Science Experiment?

Do you ever wonder if you live in a petri dish?
    Sometimes if seems the choices of our lives are watched over by the guy on the other end of the giant microscope. We wander about acting and unfortunately being acted upon, most of the time having no real understanding of the far reaching effects of our daily decisions. The all seeing eye above us is carefully recording our every move, occasionally shaking the dish we call life to create a new kaleidoscope of choices and directions to appear in front of us. Out of the immense number of possible outcomes He somehow manages to guide our actions in the direction that lead to the best possible results. The only ones in the dark in this double blind study are us.
    In the last two years we have spent our every waking moment (and admittedly, many sleeping ones) trying to discover the path we should take to create our future. Trying to see the long term consequences of our desires. Struggling to embark on a new story in the Choose Your Own Adventure that is our life. We've taken seminars, soul searched, read countless books, job-hunted, interviewed, created small business plans, flown to new places, hoped, dreamed, prayed.
    I have decided that our Father is so full of compassion he lets us dream our dreams because they make us happy. He watches, gently persuading us with new ideas, as what we thought would be the best thing ever, slowly or suddenly dissipates into just and only a dream.
    Amazingly, none of this makes Him impatient to be moving on as it does us. He is content to watch and wait as we figure out a few things on our own. He never despairs that our lives are not going "according to plan". He never worries that we'll never see better days. He sees the end from the beginning.
    And so he teaches us patience, compassion, gentleness and reaches down to pull us out of the fiery furnace because thankfully, he knows our hearts.

Awesome Giveaway!

My sister, the amazing design whiz at Forever and a Day, introduced me to Shanty2Chic and I am already in love with the ideas they share. Check it out and their amazing giveaway of a Silhouette Electronic cutting tool! Ideas of Christmas gifts are already floating in my head!

Grand Finale!

Friday was the grand finale of our first semester of LEAD Homeschool Fellowship. It was 10 great weeks of learning for all the kids. Our Co-op was attended by over 30 families with 117 kids!
Gid loved this experience in a group school setting. He learned songs, did art, played and just enjoyed himself. Em and Rose both loved P.E., Natural Science, and an art class taught by Aunt Sarah. Joseph did all the same classes with his own age group and loved his art class with me!

Aliyah our family artist in residence had two art classes with Mom, 3-D Art  and Meet the Masters. She says her favorite art medium is wire. Though she still really enjoys clay sculpture. Leonardo Da Vinci continues to be her inspiration. Her third class was P.E.

Jolie was in her element this semester in her Choir, Drama, and Human Video classes. (Human Video is a class where they choreographed a Christian song for a music video). The final drama performance was a one act play called, "Reading, Writing, and Red Riding Hood". Her musical talents have improved wonderfully through her participation in Choir.

Jacob learned a lot in Personal Finance, Dissection, and JROTC. He spoke of his joy at dissecting eye balls and his lamentation at leaving a portion of his cow eyeball in the freezer one week. His favorite class by far was of course, JROTC. Where he learned some military history, drills and other army stuff. The retired Sergeant who ran the program has gone above and beyond the call of duty with this class. He has volunteered his time at co-op and each Thursday evening for drill instruction. He helped the kids get sponsorship through the American Legion to purchase their uniforms. And he made it possible for them to carry the colors at the head of the annual Christmas Parade this past Saturday. Jake has had the time of his life!

I had a great time teaching classes this semester too. I chose to do art because that is one subject that falls by the wayside in homeschool a lot of the time as Moms have visions too often of the mess it makes and avoid it at all costs. I wanted to make sure Aliyah got the opportunity to do what she loves.

 I forgot in all this altruistic thinking that I have a 7-9 month old teething, mommy needing, crawling baby! Luckily, my classroom was next door to the nursery and I had awesome assistants who picked up the slack when I had to go rescue the perfectly patient and wonderful Moms who manned the baby room.  

All in all, co-op this fall was a huge success and a wonderful supplement to our schooling at home.

Signs in the Heavens...

Rushing to get the kids to seminary I couldn't help but notice the shining morning star in the east. The horizon was just beginning to take on the hazy colors of sunrise while Venus shone brightly heralding the approaching day.
I was reminded of the Savior who declared Himself the be "the bright and morning star". The Jews of that time would have understood Him perfectly. Venus has a cycle of life that exactly emulates the life of the Lord. Venus is an evening star dim in the west but grows brighter and brighter each day. Then just when it is about to reach it's brightest point, Venus plunges into the blackness of night and is not seen for several days. Finally, we see her rising in the east in full brightness announcing the approaching sun as the bright and morning star.
I firmly believe that the 'heavens declare the glory of God'. The signs in the heavens are exactly calculated to testify of Christ. So much has been lost in this modern world of ours. We can receive great comfort from understanding the workings of the heavens the Creator placed above us.
Today I was reminded that our adversities and our afflictions shall be but a small moment and shall be for our good, and then if we endure them well we will be exalted on high.
Get up early tomorrow and look to the southeast for a reminder of your own.

Homeschool Buyers Co-op free to join!

The Homeschool Buyer Co-op is a free homeschooling organization for both new and veteran homeschoolers. Co-op membership is free and confidential, and entitles homeschooling families to discounts from over a hundred educational suppliers. They also sponsor "Group Buys" for curriculum packages that save homerschooling families lots of money. On the site you'll find lots of free information, such as databases of free curriculum, field trips, and educational contests and scholarships. Highly recommended. Click here for more information.
We got our math curriculum this year through the co-op and got a 40% discount!

Man's Best Friend

Hi I made another webquest for you! It is about dogs. So came with me on a quest for dogs!


My favorite dog is the German Shepherd. Go here to learn about the German Shepherd.

Go here to make a list of dog types. Then pick one dog breed from every group and share two amazing facts about each dog breed.

Now that you have found your favorite dog breed, go to the Humane Society to learn to care for him. After reading tip 10, write three fun things you want to do with your new dog.
Just for fun draw a picture of you and your dog or go here to color a picture.

I hope you had fun questing for dogs. Leave a comment about your favorite dog.


Aliyah

Wilderness Survival Webquest 1

Welcome to Wilderness Survival Webquest 1
With this quest you will be embarking on a journey of discovery. Can you prepare for wilderness survival?
What are the first things you need to know to be able to survive if you are lost in the woods?

Go here to learn what equipment is most important if you get lost in the wilderness. While you  are there make a quick list of supplies to have in your personal survival kit.

Water is the most essential ingredient in your survival! How do you make sure your water is safe to use?  Follow the instructions on this site for using chlorine bleach to purify water.

Next, shelter is very important. Try a fallen tree shelter or a brush shelter. Which one would you rather use? Why?

After building that shelter I bet you are really hungry, but what is safe to eat in a survival situation? Go here for the menu.

Did you catch a fish with your newfound survival techniques? Go here to learn to build a fire without matches!

After this webquest you should be prepared in case of any emergency! I would love to hear about what you are doing to be ready!

Till next time,
Jake

Aliyah loves WebQuests!!

Hi everybody, I am learning to create webquests. Webquests are short research projects done online. I will start by creating one for you. My favorite thing to learn about is HORSES! Join me in a webquest for Horses!
In this webquest you are going to learn some exciting facts about the beautiful Arabian horse breed. Do you know how many breeds there are? You will discover your favorite breeds and write a short essay comparing them. Next, discover how you can care for a horse, what basic equipment you will need, and the best trails for riding near you!

There are a lot of horse breeds. My favorite is the Arabian. Go here to learn where the Arabian comes from and what the breed is best for.

Now, choose two favorite horse breeds here. Write a short essay telling how they are similar and how they are different.

Look here to learn how to care for your horse. Make a list of things you need to learn to do.

Do you want to know what equipment you need? Go here. Just for fun, draw a picture of you on your horse  ready for a trail ride. Or go here to print a picture to color.

Now that you have a horse and you know how to care for him, find out where you can go on a trail ride near you!!

Have a great time learning about horses and don't forget to tell me all about it!!

Aliyah

Embarking on my own Adventure!

This last year has been such a strange one. I have been thinking so much over the last several months about helping Bryan to find and pursue his goals for his life and work that it has finally started seeping in that perhaps it is time for me to pursue mine.
I think at times, perhaps especially for Mom's who truly see the vast importance of Motherhood, guilt for taking time to do what you love overcomes your deepest desires.
I am learning that I can do what I love and still be everything my children need me to be. In fact, I am learning that if I put off doing what I love, I am more likely to put my children farther from my heart as well.
So I have discovered a way to follow my heart and help my family.
Step 1. I have become an affiliate for Sitesell. A company that helps you convert your passions, knowledge, and unique purpose into a successful and profitable e-business.
Step 2. I am exploring my hobbies, dreams and deepest desires to discover the best way I can create value for the world.
Step 3. With the help of SiteBuildIt! I will begin an e-business of my own to:
             a. fulfill a portion of my unique purpose in mortality
             b. supplement our family income
             c. have fun and be an example of faith to my children

Is it time to pursue your dreams?

Sigh...

It is probably not the best day to post....but it has been too long.

The past has been mostly boring with a few bright spots, ie. gorgeous spring weather, hostas in my front garden, lots of extended family gatherings, a lovely Independence day, and Bryan's brother Kevin coming to visit. Last weekend we spent in Nauvoo. It was Aliyah's first temple trip! Lovely.
The present is somewhat discouraging so....

I will tell you about the future.

Jake heads to Youth Conference tomorrow. He is going to have a great time.
Then Monday he leaves again for Scout camp. He has promised to focus on merit badges needed for his Eagle. Yay! What a good boy!

While he is gone the rest of us will spend our days in the pool in the back yard. Today was over 110 degrees!!

My sister, Sis, is coming to visit. Extra yay!!!

Gideon's birthday is coming next week and I just realized the Jake will miss it!

I am learning Biblical Hebrew. This is the one bright bright thing in my present so I thought I would share.
Of course my little ones are bright and wonderful too, especially Aria, who keeps getting more adorably fun by the day.

What's been going on!?

April-
General Conference was lovely.

My cousin Michelle's husband, Michael was killed suddenly, so Bryan, Sasha and Ari went to Washington, to be with the family.  (Grandpa, Jolayne, Laura, Michelle, and Gary)

( I have not been able to figure out how to position the pics properly. If I don't quit trying I will never get this posted!!)

We tried to sell our house.

It was a good thing we didn't sell it.

Alaska was happening....then it wasn't...then it was...finally it didn't.

Roller coasters have never been my thing. Does your life feel like one?

As Alaska was looking more and more unlikely, Bryan was offered another job HERE!

May- Four kids compete at the Cameron Crossroads International Karate Championships!!

 Emi and Jake both earned trophies. Aliyah and Sarah  did well in their events and had a great time too.

Emi placed FIRST in her age group in forms!!

Jake placed SECOND in sparring and THIRD in forms!! Way to go Jake!!! This picture is Jake and his friends preparing for a self-defense routine.

Sarah and Aliyah at their events. It was hard to get good pics of all of them. There was so much going on at once! Next year we will be prepared with at least two cameras!

Bryan is officially employed....almost! He will start in June working locally for a publishing company.

We are excited to be staying here where winter may get rather cold but at least is of a normal length!

The Kansas City Temple Groundbreaking was May 8th! What a blessing to have been here for it!

I am busy recreating the LEAD Home School Cooperative for a bigger and better than ever new fall semester. We have found a new home for our co-op where we can expand our membership for a long time!! So excited!

A few more pics from the last couple of months

First picnic of the spring Apr. 27th

And last but not least....

Karate Kids!

Last night the kids all showed their mettle in the Crossroads Breakathon! What a blast!

Next Event: May 1st, Crossroads International Karate Championships! Stay tuned for details!!

Babies are sooo fun!!

I was going to write something but these are already worth more than 9,000 words! Oh, she is so precious!

Alaska! To Go or Not to Go....

As you may have heard we are looking into the totally crazy idea of moving to Alaska. It's a long story.

Suffice it to say that there is opportunity for our family up there that is not presenting itself here and we are bravely ready to grasp the adventure while it's available.

Here are some pics of the Kenai Peninsula where we would be relocating.

Bryan is flying up there tomorrow to spend the week ironing our business plans.

Pray for him please, so that he can have the wisdom to make the decisions he needs to make.

Time to Move On

It seems that we thrive on adventure! It has become neccessary to embark on a new one and in so doing we need to get our house sold.
We have had such a good time in this home and  it has become nearly perfect as we have worked on remodeling it the last two years!

Pass the word along to anyone you know who may be interested in 10 acres in rural Missouri with several barns, and a 3900 sq ft.6 bed/3+ bath house.
Rooms include: Amazing kitchen 16x19, Dining room 12x20, Sun room 12x 15, Pantry 5x7, Living room 14x20, laundry room with sink 10x10, 14x14 bedroom, 10x12 bedroom, 10x12 bedroom, basement has  Family room and second kitchen, full bath with washer/dryer hookups, and 12x14 bedroom with walk in closet. Attached to the house below the basement is a large dry cellar for storage.

Master suite on second level is partially remodeled. 17x 35 with 1/2 bath, walk in closet, 9x12 office/sitting room.
The house has a gas furnace and a woodburning furnace. Both heat the house sufficiently alone but can be run simultaneously.
We have a beautiful view of the surrounding hills, lots of room for animals and equipment, and the best neighbors anyone could ask for.

I can't find more pics at the moment but will take new ones soon as so much has changed just in the last several months.
Stay tuned for details of the forthcoming Grove family adventure!

Aria Eliana Grove has arrived!

Aria Eliana Grove

February 9, 2010

5:46 AM

9lbs. 10oz.

21 inches

    Aria's birth was amazing. I am so glad we chose to have her at home. It was everything I had been praying for. Labor was short and bearable, my most favorite people were attending; Bryan, my mom, and my best friend and midwife-to-be, Dee. Aria's first cries woke Joseph, our early riser, so the kids came to see her almost as soon as she came into the world. It was lovely.

     Aria is so fat I haven't been able to get many pics of her with her eyes open(expends too much of her energy I guess). She as long dark brown almost black hair. I can't wait to put bows in it.

     Aria did not get the memo that she is the eighth child and seems to have an aversion to being left alone for longer than 3 minutes. But she is so adorable and soft and cuddly that I think the rest of us won't have a problem giving in to her whims. Hopefully, she won't become completely spoiled but I can't offer any garauntees.

Gideon reports that he knew it was a girl all along and he is very glad to be a big brother. Everyone is vying for the coveted position of chief baby holder. Gid, Emi and Sarah have been working hard on their reading so that they can read Aria stories.

It looks like we are really entering a new phase of life. I am excited about what the future will bring, especially when the Lord has such wonderful blessings waiting in the wings just for the asking.

Kansas City Missouri Temple

Architectural Rendering of the new Temple from

http://kcldstemple.blogspot.com/

Isn't it beautiful!!

We're having a girl!

Today an ultrasound confirmed our intuition!  We are having a girl!

Here is our little one's profile. She has her hand covering her eyes and forhead as if to say,"Are we done yet?" All is well with her growth and my health and we look forward to this new little one entering the world around the 12th of February!