that keeps me intrigued and studying how each of our children learn. Madelyn will sit by the window and wait for the birds to come to the feeder . She will study the bird with a large bird poster and field manual. She might have a notepad beside her so she can do further research on that particular bird's migration pattern or other detailed information. Logan wasn't opposed to the project but not thrilled at first. It was a challenge for me to see how to bridge the gap with his interests and how he learns. So, I handed him my camera.  He knows, I don't hand my camera to just anyone so his time of birdwatching and recording data is special. I had to chuckle this week when he was taking a picture and he said, "Look at this picture of this chickadee thingy." This weekly activity has allowed them time to slow down, observe, record data while participating with people all over United States.

Every week or so we make a quick trip to the library. Madelyn is just as predictable as Logan when we get there. She will quickly grab a couple fiction books and then race over to the garden/nutrition/fiber section. Logan knows the exact book he is going to get before he walks into the Library. He has laser focus and will not deter from his mission. He will search the computer for the location of the book, pick up the book and  be ready to go within a couple of minutes.  This was the first time that Logan has gone to the library and was content to sit patiently while waiting for Madelyn to browse through the books. He wasn't anxious to get on to the next thing or grumbling and complaining about how long it was taking. He sat down, put his feet up and relaxed. He didn't even notice me taking this picture. It was just one of those moments that I wanted to etch into my memory so I could recall it when I need to remind him to exhibit self control in the future.  

I gave both the kids a rubric and set a date for a book report of their choice. Logan read three books in two days! This is a huge step as I recall the first part of the year he was so concerned about how much time he had to read or had left to read that he was not enjoying the actual book. I just watched him and thanked God several times for allowing me to see progress.

 A few people ask me about our Math Curriculum. This year we used Teaching Textbooks. The kids have enjoyed the program. This is the only subject they do on the computer and it is a CD program. The program keeps a log of their grades as they complete lessons/lectures. If you purchase this curriculum for Math you can use the ID number for 4 or 5 times.  We were not sure if you could buy this used but you can! Just make sure you ask how many times the ID has been used. Billy's parents purchased Madelyn's Math curriculum and we borrowed Logan's from a friend. We purchased the textbook/workbook with Madelyn's and I must tell you it is not necessary to spend the additional money for it. We haven't opened the books at all. The books duplicate the exact lecture that is displayed on the screen. There are additional "helps" but both our kids have been extremely successful with this program.

Olivia was out of school for President's Day so we took a field trip to the Whitaker Center. 

Hands on demonstration about air. It's always fun to watch one of your siblings being included in the demonstration! 

The Whitaker Center is a great place for hands on learning. If you have a family membership the IMAX documentary films are discounted $2 per ticket. We didn't see a film on this trip due to it being a holiday they were only showing the movie Frozen...uhhh no, thank you. We hope to go back soon to see the Jerusalem Documentary. 

Could anyone not smile while doing a Grammar lesson with a bunny hanging out under their legs?

There are times that chores need to be completed before, during or after the school day. It is part of being a family and builds character. 

Then some Physical Education looks like this! I should have ventured up the hill as he met up with some buddies but it was really cold.

I signed the kids up for a Science class at Messiah College's Oaks Museum

We enjoyed this activity and it was nice to see both kids participate and eager to talk one on one with  the adults to gather additional information about what they were teaching. The kids did further research the following day and wrote a report on something new they learned at the Museum. There are a few additional classes that are being offered click here for the topics/dates. 

Saturday we had another snow storm, so why did I post a picture of Saturday when we are peeking into our school day? It seems that learning is just a way of life and doesn't have to occur only between certain hours. Madelyn will go outside to play but she decided to work on her garden while it was snowing. She spent hours playing in the soil. She wasn't in any hurry to get the job done and move on to something else, she sat quietly and placed the seeds in each pod carefully and stopped to research about the plants to see what would be good companion plants. It has been a very cold winter and many people are ready for it to be over, but not everyone. Logan as you can see is one happy fella during the wintertime. He enjoys each and every snowfall and is eager to spend time at Ski Roundtop snowboarding. He has made a couple videos of his adventures so be sure to check them out here

We have some exciting things planned for the rest of this week...stay tuned!  

How Great....

How Great is Our God continues to ring in my ears as I think about this past Sunday. We were surrounded by a sweet church congregation and several families that came to celebrate and witness Olivia's Baptism. We are thankful for each one of you.  Olivia was extremely eager, persistent and ready to take this step of obedience. She is confident her life is sealed in Christ and was excited to share her decision to follow Christ publicly.  

It has been a very long time since I have blogged and I just recently started to journal again. Why? There had been some dark days and words escaped my deep thoughts in the valley.  I am thankful those days are hopefully in the rear view mirror and I pray that the rawness's will continue to fade into thankfulness for the opportunity of growth.

It was the first time in months that I couldn't resist but to belt out in my off tune voice How Great Is Our God with knowing, without a shadow of doubt, with confidence the Lord continues to move and His plans are still unfolding. A sense of.... hope after months of trails, heartache, uncertainty and transitions.  

God is sovereign,
God is good,

His love never ends,

How Great Is Our God

The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty

Let all the earth rejoice

All the earth rejoice

He wraps Himself in light

And darkenss tries to hide

It trembles at His voice

Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age, He stands

And time is in His hands

Breginning and the end

Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One 

Father, Spirit, Son

Lion and the Lamb

Lion and the Lamb

How great, how great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me

How great is our God and all will see

How great, how great is our God

Thank you for celebrating with us! 

(It takes special friends for Olivia to be her silly self that she is at home in public!)

Love!  

Thank you for celebrating with us!

(You guys are special even if Olivia changes Jose's name to keep him on his toes) 

Love!

Thank you for celebrating with us!

(I just love how she is leaning against Sandy...she has a way of doing that doesn't she?)

Love!

Thank you for celebrating with us!

(wish we would have snagged all your kiddos even though Olivia likes to karate chop Dillian's legs!)

Love! 

Thank you, for all those who watched and have participated by investing into Olivia's life. Ask her about her decison to be Baptized and her testimony of surrendering her heart to Jesus. Would you consider praying as your investment in her walk with the Lord. Besides the heavy lifting is done interceding in prayer. Please pray for her as she continues to grow and mature in her walk with the Lord. 

Read more:  Chris Tomlin - How Great Is Our God Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Broken BUT made new

Recently, I was dusting Logan's book shelf and I dropped one of his trophies. It shattered into several pieces all over his floor. I collected the pieces and set them in a neat pile in Billy's office. Olivia, passed through the office shortly after and glanced down to see the pile of broken trophy pieces. She stopped and stared at the pieces and asked what happened. After explaining the situation she appeared concerned but accepted that it was an accident. Tim and Teri (our friends from NC) were on their way to the house for a visit and everyone was eager for their arrival and perhaps a bit distracted as we were not thinking about the trophy any longer.

The Grays arrived and we spent time talking and catching up and at some point during their visit  Olivia whispered something to Mrs. Teri and off they went into the another room. Little did we know that Olivia had collected the pieces of the trophy and she had attempted to put it back together with an Elmer's glue stick. She had been working diligently, with good intentions attempting to put it together but without success so she asked Mr. Tim and Mrs. Teri for help. The pieces were collected, the Elmer's glue was cleaned off and another type of glue was used as Tim, Teri and Olivia sat at the dining room table putting Logan's trophy together.

I would have never chosen or wanted Logan's trophy to break BUT the opportunity for his sister to show compassion, care and love for him was worth the broken trophy pieces. Also, Tim quickly reminded me that it was an opportunity for he and Teri to bond with Olivia. Olivia was so thankful that she had help, she was tired and wasn't making much progress (perhaps making it messier) by attempting to do it all on her own. I couldn't resist thinking of all the learning lessons and illustrations that were unfolding before my eyes.

That little trophy was broken BUT it has been made new and has a new story. It was special before BUT now it holds a deeper, more significant story. When I look at that trophy now, it's not perfect BUT its a treasure. We all have a time in our life when the pieces are shattered, circumstances are difficult and we can attempt to put it back together with our own efforts (perhaps making it messier) or surrender to our Savior and allow Him to restore, redeem and transform our lives with significant purpose. Surrendering and being transformed doesn't mean a perfect life but one that allows the flaws to be used for His purpose and to point others to the redeeming power of our Savior.

.......BUT^[c] God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them Ephesians 2

Olivia wrapped up Logan's trophy, a note and some chocolate that was given to her in a small box. Here is a small clip....

"Mom, I really feel really special"

I am so sorry that it has taken me so long to post! I sure hope the grandparents will forgive me!

Birthday's are a pretty big deal in our family. I am not sure how, but it just has happened. In a larger family it seems like a great opportunity to "pour" into one child. We do not do "friend" birthdays for all the birthdays unless it happens spontaneously. More for the practical financial and planning. We plan friend parties for years like 5, 10, 13, & 16. So, this year we had a family Birthday celebration however we were able to include a little party at school with her friends in her class.



 

 Olivia opened her gift from us before she went to school. A new dress, shoes and birthday ribbon. She was so excited and was full of smiles. She received lots of big hugs from her siblings all morning long.

Olivia requested Hello Kitty Cake Pops. I had no idea how I was going to pull it off but I was looking forward to the challenge. 

I had the opportunity to hang out with the kids and teachers during recess. After most, if not all of the class came over to greet and give little hugs (I had just been in the classroom 2 days ago)  they waited and asked to get their picture taken together. I chuckled as they know me well since I always have my camera with me snapping pictures. This sweet little picture is just precious to me. I am looking forward to watching this group of kids grow up together.

The cake pops were a hit.

I took Olivia out of school early knowing our evening was going to be very busy with Madelyn's band performance. On our way to her surprise she said

"Mom, I really feel really special"

 She has never been to Build-A-Bear Workshop and really didn't know what it was all about but it sure didn't take long for her to figure it out! She was so full of smiles it was if her little face was lit up. Can you guess what stuffed animal she selected?....

She giggled, played, dressed and danced in the store.

So much fun, her little love tank runneth over....

The fun didn't stop! The kids waited eagerly to hear about her day and to see her Hello Kitty. I love to watch their excitement for one another. We had cake early with a busy night ahead but they didn't seem to care at all to have cake first and by far that is probably the best present ever for Olivia. She does like chocolate! 



Silly kids....oh let me take in all these moments. They pass so quickly. sniff-sniff

Our "sweet pea" with 6 little candles. A knot in my throat as I type.You are truly a gift, you add so much fun to our family. Your animated personality, your sense of humor, your inquisitiveness, your silly faces, your imagination, your articulation of your feelings, your creativity, your love for your siblings... We wait in expectation of how the Lord will use you to share the Love of Jesus with others. 

"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14