Antietam National Battlefield"Oh what a horrible sight for human beings to look upon. God grant that the time may speedily come that the peace may return to our once happy country and our lives be spared to meet each other again on earth."

George Harlow, Private, Company D, 23rd Virginia, writing home from Antietam

A week ago, we stopped at Antietam National Battlefield, here on Sept. 17, 1862, the bloodiest battle ever to take place on US soil happened. 23,000 men died that day, each fighting for a cause they believed in. I love history, as a child I devoured books about history, when I was growing up we were one of those families that stopped and read just about every historical marker that we drove by.

I'm not sure what I expected when we decided to visit Antietam, but I can tell you it left footprints on my heart that I will never forget. I was humbling to know that we were standing on the very ground where men lost their lives, where brother fought against brother and great loss took place. I still have a lot of mixed emotions and thoughts I am processing from the experience. It was beautiful and yet sad all the same...Dunker Church
Here is another link about the Dunker ChurchThe CornfieldThe Sunken Road, Later known as "The Bloody Lane"The kids enjoyed the visit and the National Battlefield is very child friendly. We let the kids do the Jr. Ranger Program there and it was nice because they have books to complete for varying ages. Our kids completed the book for the youngest age group and then received their badge before we left. They thought it was neat because the National Park Ranger that drew all the art work for the Jr. Ranger Book was the one who did their "swearing in" and his picture is in the booklet as well!Here is a book list for children's books we have been reading about the Civil War, famous people at during this time in Maryland, etc.
Clara Barton: Spirit of the American Red Cross
Follow the Drinking Gourd
If You Lived at the Time of the Civil War
The Civil War for Kids: History with 21 Activities
B is for Blue Crab:A Maryland Alphabet Book

Fort Frederick, Maryland

Oct. 23, 2009Fort Frederick was build during the French and Indian War, construction began in 1756. The fort is unique because of it's massive stone walls, most forts of this era were build with wood walls. Though no military action took place at Fort Fredrick, it was significant as a supply station and in protecting settlers.

We stopped at Fort Frederick with our friends. The kids loved the stone walls and all the old guns and cannons there. They also enjoyed rocking in the rocking chairs on the front porch of the gift shop. We had a picnic lunch here before heading on to our next stop!

Other neat links about Fort Frederick:
www.fortedwards.org/colonial/ft-fdk.htm
cool pictures of the Fort before and during restoration

Children's Books about the French Indian War:
Struggle for a Continent:The French and Indian Wars 1689-1763 by Besty Maestro
The Winter People by Joseph Bruchac

An Awesome Autumn Day…

The bustling wind, the crackling leaves
See them blowing from the trees?
Smell the crisp, refreshing air?
Wind is blowing everywhere!

Colors surround us, so vivid and bright
What colors do you see, in this beautiful sight?
I see orange and purple, yellow and red
A big leaf just swooshed by my head

There are leaves on the trees
And leaves on the ground
The leaves just keep

FALLING.....

FALLING.....

DOWN....

Let’s rake them up, and make a big pile!
We should hurry up, it could take a while
Come on let’s jump, and reach for the sky
Do you think that you can jump that high?

Yippee… this is fun, we giggle and laugh
Falling back into the leaf pile, gently cushioned by the grass
As I look up, into the deep blue sky
I notice the white clouds, as they drift on by

I enjoy this special time
Hoping it will last for quite a while
Then I look towards the wondrous heavens
Showing thanks with a great big smile

By Laura Beth Young, founder of Cheerful Hearts

Muddy Creek Falls / Swallow Falls State ParkOur first few days of the marathon trip, we spent in western Maryland with dear friends of ours that we met during Shawn and R's training days. I'm so thankful for the friendship God has given us over the years and that we have remained close even with distance. What a blessing our visit with R & S's family was!

We spent several days exploring Maryland together. S and I decided to take all the kids hiking at Swallow Falls State Park while R was working and Shawn was out on a run (that is another story- we thought there was a paved trail that connected 2 State Parks and that it would be a good run for Shawn. Thankfully, he didn't hurt himself on the trail run between the 2 parks a few days before the race!)Enjoy the pictures of our hike, we took the kids to Muddy Creek Falls- the tallest free falling waterfall in Maryland! It was beautiful, other hikers thought we were nuts with 7 kids age 6 and under by ourselves:) One thing I love about homeschooling is taking moments like these and using them for teaching moments. The hike gave us the chance to see nature and the forest up close- check out changing leaves and why, discover different levels of the forest (this waterfall actually creates a bog environment that is really cool, check out rocks, wildlife, looks for animal prints, fungus and much more:)

Shannon and I joke that these two were meant to be twins... they are a little over a month apart in age and they have tons of fun together!Swallow FallsOur friends shared with us a really cool book- B is for Blue Crab, a Maryland Alphabet Book. Muddy Creek Falls is in the book:) We went to several other places mentioned in this book while we were visiting as well!

We're Home!

We had a great trip to DC. Thank you to everyone who financially supported Shawn and prayed for us as we traveled. I am going to try and catch up here later today and over the next few days (since this is also y "scrapbook" for us.)

I hope that you are having a blessed week!

It's early morning...

Alarms started going off a little over an hour ago and the excitement of race morning began... stretching, bright blue and red race shirts on with numbers attached, making sure shoes are tied good and time chips secured, then everyone started coming to our room for breakfast and last minute chat before heading out to the race start. Amazingly, all 4 kids stayed sleeping while everyone was getting ready to head out.

Thank you for being part of our team here making a difference in little ones' lives. Please pray this morning for all the runners as they take off... that they will be safe, enjoy the journey and that the finish line will be a celebration for them as they finish this race. For many on the LWB team, this is a first marathon and they are running because they love orphans and just crossing the finish line is a goal.

Last night, we enjoyed a great dinner with the other runners and their families that a church hosted. The awesome news... nearly $25,000 raised for LWB Healing Homes! We had the chance to see the faces of the children who's lives have been changed by the work of the healing homes. This mama will admit, there were some tears as they shared about the tiny cleft babies in the homes, children who often do not survive in orphanages because of the extra care they require.

I'm having a hard time posting pictures because our connection is so slow in our hotel. I'll try again later but if they won't post I'll make sure they do when we get home!

Happy Birthday "Nate-r Bug!"

Yesterday was a beautiful day here in Western Maryland! We had an awesome day with friends, hiking to the waterfalls, playing at the park and ending the evening with "Happy Birthday!" It's hard to believe that our little man turned 3 yesterday! One year ago, we longed to hold him, to sing to him and to share his cake.

Last night, he enjoyed his moment though! A Lightening McQueen Cake along with his friend, Mader, balloons, and friends! What a blessing it was to celebrate!

One week from today...

We will have spent our morning on the mall in Washington DC watching 25,000+ runners in the Marine Corp Marathon. Among those runners there will be 10 wearing blue jerseys... men and women who have trained and chosen to run 26.1 miles to make the difference in the life of an orphaned child with Love Without Boundaries. Recently, someone ask me why my husband had decided to run this race? Why make the effort and the trip all the way to DC and endure the miles of training (tough on one's body)? Why not just write a check and change a life that way...

So after much prayer and thought, I want to share with you our whys...

God cares about the plight of widows and orphans, he cares so much that he calls himself; "the Father of the Fatherless." If his heart is for the orphan, ours should be too.

Psalm 68:5, “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God in His holy habitation.”

God also commands us as believers to care for widows and orphans.

Exodus 22:22, “You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.”

Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”

God allows us to be his hands and his feet in the care of orphans. This race gives us the opportunity to share with others the needs of medically fragile children in China, a place dear to our hearts as it is the birth country of two of our children.

Matthew 18:5, “Whoever receives a child in My name, receives Me.

Matthew 25: 45, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these, you did it unto Me.”

We believe in the work that Love Without Boundaries does to make a difference in the life of orphans.
This organization is sound with strong accountability for the work they do. They serve the least of these, I believe the work they do is the reflection of Christ in showing love and respect to orphans, care for those who have great worth and value to our Heavenly Father.

God has called us as a family to care for orphans, one part of that is answering His call to adopted two of our children, one who was considered to be "medically fragile" or "special needs." I will tell you that when I look in his face each, yes... the scar of his "need" is visible but that is not what I see. What I see is my son, a child of God and the one He chose to be in our family before he was born. I see a child who's name He knew long before we did. God heard his cries when he was sad, alone and sick without a mommy and daddy to hold him and love one him. God called my son HIS CHILD, before I did. Then he gave me the chance to be his mommy, the chance to be mommy to 4 special blessings in my life.

This year, raising funds and Shawn running this race goes much deeper for us. One year ago, we dreamed of Nate being home, we actually found out while we were in Washington DC that he was ill and had been in the hospital. We had to trust God to be his daddy and watch over him, we had to give him to God before he was even "ours" and trust Him to care for our son. We also learned that our son was "sponsored" at the orphanage where he lived and because people were willing to give a few dollars and others could give a lot, our son received surgery that he needed and the best care available in his situation. I am so thankful for those "someones" out there... those who gave without seeing the face of my son and yet their gift made a difference. Though I will never know their names, I will always be grateful for their gift.

There are other "Nate's" in the world... Children who need someone to provide for them, someone to care for their needs, someone to make a difference it be with $5 or $500... it changes the life of a child. Will you join us in making a difference? Will you pray for our family as we set out on this journey in the final week before the race? Will you pray for orphans and chose to make a difference in their lives?

I'm not saying the only way is by giving to Shawn's account...
God might be calling you to something else...
Maybe adoption...
Maybe to prayer...
Maybe to make a meal for a family who has adopted or has foster kids...
maybe foster or sponsor a child yourself....
Maybe to writing a check to a family you know who is in the adoption process...
Or to encouraging a missionary who is serving the least of these...
Whatever He is asking, will you answer His call?

If you would like to learn more about orphans and those who are working to make a difference, I am providing some links when we return from DC. Then you can take sometime and read their stories, read about their work... see the faces of children who go to bed each night alone, hungry, sick... those longing to hear the words, "I love you, you are my son/daughter."

If you would like to donate to Shawn's account (every dollar goes to orphan care,) you may do so by clicking here: www.teamlwb.com/marine-corps-marathon-2009-e3/shawn-conard-m36/

15 years ago...

I planned a surprise birthday party for a friend. The cake had a little mountain biker (lego guy) on it because he loved to be outdoor and on his bike. Who would have guessed that not long after that party, he'd ask me out and a little over a year later, I'd get to be his wife!

No surprise party tonight, just dinner together as a family and cake the kids made! I don't think either of us would have guess 15 years ago what blessings we would have in life together today! Thanks for being my best friend, a faithful husband and an awesome daddy!
Happy Birthday Shawn!

Jr. is Home!!!

Our nephew is home, actually living in a handicapped apartment now! Thank you for your many prayers and noted over the last several month. For those of you new, our 19 year old nephew was in a car accident June 9th and vertebrae in his neck was broken. He is paralyzed from the chest down as a result of the injury. He spent 7+ weeks in the ICU in another state, most of it on a ventilator and was then transferred to a rehab hospital in Colorado.

The road to recovery has been long and will continue, but I wanted to share with you this major step in his life. He is learning to drive and currently they are getting his truck fixed (hand controls, etc.) He is beginning to look forward and make plans to attend college, etc. We are looking forward to visiting him when we are back visiting family in a few weeks.

Thanks again for your prayers on his behave and please continue that he will be encouraged as he tackles life in a new way!

10 months ago at the civil affairs office in China...A few days ago at home with his family...(2 days before the ice:)
The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm126:3

FOR TODAY October 12, 2009

Outside my window... it is cold (39 degrees) and raining, we had freezing rain and a bit of snow over the weekend, an early touch of winter for us. Later this week it it's supposed to warm back up to the 60's

I am thinking... about the marriage conference, Love & Respect. Shawn and I attended one 2 years ago in Colorado, it was awesome. Our church has decided to hold a video conference here in our tiny town. I'm working to organize plans for it and gather a team to make it happen.

I am thankful for... Shawn's friend, Sixtus and his wife Kuymee. Sixtus worked in my husband's office on a rotation when we lived in Texas and they became good friends. Sixtus is from Cameroon and has a heart for his people back home in his village. Last summer, Shawn went to Cameroon with him to start a medical clinic to serve the village (there were not medical services anywhere near the village.) He has blessed us through his friendship in many ways, helping us when Eli was born and very sick in the NICU, etc. He is flying to DC to cheer Shawn on for the Marine Corp Marathon on Oct. 25th! I am thankful for his friendship to us (Kuymee's willingness to let Sixtus go to DC), for the way they love our children! They can't wait to see "Uncle Sixtus!"

I am praying for: A friend who's son was born last week, lived 40 blessed minutes in the loving arms of his family before he went home to be with Jesus, their story is amazing and you can read it here.
I am also praying for another friend and her family in the process of bringing home their daughter, Hailee, who has Down's Syndrome. The adoption process is long, emotional and frustrating at times.
The Bible Study Group that is coming together of women that will be joining me to do a Beth Moore study online! I can't wait to start in Nov!


From the learning rooms... for today- Columbus Day activities all day!
Listening to the Adventures in Odyssey- Columbus:The Grand Voyage
Columbus Day activities from Enchanted Learning
Some great read alouds:
Young Christopher Columbus Discover of the New World audio version
Cornerstones of Freedom Christopher Columbus
Follow the Dream: The Story of Christopher Columbus
Coloring contest picture from Veritas Press for Columbus Day (must arrive at their office by Oct. 26th)
There are some great resources here if you want to learning about Columbus the week!

The rest of the week it will be back to school as usual:) Studying the apple for science (we are making apple dolls heads this week to let them begin drying and tasting different types of apples, also baking some great apple recipes! We finished learning Psalm 1, the girls will be presenting it to some neighbors this week and we are starting our next verse for memory work. Lenna practicing addition drills and beginning subtraction this week. More missionary stories from the Millers and our weekly story from 10 Girls Who Changes the World (we love this series!) Writing and reading us usual:)

From the kitchen... Apple Recipes this week- pie, tarts and muffins. This morning, pancakes & cereal.

I am wearing... an Old Navy American Flag t-shirt and jeans, barefoot:)

I am creating... Last night I fixed Lenna's rag doll, Elisabeth. She has been well loved and had torn, so I did a little "surgery" and fixed her up! I joined the Half Pint Quilt Along, I have my cutting to do yet this week!

I am going... to the library this afternoon (the usual Monday afternoon trip!)

I am reading... read alouds listed above for Columbus Day with my kids!

I am hoping... for lots of laughter and good memories made with my kids this week!

I am hearing... Silly Songs with Larry and other Veggie Tales songs that the kids are listening too and singing.

Around the house... Lots of Laundry to fold- it's a high mountain to climb:( Pillows and blankets all over the living room floor from our movie night last night- we watch Heidi together.

One of my favorite things... the quietness of the early morning in the fall, a hot cup of tea and a few minutes on my knees lifting up my children for the day

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, a trip to the library, a trip to the post office, taking the kids shopping to buy items for the Operation Christmas Child Box that they are each doing, a doctor's appointment for me and hopefully one for Nate and Lenna with the ENT. Preparing for our trip next week, cleaning house and catching up with a friend.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... Memories from Oct. 12th, 2006!
Head over to Peggy's to read other daybooks!

A late night visitor & putting babies to bed...

Yesterday was very cold and rainy here all day. I kept our dog, Chloe, inside all day because she's old and her joints ache, etc. Last night I went to let her outside one more time, as I opened the basement stairwell door and headed out, I almost stepped on this...I called the kids to come quickly (they were just crawling in bed) and we got out a flashlight and checked this guy out. He is a Barred Tiger Salamander.This one was about 7 inches long and I was surprised to find him out on a night when it was 40 degrees outside. I didn't know what it was at first but we did some looking and found out these neat facts:
* The Barred Tiger Salamander is the State Amphibian of our state!
*They can live for 20 years and grow to be 14 inches long (I thought this one seemed big!)
*It is very rare to find one of these in the wild, so we feel blessed chose to let us see him last night! They only come out at night and usually in wet, swampy areas (it's not wet and swampy where we live but we have had a water leak in our yard giving us a wet swampy area!)
*They are more likely to be seen in the spring or fall.
*They eat insects mainly but they can eat small frogs and baby mice as well!

We think that this guy's home was disturbed on Tuesday when the plumber came and dug up our yard next to the stairwell to find a leak in our water main into the house.

*** I also wanted to share this picture with you. We have been studying different types of homes people live in around the world for school. When I went in to tuck the girls in bed, I found each of their babies tucked in hammocks! They had tied play scarves between their bed frames and made hammocks because we just read about a jungle tribe in South America that have hammocks for beds:)
This is Elisabeth, all snuggled down for the night!

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
1Chronicles 16:8,9