Traveling Tip #1, Earrings...

Traveling extensively can be somewhat of a challenge.  As a family, we have learned a few tricks to make it easier through the years.  We always roll our clothes, never fold, to avoid wrinkles; when traveling by vehicle, we use tubs and not suitcases to maximize the space; and, the entire family has learned the art of stuffing everything important to us in a single small case to be set by our feet for those extended periods in the truck.  We've also learned a few other helpful items like how pack earrings when you don't want to leave any of them behind.  To some this may seem trivial but when you are on the road and everything familiar is gone, having your favorite earrings for each outfit gives you a sense of continuity...it is possible, you might have to be a woman, to fully understand this...

For me, packing jewelry was always a problem.  Never have I found an effective way to pack my earrings that didn't mean at the end of the journey they were going to be loose, tangled around each other and in danger of falling out when the case is opened.  Even if these are not expensive pieces and just of the costume variety, you still want your jewelry to arrive neatly and undamaged.  If I have found a secure method of transport, it only allowed for a few chosen pieces instead of my whole collection.  How can I make such decisions when they are all so special?  So, I developed my own method which takes no more than a piece of shelf lining and a cloth napkin.  Cheap and effective, a hallmark of our family.  To be honest, even when I can put my earrings on the tree, I tend to keep them in their little roll.  

Myriad of earring on their special tree needing to find a way to 
travel safely and effectively.

After years of traveling and various jewelry roll-ups, bags and satchels, 
the best way I have ever found to carry my earrings with me is still 
the simplest.  A piece of shelf lining (any color will do) works nicely for 
attaching any type of earring from simple studs to fish-hooks.

Simply lay the shelf lining on a piece of cloth...I use one of my cloth napkins, 
and load it with your earrings.  Since there two sizes of tiny squares on the shelf 
lining, it works for even the smaller backs to your studs, just make sure you put 
the post through the small square so the backs won't pull through.  


Another Tip is to put your dangles on the bottom so they can hang off the 
edge and stay neater when you roll-up the cloth.

Once all earrings are added, simply roll-up and tuck in your suit case or makup
case.  Your earrings won't get tanged or fall out and they stay neatly in place
until time to be worn.  

Happy Travelling!!!

May God Bless and Keep You in His Grace,

Lynne

What a Difference a Day Makes...

2001 - Ft. Wayne, IN area - covered bridge

On a random Thursday morning we woke to business as usual: work, family, friends, school, play, sleep, all the normal things that regularly keep our days full and fulfilled, then suddenly, we were thrown into a state of anxiety, and by 'state of anxiety', I mean a complete and total, radical upheaval of our lives in the way know it…  the funding on our present contract was cut and we had to relocate by the end of the month.

2002 - Sam playing Davy Crockett.

2001 First On-the-Road Contract in IN. 

2000 - Making a Stop at the  Precious Moments Chapel.

Now, for some families, this would be catastrophic.  There would be tears and fear, there would be great trepidation and even partial paralysis at the thought of uprooting an entire family's life and moving it within two weeks, and, to be honest, we felt all those things, but not for too long.  We are road warriors from long ago.  For years our family traveled America from 'sea to shining sea' and loved it!  We ate breakfast at sunrise on the edge of the Grand Canyon as the sun brought the canyon walls to life with colors that could only be made by God.  We travelled along Alligator Alley watching the modern day dinosaurs in their natural habitat and gazed heavenward as the Space Shuttle launched.  We toured the Jelly Belly factory in Northern California and tried to plow our way through the high altitude passes of the Lake Tahoe in February…unsuccessfully, I might add.  We saw the Meteor Crater in Arizona and tried to be awe struck by the big round hole in the ground.  We ate Cheese Curds and Sausage in Wisconsin, wore the Green of Green Bay, then we moved on to survive the wind of the Windy City where we lived in a 100 year old barn to make it even more memorable.

2001 - Can't live in Wisconsin without seeing a Dairy Farm.

2002 - in Florida enjoying the Beach in February.

Finally, ending up in the northeast where we took a tour in NYC and lived in a 100 year old New Jersey Schoolhouse with chalk boards that pulled down from the ceiling to create room dividers and which still sported a bell in the belfry along with the preverbal 'bats'.  And then, it was time to rest.  As the children began to get older and needed to set some roots, we made our home here in New Jersey.  Not being ones to ever do anything quite 'normal', we decided to create a hobby farm with small herd of 7 to 9 goats, a flock of chickens, heritage breed ducks for breeding and laying ducks for luscious duck eggs.   And, for a while, there we stayed.

2002 - Experimental Airplane Museum

2002 - A Jelly Belly Day.

New Jersey has been good to us and it was a safe haven during my illness but it seems God thinks it is time we return to the road and stretch our faith muscles once again.  Who knows exactly why?  God doesn't always tell.  New Jersey will still be our home base while we are on the road.  We will still return to take care of business and be with friends and family but for a while, once again, we will take the roads of America and experience life like few families will ever know.

2002 - The Grand Canyon

Josh and I were talking through all that has happened as well as our decision to move forward with travel again and it occurred to us, this will be the last time all five of us will be traveling together.  It will not be long and our eldest two, who will both be in college this year, will be on their own.  This is our last chance to have this time as a family, enjoying each other and experiencing the world at large before Ben and Victoria move on to lives of their own.  In a way, this will be the most special year of our lives.  

2002 - Meteor Crater in AZ

2002 - Wisconsin Dairy Farm - Sam learning to Milk.

We have always been close, in fact, we could easily live in one big room together and it wouldn't phase any of us.  Our family likes being together.  I have said, we are only 'five' for a short time.  It won't be long and our numbers will increase as prospective spouses appear and then, sadly, we will see the number dwindle as the children take on lives of their own.  This time with our children on the road, once again, is going to a very special time for me.

2002 - Grain Mill in Pall Mall, TN

2002 - Train Museum in Sacramento, CA

2002 - The Grand Canyon

Josh and I have talked traveling again during the years we've been sitting still but I was still too ill to even consider such a move.  It has only been recently that I am well enough to be able to physically survive the hardships of being on the road.  There will be significantly more challenges with all my treatments, need for juicing and the neuropathy but I have to believe God wouldn't have set this before us if He wasn't going to take care of those issues.  I will need to be very very strict and take close care of my diet but with some diligence and some planning, I believe we can make this work.

2003 - We always looked for fun places to lease while on contract.
This is the Barn in Chicago, IL.

2003 - Doing School in a Hotel on the Road.

2003 - Sam's Make-Shift room in a Hotel while traveling.

One day, we will return once again to New Jersey to settle back down in our home and lives here.  To once again attend our home church, GTT, and once again adapt to the City and not just come here to refuel, take care of business and head back out again.  Until then, though, God has a plan and, as a family, we are excited to see what He has in store.

2003 - This Kids and Zeke in the Barn.

2004 - The Boys on the Carrier.

2007 - Sam at his Favorite Hotel - The Du Pont.
They were almost completely empty so we got
 the Presidential Suite.  Sam believes ALL Hotels
should be just like the Du Pont.

So, if life should throw you a curve-ball and you aren't sure what to do, might I suggest, don't panic.  Take a deep breath, close your eyes and say, 'God, where do you want to take me from here?'  After all, He already has it all planned out, then, let God lead you on an adventure.  You just might be surprise what you have way down deep inside that will surface and take you through the next step in your life that will increase your faith and build your testimony.

2005 - Never being ones to look for just 4 walls and a ceiling,
our family always looked for short-term lease houses with a
little flare, something as unusual as we are... we found
an old 1898 School House to lease while on our first contract in NJ.

May God Bless and Keep You in His Grace,

Lynne

An Anniversary, A Circle of Knitting, Some Passion, a 19th Birthday and Easter…

The past few weeks have been little more than a blur to me.   Hours have slid into days which have melted in and out of nights and somehow we have ended up in the first week of April and celebrating our daughter's 19th birthday.  Where has time gone?  18 hours of long hard labor only to end in a cesarean due to an extra bone that blocked the birth passageway that was unknown to everyone until after…18 hours of long hard labor (Did I mention that before?)…  Everyone was prepared for Victoria to be whisked away to intensive care but God, good as always, moved on our behalf and she came out with APGARs of 9.  Healthy and full of life and except for a an exaggerated cone head shape for the first few days from lingering in the birth canal for way more time than she should have, was as perfect and as beautiful then as the woman she grew-up to become.  

Our Precious Girl...

This year we have celebrated Victoria's birthday as we do most birthdays in our home which is to mean, fun food, good movies and the family all enjoying each other.  This is our tradition for most holidays.  Our family is adventurous and loves to explore the world as a rule but on our special days, we like to stay to ourselves, rarely inviting in the outside world, clothed in our jammies and sprawled all over couches, nice beds (a.k.a. pallets) and mattresses being thankful God gave us each other during our journey in this life.  We know all too well our time together as family is limited as the years pass by so each of these special days hold special meaning to each of us as we treasure this time together.  

A 'Nice Bed' complete with Children and Doggies...

No matter the circumstances in life, how difficult life becomes or what has been thrown at us like decreases in business or a life and death struggle with cancer, we have held on to each other and with God's unfailing support and guidance and we've made it through.  So, during this special day of celebrating God being so good as put our daughter in our keeping, we are, as stated before, eating fun food, watching Dirk Gently (we like British TV) and generally, being lazy.  For us, this is a good day.

BibleCraft shot of Jerusalem...

CLICK HERE for 'BibleCraft' by 'The Delta Crew'

We needed a bit of rest after two very full weeks.  Josh's work has kept him busy until late into the nights and I helped Samuel put the finishing touches on his Passion Project.  Samuel and his friends did a lovely job of recreating the Passion Week of Christ in MineCraft, the Digital Legos of the 21st century, and called their new world 'BibleCraft'.  After the making the video of their world which was the last week of Christ, including his crucifixion and his resurrection, they are turning their world into a Bible video game where others can access it and build their own scenes of Bible stories.  This project has been a witness to not only those who worked on it but also the families of everyone involved.  What a way to spread the beautiful story of our Saviour.

Miss Julie and Mrs. Joanna knitting away at the
March meeting of our GTT Knitting Circle...

Another special highlight of the last couple of weeks was a restful afternoon when the GTT Knitting Circle met at the apartment.  It was a rainy afternoon and anyone who knits will tell you, knitting is always better on a raining afternoon.  To make the afternoon more special, we enjoyed croissants and my special chicken salad recipe with a Flourless Chocolate Cake, Berry Lemonade and Orange Ice Tea finishing with a (Carmel) Latte or two….oh, and a little knitting as well.  Our beginners are picking quickly and doing so well that by the end of the afternoon we were able to dive into deep conversation about nutrition, organics and health issues.  What a relaxing day.

Miss Wilna doing a great job of knitting at the
March meeting of our GTT Knitting Circle...

This was the first year that Easter didn't mean the whole family was together.  The eldest two are well into their own lives and had their own obligations so it was mainly just Josh and me.  We did have the joy of listening to Victoria play the harp at the beginning of service.  It has been long time since Victoria has played since her cobalt allergy has affected her hands so badly but I am glad she is picking it up again.  Nothing is more relaxing than when she practices her harp.  I have read that more progressive hospitals will bring harpist's into the ICU units to have them play for an hour or so a day and they have found it promotes healing.  It takes me back to King Saul calling on a young King David to play for him to calm his troubled spirit.  Another good reminder the Bible holds the wisdom we need to survive this world.

Victoria and her Harp...

CLICK HERE for Victoria playing the Harp on Easter, April 8, 2012 at GTT.

We begin our new week looking for good things to happen.  Believing for each step of the path to be carved out for us and knowing, if we listen and trust in God's guidance, He will bring us through all of life's difficult circumstances.  

May God Bless and Keep You in His Grace,

Lynne

Minecrafting...

GTT Kids Gang

Never in the wildest of my imaginations would I dream that I would be spending hours hunched over my laptop filming a virtual world my son and all his gamer friends built for the upcoming Passion Week project for our church...

Samantha and Qurann sang an amazing song last year, it stayed in
my head for months.  I can remember it being 3 months afterward, doing
my hair in the bathroom humming their song...even right now, I can
hum through the song a year later!!!  Good Job, Guys!!!

Each year our GTT Kid's leader, Kelly Goddard, a truly amazing Kid's Pastor, has the children create a project showcasing the talents and passion that God gave them.  We have Qurann who is a fabulous singer, rapper and a budding star, Kristian who has 'preacher' running through his veins and others who are dancers, singers, artist, all with spectacular gifts God has given them.  Some of the kids are holding a Basketball game for missions to use their special gift as athletes to further the work.  What a fabulous idea!  The ideas are limitless and inspiring to each of us adults who sometimes need to be reminded we need to find ways to use 'our' gifts for the Lord.   It is a pleasure for everyone to see each of our children develop their talents for the Lord's use.

Samuel at his 'command center'.

Sam had tried giving an oration during the last missions trip which he really wasn't thrilled with having to do in front of a large group of people.  At this point in Sam's life, he can be a clown and an extrovert but not usually around strangers...he's a behind the scenes kind of man.  So, this year our family started thinking in advanced as to how Sam could use his talents.  Benjamin, our eldest son, put some 'deep thought' into this issue and came up with the perfect suggestion.  Sam needed to create the Passion Week of Christ in Minecraft, a virtual gaming world, the 21st Century's answer for Legos.  It was the perfect suggestion.  Sam is both creative, has a talent with computers and the fact it used his love of gaming didn't hurt.

Samuel enjoying working on school outside.

...And then, the work began...  Our family started with a storyboard clear back in January, going through the Passion Week of Christ with Sam choosing specific scenes that highlighted the week.  Josh, being the artist in the family, began sketching out the progression of the scenes out on paper while Sam and his gamer friends from the UK, Andrew and Louis, began the clearing and preparation of the actual world.  First came the clearing of a large enough area to accommodate the walls of Jerusalem, then a hill called Golgotha and a Garden called Gethsemane, as time went on, a road to the sea, a warf, boats, a palace, the temple, the upper room and ultimately, the cross, the tomb and the ascension.  The minutes flowed into hours, and the hours flowed into days and the days into weeks and a few months later, we are completing the filming of these young boys epic.

Samuel Gaming a little...

The beautiful part of this story is not just the story of a group of young boy's talents but instead it is the message of our Christ's death and resurrection taken across the pond to the homes of two young men who will forever remember creating this story in MineCraft and one day remembering there is a Saviour who cares enough to die for them.  Isn't that what Passion Week should really be all about?

Sam calls them the 'Delta Crew'.  It's his group of friends and
family that have been building 'BibleCraft'.  This picture
depicts them in their gaming Avatars.  

As we finish the filming of the project, I find myself in tears more often than not.  The lego(ish) figure that represents Christ ministering to the wandering villagers as he walks in on Palm Sunday clear to this little blocky figure hanging on the cross, his resurrection and ascension...and my heart is pricked.  It's a story I've heard from the cradle and it never gets old but something even more special happens when I see these young people consumed in this story and knowing that no one who hears it can come away unchanged.  It causes me to remember, God has His own special ways of touching the life of everyone.

Samuel gaming with his cousins...

May God Bless and Keep You in His Grace,

Lynne

A Graduation...

Victoria Rule

An exciting event occurred last weekend, our eldest daughter graduated from high school.   Both Josh and I were the first generation of kids that were homeschooled which makes our family second generation homeschoolers.  When it came to the subject of the education choice for our children, there was no question, we were going to homeschool and walk the next 20 years of education together as a family.  As a homeschooling mother, I was blessed that both Josh and I felt so strongly about our decision that we were willing to make the financial sacrifices that came with my staying home to do the majority of the teaching while Josh worked so very hard to allow me to do so.

Presenting Victoria her Diploma.

I can still remember ordering the first set of preschool curriculum for Victoria.  I was so excited to just hold it in my hands and couldn't wait to start our first lesson.  Josh and I had been in 'teaching' mode with all our children since the day they were born so homeschooling was simply the next step for us.  For 13 years there was joy, laughter, tears, frustration and utter pleasure at seeing all our children grow not only physically but in knowledge as well.  

We loved being the ones who saw the light come on and the satisfaction in Victoria's eyes when she finally figured out a concept with which she had been struggling.  I can remember the sense of satisfaction we felt when Victoria began reading the complete unabridged works of Jane Austen in the Old English at age 9 and realizing she knew how to read because of the hours of sitting on the couch together, side by side, learning and practicing.  

I think the greatest compliment as homeschooling parents we ever had was when Victoria was working at the Science Center and the Department of NJ Education was doing a spot check on the knowledge of the Exhibit Associates.  Victoria was one of the few Associates given a Kudos by the group to her supervisor due to Victoria's in-depth knowledge of not only the exhibits but also her general knowledge.  When they learned she was homeschooled they asked Victoria to give their regards to her parents.  They wanted to commend us on our efforts with our children.  For a homeschooling parent, that is a huge accolade.  It was also refreshing to know that the Department of Education valued the efforts of homeschooling and supported our decision.

Graduation Ceremony

The seasons are changing now.  In the last part of 2011, Victoria graduated high school with a 3.8 GPA, we just had the ceremony a bit later.  After all the years Josh and I spent teaching Victoria, there is a special feeling knowing you were the major factor in your children's education.  We loved every second of homeschooling and considered it a privilege to be given so much time with our children.  Having them with us each and every day gives us so many memories.  We could never stand the thought of standing at a door or driveway and waving our children off each morning, we wanted to be a part of each area of their lives and then, slowly, as they matured, introduce to them to all the different experiences that would mold them into who God wanted them to become.

Donna, our Pastor, praying a Blessing on Victoria.

Josh and I never felt like we should project an imagine on our children but to let God develop them and mold them into what He wanted.  We felt like our children were to be treated like new sprouts.  In the seedling stages, they are grown indoors to give them protection during the vulnerable beginnings of their lives, then, as they grow and gain strength they begin the 'hardening off' process in a protected environment so they are soon ready to handle the harsh realities of life.  By the time they are ready to step into their own lives, they have had many experiences, been able to experiment in life with our protective hands ready to catch them as they learn and finally, slowly introduced them to the world at large so they have a solid foundation with which to tackle the world.

Victoria and Mama at Luncheon after service.

Josh and I have been reflecting on the last 13 years and still look forward the remaining 6 years left until we graduate our youngest.  For us, this was a calling on our lives.  Homeschooling isn't just an educational choice, done right, it is a complete lifestyle.  Every area of life is geared for our homeschooling and it has been a joy.  We have one down, Benjamin is not far behind and Samuel is making good progress.  One day it will just be Josh and I working on our little business and when that time comes, we will have memories of wonderful years and days and days of teaching to keep us warm in the winter of our lives.

May God Bless and Keep You in His Grace,

Lynne

Victoria's Life As Yet...

A Knitting Circle...

This week we had our inaugural meeting of the GTT Knitting Circle!

Knitting Display

We were lower in numbers due to scheduling issues and winter flus making their rounds but it gave us more time to devote to our new knitters.

Louise giving Wilna a little knitting advise...

Knitting is a lifetime skill that you can pull out through the seasons of your life when you need time to sit and relax or make that special gift for someone.  For me, as many of you know, knitting is a way to work through the pain when nothing else seems to help.  It is a way to focus my mind on the rhythm of the stitches and away from my body.  There are many people who use knitting for therapy but we can all use it to simply relax.   Our new knitters would probably have contention with that statement but they will soon get the flow of the yarn through their fingers and the art of holding their needles and the craft will come alive to them!

Wilna and Lynne reviewing a pattern.

No Knitting Circle is complete without food.  It was my husband's idea to make Cucumber Sandwiches as an appetizer and they were a big hit.  I rarely cook anymore but I wanted to do something so I was in charge of the sandwiches for the meeting.

One of the rare times I 'cook'...making Cucumber Sandwiches.

Our daughter, Victoria, made her famous Quiches and Vegetable Salad with Sweet Dressing for the meal.  We had a Mushroom, Cheese and Onion Quiche, a Spinach, Cheese and Onion Quiche and a Cheese and Onion Quiche all of which were wonderful.   We also had Berry Lemonade and Tangerine Tea... a proper menu for a proper Knitting Circle.  We could almost envision ourselves in a log cabin somewhere knitting away, well, if we weren't gazing at the Hudson, from a high rise, with New York City as a backdrop... but almost...

Our daughter, Victoria, treated us with an array of beautiful Quiches.

I am looking forward to our next meeting and another delightful day of Knitting.  Beyond the knitting and teaching the craft, the joy of our Knitting Circle is just being together with Sisters in Christ and enjoying the fellowship of being part of the same family.

May the Lord Bless and Keep You in His Grace,
Lynne

Chinook Scarf by Ali Green

I am busy preparing for the inaugural meeting of the GTT Knitting Circle this weekend.  A room full of excited knitters...this is going to be so much fun!  The menu has been set, we have spent the month preparing many of the ladies' projects (and our son's) and now, we are just anxiously waiting for the day.

Finished Chinook in Drops Cotton Viscose - Greyish Pink 03 

I was assisting one of our new knitters in selecting her first project but made a small mistake of just clicking on the easy patterns and using those instead of really detailing out the pattern first.  As it would be, the pattern that was chosen was a little more challenging that I would normally use for someone new to the world of knitting but I think the young lady will manage well.  I did decide, since it had some interesting stitch combinations, I would go through the pattern first to make sure I could be an effective help.  Once I started working through the pattern, I found it was really fun.  The pattern emerges right away so you see progress quickly which is always good for the new knitter.  Since I love detailed patterns with lots of yarn overs, increases, decreases and an occasional slip stitch i-cord edging, this pattern has been fun for me and yet surprisingly simple.  Bravo Ms. Green!

The Chinook Scarf is knitted in two sections each using one ball of Drops Cotton Viscose (my favorite yarn of all time), however, I am knitting my test scarf in Drops Muskat since that is what I had on hand.  It will make a stiffer scarf but that's okay, I'm sure it will come in handy this summer.

Chinook Scarf in progress using Muskat Greyish Green Yarn.

Lace is always disappointing as it is being knitted.  It clings together and appears to be nothing more than a tangled mess of loosely structured stitches but once it is blocked, a miracle occurs and you end up with this beautiful creation that makes it worth all the effort.  I'm looking forward to seeing the end result and posting it for you all to see!!!

Knit on...