Back To Bethlehem

 Saturday night we headed down to Canton, Georgia to Hopewell Baptist Church to see their Back to Bethlehem presentation.  We had heard from several people that it was well worth the drive, and they were right. 

 The town is surrounded by a high wall and we had to stand in a long line to enter.  When we reached the city gate, Roman soldiers stood above us and barked down orders.  Sawyer was a little nervous about their swords and loud voices, but it made him more excited to get inside the city.  

 After we entered the city there were people dressed in costumes milling around the city with their animals which were available for the kids to pet.  There were street vendors showing their goods and trades, which included basket weaving, bread ovens, brick making and lots of others.  Several tables had food that we could taste and spices we could smell.  After enjoying checking out the city we found our way to the Inn and were led back around to the stable.  In the midst of a live donkey and goats, were Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.  We watched as the shepherds and wise men entered the scene and the angels began to sing.  The kids loved it!  Mary brought baby Jesus by and let all the kids take a peek at him.  He seemed to be getting tired of all his visitors... 

We didn't get a lot of pictures, but you can watch a video about the presentation here on Hopewell's website.  I would definitely recommend this event if you live in the area, just make sure you dress warm.

A Little Of This, A Little Of That

 I was reminded that we never posted pictures of our completed workshop. 

 So...

 Here it is.

Besides a loft to store all our extra "stuff" Pav has a large space for woodworking. Which has meant several projects around my  house have been completed, and even a few projects just for the kids.

It's a fairy house.  Or a serious bird hotel.  Either way it's been hours of fun on our back porch.

This week my mom and I took the kids on a field trip to Mayfield's Visitor Center and Farm.  Besides ice cream the visitor center wasn't very exciting for my little ones.  They had to wear hair nets, and after Zoe saw everyone with bright red hair nets on she started crying.  I was glad my mom was with me to help.  Sorry, no pictures of the hair nets.  I'm sure we looked lovely.

 

 At the Farm the kids learned all about different types of cows, milk production and even honey bees. 

 Then they played.

 There was a corn maze, hay ride, tire swings, and lots more.

This area of Tennessee was beautiful this time of year.  The fields, farms, silos and fall colors were gorgeous. Here is Mayfield Farm's site. 

Pinterest

I have been loving this site, and thought I would share.  Pav said I should add a disclaimer:  This site has possible side effects that may include discontent.  Don't worry  you have self control, right?  Right!  I have found great ideas for homeschool projects including other homeschool blogs, printouts, crafts, science projects, etc.

Ideas for things I would love in my home

Things to do with the kids

Including dress up projects

Amazing recipes

And too many craft ideas.  If you are looking for an idea or picture it is an easy site to navigate.  Check it out, then let me know so I can follow your boards.  Happy pinning!

Peace Like A River

"Real miracles bother people. Lazarus obeying orders and climbing up out of the grave -- now there's a miracle, and you can bet it upset a lot of folks who were standing around at the time. When a person dies, the earth is generally unwilling to cough him back up. A miracle contradicts the will of earth. My sister Swede, who often sees the nub, offered this: People fear miracles because they fear being changed -- though ignoring them will change you also."   -quote from Leif Enger's book Peace Like A River

I've been meaning to mention a great fictional novel I read earlier this year.  It's not a new book, it was published in 2001.  I was reminded of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird, and would credit Enger on being as good of a writer.  The story takes place in Minnesota during the 60's and is narrated by 11 year old Reuben, whose older brother, Davy, commits a crime and flees sentencing.  The reader follows the family as they get in an Airstream trailer and go searching for Davy.  I would describe the book as an adventure, a tragedy, a love story mixed with  the the possibility of miracles.  The book is interlaced with Biblical language and faith, and has a wonderful description of heaven as any I've read. 

Good Read

I came across a Bible reading system I am so impressed with, that I wanted to share it. It is called Horner's Bible Reading System and you can find it for free on facebook. Just look up Grant Horner, he is a professor at the Master's College in Los Angeles.

Basically, the system has ten lists and you read one chapter from each list daily. To start out I'm reading one chapter from Matthew, Genesis, Romans, Thess., Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Joshua, Isaiah, and Acts. It usually takes me two sittings to read all ten, and a couple of days I was only able to read 5 chapters.

If you print off his system he will explain the method better than I can, but I will say that I have really been enjoying just reading the Bible. It is really amazing to see how Scripture teaches Scripture.

If anyone tries it write and let me know what you think.