Easter

Well Easter vacation is officially over. It's after midnight on Easter. School starts tomorrow and I haven't given it any thought whatsoever. Oh well. I do have to say however, what a great Easter season!

The festivities started with our traditional egg decorating and egg hunt at Jenny's house. Each year since they were about five, the kids have gotten together to color eggs and hunt for candy filled plastic ones. Since Dylan's diabetes diagnosis, Jenny's been more creative in deciding what to stuff into them. One year, it was "Carrot dollars" they could use in her store. Another year it was clues that led to a reveal of a day at Boomers. This year, Jenny and Darrenn made clues for different areas that contained three eggs. After deciphering the clues, they had to find an egg and move on. The eggs contained money, Disney pins and certificates for movie nights and other thing. It was great!












Saturday was the pancake breakfast and easter egg hunt. Once again, Tim and Darrenn split the Easter Bunny duties. My dad took the photos and Regan helped out by being his test model while he was getting the lighting right.







Finally Sunday was the big day. I was so excited that two families we have been inviting to Revolution for some time now actually came. THAT WAS SO COOL, and such a God thing. I love that God was already working in their hearts and I just needed to lay in on the line. In each case, I decided to stop simply being polite and issuing a "It's no big deal if you can't make it apology". I told them straight from my heart how I felt and how much they and their families matter to me. I desperately want them in a place to grow in their faith and to be in a community that works towards that goal.



Here is a copy of one of my emails: I know we have invited you guys many times and I know you are busy. I don't want you to think we are harassing you with all the invitations, but I wanted to take a chance to just tell you what's on our hearts.

We have been friends with you guys for many years and obviously, we care about your family. I know you grew up in church and have a relationship with God, and we would love to see that grow and to see you guys surrounded by others who can support you in your faith or even in those "searching for faith" times. You are a great mom, and I know you want your children to have what you had. I know you want them to believe in God and have a relationship with Him. It makes it easier to pass on those values when you are surrounded by a community of faith.

We honestly want what is best for your family, and we personally would love to see you give our church a chance! I think it would be a great fit for you guys, but even more important than which church you may or may not attend, is your relationship with God. We all struggle with life in this world and I know I would have a very hard time holding onto my faith without the support I get from other Christians.

Anyways, I'm not trying to put any pressure on you. The invitation is yours to respond to with a "yes" or a "no", and it won't change our hearts towards you at all. We care about you guys, and we hope you can see the value in learning more about God, His plan for our lives, and His love for us in a community of other believers.



This is not to pat myself on the back, but to encourage others to lay it out there. Time is short and the stakes are high.

I don't know what the future holds for these families, but I am praying for them and for God to keep working in their hearts.

After the AMAZING service at Revolution, we came home for our annual family Easter dinner where the Peeters and the Lasch family eat till we cannot eat no more. Of course we had an egg hunt, but the big hit was the egg toss. The record was set a few years ago with an egg being tossed from our garage to our street - about 100 feet. This year, Tim and Alvin almost broke it. Unfortunately a tree broke their egg first! The Bambricks, Paul McKenzie, and Rick and Laurie Hallbeck joined us, making the day even more fun. What a lot of laughs!!

Tim's brother, Scott, catching the egg.

Dawn Bambrick jumping out of the way of the egg!
Alvin Velarde making a spectacular, textbook catch!

Tim with the infamous tree right behind him.

Saying for Emma's room

So I finished painting the swirls in Emma Platt's room last night. The only thing missing is some kind of phrase or verse or saying to really finish it off. If you have any ideas, go here and let Jenny know.

The First Day of Easter Vacation

Today was the first day of Easter Vacation. We started off right by taking the kids to see a movie at the El Capitan - Meet the Robinsons. We joined Darrenn, Jenny, and Dylan Platt, and Laura, Waverly, and Emerson Trotter. Then we went off shopping at the Grove - one of the best shopping places EVER!!!

The evening was spent painting Jenny's soon-to-be-here-baby's room. It was already pink on the bottom and white on the top with a black chair rail. I just painted the swirls. It's really starting to come together. I CAN'T believe she is going to be here so soon!!!!

Facing the Giants Trailer

This movie was recommended by the Bambricks and so we rented it to see what the hype was all about. Even though the acting was spotty, the story was great and inspiring. I highly recommend it myself!

Revolutionary Homeschooling

I just finished my new book, Teaching the Trivium. It was intense and really challenged my thinking. The basic supposition is that everything we do, including homeschooling, should be done for God's glory. Anything else is a waste of time.

So how does this apply to homeschooling?

Well, the authors address each subject and give the objective for each:
English - to better communicate God's truth to the world
History - to see God's hand working throughout history and to see the errors of those not following His will
Science - to discover God's principles for our universe and to see His awesome power revealed
Math - to recognize the orderliness of God and His consistency
Reading - (primarily our reading focus should be the Bible) to learn about God and His character and His will for our lives

Then they add the kickers:
Logic - to be able to reason and logically present the Truth of God's plan and will for our lives
Rhetoric - to effectively use the spoken word to defend our faith
Latin - to understand the English language even better in its syntax and grammar and to be able to communicate God's message with even more effectiveness
Greek - to read the New Testament in its original language and to therefore to better able to understand His word in the language He chose to communicate it in. The authors believe once we have a generation of children reading the New Testament in Greek, we will have a revival!

The most fascinating part of all was their recommendation that you shouldn't begin teaching formal math, that is math with worksheets and a textbook, until after age 10! Stating that the child's brain is not ready to understand such abstract concepts before this age, they make a compelling case for waiting. After pointing out many historical references to show that up until the 1900s, this was the way children in America were taught, I began to believe this was not such a wingnut idea! I looked back on our own experience with teaching math and it certainly rang true for me. They use the Biblical admonition not to exasperate our children. I did a lot of exasperating, believe me!! Of course my children are both 10 or older, so it doesn't help now, but I wish I had considered this idea back when we started.

In short, we are instructed to be training our children to be:

1. Absolutely grounded in His word and principles
2. Able to communicate His Truth effectively
3. Ready to give a defense of their faith
4. Used to instigate revival through the renewed understanding of the New Testament
5. Genuine Christians who live their lives in such a way as to bring glory to God.

That's a big job.

I'm supposed to be training revolutionary Christians, and I thought we were just learning the three R's. I'm overwhelmed!!!

Epic and the 80's Prom

This weekend we went up to Hanford to celebrate the one-year anniversary of a church founded by our former associate pastor. It is called Epic and reminds us a lot of Revolution.

They even had an 80's prom to commemorate the event. So I borrowed Dawn Bambrick's "Madonna" outfit and had a great time with my big hair, lots of jewelry, black lace and high heels! I think I scared the people in our hotel as I was walking out.

I love that I grew up in the 80's. What a crazy time of crazy things. I love the music and the silly hairstyles and the funky clothes. Not that I want a return of all that, but it is fun to remember. They played a video showcasing the music and included A-ha's "Take On Me", "Thriller", "Love Shack", "Addicted to Love" and a few others. Come on, you know you're humming one of those songs right now. We got almost every answer right in the 80's trivia contest and Tim knew every singer in the music contest. (Even the group that sang "Come on Eilene")

Then we got talking about the dysfunctional things we did in the 80's. When my friends and I were 12 and 13, we were hanging out with boys 18-20! That's insane! But that was the times. It was all about hooking up and flirting and other things we were WAY too young for.

Maybe it's still like that, but I don't see it. I certainly don't see it in my daughter!!! Thank you, God.

It was great to hang out with two of my best friends from the 80's - Kerry Kelly (Dillwood) and Brandi Parson (Flores). We reminisced about old times and turned to our parents to say, "What were you thinking?!" We laughed seeing outfits very similar to the ones we really did wear - on our daughters! Chandler and Regan wore their dad's white t-shirts with belts and black leggings underneath! - exactly the way their mom dressed.

We didn't get to dance as much as I would have liked. I love to dance even if I'm not very good at it. Ask the people who made fun of me dancing at Chris and Lynnae's wedding. I don't care. I just have fun moving around to music, but apparently the people of Hanford are not big dancers, so it was just me for the first song! Then others jumped out and I was able to embarrass my daughter - always a sign of success.

The church service was great. The music was wonderful and Bruce is an awesome speaker. Lots of fun.

Not Sure if This is Good or Not...

I'm a Dodge Viper!

You're all about raw power. You're tough, you're loud, and you don't take crap from anyone. Leave finesse to the other cars, the ones eating your dust.

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Homeschool Books

For any of you who are thinking about homeschooling or even if you just want to know why would anyone do it, or if you homeschool and you want to know why YOU do it, or if you are opposed to doing it yourself but think it is O.K. for others, or if you are opposed to anyone ever homeschooling, here are two great books that very clearly lay out the vision and the blessings of homeschooling, and the responsibility we have as parents.

The first one, The Well-Trained Mind, by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Bauer, is my "bible" and it is well-marked up and well-read. The second, Teaching the Trivium, by Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn, is a new book I just bought a couple of days ago. I'm already on page one hundred and something and it is INTENSE! It is kicking my homeschool behind.

If you would like to borrow either, please let me know. I would love to lend them out... provided I get them back, of course!

Tina Fey and me

Today, someone at church told me I remind him of Tina Fey in looks and actions... I think he meant it in a good way. So I googled her and apparently she's "the thinking man's pin-up girl". Hmm...

Apart from that, what do you think?

Jumping off a wall

Here is the promised video of me jumping off a wall in San Francisco. My first video post!! Very exciting!

Mother's Tea

One of my favorite eating activities is a tea. I LOVE small, appetizery kind of food more than anything else. So, I was very excited when on Tuesday, my homeschool group held a Mother's Tea to pamper us and give us something special to do. Dawn Bambrick was one of the hostesses. She set up a beautiful table and made the tea very special. Of course I ate too much. Very hard not to at a tea, afterall, what's one more tomato/basil sandwich going to hurt when they are so yummy!

Oh well. It was a nice day with great food and great ladies.

Sob story

I had to get my first crown today! I cracked a tooth on Saturday and today I got fitted with a temporary crown.

The dentist was great (and this from a person who HATES going to the dentist!!!). The only pain I felt was in the wallet - $487.00.

OUCH!

6 things you don't know about me

So I finally had a chance to breathe, and I caught up on my blog surfing. I saw quite a few people posting "Six things you don't know about me" and I thought it looked fun.

So here goes:

1. I don't know what my natural hair color is. I have been dying my hair and lying about my age since I was 12. I don't intend to stop doing either anytime soon.

2. I have no fear of heights whatsoever. I like to freak people out sometimes by standing really close to a steep edge. In San Francisco, I saw a short wall and it appeared that the other side dropped steeply down about 200 ft. Actually, on the other side was a 12 foot shelf-like area and then the drop. I scared everyone there by standing on the wall... and then jumping off! They all thought I was going to plummet to my death! Here is a picture of Chandler on that same wall, and I have a video of me "jumping" I am going to try to post.

3. I have HUGE insecurities. Always have. Maybe it's a girl thing. I recently heard that the reason girls can't take criticism is because we have a constant critic in our heads. Then if anyone says anything remotely critical, it is the straw that broke the camel's back. My biggest insecurity is homeschooling. I constantly worry that I'm screwing up my kids.

4. I was not the valedictorian of my high-school class. That's not the surprising part. I was salutatorian (second-place or first loser). That might be surprising because I think I have a reputation for being kind of a ditz. I actually should have been valedictorian, but the kid who got it did so after his mom cried and got a grade changed from a C to an A!!! But I'm not bitter.

5. I've never ridden or even sat in a limo

6. I love to take showers sitting down on the floor. O.K. that may be more than you want to know about me. I just feel too exhausted to stand sometimes!

I think that's every secret I have. I can't think of anything else remotely interesting. Oh wait, there is one thing at which I'm surprisingly good, but that will have to wait for another post.

Chandler's American Girl Birthday Party

Chandler celebrated her birthday yesterday with an American Girl Mystery Party. My mom had bought her this "party in a box" a while ago and we finally got a chance to use it.

The girls all came dressed in costumes from Samantha's day (Revolutionary War period) or at least they tried to mimic it in some way!

Although it had nothing to do with the theme, we started off making popcorn/marshmallow snow people and decorating them with candy. Chandler had seen it in her American Girl magazine and really wanted to try it. Then it was off to act out the mystery. Each girl had a script and the acting was superb (sort of). The best part was Regan's reaction to finding her long-lost daughter. She went from being a reserved, grumpy maid to sobbing on the table. They all had fun finding the clues and deciphering them.
We finished with Chandler's favorite meal, spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. No birthday cake however, she wanted brownies.

So now we are officially done celebrating her 12th birthday season.

Diet Update Part... Something

It's been a while since my last diet update.

I really feel good about where I am. Since I started in earnest one year ago, I've lost 14 pounds. The best part is that I am fitting into jeans that were destined for Goodwill! I actually had to pull several pairs out of my Goodwill pile and replace them with things I had grown out of, or rather, they had grown out of me, I guess. Either way, my regular stuff is too big and the old stuff fits!!!

Very cool.

How did this happen???

Last Thursday was Chandler's 12th birthday.

When we brought her home and I began to panic, "What if I can't do this? What if I screw up? What if she cries and never stops?" My fears were in vain. She was a wonderful, good-natured baby. I can remember when we moved into our house when she was 7 months and looking at the elementary school across the street and thinking, "She'll never be old enough to go there!" That day would never come.

She grew into the sweetest, most imaginative child. We knew we had something special in her - what a gift! She always impressed those around her with her adorable voice and inquisitive spirit. She wanted to know everything and learned everything we taught her well. Going off to kindergarten with her heart full of joy, I cried uncontrollably. The day had come and she was growing up.

We imagined her as young lady, knowing she was going to be a wonderful, amazing daughter. We knew she'd be beautiful and loving. But we also knew that day would never come.

Now she's that young woman of 12, we see the dreams we had for her coming to fruition. She is a loving, beautiful, sweet, intelligent girl. She's all we could ask for in a daughter. Now we think about the teenage years, and I hope God keeps her innocent and joyful. I can't bear to imagine her grown with her own family. That day will never come.

It's not fair. I can't bear to see her grow. Each step has been a joy and there was not one time that I wished she would be older. I have cherished each day. I quit working full-time and eventually gave up even part-time work so that I could see every moment. I home-school because I saw time flying and I want to be an influence all throughout the day.

All these hours spent with her, watching her grow up, it's still not enough.

I want her to slow down, spend a few years being 12. PLEASE don't make the jump to 13. Please don't let the day you grow up and don't need me anymore ever come.

Since my last post

I know it's been a while...

Since my last post... I gave the clothes away. Hopefully they are doing some good.

I went camping in Idyllwild with our 4x4 group. Where we had fun sledding in the mud, fishing, shopping in the cute little town, eating too much, and waking up to a beautiful snow-covered world!

Then, it was rushing into my "normal life". School, kids, Revolution stuff for the new series... NO time to blog...

Disneyland (of course) on Wednesday for Chandler's birthday on Thursday...

Then this weekend was an all-party weekend. I helped host a baby shower for Jenny Platt. Tons of friends and family who have waited a long time for this little one came to shower her with soooo many gifts. It took an hour to open them all...

Then we went off to celebrate a birthday of a friend...

Leaving there, we went to celebrate the birthdays of Chandler (12!!!) and her cousin Josh(2) at Fuddruckers...

Finally it was off to the Academy Awards party. I think this is officially my favorite eating day of the year. The food is all appetizers and I could eat all of it single-handedly! Once again, I lost. I guess "eeny-meeny-miney-moe" doesn't get you the grand prize. And since the only movies I had seen were Cars and Pirates...

BTW, I REALLY hate blogspot. This post took over an hour to do and the photos are totally randomly located. ugh...

So leave a comment and let me know my hard work was not in vain!

One more random thought... my toes are starting to regain feeling... Thanks for the prayers and support.

Clothes Giveaway

A good friend spoils me and gives me all her hand-me-downs. I am so blessed that she only buys quality clothing mostly from GAP and Ann Taylor.

Anyways, I went through three HUGE bags full and kept all that fit. But there is a lot left, that either doesn't fit or duplicates what I already have, or is wool (I can't wear wool; I get itchy just thinking about it.)

So I was reminded of what David Trotter said about giving away our stuff. I cleaned out my closet as well and so now I offer it to whoever wants it. Free. All that is left after a week or so will go to Goodwill.



Here's what I have (size and description):

Sweaters
L striped
M green
L pink
L blue striped
M black

Shorts
10 khaki
8 lt. blue

Shirts
M white
M lt. blue
M white sleeveless
M pink sleeveless
10 brown sleeveless
5 - M camisols (2 White, 2 black and 1 red)

Pants
32/30 Jeans
10 petite Jeans
9 Jeans
5 - size 4s Jeans
6 capri Jeans
4 capri khakis
6 khakis
6 pink hawaiian print capris
11/12 black
2 - 10 brown
L blue workout pants
L lt blue workout pants

PJs
M blue striped bottom
M pink set
M blue striped bottom

If you see anything you want, let me know. You can either post it here or email me at MLasch@Charter.net

Meeting Capt'n Jack

I know that Matt from our church works at Disneyland as Captain Jack Sparrow, but we have never gotten the chance to meet him there in costume. Yesterday, we caught him just as he was leaving. He very kindly granted us a photo even though his handler had said "No more photos."

He does such an amazing job as Captain Jack. The Bambricks were there and couldn't believe it was Matt. He's very convincing. I felt like I had met the real thing and I was all fluttered the rest of the evening!

Neighbors and Cookies

Today I took a page out of David Trotter's playbook and made cookies for our neighbors. Now in his case, he did it to introduce his family to the neighborhood when he first moved in. We've been here for 12 years, but as I've discovered - on this street, we're the newbies. One couple (founder of Moreys Music in Lakewood) have been here since the 50's. Another has been here for 36 years! She told me that the previous owner of our home worked on the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln animatronic at Disneyland. How cool is that!

So it was really fun meeting people I live just a few feet from, but I have never talked to. It was such a positive experience. I can't wait to talk to them again.

Here is the "valentine" I put on their cookies along with the new postcard for Easter at Revolution.

It was definitely out of my comfort zone, but well worth it!

Legoland

We went ot Legoland yesterday with the Bambricks on a "Homeschool Day". This allowed us to get in for only $17 each!!
The best part was a ride called Knights Tournament. It was a giant arm and you selected the level of the ride. One was easy and five was an insane tossing. Here are some pics from our adventure:


Chandler and Garhett react after water bombing Ashley and Regan.

Chandler and Ashley being tossed around like ragdolls!

Chinglish

Maybe I'm just really tired from staying up too late working on the Easter promo, but I found this article in the Wall Street Journal very funny. It details China's attempt to clean up bad translations on their signs in anticipation of the 2008 Olympics. Although many find the loopy English endearing, the Chinese are simply embarrassed.

Several websites have sprung up to record the tranlation nonsense for posterity. This site has a link to the WSJ article, and I have included my favorite pieces of wackiness here.

And my absolute favorite:

Is it supposed to say, "Genital Man" or "Gentlemen"?

Homeschool Freaks

Sunday, we were having lunch with Christopher Lytle, the Revolution Bellflower pastor, and he descovered we were, "Homeschool... uh... uh... homeschool... um..." Wanting to help him as he groped for the right word, I said, "Freaks. We're homeschool freaks. I believe that's the word you are looking for."

Turns out he was trying to say "Your'e a homeschool family."

No matter. It's amazing how many time "homeschool" is followed by "freak". I think what's actually going on is that some kids who homeschool are socially awkward. This is because, not being beat up mentally by their peers everyday, they tend to be themselves and enjoy the hobbies that most interest them. So, some homeschooled kids have not been formed and molded into being "cool" and altering their values and opinions to fit in.

Who cares? Part of the beauty and value of homeschooling is that kids can be whoever they want without fear of being ostracized. They can follow their interests without the pressure to be into "cool" things like inappropriate music, t.v., fashion or early sexualization.

Now I'm rambling.

The point is that I am excited to be homeschooling. I'm getting ready for next year already because I am so jazzed by what we are going to be doing. I'm already thinking about high school even though it is two and a half years away. The options are overwhelming, so I need to start losing sleep NOW!

Today reinforced my joy in homeschooling.

Chandler is studying poetry and this week focused on Psalms, so she's been reading them all week. Today she was instructed to write one of her own.

Here it is:

I am amazed;
because God’s generosity.
I am grateful;
because the Lord my God has given me love.
I am faithful;
because Jesus will never leave me.
I am filled with gratitude;
because the King of Kings has given me life.
I am happy;
because the Lord is waiting in heaven for me.
I am thankful;
for my Heavenly Father has forgiven me.
I am patiently waiting;
because my Savior will be here soon.
I am appreciative;
because Jesus died for me.
I am joyful;
because I know God is with me.
I am celebrating;
because of the awesome things He did.
I am excited;
because I’ll see Jesus in heaven some day.
I am speechless;
because of his great power.
I am glad;
because my Savior loves me no matter what.
I am in awe;
because the Lord has given me so much.
I am inspired;
to be as much as I can like my Messiah.
I am blessed;
because He has reserved a place in His heart for me.

This really touched my heart.