the times they are a changin’

…at the chino house. Because my babies are growing up.  I know that this should not surprise me.  But still it does.  It catches me off guard that my preteen does not want to hop in the car everytime I mention the library.  I feel a little lost when I realize that my children have stopped gathering around me like ducklings.  I still have one baby duckling of course.  Then there are the middle two that come and go, but are starting to be more independent.  And then there is the oldest, and he is trying to fly the coop. … Continue reading

book discussion guide: the heaven tree

The Heaven Tree Trilogy is our summer selection for our boxed lunch book club.  We are discussing one part of the trilogy during each of the summer months.  Set in Medieval England on the border of Wales, the story is a complete departure from anything we’ve done so far in our book club.   Kings and lords, thirteenth century politics and tales of passion, love and honor are all intertwined. I first read this book about four years ago and I can’t believe how it has completely taken me in again, even though I already know what is going to happen.  … Continue reading

it all starts tomorrow night

We’re getting ready for Vacation Bible School around here.  Three Chinos are attending and the other three are helping.  Tonight we were driving home and Cole was talking about doing the puppets at VBS.  Then he asked me what I was doing. Me: I’m telling Bible stories. Cole: What Bible stories are you going to tell? Me: Well, tomorrow night’s story is about Gideon. Ben, from the back of the van: I LOVE GIDEON! Me: Really, Ben, why? Ben: That story is SO COOL! Me, a little unsure that Ben really knows who Gideon is: Tell me the story Ben. … Continue reading

Summer is Good

We’ve only been out of school for a week, but we are in the thick of summer for sure!  Even though this much activity makes me a little nervous, I am trying to adjust, hang on tight and enjoy the ride because I know it will all be over in a few short weeks. We really have had an Amazing First Week of Summer! Here it is in pictures: We joined the summer reading program! which means we get loads of little plastic toys!  YES! and we filled our baskets with books! We went to see UP with our cousins … Continue reading