One Way To Redeem the Time....

Each day as part of our schooling we combine the little boys naptime with our reading practice. As homeschoolers we are frightfully aware of how fast our days seem to fly by. So in an effort to "redeem the time......"

We all go into the boys room where we sit on the floor in a snug circle and do our daily "Bible Reading" (along with a few other school books.) That's the same room and bunk where we sang "Jesus and Me."

Joshua, jumping into his bottom bunk, pulls the covers over himself and tucks his few "playmobile men" under his pillow and lays his head down. Ryan seats himself in the corner next to the crib, and I (Ashley) decide that next to the doorway is my seat. Natey sits atop the middle bunk, happily, and Timmy "hanging out" in the "Johhny Jumper," (which we refer to as the "Timmy Tucker" ) waits patiently. Next comes Daniel beside Ryan, then Mama and Isaiah, seated in front of the closet, Katie sits with her back to the bunk, and the reading begins.

Mama reads a story from the "Parables" storybook we have, and then hands a Science book "Letting God Create Your Day" to Daniel and Ryan, who read in that order.

Psalm 19 started the Bible reading section, today, which Mama reads, clear and steady. (We always enjoy the way she reads.) Next came Psalm 49, which was assigned to Ryan, who reads it as best he can, due to a canker sore. He did really well in spite of it! (Well Done, Ryan!) Daniel reads Psalm 79, loud and strong. Psalm 109 was read to us very precisely by Katie, and then I finished with 139.

Now to the Proverbs of the day, we all turn. This is read by Mama and Isaiah, each taking turns at every other verse. At this point, Timmy, who had started crying, and was very tired, had been transfered from the jumper to the crib. This was not at all what he wanted, and therefore began to cry even louder, to let us know of his discontentment. Mama pulled him out, and fed him, as the last chapter of the "reading" Leviticus 27, was being completed by persevering Ryan.

Character Sketches was the last book, and it's contents for the day were enjoyed....somewhat. You see, reading about "Determination", a fine character quality, was very nice, but the shrew is quite a ferocious little animal, and finding out that it practices cannabalism, was a bit distasteful, nontheless, still very enjoyable to read about its other habits!

We praise God for the wisdom and creativity He has given us in getting our many daily tasks done. We seem find ourselves oftentimes terribly behind the schedule posted on our wall. The Lord is always so faithful to keep us right on track and by the end of the week all the important things have gotten done. Praise God!

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (KJV)

Ephesians 5:16

Daniel's Baptisim....

Sunday morning, we all hurried to leave. We had two very important reasons for wanting to get to church on time! The First was, Sunday School, in which our family is studying the book of James with our church. Second, Daniel was going to meet with Pastor Steve, who would decide if he, was a qualified candidate for baptism.

The night before, we had been up late preparing for church. Katie had helped me somewhat, with making the batter for muffins in the morning. I then went to face the big pile of ironing that smiled at me. Mama and the little ones retired and soon I was in bed as well.

In the morning, Daniel set aside some extra clothes for the baptism, and Mama hurried him to the shower. Having only one shower, and nine people in line, always makes it a busy place. (I can almost imagine the shower's relief when we are all done!) Those who had already showered were seated and eating muffins at the table, while gulping down orange juice. Mama, ever faithful, made sure that the shower was never empty, and if it was, it was only for a few minutes. Glancing at the clock, She reminded us that it was 8:30, and we needed to hurry. No more talking now! Orange Juice and Muffins soon made their way down multiple stomachs. Grabbing, purses, Bibles, folders, and other needed objects, the van was soon loaded.

Daniel, excited and somewhat nervous jumped in the van. He began a discussion with his brother Ryan, in which both gentlemen were soon deeply engaged. Daddy and Mama were the last passengers to strap in, and with that we were off! Multiple conversations, filled the van and at last we were tumbling out of it, and heading for the sanctuary for Sunday School, with the clock, kindly reminding us we were late. Our family promptly found a pew, and seated ourselves.

After Sunday School, Daniel and a few others who were to be baptized, directly following the sermon, met with the Pastor for a few last minute details. Things were going smoothly, until Mama realized that we had forgotten Daniel's extra clothes, which were still hanging in the doorway of the laundry room at home!!! Mama to the rescue! She jumped into the van and zoomed off to get the forgotten but, much needed clothes!

Meanwhile, I was fussing. Having made sure to bring my camera, with batteries fully charged and a fresh memory card, I had forgotten to get it out of the van before Mama left. Occasionally during the service, I would check to see if Mama had arrived yet, with my camera.(I was sitting in the very back pew, close to the door.) Time ticked on and the service was very good, but I really wanted to take pictures of Danny's baptism. Our row had been filled by the time I came, from orchestra, and I was forced to sit in the back, all the meanwhile, worried.

As in all cases, things always work out! Just as it says in Romans 8:28....

The sermon ended, two hymns were sung, and the baptism began.

As Daniel stepped down into the water, he remembered the warning Pastor had given him of it being cold. Standing beside the Pastor, tall and excited, Daniel waited, and Pastor began.

Pastor: "Daniel, have you received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior?"

Daniel:(Loud and firm)"Yes."

Pastor:" And is it your desire to live for Him all your days?"

Daniel: "Yes it is."

Pastor: "Amen. Daniel, based upon your confession of faith I now baptize you in the name of the Father, of The Son, and of the Holy Ghost. "

Applause filled the sanctuary, as Daniel climbed the steps, out of the water into the men's baptismal. I, thankfully did not cry, but my hands were soon red from clapping and I was very excited for my brother! The Lord, as always, worked everything out. Mama got the clothes to Danny just in time, and Daddy, who had the camera, during the service, was able to get some good shots. Praise the Lord!

It was an exciting morning, with exciting results! We serve an amazing God, who can work out even the tiniest, smallest, details in His best timing!!

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (KJV)

Romans 6:4

Anouncing S.H.I.E.L.D......

Mama anounced that this school year, our family would not be attending the SWORD program at church, due to the fact that we need to catch up on school, and it won't work out for us as a family. So with that, wanting us to be able to enjoy the stories, songs, games, and crafts, she and Daniel creativly came up with a home version called:

S.H.I.E.L.D

"Serving Him In Every Little Deed"

He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.

Luke 16:10

Mama wanted to go through the three Children's Institute's Curriculum books that we have here at home. She wanted us to use the crafts, songs and stories from the books and implant the book of James into them, so we could go along with the study at church.

She put us all to work!! She put Ryan in charge of story time, Me(Ashley) in charge of songs and crafts, Daniel in charge of games, and Katie in charge of snacks!

Last night, was our second night, and it went very well! Our schedule looks something like this....

6:00-6:40:

Line-up....

Reciting of the Theme Acronym and Verse....

Game time...

Reciting of that week's verse...

6:40-7:20:

Learning songs.....

Craft time....

7:20-8:00

Story and explanation of verse....

8:00

Snack time....

I'll be posting a link with pictures of the past two nights!

We have been having a great time, but it has been a challenge to apply the theme verse. It's so easy sometimes to put little effort or be faithful in things that don't seem to be very important, but we need to remember that we are establishing habits for the future. Just as the verse says, whoever is faithful in small things, what might seem to be silly things/jobs, ones no one will notice, will be faithful in important or big things/jobs! That man or woman who establishes that reputation, will be presented with amazing opportunities from the Lord, for their hard work.

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (KJV) Luke 16:10

Proverbs 22:3

Ryan showed this to us the other day, and Mama liked it so much she insisted on putting it on here! Nice Job, Ryan!




Ryan's Site: http://www.lowerlightproductions.com/

(Below is Ryan's theme verse)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV)

Matthew 28:19-20

A Funeral~

Last Friday, our family attended the Funeral Service of a dear and old family friend, Ken Brimlow. He had known our family before it had become a family. Mama from childhood and Daddy since he was a young man. He loved and treated us like his family.

I remember, when I was younger, visiting his house. It was the paradise of any child. An old family home, with a large living room, homey kitchen and there was always something to eat, from fruit to ice cream, no matter how late or early, and an upstairs to roam around and explore! Just outside, on the righthand side of the house was a trampoline, behind it, an old barn and around that was the coolest and neatest backyard there ever was! See, the backyard was filled with fruit trees, which Mr. Brimlow always graciously allowed us to eat as much as we wanted off of them, provided we didn't waste. He would take us around and show us the different trees, bushes and plants, and explain how and what they produced and just how to eat them. There was always something under the leaf he pulled back! Whether it was grapes, figs, or persimmons,there was something, and it was delicous But....the Fig tree was the best, because inside of it was a good old wooden tree house! It was made of planks of wood stretched over the long limbs of the magnificent fig tree. There was even a few chairs in the tree! Someone had cleverly set one in a spot where the limbs were crowded together, so it could hold weight and not fall! Here I, along with my siblings, and few good old friends played for the afternoon!

Later, we would all asemble into the living room, where Mr. Brimlow would read and tell us a Bible story. After that He was always seated at the piano, drumming loudly his favorite hymns! As a little girl, I remember satnding at his side and singing and watching in awe as he played! No one every played like he did and know one ever will, it was Mr. Brimlow's style!

The service was very encouraging and the gospel was shared, as Mr. Brimlow(or as we called him, "Papa Brimlow") would have wanted. Uncle Daniel, his son shared about his father's amazing example and inspiring life. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ and had accepted him as his Savior when we was young. He loved to talk about "His Lord" and share the gospel with whoever he met. He, "was not ashamed of the gospel." Where ever he was he encouraged belivers, led people to Christ and spoke of the love of the Lord.

The service......

Uncle Daniel, sharing about his father's life.....

Mr. Osborn, another old friend, giving the gospel, and sharing about Mr. Brimlow's life...

Uncle Joe, his son in law, singing. He and I used to stand by the piano and sing while Mr. Brimlow, also sang and accompianed us.

After the luncheon, we were all invited, as always to the Brimlow family home. We had a wonderful evening of fellowship and recalling memories. Things were different, with Mr. Brimlow absent, but yet there was still that same warm love that he had given to others, being carried on by his children.

Of course, I headed for the backyard to see the old treehouse. It was still there, but it was old and run down. No one had played in it for sometime, but it was still the coolest and greatest to me. Several of us,(His grandkids and our family)enjoyed the fruit still growing.

Later, when dinner was over, about the time Mr. Brimlow would have sat down to play his piano and sing, Uncle Joe came and putting his arm around me said."You know, that piano looks awfully lonely in the corner all by itself." I smiled and replied,"You want me to play it." At first I didn't, but later, I found myself heading over to the piano, and within a few minutes later, Uncle Joe was at my side singing, just like before, and although he was not there, I could almost imagine Mr. Brimlow singing with us, in Glory!!

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (KJV)

Revelation 5:9

Happy 11th Birthday, Caytlin!~

Caytlin Victoria Sebo

Born: August 15, 1998

11 Favorite Things

1.) Favorite color: Light Pink

2.) Favorite food: fruit

3.) Favorite drink: Hot chocolate

4.) Favorite film: Fireproof (2009)

5.) Favorite song: "Search Me, Oh God"(From "Higher Ground," Irish Hymns)

6.) Favorite outfit: white and black dress, with black Sunday shoes

7.) Favorite hairstyle: princess crown, with curls

8.) Favorite verse: Matthew 5:8

9.) Favorite Sport: Swimming

10.) Favorite season: Winter

11.) Favorite intstrument: harp

Moments with Caytlin:

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Matthew 5:8 (KJV)

Singing In The Bunk!~

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16

(KJV)

Lunch With A "Wagonload of Winslows"!~

(I have a bit of catching up to do, so bear with me, here...)

After the conference, our dear friends, the Winlsows, from Washington, drove down 8 hours to spend five days at Disneyland for my friend's birthday! On Thursday, we met them for lunch at a restaurant located just outside the park, Tortilla Joe's.

Daddy, reserved us a table,(When Daddy asked if we could reserve a table for 20, the guy looked up to make sure he had heard right.) and we headed to the main gate, where we planned to meet their family.

Soon both of our families were heading for the restaurant, happily visiting. The manager, was very kind, and gave us one large table(A few tables pushed together.), in a more secluded area. We talked, ordered, sampled chips and salsa, and waited while our food was made! It was really funny, watching the waiter go around that "huge table", writing, as fast as he could, our orders, which usually went something like this....

One of us Sebos, would order, and then one of the Winslows, sitting beside them, ordered the same thing! Or it went the other way around!(Tarra and I ordered "the fajita" plate, Ryan and Christian, "The Nachos" plate, and our mother's ordered almost the same things for their younger kids!!!)

Our "large" table.....

(Tarra and I) Waiting for our orders....

We had a great time with their family, visiting and eating! Dad and Mr. Winslow exchanged tricks and jokes. Mama and Mrs. Winslow visited, while Tarra and I filled eachother in on the conference's highlights, etc. Katie and Gracie, chatted. Ryan and Christian's conversation consisted of "Good Movies" and "Moviemaking" and the rest of the kids just plain enjoyed eachother's company.

Joshua Winslow....

Tarra, Lily and I, drinking...at least I'm trying to, but Tarra is suceeding!

Ryan and Chrisitian, in deep disscussion.....

Natey and Daniel, making Daniel Winslow laugh....

I love this picture of Joshy and Lily! They are both SO cute!

Katie and Gracie, placing napkins in their laps.....

Mama, talking with Mrs. Winslow, who is directly across from her.

This huge plate belonged to me, and no, I didn't eat the whole thing! I couldn't believe it's size when the waiter handed it to me. Tarra and I were speechless. I ate what I could and gave the rest to Ryan!

Cleaning.....

After everyone was finished, I snapped this adorable shot of Daniel making Lily laugh!

Katie, Lily and Gracie.....

This is the newest member of the Winslow family, little Abigail Rose. What a cutie!!!

Enjoying a gift of lolipops from the Winslows.....

Ryan, Christian and Abigail, talking, well ok, not Abigail....

friends...

Mama and Mrs. Winslow....


Isaiah, Caleb and Natey.......

Walking the Winslows back to the main entrance....

At the main gate we all hugged goodbye, and I got this cute picture of Daniel hugging Caleb goodbye!

Our two families.....(The night before our lunch, we took this picture in front of the "O", for SebO and WinslOw!!!)

Winslow: Christian(16), Tarra(15), Grace(10), Caleb(8), Joshua(6), Daniel(4), Lily(3), Abigail Rose(1 month)

Sebo: Ashley(16), Ryan(14), Daniel(12), Caytlin(10), Isaiah(9), Nathanael(6), Joshua(3), Timothy(1)

Tarra and I in the "A" of California....

Praise the Lord for such a special time!!!

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Psalm 133:1 (KJV)

Days of fun!!!~

(A few days with us Sebos...)

Sometimes the Lord has to remind us to be grateful for regular everyday, but useful, items.

Friday, Mr. Wahing Machine, decided he had had enough, and quit working. Bad news for Mama, who was trying to catch up on the laundry mounds (thanks to a certain group of children) that were staring at her.

No washing machine. Mounds of laundry. What would you do??

Starting this morning, Mama wasted little time and set off to make those mounds disapear, washing the clothes in the tub. It was great fun, and I felt somewhat of a connection to Elinor Dashwood, washing and hanging clothes! Of course, such a momentous occassion must be remembered and so out came my dear camera......

Phase 1: Washing. It was difficult trying to imitate the washing machine...

Phase 2:Rinsing.....easy enough

Phase 3: Wringing.....the hard part. I love Mama's expression here! It tells you everything....

Phase 4: Hanging the clothes and placing the loads, waiting for the dryer, in the basket.

Meanwhile, Kaite, our little heroine, made it possible for Mama and I to be inside, by watching the kids in the front yard. Thank you, Katie!

Joshy pushing his little brother in the car around the yard....

This video, is a small reminder of how even the smallest of kids has a sinful and selfish nature.

Later, I took a few minutes, to snap some pictures of Timmy! He makes an adorable subject and at times, humrous!

Enjoying cornbread....

Too cute for words.....

playing....

Exploring......

Our family had a special visit from our Opa! He came to spend sometime with his grandchildren, but also to see how big Timmy has been getting!!

Mama asked me to make some bread and muffins for Opa, so I decided to teach Joshy how to help me. I put on a big blue apron, washed his hands and we got to work! He looked adorable in the huge apron, but he was very serious about helping so I tried not to laugh. He sprayed the muffin tins and helped me heat the oven. Next, the bread came, he put everything in the bosch, and then we started it. He was pretty tired by that time, so I told him he could go and I would call for him when it was ready to put in the oven. About this time the muffins came out, and he proudly presented one to his Opa. The bread, after it had risen and baked, stood cooling on the racks.

Joshy and I covered in flour.......the cutest baker in town!

The Bread dough....

Opening the oven to bake the bread.....

Joshua's muffins, cooling......

A muffin?
"Here is your muffin, Opa."

Bread rising...Nice work, Joshy.

Daddy decided this would be a good opportunity to visit the Dutch Store again, and so off we went. We are always allowed, on each visit, to pick something special. We used to pick out a small dessert or candy, but now we are required to try something else besides candy, etc. We had a real special time with Opa! Thank you for coming and spending time with us, Opa! We love you!

Shopping, at the Dutch Store with Opa!

Sunday night, the Lord blessed us with the opportunity of seeing Uncle Daniel again! He was returning home from a camp he had attended at Lassen Pines. He was staying at his parents house and we had a chance to visit with him! He shared about camp and what the Lord had been teaching Him. It was a neat time of fellowship and we enjoyed some cherries and peaches.

"Howdy, everyone!"

Isaiah and Katie talking with Seth, Daniel's nephew.....

Reading the Bible.....

Me, at the piano, as usual.

For the piano lovers. This piano means alot to me, as it hold special memories from when I was little. Uncle Daniel's father used to play while I sang. He was an amazing piano player!

Daddy, playing the accordian. He played for three years in school. He used to have one when I was a baby but we had to sell it. It was a special treat to hear him play. He did a great job after not playing one for about 15 years! Nice job, Daddy!Uncle Paul was there, too!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (KJV)

James 1:17