The Varnell Family

Ai-Lin's Finalization Day

2010-10-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

Outside the Beautiful Courthouse

Waiting for Our Moment

Agreeing to the Adoption Before the Judge

A Father Again

Ai-Lin Wanting to Give Mama Some Help

Proud Moment

Sisters Forever

Oh, Happy Day!

I Blinked!

2010-10-12T19:34:00.001-07:00

I just read an article about successful blogging. Apparently, it helps to blog often. I never regret taking the time to blog. I love looking back over the year and reminiscing down memory lane. Nonetheless finding the time, or making the time, has been harder than ever.

Friday "Week 8" of the school year will be completed. Wow! In so many ways I feel like we've only just begun. In another very real way, I am counting down the weeks until Christmas Vacation. But I must practice what I preach. I don't want to accidentally wish away today while I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I want to savor the moments in the midst of what sometimes we lovingly refer to as the controlled chaos.

A couple of weeks ago Elijah had a little dental surgery at Children's Hospital. He is my "baby." We awoke at the crack of dawn. Wearing his adorable flannel jammies I carried him into the waiting room. Little Man didn't want to sit on my lap for long. He was off and running...as he usually is. I brought a good book to read, but was distracted by all the activity in the waiting room. There was a sweet mama nursing. Another baby hollered and screamed because he couldn't eat and didn't know why. A precious baby slumbered all sprawled out on her daddy's chest. Strollers blocked the walkways. With more observation, I noticed my "baby" isn't really a baby any more. He has lost his baby chub, goes in the big boy potty, and is talking up a storm for goodness sake! Oops, I blinked:)

Amazing Amanda!

2010-08-16T21:31:00.001-07:00

We came home to a total mess! Before we left we had a water leak. Hectic. Crazy. Stressful. That pretty much sums up the past three and a half weeks as we have tried to recover from our vacation without drowning in all the chaos of our house. I wish I had the foresight to pack up our downstairs and rent a storage unit. Next time we have major work to do to the house we will. We are almost done. The end is in sight. The good news is that our house is looking rather lovely. New drywall, new paint, new carpet, new tile, and all new furniture for our home school room tallied up to a colossal amount of work. By Thursday night my body was all done with the painting and Amanda stepped in to save the day. She painted nonstop for three days! And did a FANTASTIC job! I can be a bit detail oriented and turning the painting over entirely to someone else scared me a bit to be honest. However, Amanda's painting abilities now far exceed mine. I am amazed at her sticktuitiveness and her attention to detail. Yep, my buttons are bursting. She has turned out to be quite the amazing young adult.

Next time, I would like to redo the house on my own accord without being forced into doing it. But the silver lining is that my home school room is ALL I ever wanted it to be and I am ready for the 2010/2011 school year. Well, at least I will be by Monday:)

On the Road Home!

2010-07-25T21:24:00.000-07:00

We finally pulled in Saturday afternoon after a great vacation and 60 hours of family time in the van. An amazing trip! La Ventura of a life time. I am so thankful to the Lord for giving us this opportunity! A dream realized and memories made.

Needless to say we were a bit tired of fast food. Upon our arrival home, my friend Meredith brought us a DELICIOUS home cooked meal. Yummy, yummy, yummy! We are so truly blessed:) Now, back to real life!

Petroglyphs in Albuquerque, New Mexico

2010-07-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Willie took the kids to see the local petroglyphs while Amanda and I stayed back at the hotel to register her online for her college courses. The conveniences of the modern age amaze me sometimes. Back in my day I had to register in person. Getting the classes that Amanda wanted to take proved to be a tad more difficult than we had anticipated. However, at the end of the day she got a schedule that works for our crazy family. Yay, God! He surely answered prayer. Meanwhile, the other kids were treated to yet another field trip.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

2010-07-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

Elijah LOVES trains! While crossing through Colorado, we stopped in Georgetown for a train ride.

One of our train stops was at a silver mine. We learned lots during the tour. The lives of miners were so difficult and often short-lived. More knowledge gained teaching us to count our many blessings.

Our little miner - Levi

The gang

Park Play in Georgetown, Colorado

2010-07-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Pioneer Park in Lincoln, Nebraska

2010-07-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Photo Opp in Nebraska

2010-07-22T12:39:00.000-07:00

Our GPS has been less than helpful on a few occasions this trip. One late night it was directing us way off the beaten path. It declared, "You have arrived at your destination," when there was only a few dilapidated housed in view. We did eventually find our hotel that night. This time I put the wrong address in from the website. This is where you go if you want to apply for a job at Pioneer Park, not VISIT Pioneer Park. Nonetheless, while I fiddled with the GPS and my phone trying to find the RIGHT address, Willie saw a photo opportunity. He got some great shots. Here are a few!

Walnut Grove, Minnesota

2010-07-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Elisa Rebecca ironing on the farm

Gabriel ready to teach his siblings a lesson or two

This covered wagon is true to average size and much smaller than they appear on TV

A replica of the sod house from the Banks of Plum Creek

I couldn't resist these purchases. My girlies are SO adorable:) They all LOVE to help in the kitchen and the aprons will come in handy. As a girl I always wanted a bonnet, but I never had the chance to have one for my very own. So for this instant, I was living vicariously!

Elijah, safe in Daddy's arms, watching a REAL train go by. The funnest part of our travels for Elijah has been all the train sightings. 138 cars is our record so far:)

Amanda and Ai-Lin on the same prairie where Mary and Laura played

On the Banks of Plum Creek

Ma with her girls

Honey and Pa

I am a Little House fan through and through. When I was a child, we were allowed one hour of television a day after our school work and chores were completed. You guessed it! My choice, much to my brothers' dismay, was ALWAYS Little House on the Prairie. My dad even built me my very own log cabin playhouse where I pretended to be Ma for hours. My mom sewed my favorite doll, named Stephanie, old fashioned clothes including a matching bonnet. I spent hours on my own little imagined prairie. I read the Little House books and have shared a few with my kiddos. I hooked Amanda on Little House reruns. Visiting the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum was a delight. This trip has given me a new appreciation for the pioneer women. A few late nights of driving have landed us in the middle of nowhere driving through with no signs of civilization, no cell service, and no other cars. I couldn't help but feel vulnerable during those times. What if our car broke down? Who would help us? What would we do with ALL the children? It was all just a too tad eerie for this mama. I confess I prayed quite a bit during those moments. Once we pulled over for a boy pee stop and Willie knowing my nervousness started doing a jig in front of the headlights. I love that man! He always knows how and when to make me laugh. Memories in the making. Awesome:) So I respect women who followed their men in covered wagons and who faced the unknown even with their children in tow. They are nothing short of amazing! As a child I wished I could have been one of them. I now know God knew what He was doing when He placed me in this time and place after all! I'll stick to Little House books and reruns from the comforts of the twenty-first century, thank you.

Rest and Relaxation

2010-07-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

We have a long trip home ahead of us. We took the afternoon off for some much needed rest and relaxation. Our hotel has a very fun pool and water play area. Fun, fun, fun!

Candice catching Levi

Sofia and Elisa

Fun in the jacuzzi

Joshua having a ball

Daddy with his princess, Ai-Lin

Elijah is all smiles

Candice coming down the slide

Father/son bball in the pool

LA VENTURA CONTINUES!

MY BFF from High School

2010-07-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Here is Alica, her son Devon, Ai-Lin and me at the Mall of America. She moved to Minnesota in November. I miss her! Yesterday, we hung out at her pool and today we hit the Mall of America. The MOA is HUGE. Most of the kids found some treasures: Legos, girlie make-up, a purse, sunglasses (just like I promised, Justin), and Cinnabons for treats. The time was too short, but so good to see my sweet friend.

Minnesota

2010-07-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated Evje Family Reunion has come and gone. It was all I had hoped for, and more. We are bountifully blessed with a fabulous family! What an amazing time:)

My cousin, Andrea, and her hubby, Justin, were the hosts with mosts as they opened their home to ALL fifteen of us (and more actually). We took over their basement and we had quite the slumber party. Justin took Willie and the kids out on the boat and they had a blast. Thank you, Jensens! Your blessed our socks off and you are VERY cool to hang out with too!

The reunion has put me at a loss for words, which is rather rare for me. I am just in awe of how incredibly blessed we are to have such an amazing family. All the uncles, the aunties, and ten of the twelve cousins made it. Though our roots are in Minnesota, we are spread out all over the USA: Southern California to Maryland with lots of places in between. So many of us made great sacrifices to be there. Proudly, we introduced our children to each other and it all just worked. The kids played beautifully together and bonded in the few days they had together. Perfect harmony. To see the kids giggle, play, tease, and love each other was such a delight. My family welcomed my children with open hearts and arms. Gabriel especially was lovin' the fact he has so MANY cousins! For me, I enjoyed times with people I love and hold dearly in my heart. The gift of family is a miraculous gift to behold.

I finally got to share Minnesota with my children: the beautiful farms, the churches with steeples, and the mosquitoes. I would be remiss not to say how coming back has been somewhat bittersweet. Minnesota isn't the same without my grandpa and my grandma. Being here brings back so many wonderful memories of two very precious people who truly made the world a better place. Thankfully, I know they are in heaven and if they get to see or hear about what goes on while they are awaiting us, I bet they are smiling right about now. What a legacy!

Thank you, Jesus, for such a blessed time. It just couldn't have been any better. Well, maybe a tad longer....

Tomorrow, we hit the road!

Tubing on the Mississippi River

2010-07-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Yellowstone Adventure

2010-07-12T23:16:00.000-07:00

I could really get used to this vacation stuff. What fun we are having as a family! Today was our Yellowstone National Park adventure...and an adventure it was. The Motel 6 we stayed at last night in Idaho Falls was not exactly the Holiday Inn Express, but it worked. The trailer was injured along the way, but nothing my amazing man couldn't fix with a couple of trips to Walmart. Willie is always getting me fun little gifts, but today he hit a home run. I LOVE to read aloud to the kids while we drive, but with such a large vehicle I get hoarse too quickly. During one of his Walmart runs, he picked me up a MICROPHONE!!!!! Now I can read to the darlings 'til our hearts' content. They can all hear me AND I keep my voice. So much fun! An added bonus is the kids pass the microphone around the car playing radio announcers, American Idol, and tour guides. Hilarious! I wish I had thought to pull out the video camera for some of the shows. At our lunch stop on the Wyoming/Montana border, Candice checked off an item from her bucket list-having her picture taken with an authentic cowboy! The pic is on her camera, but I will get it and add it here. He was such a sport even though he may have thought we were California freaks:)

We made it to Yellowstone. Ai-Lin wasn't too impressed as she slept through the family photo. She did awake in time to see Old Faithful. I have to admit it was so adorable to hear Levi tell me all he knows about geysers.

Elisa with Old Faithful in the background

No zoom used here! We saw herds and herds of buffalo and this one was right next to our car! I even sighted a bear. Unfortunately for me, I mistakenly opened by big ol' mouth and said I thought I saw a black jaguar before I realized what I saw. A closer look revealed a cute bear. However, the boys may never let me live this one down.

We took the northeast exit, apparently the road less traveled. It made all the difference as we saw the most amazing scenery and even pulled the car over so the kids could have a snow fight!

God's creation is absolutely SO amazing! GLORIOUS! Thank you, Jesus, for the blessings of today. In Luke's words, "This is a day I will never forget!"

LA VENTURA CONTINUES

Cedar City, Utah

2010-07-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hanging with the papa

Cedar City has one of the coolest parks (Discovery Park) that we have ever visited. There were so many fun activities for the darlings to do. We were there early on a Sunday morning and had the whole park to ourselves. We did church in the car once we hit the road. Here is Levi digging for dinosaur fossils.

Sofia and Levi making memories on the tire swing

Big brother, Noah, taking Honey for a walk in the park...literally

One thing we didn't bring in the trailer was a rocking chair. Ai-Lin and I found the next best thing. It was so fun to get some snuggle time. I love the mommy-sized swing.

Elisa in the fort

Sofia and her balancing act

Mommy and Ai-Lin chillin'

What you gonna do when they come for you?

On the road again....

God Stop: Zion National Park in Utah

2010-07-10T20:44:00.000-07:00

The vacation of my dreams is now a reality. We hit the road yesterday morning by 10am which I find to be quite impressive. I made multiple lists and checked them twice and thrice. However, I didn't remember everything. Willie reminded me I am only human. The logistics of taking this many people away for a couple of weeks can be a tad overwhelming. Okay, truthfully VERY overwhelming on a few occasions. Nonetheless, we are having a great time building family memories. The hours in the car have been what I would even call "nice" so far. The kids keep themselves busy with books, games, and drawing. We are listening to Robinson Crusoe. "The Fun Box" has helped. We have been purchasing things for the last month or so and setting them aside. The kids have watched as the items were added excitedly. I think the built up anticipation makes the fun even more fun! I was fired from driving by Barstow. Yippee!!! I am actually proud that I even gave it a shot. I've never pulled a trailer before. I am definitely a better contributor riding shotgun. My dad warned us that it would take a couple of days to get into our groove. He was right! As always! I do think we are getting this traveling thing figured out.

Note to us: Night driving is nice and peaceful as the children are quiet in slumber, but not worth the price of having a toddler think it is party time until 2am once you finally arrive at the hotel.

Another note to us: The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Holiday Inn is the BOMB! However, I don't know if they are making much money off of us;)

Last note to us: Las Vegas is NOT a good stopping place along the way to Cedar City!!!!!

The kids are learning geography and experiencing real-life budgeting. We are making it a family affair to stay "in" budget and making choices together. So far, so good! The oldest kids are why we can even do this. Their help is AMAZING! My little ones are SO blessed to have such great older brothers and sisters to LOVE them like they do. The little ones LOVE them so much in return. I am SO blessed to get to watch all the LOVE between them. We are certainly on an adventure of a lifetime!

Elijah and Candice ready to hike

Isaac and Ai-Lin ready to go too

Daddy and Joshua along the way

The Lovebirds taking a rest (FYI...104 degrees is hot!)

But the heat made the water all the nicer for Noah

Gabe, my babe

Don't be fooled, Luke is NOT cold

Levi Rafael being as cute as ever

Sibling Love

Elisa Rebecca playing in the stream

Cooling off with some ice cream

Cooling off in the pool

LA VENTURA CONTINUES!

La Ventura: The Next Generation

2010-07-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

My blogging break was unintentional. It was always on the "I'm Gonna" list. Life has just been busy, busy, busy. I have taken an even longer hiatus, because I wanted to catch up. Instead of falling behind another day due to the fact that I don't have time to "catch up," I am going to pick up with today. Maybe I will be blessed with lots of free time in the near future and I will be able to fill in the gap, but don't count on it;)

We are preparing to embark upon a family vacation. Our last family vacation, where the entire family came along, was eight years ago. At that time we were only a family of ten. The whole experience we chalked up as an "experience" and after weighing the cost/benefit ratio, we decided vacationing from home was far more practical for our bunch. Fast forward to today. Amanda turns eighteen in less than two months and our family of ten is now a family of fifteen. Knowing that change is inevitable and our darling daughter is growing up regardless of how often I tell her to stop it, we want to do the ultimate family vacation ALTOGETHER at least once!

The Darlings - Yosemite 2002

Don't think for a minute that I feel sorry for my poor babies who were thrust into this large family. They get to do far more than kids of my generation ever did. Home schooling has afforded us more opportunities than I could ever list. Southern California living has provided us with even more. I don't think my kids have missed out on a thing. Having lots of brothers and sister to love and to be loved by far outweighs any sacrifices they may have had to make along the way.

However, as a child I experienced "La Ventura!" That meant living life with a dad who made living large apart of our lives and a mom who helped make it happen. One of my greatest memories of living La Ventura was "The Great Summer of '84." Yep, you guessed it! I like zippy, zany names because I grew up with them. It is an inherited trait. My parents packed my two brothers and I up in their Buick and drove to Minnesota stopping at numerous God Spots along the way. Pictured above is one of my "Top Ten Moments" with my daddy. This particular day at Bryce Canyon I drank up his love. As you can see, I was in my awkward stage. I was trying to figure out how I fit in the world. That day looking over the fence with my daddy in awe at God's handiwork was surreal. I knew I had a father that loved me. And nothing else seemed to matter. How thankful I am that God gave me an earthly father that taught me in so many ways about who my Heavenly Father is! "The Great Summer of '84" was the best of the best vacations. I have always dreamed of taking my kids on the road and trying to give them a little of what my parents gave me.

In 1993, Willie and my dad took a whirlwind trip to Minnesota and back making many God Stops along the way. It was a mentoring time between a father and his son, but my dad was purposefully giving Willie a taste of La Ventura hoping that he too would be inspired to take my daddy's grand babies to some of those very same places some day. IT WORKED!

Next Friday "La Ventura: The Next Generation" continues. We only have a couple of weeks, but it is going to be amazing. We are planning God Stops at Zion National Park, Yellowstone, Minnesota, and the Grand Canyon. I am especially looking forward to our family reunion where I will get to introduce ALL of my darlings to my uncles, aunties, and cousins. To top it off, my parents are flying in from Hawaii and my brother Darren and his family are making the trek too. To say that I am excited is an understatement. I have dreamed of this vacation for years!

The logistics of getting fifteen people across country is a bit overwhelming at times, but things are slowly coming together and the crazy idea is soon becoming a reality. So stay tuned....

Thankfulness for Renewal and Spring Break

2010-04-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

It is early morning and all is silent. In peace I am sipping my coffee preparing my mind for the day. Outside the spring rain is falling. I love mornings. I haven't always been this way, but now these times of quiet are treasured.

Dear Lord:
Thank you for today. Thank you for those beautiful darlings sleeping peacefully in their beds. Thank you for the hard-working man who has already left for work to provide for us. The day is before me and though it is easy to be distracted with all the items on the to-do list that are already calling my name, I would be amiss to not relish in the beautiful, Your glory, before the day begins. I am so blessed to be your kid!

Spring Break flew by. My first thoughts were that it flew by way too fast. I wasn't ready for it to be over just yet. However, upon some reflection this morning, I am renewed and rejuvenated. Thank you, Jesus, for:

Wifery and motherhood, my greatest joys
Spring wardrobe shopping with kids that are growing up way too fast
Easter dresses marked down 50% off the day after
Relaxed mornings
A movie watched snuggled on the couch with much loved children
Cooking with the little girls in the kitchen
Summer evening meals outside
Time spent in the pool
Planting in the garden with help from my precious darlings
My gardening learning curve (each failure is one step cl0ser to success, right?)
Life lessons You, the Master Gardener, are teaching me in the garden
Three new fruit trees for the backyard:)
A hard-working husband, who is always so quick to build me something new and make my dreams a reality, with a smile (Thank you, Jesus, for giving me such an amazing man!)
Bedroom forts
Not as much spring cleaning as originally anticipated
Dart gun wars
Morning cuddles with Ai-Lin and Elijah
Lots of reading, reading, and more reading
Plenty of time to make dinner
Potty training Elijah by Amanda (almost there)
A walk with Amanda filled with conversation of the deep
Pony rides with Candice at the ranch for Levi and Sofia
Isaac home every day all day, which I loved
Learning that my iPhone no longer works when emerged in toilet water
Listening to Gileskirk Christendom lectures and being inspired
Brainstorming with my kids about doing hard things (reading the book Do Hard Things as a family in morning devos)
Rumikub (I officially lost my title of Champion to Luke)
A quick run to Urgent Care with Levi (so thankful for available medical care and insurance)
Little girlies in ballet outfits
Little boys in flip flops and the mud
Big boys wrestling on the trampoline (glad the pad has been recently replaced)
Ai-Lin's princess birthday and new princess bike (I adore her giggle)
Little ones playing fort on the swing set
A doctor who remains positive even when he is calling with bad news about Joshua
A few tears (none which fell unnoticed by the Father)
Battling Cystic Fibrosis with renewed vigor
Snow globes
Owies needing kisses and band aids
Candice planting her very own grape vine
A leisurely Sunday afternoon meal shared with friends (thanks to the Hubbs for yummy food and wonderful friendship)
Uploading almost a thousand pics to Shutterfly
Savoring the good and precious gifts from above even in the midst of the hard, the not so fun, and the ugly!

God, You are so good and I am so undeserving of You. I am so thankful for You and all You are doing. I dedicate these last ten weeks of the school year to You. I pray that the days are fruitful and that we accomplish all that You would have us do. As we go into this final stretch, give us strength for our days. I praise You for your faithfulness. Amen.

Joshua and Snow Globes

2010-03-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

Snowboarding days are always nice for the mama. Having most of the crew away hitting the slopes affords me more time to spend with the little ones and sometimes even a nap. Today a bit of time for blogging. Life's dial seems to be set on FAST these days. Willie prefers to call our life as a family "full" instead of busy. I do suppose that a full life seems more enjoyable than a busy one.

Several months ago I was shopping with the children and we stumbled on to some snow globes. I vaguely recall making a comment on how much I loved snow globes. The memory was forgotten until a few days later when Joshua busted into the door after a trip to Dollar Tree with a present for me. I later found out that since the snow globe moment in the store Joshua was set on buying me one with his very own money. Joshua's usual source of income is from the tooth fairy which is not what one would call a renewable resource. Later, for Christmas he purchased me a double decker nativity snow globe. He was so excited about his purchase that he couldn't even wait until Christmas to give me his gift. I liked getting it early; I get to enjoy it longer that way. Christmas morning I returned the favor when Joshua opened a snow globe of his own.

Generally, I am not sentimental about stuff. I enjoy things for awhile and then off they go with the donation box for someone else to enjoy. People and pictures of people are what I love. However, I have developed a fondness for snow globes these days. Joshua has already purchased my Easter snow globe and we are making a habit of buying one on special days. Many mornings Joshua greets me with a snow globe in hand as he climbs into my lap. We snuggle and watch the glitter swirl around the surreal scene inside the glass. I delight in the snow globe and my son. On a deeper level, I am reminded life is beautiful and these moments are treasures. I thank God I am a mommy and that I have a son who brought the love of snow globes into my life. I thank God when I reflect during quiet moments that I am surrounded by God's glory swirling all around me, but some days I have to get shaken up a bit to see it!

Photo Link:)

2010-02-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

Our Newest Family Photos! by KC Photography

(Thanks so much, Kristen!)

Challenged

2010-02-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

Last week it was my turn to bring treats to our home fellowship group. As we all nibbled on the yummy dessert, one of the gals mentioned how she always makes double dessert when it is her time to bring treats. This way she has plenty to bring and plenty to leave for her children to make them feel just as important as who she is bringing the treat to. This particular evening I was bid farewell by multiple sets of puppy dog eyes all wondering who the lucky recipients of Mommy's Lazy Betty topped with vanilla ice cream would be. Dessert is a treat at our house and not a regular part of the menu. It is truly a treat. I declared guiltily as I walked out the door that there would probably be plenty of leftovers which they would be more than welcome to have upon my return. Sadly, it hadn't donned on me to make double to bless them too. I made good on my word. There was more than enough brought home to fill their bellies with delight. However, I don't want to send the message to my children that they are only worth the leftovers. I may regret posting this as my most committed readers/darlings may find it tempting to hold me accountable next time around. But I am posting this on purpose, because I purposely want to demonstrate to my children that they are special and I would do for them what I would do for others. I want to be challenged. It may be a small thing, but my heart got a little tug. I think tomorrow I will make dessert just because my kids are special!

Snow Valley 2010

2010-02-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

The Gang
Gabriel
Sofia

Veronica

Sofia (our newest snowboarder in the family)

Noah

Luke

Joshua

Snow season is well loved by the Varnell family. I appreciate the fact that we can drive to the snow but don't live in the snow. Though beautiful, it looks like a bit too much work to live in for this mama. Daddy takes the big kids to the snow while I stay home with the little ones for a pajama day. Will is having surgery on his shoulder tomorrow, so they have had to fit in quite a few trips up the mountain in the past four weeks. Even his broken arm didn't detour Will for more than a week. However, he has stayed off the jumps! Will's season finished today. It was a glorious finish with delightful weather and fresh powder. The kids aren't done. They are hoping for a couple more trips even if Dad will have to be a spectator.

Valentine's Daddy-Daugters Date

2010-02-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Proud Papa
Amanda Alene
Candice Taylor

Veronica Joy

Elisa Rebecca

Sofia Alessandra

Ai-Lin Rylie Faith

All week the little girls have been bubbling over with anticipation of Friday night. The BIG Valentine's Daddy-Daughter Date! Each morning Sofie greeted me with asking, "How many more days?" Friday morning began with, "How many more hours?" which continued throughout the day. Elisa's journal entry of the day read, "Today I'm going to dinner with my dad for Valentines. My dad is the best dad in the whole world!"

The party started with everyone dressed up looking their best. They went to a dinner put on by Lambs Fellowship, a local church. They ended the evening with bowling, where Elisa was in the lead until the final round when Daddy pulled off a win.

A conversation card on one of the dinner tables asked, "What was the best day of your life?" Elisa delightfully and quickly replied, "TODAY!" I think she lives in the superlative.

The party arrived home at almost 11:00. I asked Ai-Lin if she had a good time. Sleepily she smiled and nodded too weary for words.

We are so blessed. As I listened to the excited retelling of the festivities, I couldn't help but become totally overwhelmed by God's mercy and grace towards us. We are so undeserving, yet God has lavished us with His amazing love and the beautiful gift of children. I am just in awe of our great God!

Silver Lining

2010-02-03T19:23:00.001-08:00

Since the beginning of the school year, Isaac's needs have presented some challenges. His school situation brought so many obstacles I felt compelled to transfer him from the deaf program he was attending (which included forty hours on the bus each month) to our local school's program. The DHH (deaf and hard of hearing) program was really created for deaf children without any other impairments. Though Isaac is deaf, he just wasn't a good fit. Willie and I struggled with the amount of time he was gone each week. We feel that even though we aren't the experts, Isaac needs to be home with us more than he is gone. Having a large family and as a home school mom, I can't give Isaac the same attention he gets at school where the class size is smaller than our family size and he is accompanied by a one-on-one aid. Often time his needs remind me of my own inadequacies. However, the more I prayed about it the more I felt God whispering in my heart that God created Isaac knowing what all his needs would be and He still chose us to be his family. We love our children being home with us and growing all together. With Isaac gone so often, I felt like we were always missing somebody...because we were. Moving Isaac to the new program was a total act of faith. He was gone forty hours a week and now he is only gone eleven. Either one of the older kids or I walk him to and fro. At school he has his speech therapy, OT, and PT in a one stop shop which is such an enormous blessing.

In the DHH program I constantly felt I was having to fight for Isaac. I often would plead his cause and beg them to believe in him. It felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall to no avail. I finally realized that God wasn't breaking down walls because I needed to get the message that though on paper the program looked like the best fit for our son, it wasn't. The silver lining is that all the people that work with Isaac now believe in his potential and what he can be. His teacher is constantly remarking about Isaac's progress and how he keeps surprising everyone. He has been described to me as "smart" more times than I can recollect. I can't even express how refreshing these words are to my weary heart. Now that he is home more, I have more opportunities to work with him and he is surprising me too!

I am reveling in God's grace, both to me and to Isaac. I desire so much to run this mommyhood race well. Though I would love to meet every need of every one of my children, I know that I cannot. When I wrestled with not being enough for Isaac, God clearly showed me He is enough for Isaac. God isn't going to allow anything but His perfect best for our son. I just needed to be reminded that God knew exactly what Isaac would need and He chose to give him us. ALL of us!

Safety First

2010-02-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

No More Training Wheels for Levi

Levi learned to ride his bike without training wheels Sunday. Another milestone passed along the way. Our little Levardo is getting to be such a big boy. When Willie called me out to see Levi's latest feat, I laughed when I saw him wearing a helmet but with bare feet. Typical Varnell fashion. What can I say?

Another Candice Celebration

2010-01-24T19:08:00.000-08:00

I just love filling our big ol' table and that is just what we did in celebration of Candice's birthday. Lots of junk food, capture the flag, pizza and fellowship made for a wonderful day. I have to admit having a house full of teenagers is a blast!

Just Like You

2010-01-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

Friday Willie took the kids for a wonderful day of snowboarding. The weather was glorious and Sofia was thrilled to be the newest Varnell snowboarder. After her lesson with Elisa, she took to the slopes like a natural. Unfortunately, later in the afternoon Will fell and broke his arm. Upon returning home from the ER, Elijah did a little stunt of his own. He came into the living room with his arm all wrapped up in toilet paper by his own doing. Another simple reminder that our children are always watching us and they want to be just like us. Lord, may You bless our feeble efforts as we attempt to lead Your blessings not only with words, but by example.

Good Times

2010-01-09T18:16:00.000-08:00

Vacation is coming to an end. This year's has been so wonderful. Willie was able to take quite a bit of time off from work which was so nice. I love every day that starts out with Willie and I drinking our coffee and chatting together. Christmas Eve was splendid with the Harlow cousins and Grandma Varnell. We sang carols, read the Christmas story, ate lots of good food, and opened lots of presents of course. Christmas day was a quiet day at home enjoying the gift of family. Grandma and Grandpa Harlow came into town the next day and the party stepped up another knotch. My parents took all the adult children to Black Angus for an evening of fun visiting and much laughter. We went to the Wild Animal Park and brought in the new year with the Harlow cousins running up and down the street banging pots and pans. I perfected my chocolate chip cookie dough truffles. We spent New Years Day in LaVerne with the Harlow family. Football, food, and family. It doesn't get much better. We took the extra time that being on break afforded us to have extended morning devotions. We watched a few great Voddie Bauchum videos and another video called Death is Not Dying. We were also inspired with a sermon by Shannon Hurley. I got to read several books and even got a chance to spend some time making plans for the new year. Will and the older boys got in a hunting trip in Borrego. Candice, Ai-Lin, and I wrapped up our vacations at Disneyland. Very nice. We had a much needed reprieve from the day to day demands of life. We savored our Jesus and just enjoyed being a family. Truly good times!

Princess Disneyland Birthday Trip 2010

2010-01-09T17:58:00.000-08:00

Candice's 2003 Princess Disneyland Birthday Trip
Seven Years Later Accompanied by Princess Ai-Lin
Princess Candice's Birthday Cake Delivered to Our Room at the Disneyland Hotel

Princess Ai-Lin Riding Its A Small World

Mulan Meeting Our Princess Ai-Lin

Silly Tigger with the Girls

Princess Candice and Aurora

Tinkerbell with Princesses Candice and Ai-Lin

Candice and I have been in cahoots planning this year's Princess Disneyland Birthday Trip for months. It was an added treat to get to bring along the newest princess in the family, Ai-Lin. The girls had a blast wearing crowns and posing with the characters for pictures. We stayed at the Disneyland hotel and even took an evening dip in the jacuzzi. Candice had memories of our 2003 Mother/Daughter trip and we decided it was so much fun we should do it again. And again we did, but this time with a bit more gusto. Happy Birthday, Candice!

The Wild Animal Park

2010-01-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

We had a great day at the Wild Animal Park with Grandma and Grandpa Harlow. We hiked all over the park to see the baby elephants, to view the once almost extinct California Condors, to feed the lorakeets, and to finally ride the tram to name just a few of our adventures. Grandma and Grandpa were great sports for certain. We finished off the day with Grandpa treating us to On the Border, my absolute favorite restaurant. The last picture shows me with some tuckered out kiddos.

Laddie

2010-01-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

Here I am reading Laddie by Gene Straton-Porter, one of my favorite books of all time. I needed to put Elijah to bed, but I just had to read one more page. Or ten more. I truly can't remember. I guess he decided not to wait. Laddie is a beautiful representation of the ideal, an ideal which I find quite inspirational.

Movie Date

2010-01-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

Awaiting The Princess and the Frog to Appear on the Big Screen

Daddy took some of us to the movies. Mommy got to come along too. It is much more fun to go with Daddy because he buys us popcorns and sodas. After the movie we got to go to Dairy Queen for ice cream. This day was extra special because NONE of the big kids got to come!

Hiking the Santa Rosa Plateau

2010-01-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

We are so blessed to have the Santa Rosa Plateau so close. It is a family favorite spot for hiking and soaking in nature. This particular day we hiked three miles. What fun!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

Isaac with His Big Christmas Bump on His Forehead
Singing Christmas Carols and Reading the Christmas Story with Family Christmas Eve
Veronica Helping Elijah

Candice and Papa

The Best Gift of ALL

Luke with His Grandma Varnell

Joshua Happy with His Transformer

Ai-Lin Opening Her Stocking Christmas Morning

Ai-Lin Enjoying Her Loot

Eagerly Awaiting Presents!

Mother and Daughter
Joshua and His Snow Globe (Josh and I are collectors of snow globes.)
Three Ballerinas To Be
Levi and Daddy
Ai-Lin Giving Some Christmas Lovin' to Boomer

Dear Darlings 2009

2009-12-25T00:07:00.000-08:00

Last year I started the tradition of the Dear Darling Letters. I tuck a little love note into their stocking with their other goodies on Christmas Eve. Here they are for longevity's sake.

Dear Darling Amanda Alene:
My precious daughter, I love you more than I could ever express with words. You amaze me each and every day with your heart for the Lord and our family. This year you have grown in so many ways and it has been such a joy to watch you become a woman of God. I love our late night talks and then I appreciate you bringing me my cup of coffee in the morning to wake me up. You are a gracious young lady in more ways than I can count. I am savoring each and every day with you and not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for bringing sweet you into my life. You are nothing short of incredible. I am very proud, but know it surely hasn’t been about the mom I am. I know you are who you are because of Christ in you. Your life truly glorifies Him!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Candice Taylor:
Your love for life is contagious. I love that you love hangin’ with your mom. There isn’t a better shopping buddy. I am so proud of how you have handled some of life’s disappointments this year. You are persistently optimistic. You hang in there when the going is tough! I love our heart to heart talks and giggling with you over silly things. You make each and every day fuller. I thank God that He gave me precious you. I love watching you become all God has made you to be and I am excited to see all you will become in Him.
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Luke William:
My mighty warrior son, I am so very proud of the man you are becoming. You have blessed me so much this year as I have watched you grow in Christ. Your spirit is malleable and I see your heart’s desire to be godly. You have risen to the occasion often in being the leader God created you to be and you are continuing to grow in this area. Though you are fierce on the mat, you are tender in heart towards your family. Thank you for not being too mature or too cool to sit on my lap. By next Christmas you may be taller than me, but you will always be my boy!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Noah Daniel:
My cool son, you are such a fun kid to have. I praise God for you each and every day! I love that you question everything and you constantly wonder. I like that you ask questions that I can’t answer. I am proud of how diligently you study and how you are on a constant quest for knowledge. God made you this way for a reason and I know He has great plans for your life. I have watched as the fruit of the Spirit self-control has grown in your life this year. You bless my heart with your desire to bring God glory with your life. Sometimes you fly under the radar because you are so easy going, but know your good deeds don’t go unnoticed! You rock my world!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Gabriel Nathaniel:
We have come a long way Gabe’s-A-Babe! You are such a blessing to have as a son. I am thankful each and every day that God gave you to me! Your compassion for the hurting touches my heart. Your tender spirit towards the things of God inspire me. This year you displayed courage and hard work in a number of areas. You are working so hard in math daily and I am proud of how you are progressing. Thank you for loving Isaac and caring for him above and beyond the call of duty. This year you have also become a man of your word which means the world to me. I am thrilled to see the working out of your salvation through Christ. I adore you!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Veronica Joy:
My fun loving daughter, you light up our lives. You have unmatched zeal for fun and I delight in who God has made in you. You live up to your name and bring our family oodles and oodles of joy. You are such a mommy’s helper. Your diligence in your studies has really paid off this year and you are excelling beyond my expectations in several areas. You’re a great big sister and I couldn’t be more proud of you. I love listening to you play the piano. I am so thankful that you love Jesus! I know that God made you for something really special and I am so thankful I get to be your mommy!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Elisa Rebecca:
My quiet itty bitty girl, you are growing up to be so lovely. You are loving and kind. Daddy and I are very proud of you. One of my favorite things to do is bake with you in the kitchen. I love your paintings and the other crafty creations that you make. I like how you are a take charge kind of gal. Though you are little in size, you are mighty in spirit and I see how God has gifted you with many leadership qualities. I am glad that even when things are hard, you don’t give up. You keep trying with a smile. Your stick-to-itiveness will pay off in life. I love who you are and all you are becoming. Keep loving your Jesus!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Joshua David:
My tenacious boy, I love you! Your contagious zeal inspires others. I am proud of how you desire excellence in all you do and how you work at something until you are successful. I have never met a kid of your age who is so persistent. God is going to use this quality in your life to make you into who He has made you to be. I am so proud of how you are fighting your CF. I know it is tough for a guy your age to have to do treatments every day and how you get tired of your vest. However, you hang in there even though it isn’t any fun. I am proud of you for doing the study to help others with CF. You endured lots of pokies, but you helped further the cause. I will never forget the morning you asked Jesus into your heart in August of this year. I know God made you to bring Him glory and you are!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Sofia Alessandra:
My precious little lamb, you make my heart sing. Each day I thank God that He gave me you. You are all girlie girl and so fun to have as a daughter. You have been such a joy to watch as you have become a big sister to Ai-Lin. You have been patient and so willing to share your mommy. Thank you. You are working so hard in your studies this year and you’re doing so well. You are consistent about doing your chores each morning and are always willing to step in to help with whatever you’re asked. What a blessing you are! I am excited to watch God as He grows you up in Him. Keep singing for the King!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Levi:
Cowboy, I am so glad that I get to be your mommy. You are just so fun! I love how you snuggle and love to read stories together. Your hugs and kisses make my days. Your energy energizes me and keeps me on my toes. You are such a great big brother and I am so very proud of you. I am so glad that God gave you to me and we get to live the adventure of life together. Cuddle Bug, your toothless smile makes me smile. My prayer for you is that you will come to know Jesus as your Savior and that you will live your life for Him as your Lord.
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Isaac Josef:
I am so glad that God gave me you! You are so sweet and that is why we call you Honey! I am so proud of all you have accomplished this year. I love that you are talking and I want to see all you have to say. You bring so much joy to me and to all of us. I am so thankful that God brought you to us. You make each and every day more bright.
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Ai-Lin Rylie Faith:
My sweet precious daughter, words cannot express the joy I have in my heart when I think of God’s sovereignty in bringing you home to us. I am amazed at the majesty of it all when I think that last Christmas you were on the other side of the world. Though you have been with us just fifty days, I love you to the moon and back. I can’t imagine our family without you. You belong with us! You are forever home. I know that God brought us together for a very special reason and He has great things in mind for all of us. I am amazed at the beautiful, intelligent, compassionate little lamb He made you to be and I expect God to do great things in and through you! Thank you for loving me and giving me your trust so soon. Some of my favorite moments of each and every day are our times rocking together. I am so very proud of you!
I love you forever and always!

Dear Darling Elijah Angel:
My wild child! I love you and think you are about the funnest two year old a mommy could have. I love your affection for trains and how you know what you want in life. You are a fun little dancing man. I never get tired of reading Goodnight, Moon. Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life!
I love you forever and always!

The VERY Long 2009 Christmas Letter

2009-12-22T22:31:00.000-08:00

To Our Dearly Loved Family and Friends:

Merry Christmas from the Varnell family! This has truly been an amazing year of blessings, the greatest of which is our salvation that was made possible because God became flesh and dwelt among us.

Writing the annual Christmas letter is an exercise in giving praise where praise is due. It is a time to note the joys of the year and let them eclipse the sorrows. Years ago I struggled with not wanting our annual greeting to be taken as our annual “brag letter.” I now know our life is not because of who we are, but because of Who God is and I want to shout from the roof tops, “How great is our God! Sing with us!” So for now the struggles of the year will be dimmed as I share with you much of what we have to praise God for!

This year Will and I have thoroughly enjoyed the good life. We love the late night chats with our teens and the early morning snuggles with our toddlers. Watching our kids grow into the amazing people God created them to be is such an honor and we are continually in awe that God chose us to raise these cool kids.

With great excitement we welcomed, Ai-Lin Rylie Faith, 3, to our clan on November 5th. She is our princess born in Taiwan and brought to us via Hawaii. Her story joining ours has been such a tremendous blessing. We opened our hearts and home to Ai-Lin with a step of faith in hopes to bless her, but we are the ones who are being blessed. Ai-Lin is already feeling right at home. She is so precious, loving, and full of life. She loves rocking with me and frequently asks for me to sing to her. The other children in the family were thrilled with the idea of another sibling and have been such a joy to watch as they have welcomed her with open arms. However, I am clearly her favorite! This too is a blessing as we were concerned that she may have difficulty forming strong attachments with me with so such a large family to love. God is so good and truly has done an amazing work within Ai-Lin already. We anticipate God doing great things in and through her. We are so excited to have front row seats!

In June we launched our first arrow, Amanda, 17. Her graduation brought about a flurry of excitement with family and friends who completed the celebration. As our firstborn, Amanda, was on the receiving end of many of our mistakes as we have tried to figure this parenting thing out. In spite of this, by God’s mercy and grace she has grown into an amazing woman of God in whom we are very proud. She spent the summer serving in China with Bring Me Hope, an organization for Chinese orphans. Since her return, Amanda has been an amazing helper. She helps with the cooking, cleaning, shopping, home schooling, and laundry. And yes, I am in heaven! We are enjoying this time with her as we wait to see where God will lead her next as she continues to have a heart for orphans.

Candice, almost 15, continues to horse around with her Grandma Varnell. She competed in two horse shows this year and walked away with Reserve Champion from one. She loves her time at the ranch and has even begun training some horses. She blesses the family with giving pony rides to the youngest of her siblings and lessons to a few others. Her newest horse and project is Lady Bug, a beautiful thoroughbred. Hopefully, in spring she will be ready to show. Candice has experienced academic success this year as well. She is becoming quite the scholar. Candice’s no nonsense personality has been a joy to watch as she applies it to the working out of her faith.

Luke, 13, continues to train in mixed martial arts and has turned out to be quite the warrior in tournaments this year. While I watch I often cringe, close my eyes, hold my breath, and pray that he or somebody else doesn’t get hurt. However, for some reason he enjoys this kind of thing. He definitely gets that from his paternal side. His softer side makes for a very nice oldest brother. Luke is also an avid reader. He is our social guy and loves getting together with friends. It has been fun to watch him grow in his walk with the Lord this year.

Noah, 11, is our artist. He loves drawing and painting. Noah loves playing chess with Dad and comes closer to beating him every night. Noah also continues to train in mixed martial arts. He has earned his blue/white belt and is rapidly progressing in jiu-jitsu. Noah is doing well in school as he loves to read and write. Noah loves the Lord and is growing closer to Him each and every day. Noah is a delight to have in our family.

Gabriel, 11, is the inventor in our midst. He is always building with Legos, Knex, or the like. He also plays the piano and trains in mixed martial arts. In jiu-jitsu he earned his yellow belt and in karate he earned his blue/white belt. His elbow healed completely after last December’s break and lots of physical therapy. Courageously, he jumped right back into sparring. Amazing! He also healed in time to hit the slopes a few times before ski season ended. Gabriel’s heart of compassion for the hurting inspires us all.

Veronica, 10, is becoming quite the little helper with the little ones and in the kitchen. She is our little mama in training. She loves school, drawing, painting, jumping on the trampoline, and making yummy salads. This year she earned her green/white belt in karate. She has also started playing the piano. Veronica is a social butterfly whose giggle lights up our lives. Her diligence in her studies makes her a joy to teach. She is especially looking forward to celebrating Christmas, her “favorite holiday because it is a celebration of Jesus!”

Elisa, 9, is tiny, but mighty! She enjoys art, playing, snow skiing, karate, and hiking. Reading and math are her favorite school subjects. Elisa’s new hobby is cooking in the kitchen with Mommy. Her favorite kitchen creation is Monkey Bread. She can often be found working away on crafts of all kinds. Her favorite reads are written by Dr. Seuss. The highlight of Elisa’s week is her Sunday school class. Elisa is our walking ASL dictionary. Any time we can’t remember a sign, we just ask her.

Joshua, 8, loves playing chess with his dad, skateboarding, bike riding, horseback riding, reading, and video games. All sports are his favorite to play (except tennis). He also trains in mixed martial arts earning his green belt in karate and his yellow belt in jiu-jitsu. This year he selflessly participated in a vigorous research study for Cystic Fibrosis. It was his idea and he endured many “pokeys” to advance CF research. Joshua has enjoyed a hospital-free year and was honored by a local Kohls store, which walked on his behalf in Great Strides. In August, Joshua dedicated his life to the Christ during our morning devotions. Joshua’s zeal and passion for life are contagious.

Sofia, 7, is the resident snuggle bug. She likes to read books and her current favorite book is Mr. Brown Can Moo. Sofia loves painting rainbows and wearing fancy dresses. This year she earned her green/white belt in karate. PE park days, making crafts, field trips, horseback riding, and play dates are among her favorite activities. Sofia is enjoying having a new little sister to play dolls with. She is definitely her daddy’s girl.

Levi, 5, has officially started kindergarten. He loves school as long as it resembles play. Still donning the cowboy boots, he is still the ladies’ man. He has his wink down pat and we aren’t quite sure what we think about THAT! The park is Levi’s favorite place in town. He felt like quite a big boy when he got to go camping with Daddy in September. Levi reports his favorite thing to do is to eat candy. As you can see, he keeps us laughing AND on our toes.

Isaac, 4, is nothing short of a miracle. Three years ago the doctor told us he may never walk or talk. Last year he started walking and this year he has started talking. He uses sign language, but he is communicating which is awesome. Isaac is vocalizing quite a bit more and can verbally say “car.” He loves anything with wheels, especially cars. Isaac has about ten signs he uses, but understands many more. He also is making use of his cochlear implant and understanding quite a bit of spoken language as well. Isaac lives up to his name and bring us all much laughter. He keeps us on our knees, as his needs are great and we are so finite. However, God is doing great things in our precious boy and for that we give Him all the glory.

Elijah, 2, is our great big bundle of energy. Affectionately, we call him our curly haired freak. He LOVES trains: watching trains, playing with trains, making train choo choos, reading about trains, etc. Did I mention Elijah loves trains? He is a busy boy and the only way I get snuggles is to tell him it is time for bed. Then all of a sudden he has all kinds of love to give. Elijah’s favorite song to sing is his own rendition of the ABCs. He starts off strong and then makes up sounds with the tune as he goes along bobbing his head to the beat. He cracks us up!

Will completed his twentieth year at Bergelectric. He is an amazing provider, protector, and priest for our family. I had no idea when we wed eighteen years ago how blessed my future children would be to get to have him for a daddy. This year included a big boys’ quail hunting trip, lots of snowboarding, an extended beach trip, and lots of training with the kids at the Fight Lab in MMA. He earned his blue belt in jiu-jitsu which was fun. The occasional black eyes are from boxing, not me. My favorite part of the week is our date night where we always share a meal, talk shop, and just enjoy being in love!

In October, Will and I got away to Waikiki for a few days. It was just us, our first ever extended getaway ever! Amanda, Candice, and I cruised to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico in June which was a blast. I keep myself busy with home schooling, photo booking, and reading. Occasionally I get to go out for a girlfriends’ luncheon which is always a pleasure. This year God has been teaching me to trust Him in new ways. I am so thankful for a God that doesn’t give up on me and cares enough to stretch me even when I’m not enjoying the growing pains.

Grace and mercy are the two words that best summarize our year. Each day God is giving us what we don’t deserve and not giving us what we do. I am amazed to see how His hands are working in each of our hearts in ways that only He can. God is good. All the time. Bless His Name!

This Christmas we praise God for the life we have only by His grace and for the life we will one day have in Heaven with Him. We thank Him for sweet family and friends who walk with us along the way. We are grateful for the faithful who often take us to the throne of grace. We are humbled daily with all that God has entrusted to us, but praise Him for the outpouring of support from our family and friends.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may He make His face to shine upon you and give you peace!

With Love,
Lynette (for all of us!)

Congratualtions to Our Karate Kids

2009-12-19T17:06:00.000-08:00

We are so proud of you kids!

Noah Promoted to Blue/White
Luke Promoted to Blue/White
Gabriel Promoted to Blue/White

Sofia Promoted to Green/White

Ai-Lin, the First to Congratulate Sofia

Gingerbread Houses 2009

2009-12-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

Amanda
Candice

Luke

Noah

Gabriel

At Historical Happenings, our history/writing co-op with the big kids, we have made a tradition of making gingerbread houses our last meeting before Christmas each year. One year they were Roman villas, but we always like to decorate houses this time of year. Usually we make graham cracker houses, but this year my friend blessed all the kids by tirelessly making homemade REAL gingerbread houses for the kids. They were the yummiest ever!

Ai-Lin is always with Mommy these days and I am loving it! That is why she is here and there aren't any of the other little ones pictured. If Ai-Lin even thinks I am getting ready to leave, she runs and gets her shoes. This is such a blessing as I anticipated having to "work" at getting her to want to be with me. God is so good:)

Disney's Physics Field Day

2009-12-19T16:28:00.000-08:00

Candice doing an experiment in energy transfer.
The kids learned that this is NOT a barf shield as previously hypothesized by the papa. For your information, this is a "sound shield" as a courtesy to California Adventure's neighbors. I have always told the children I will not go on a ride that drops me so fast a barf shield is required. Now that my kids are educated on the subject, I will need to come up with another VERY good excuse. Doesn't Gabriel looked thrilled as he is anticipating being shot up into the air at a very high speed?
For the sake of her education, Candice did brave California Screamin'. She is NOT a roller coaster kind of gal. However, she did decide to pass on the Maliboomer with the "sound shield."
Noah, Luke, and Candice building their own coasters.

Our family loves Disneyland. This year we have annual passes which you probably have figured out if you have been following this blog for very long. I jumped at the chance to take the big kids to Disney's Physics Field Day where they got to learn some inside knowledge on how the rides work and had the opportunity to make their own roller coasters based on their new knowledge. Who knew that California Screamin' is operated entirely by electronic magnets which are cooled with water? Not I!

Showers of Blessings for Ai-Lin

2009-12-19T15:53:00.001-08:00

Proud Mama
Lots of Presents
Fun Socks

Enjoying a Pretty Homemade Card

Ai-Lin's Favorite New Slippers

Our Home Schooling Friends blessed us with a delightful shower to welcome Ai-Lin. She received lots of adorable warm clothes which have already come in handy this brisk Southern California December. It was a beautiful evening of fun fellowship complete with a yummy pink cake. How blessed we are in the midst of the most expensive time of year to have our friends come along side us sacrificially and shower us with gifts for our new precious daughter!

The older I get the less I take things for granted. One of the blessings I cherish most in my life is our home schooling group affectionately called "Home Schooling Friends." The group reflects its name. These families are not only our friends, but have become our extended family as well. Through triumphs and defeats we have stood in the gap for one another. These gals have taken in my children, brought my enormous family dinners, paid to have my house cleaned, and have said countless prayers for us over the past five years. They have held up my arms in the battles of adoptions, losses, and hospitalizations to name just a few. These gals have been my cheerleaders when I was weary and the road was rough. I have giggled and cried with these dear women. Our common bond is the desire to love our husbands and children in ways that would glorify God. Our goal is to be an encouragement to each other as iron that sharpens iron. I am so thankful for these faithful families who share our life when it is beautiful, like today, and who I know will be there if life gets ugly. Thank You, Jesus, for this precious gift of "Home Schooling Friends."

2009 Christmas Photo

2009-12-11T15:30:00.000-08:00

Biotech Field Trip at the Wild Animal Park

2009-12-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

Candice and Luke put on gloves to try their hands at running DNA extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis at the Institute of Conservation Research at the Wild Animal Park. Home schooling has given our children so many real world experiences. I love these experiences because I get to learn right along side them. My true education began the first day I started home schooling fifteen years ago. This time around Daddy got to take the kids on the excursion. In all honesty, I was a tad jealous. My kids got to play around with DNA from California Condors. WOW! It was so fun when they came home and told me once upon a time there were only eight known California Condors left in the world. They were shocked when I told them I remembered all the hubbub in the 80's when I was just a girl. Now, through efforts including those at the WAP, many California Condors are being released back into the wild. I am not a biologist and, to be honest, I have to work really hard at being excited about science. I am a literature/history kind of gal. I love to share experiences with my children where we rub elbows with the experts and where they can learn from those who have a passion for their subject. Today that happened! Another great day in the life of home schooling...

2009-November

2009-12-09T17:34:00.001-08:00

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Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

In Varnell tradition after dinner we sang praises to the Most High and each took turns in thanksgiving. Everyone gets five candies and says five things they are thankful for. Here is this year's list in each of our own words:)

Willie

For God and His infinite mercy and grace towards our family
For my loving wife who is beautiful and loyal and who has stuck by me for more than twenty years
For my wonderful children who show that a family is not determined by genetics but by those who love and care for you
For Cory and The Fight Lab and how he blesses our family
For Bergelectric who has employed me for the past twenty years

Lynette:

That God would choose a sinner like me to be His child and see fit to bless me in ways I never dreamed possible
For a committed husband who is not only HOT, but loves God and his family sacrificially every day
For THIRTEEN beautiful, talented, amazing, loving children in whom I delight and who are my greatest teachers
For our family growing by God's mercy and grace with the addition of Ai-Lin three weeks ago today and with Elijah's adoption finalization earlier this year
For a country where we are free to worship Christ and to home school our children

Amanda

For my loving Savior who gives me grace every day
For my mom (who is my best friend) and my loving Daddy (and that in these hard times he is still gainfully employed)
For the blessing of a new sister in Ai-Lin
For the opportunity this semester to spend so much time with the family
For the blessings of friends (both old and new)

Candice

For my new horse Lady Bug
For finalizing our adoption of Elijah this year
For God's bountiful provisions for our family
For Isaac's amazing progress
For a wonderful God-seeking church

Luke

For my brothers and sisters...that they love me and I love them
For my mother and father...that most valiantly love me
For The Fight Lab...so I can become proficient in the art of mixed martial arts
For God's prudent management and foresight of the future (aka: God's providence)
For Jesus dying on the cross to redeem my wretched soul

Noah

For a mom that home schools me
For a dad that takes me to The Fight Lab
For a God who sent His Son to die upon the cross for me
For a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with lots of jello salad
For my family

Gabriel

For this family and that they are loving towards others
For Ai-Lin to be in our family
That we had a nice Thanksgiving dinner
Having Isaac and that he is walking
For getting to choose five chocolates out of a bowl

Veronica

For this family and that we are Christians
For God creating the Earth
For Ai-Lin and that God gave her to us
For God putting me in this family
For getting to have lots of brothers and sisters

Elisa

For my family
That Ai-Lin came into our family
For God providing for us
For this home
For friends

Joshua

For the family
For God providing food for us
That God brought Ai-Lin into our family
For my Wii system
For Mommy and Daddy

Sofia

That we adopted Ai-Lin
That God took away our sins
That Joshua is healthy with his Cystic Fibrosis
That Isaac is hearing well
That I love Mommy and Daddy

Levi

For my family
For getting Ai-Lin
God
For Mommy
For Daddy

Ai-Lin (with some help from Luke)

For Mommy
For Daddy
For Brothers
For Sisters
For Chocolate (Yummy!)

We are so incredibly blessed. We have been given far more than we deserve. With God's blessings comes responsibilty, and our prayer is that we never lose sight of all we have to be thankful for or Who we serve. To God be the glory for ever and ever!

A Beautiful Beginning

2009-11-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

Two months ago Will and I were enjoying a quiet evening after all the kids were in bed. We were relishing in God's goodness and in awe that He had blessed us with so much. Knowing how undeserving we are, but praising God for how wonderful He is, we counted our joys and named them one by one: Amanda Alene, Candice Taylor, Luke William, Noah Daniel, Gabriel Nathaniel, Veronica Joy, Elisa Rebecca, Joshua David, Sofia Alessandra, Levi Rafael, Isaac Josef, and Elijah Angel. Each child God has blessed us with is such a source of inspiration as their unique talents and gifts continually point us to the Creator of every good and perfect gift.

Amazingly, God has chosen to bless us again with precious Ai-Lin Rylie Faith. Through the entire process of welcoming her into our family, God was faithful. Ai-Lin has been apart of our family for just one week and I cannot imagine life without her. She was made for this family. I can't imagine a better fit.

Ai-Lin has stolen our hearts and we are in love. She is beautiful and so full of life. She is nothing short of brilliant and her energy is contagious. Her sweet compassion has touched us all. I am astounded at how quickly she has given me her trust. In such a short time, she is already looking to me for love, comfort, and safety. Ai-Lin seems to be soaking up all the love our family has to give her. I play a little game with her during holding time. I say, "Who loves Ai-Lin? Mommy loves Ai-Lin!" I say it over and over again and I am rewarded with bright smiling eyes.

The game has expanded into Ai-Lin answering, "Mommy loves Ai-Lin!" and then running through the list of the rest of the family one by one. "Daddy loves Ai-Lin, Amanda loves Ai-Lin, Candice loves Ai-Lin," and so on.

This week poor Levi earned a time out and teary eyed he sat in his chair. Ai-Lin walked over and patted Levi's leg concerned saying, "Mommy LOVES Levi!" She is already feeling the all-encompassing love of our family.

Ai-Lin loves to sing and to listen to me sing. When I rock her, she is now requesting I sing to her. I love to sing while looking into her lovely eyes, stroking her soft hair, as my heart swells to overflowing with love for this precious gift from God.

I knew when we began our journey to welcome Ai-Lin home that God had made Ai-Lin and all of the Varnells for such a time as this. I knew in faith that God would use us to teach Ai-Lin and use her to teach all of us as well. I believed with all my heart that the story would be beautiful, yet it is unfolding with far more beauty than I ever could have imagined. God is knitting our hearts together in ways only He can. I am amazed once again at God's goodness. A few months ago, I couldn't have dreamed of a better life, but today I am living it! Thank you, God, for bringing us such a delightful bundle to love and grow with!

Welcome, Sweet Ai-Lin!

2009-11-10T18:43:00.000-08:00

Thursday we met our darling daughter, Ai-Lin Rylie Faith, for the very first time. Though she has been with us less than a week, we cannot imagine life without her. Ai-Lin is such a wonderful fit for our family. We are having so much fun getting to know each other. We are so thankful the Lord has given us another blessing and we are praising Him for bringing Ai-Lin into our lives. I know she has much to teach us and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to watch her become all she was created to be. The adoption process is exhausting and at times feels excruciating, but all worth it the moment the dream of welcoming a precious child into our home becomes a reality. I often equate the adoption process with labor. Once it is over and I am experiencing the reward, the memories of the perilous journey fade. Welcoming Ai-Lin was just as exciting as welcoming our firstborn. I may have a bit more confidence in my parenting, but I am still overwhelmed and humbled that in God's grace He would entrust me with so precious a gift. Ai-Lin's bright eyes are a beautiful sight to behold. I love you, precious daughter, and thank God for you! I praise God I get to be apart of your story. The best is yet to come!

Birthday Kids

2009-11-07T11:36:00.000-08:00

Joshua's birthday was yesterday and Elisa's is next week, so off to the Happiest Place on Earth we went. We had a wonderful day as a family enjoying God's greatest gifts, our children.

Joshua is eight! He is an energetic, life-loving kid. He is diligent with his school work. Joshua has passion and zeal. He loves pirate swords and video games. He is a lover and a fighter. He frequently grabs my cheeks with his little hands for a smooch. I love it!

Elisa is turning nine! She is so sweet. Though she can be quiet, she is full of love and compassion. She is a hard worker and loves little ones. Always a giver, she spent some of her birthday money to buy a gift to give to her newest sister, Ai-Lin. Elisa's genuine heart is beautiful.

One of the joys of parenting is watching the beauty and potential within each child unfold. We are so blessed!

Happy Birthday, Joshua and Elisa! We love you and are so very proud of you!

Fall Is Here!

2009-10-31T08:30:00.000-07:00

I came home from shopping to find the children raking leaves. They were raking our yard, as well as the neighbors, trying to come up with a big enough pile to jump in. Three yards later they had a pretty good pile! I love the change of seasons. Every season is my favorite as each brings a change of pace and new things to celebrate. Autumn brings pumpkin lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin pie. Yes, I LOVE pumpkin:) The leaves are changing color. It is a time for nature walks and an evening jacket. School days have fallen into a comfortable rhythm (for the most part). Daylight savings is over and evenings are filled with crock pot dinners, out loud reading, family games, and hot cocoa. Welcome, Fall!

Mulligan's Field Trip

2009-10-31T08:07:00.000-07:00

Daddy took the kids to Mulligan's Family Fun Center Friday for a fun filled afternoon. Our umbrella school put on a party for a job well-done on last year's STAR testing. As for me, I got the best reward! I had the whole afternoon off. I was able to chat on the phone, update our blog, and do a bit of cleaning while the little ones napped. Three cheers for Daddy! Hip! Hip! Hooray!

Child Remaining Nameless

2009-10-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

On the way home from Sams Club this afternoon, I was explaining to a particular child, who will remain nameless in this post, the importance of oral hygiene.

Mommy: You know, you need to take care of your teeth because you aren't going to get another set.

Child Remaining Nameless: Aaahhh. I don't like brushing my teeth and I would just rather have soup.

Mommy: Soup? I think you would get tired of eating just soup.

Child Remaining Nameless: Actually, there is QUITE a VARIETY of soups.

Then the Child Remaining Nameless informed me that with all the recipes for soup that can be found on the Internet that he/she could go an entire year without eating the same soup twice.

So I changed my approach. Later we were discussing traditional weddings and who was required to pay for what expense. When the Child Remaining Nameless declared, "For my wedding, I am going to be set, " I responded that he/she may want to start brushing more often if they wanted to find that special spouse. He/she was speechless. I think I won this round:)

Hawaii

2009-10-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Will and I got to go to Hawaii for a few days earlier this week. We flew into Honolulu and stayed at a hotel right along Waikiki beach. We had a great time being in love and enjoying each other. We ate great food, drove around the island, took a historical tour, hiked a bit, snorkeled, and more. Four families and Grandma Varnell made it possible by watching all of our precious children so we could get away. Thank you!!! We came home to an immaculate house courtesy the oldest girls too. We are truly blessed:)

Happy Birthday, Sofia!

2009-10-24T14:49:00.000-07:00

Would it count as a birthday if we didn't spend it at Disneyland??? Elisa and Luke
Elisa, Veronica, and Sofia - Silly Girls
Birthday Cake
Ready to Make a Wish
No Boyfriends! Phew!

Daddy's Birthday Blessing

Our darling Sofia turned seven years old! It is so amazing how time can fly. Sofia is such a blessing to each of us. Her giggle is a delight. Her compassion warms the soul. Sofia loves life and her love of life is contagious. Thank you, Jesus, for bringing Sofia into our lives to brighten our each and every day!

A Sad Good-Bye

2009-10-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

My Longest Friend, Alicia, and Me

Luke
Two Little Monkeys at the Zoo - Noah and Gabriel
Levi, the Snake Charmer

Snugglin' With Noah Dan
Joshua on Top of the World

Devin and Levi

Photo by Luke

Alicia is one of God's blessings in my life. She is my longest friend. She met me before braces and about the time life got really weird. We were twelve. Our friendship was meant to be. She and I have made so many memories together. We shopped 'til we dropped at the mall and often sported matching outfits as teens. We sometimes pretended that we were sisters. We have laughed together and cried together. To each we were a maid of honor. We held the other's firstborn within hours of birth. Birthdays, graduations, and baptisms have all been sweeter because of our friendship. Tears have been less bitter because of our friendship too. Now our road has forked into two and Alicia is off to new adventures in Minnesota. Though in later years we haven't seen each other as often as we would have liked, I have always known she was just an hour away and that she would always be there when I needed her and she knew I would be there for her. Sending her off was a bit tough. We spent the morning at the zoo and said our goodbyes. As we left in the parking lot, the boys giggled, "Ah, Mom, are you crying?" Of course I was crying! And I hope some day they too get to know long lasting friendship as I do!

I love you, Alicia, and I always will! We are still only a phone call away. Godspeed!

Pasta DNA Models

2009-10-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Candice Showing Off Her Work

Last year we got a little bored with science. Okay, if the truth be told...very bored. And bored is a banned word in our home. The flies on our walls have heard the mommy say, "Only boring people get bored," on occasion. Science is supposed to be so much fun and God's creations are so amazing. But for high school credit to be awarded, numerous objectives need to be covered. The easiest solution was just to work through a textbook. We were faithful, but not content with what we actually had learned by the end of last year. We were able to memorize the information for the tests, score in the nineties, and promptly discard the information almost as quickly as we had attained it. This year I wanted science to be different. I collaborated with a high school biology teacher to come up with a curriculum that would be fun, engaging, and most importantly, memorable. We are having a blast. On more than one occasion I have had to tell the kids they had to stop doing science to move on to another subject or activity. This was not our experience last year. I have to admit it is a lot more work. Not a month goes by that I don't pull out the state high school biology standards to make sure we are covering our bases. However, I expect at the end of the year when the final projects are completed, the kiddos will certainly have a far better foundation in biology than the textbook-only approach could have afforded them. And for the record....we still read the textbooks, but they are now springboards and not the all and all.

Dog Food

2009-10-14T18:09:00.000-07:00

A few mornings ago I was getting a box of cereal for Levi. The cereal is kept in a high cupboard and Levi was pointing to the box he wanted. I was pushing MY cereal aside to reach HIS cereal and he exclaimed, "No, Mommy! No, Mommy! No dog food! THAT is for Weight Watchers!"

The funny things kids say to make us laugh each and every day! I am trying to just laugh and not ponder the incident too much. How does Levi know what dog food tastes like? is only one of the questions I have asked myself and the questions just deteriorate from there. My wise mother said to not put to much thought into it, so I think I will take her pearls of wisdom. Instead of trying to figure it all out, I've just decided to laugh:)

Ginger and Boomer Graduated

2009-10-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

Both Ginger and Boomer successfully completed all requirements necessary to complete "Beginner Education" so their certificates they brought home yesterday so proudly state. They are turning out to be good doggies, but Momma says they will be returning to school for round 2 of classes shortly. I am proud (very proud) of how hard the kids have worked with the dogs to train them. It was part of the deal of them getting the dogs and they are keeping to their end of the bargain. The dogs are house-trained, come when you call, sit, stay, and more. Not too bad for the first ten weeks. The next goal is to get them to walk with us on a leash. Currently they think they are taking us for a walk. The graduation ceremony was fun and it inspired the kids to keep on working which is a very good thing!

Congratulations, Elisa!

2009-10-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Congratulations, Elisa, on your green belt!
Sofia congratulating her "big" sister.

Proud Patrons

Happy Birthday, Issac!

2009-09-24T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Birthday Boy

Sofia, Levi, and Elisa Fighting the Dark Side

In Varnell 2009 tradition we spent the day at Disneyland celebrating Isaac Josef's 4th birthday. It was a little kids' Disney day. Daddy took the day off from work and we spent the day going to shows and riding the rides that were created for Disney's younger patrons. To add frosting on the cake, three of our children were chosen for the Jedi Academy Show and were trained as Jedi Knights. Isacc's favorite ride was Buzz Lightyear and as the birthday boy he got a light saber of his own. Isaac is living up to his name, which means laughter. He brings us so much joy each and every day. Isaac is truly a blessing in our lives and we thank God that He gave Isaac to us often. Precious Isaac spreads joy and laughter with every step he takes.

Isaac, our Miracle

2009-09-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Our Miracle

So Many Answered Prayers

So Tiny, but so Perfect

The First Time I held Isaac in my Arms

A Cell-abration

2009-09-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Luke's Jello and Candy Cell Model
Candice with her Creation

Our science and art co-op began on Monday! The big kids made jello cell models after sharing their "Cell Vacation Brochures" while the younger kids dove into astronomy. The older children learned beginning drawing and some art history while the little ones made portfolios to collect this year's masterpieces. My kids had a blast and were so excited to tell me all they learned. We are so blessed to have talented moms who are so willing to share their abilities with us. This year I am teaching biology to the older group and doing art with the little ones. So much fun!

Father Son Paintballing Day

2009-09-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Will and Luke spent Saturday paint balling. Luke wanted to go for his birthday in August, but decided to postpone the trip a month so it would be cooler. Unfortunately, it was still very warm. However, that didn't seem to damper their fun! They came home hot, sweaty, filthy, covered with paint, and with big SMILES!

2009-Aug

2009-09-17T10:29:00.001-07:00

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Happy Birthday, Amanda!

2009-09-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

Our baby is seventeen years old. I blinked and she grew up...to be the most amazing young woman I have ever met! Amanda loves the Lord and loves her family like no teen age gal I have ever met. She grew up this past year in so many ways. After graduating from high school in June, she left for China for seven weeks. Absence did make the heart grow fonder and I couldn't have imagined feeling any more fonder before she left:) This semester Amanda is at home helping out with home schooling, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. I am hoping not to get too spoiled as I have a feeling this won't last forever. The best part of having big kids for us is how they are becoming our best friends.

We spent the day at Disneyland (where we are spending most of the Varnell birthdays this year) and had a blast. Eating ice cream cones on Main Street while the parade passed by was great, but the fun was turned up when Sofia and Veronica were picked to join the dancing! The girls in our family sure know how to have fun! Those two were laughing, clapping, and dancing while I snapped photos. Too fun!

Two Little Fairies

2009-09-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight the kids put on an adorable skit about two fairies. They have been planning the performance for a few days now. Amanda helped with costumes and narration. The moral: Hard work pays off! It was along the lines of The Three Little Pigs, but altered to The Two Fairy Sisters! We certainly have talent in our house:)

Sofia, Joshua, and Elisa

Sofia: The Hardworking Fairy

Elisa: The Lazy Fairy

Joshua: The Bad Guy

Devoted Patrons

Noah, Gabriel, Levi, Veronica, Luke, and Isaac

Levi Showing Off His New Toothless Grin

Eighteen Years of Bliss

2009-09-15T20:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to US! As of Monday we have enjoyed the blessings of marriage for eighteen years. Friday night the girls and I watched our wedding video. It truly was the perfect day! On that hot September day, I was filled with so much emotion. I laughed and cried all the way down the aisle. I had so many hopes and dreams and knew not what laid before us. We have endured some and enjoyed much. It has certainly been a wild ride and I wouldn't trade it for the world. God is so good and His mercies truly are new every morning.

Comically, we found ourselves in Toys R Us in the game aisle on our HOT anniversary date. We laughed about spending our moments "away" excited about being home with our greatest blessings. Life is good...very good.

This Year's Schedule

2009-09-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

A fellow home schooling mom with a new baby asked me what our schedule looks like. I often get this question, so I thought I would post my reply here. Every family is made differently with a unique mission, so I would never encourage anyone to emulate us. However, I love hearing what has worked and what hasn't from veteran home school moms. I have learned so much over the years from fellow sojourners who took the time to share with me, so here goes!

The following is the target schedule in which we aim:)
7:00 Kids Rise and Shine
7:15 Breakfast and Chores
8:00 Family Devotions and Listening to Read Alouds
9:00 Core Subjects We have a rotating schedule for the older kids. They get one hour on the computer to complete their math (Teaching Textbooks) and spelling (Excellence in Spelling). They have a half hour to practice either the piano or guitar and then one half hour of "Elijah duty." Every half hour I announce "Change of Pace" and everyone switches to the next thing on their list. One takes a bit longer on his math, so he doesn't have "Elijah duty" and gets an extra half hour on the computer. During this time the older kids are expected to work quietly and independently. This is the time that I teach the younger kiddos (mostly) together. We do hands-on math and phonics/spelling all together. One is a fluent reader, but the extra phonics certainly doesn't hurt him and it does keep him out of trouble:) We all sit together at the kitchen table so I am able to help each one with their seat work as needed. Amanda helps me teach a bit as well.
11:00 Writing Workshop/Learning With Sissy The older kids do writing with mom and the younger kiddos do fun activities with Amanda.
12:00 Lunch and Free Play The three oldest alternate days on who makes lunch while everyone is responsible for clean-up. When everything is cleaned up, they get to have free play. I often get ready the afternoon activities at this time.
12:45 Read Aloud Time (again) I love reading to my kids!
1:15 Scholar Studies During this time I focus on the older kids' studies in which I play the mentor role. We discuss the literature they are reading, listen to history lectures, cover science material, do experiments, and talk, talk, talk. Elijah naps at this time and the younger kids can play quietly or choose from an assortment of activities planned for school time such as painting with water colors, drawing, weaving, or reading. The middle kids can either participate with the oldest kids (which they often do) or choose from the assortment of educational activities. We don't have television, but we do have United Streaming using the Internet. Each week I find a few movies they can watch (always approx. 30 minutes) which correlate with interests they have expressed or with what we are currently studying. Often times I will put on one of these movies for the younger crowd when I need uninterrupted time with the oldest two.
3:15 Clean up and "My Learning Journal" We get everything in order and then the kids have an opportunity to write down in their journals something that they learned or did that day. It can be the most interesting, challenging, funny, gross, or fun…anything they like. By this time Isaac is home from school and Elijah is awake so it is Mommy's time to play with and read to the toddlers.

Once again, this is what we shoot for and not every day's reality. This is also only Monday through Thursday. Fridays we have piano lessons/co-op/Shakespeare/park days, so I don't plan regular lessons. One thing I have learned over the years is I have to stay home and off the phone during school hours. I try to plan most of our appointments for after school hours or Friday mornings. I used to think that I had more flexibility with appointments because I home schooled, but now with my ever growing family I have found it more wise to treat this like a job that I can only take time off from occasionally. Our school day takes so long because we have so many children. With fewer students, you could get done much earlier. This year we aren't doing as much independent study, so that also makes the day a bit longer because there is only one me:) However, I have so much to teach and so little time with our children that I want to be as actively involved as I can be. I am also a total nerd and am fascinated with what my kids get to learn and want to learn right along with them.

So here are my ramblings. Maybe you can glean or maybe not:) When I had a new baby, which has been often, we read aloud often while Baby fed and I took a nap when the little ones napped almost every day because I wasn't getting all the sleep I needed at night. My kids did quite a bit of independent learning because I had my hands full and I was tired. It all balances out in the end. Some years we have been very academic, but most we have not. One year my children walked along side me as I grieved, accepted, and learned how to deal with my sweet baby boy’s diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. I don't remember doing much school that year. I do remember being in the hospital more than I ever imagined I would be, many drives to San Diego doctor appointments, and often feeling overwhelmed. I remember holding a baby I didn't know how long I would get to hold and realizing lots of the "things" in life I worried about were not important anyway. Some how my six-year-old learned to read that year in the midst of not getting around to much "schooling." All of that to say, "It is a God thing." We do the best we can and He faithfully fills in the gaps. I don't know of a single home schooling mom that feels like she has the whole home schooling thing down perfectly. I figure I will really know how it should be done just about the time my grandchildren are ready to be home schooled! My gauge of our home schooling day is Deuteronomy 6:4-9. There may be days with a new little one when the school books are never pulled out, but the Word of God is lived out and I think even those days make God smile!

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (New International Version)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.

Table Conversations

2009-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

At CHEA this past summer I purchased a cute little lavender pail filled with fun questions to ask around the table at meal time. It is fun to do with a large family because everyone gets a turn to talk and everyone gets a turn to listen. A novelty to be sure:) This morning Candice had to close her eyes and name every family member's eye color. We all determined whether we would choose to travel by plane, boat, train, car, or foot. Joshua chose "a train because a boat can sink." During his vest time earlier in the morning he had read a book about the Titanic. I guess he made some mental notes:)

Most memorable was Elisa's reply to the question, "What is your favorite toy or thing that you own? And why?" She replied, "Elijah...(insert giggle)...because he is fun to play with."

Congrats, Veronica Joy!

2009-08-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our hard working Veronica on earning her green/white belt today! Her senseis remarked on how much she has improved. Obviously, we are quite proud:)

Good Bye, Sweet Sugar

2009-08-29T11:27:00.000-07:00

We lost our precious Sugar yesterday. I am very sad. It has hit me much harder than I ever imagined it would.

Ten summers ago we got the wild idea to get a chihuahua. We were young and inexperienced in the dog ownership category. Having no idea what we were getting ourselves into, we ran down to the local puppy mill. At the time, we didn't know anything about those type of operations. So please forgive the clueless young family. Willie thought it would be cool to get a little male chihuahua, put a spike leather collar on him, and call him Killer. Imagine our little family of eight in a "breeder's" backyard with about thirty yipping chihuahuas everywhere. It was so overwhelming. Which should we choose? Most of the puppies were so freaked out by our grabby children that they ran away and hid. Nonetheless, one sweet little girl chose our sweet little Amanda and the rest is history. We didn't exactly walk away with Killer that day. Instead, a sweet little chihuahua stole our hearts and we named her Sugar. Unfortunately, she was anything but sweet to those outside of the family. Many of you who knew her, hated her. She growled and snarled at most. Sugar's whopping 1 pound 12 ounces had a job far outweighing her size - to protect a family of fourteen. No wonder she was a bit stressed out at times. However, we loved her and she loved us. She brought us many joys and many memories. That little dog had at least one baby to deal with her entire life. She courageously protected our kids with valor. Just ask anyone who knew her. Walks with Sugar riding in the stroller with the babies and her hopping into my lap to snuggle will be sorely missed.

Sadly, I complained about Sugar sometimes. She had her inadequacies like only coming when called when she felt like it and choosing who she would like, tolerate, or pester. Luckily, she liked all of us! This summer I had a few fleeting thoughts that our time with Sugar would not last forever and I was able to take time to enjoy her. With Amanda (Sugar's favorite) in China, Sugar settled for second best, me. I had no idea that we would lose her so soon, but am so thankful for the time we did get.

Our family will be eighteen years old next month. Sugar has been with us more than half of that time. She has been such apart of our family. I hated making sure she was put to bed at night and making sure she was put outside for potty time in the morning. It always felt like one more thing I had to worry about. But now I don't have Sugar to worry about anymore. I wish I hadn't complained and spent more time being grateful. Maybe through this the lesson will be learned.

Thank you, God, for making and giving us such a cool little dog. She was a wonderful creation and her little life brought us much joy! Thank you also for bringing Ginger and Boomer before our loss to soften the blow for the darlings. You are a good God and I thank you for even caring about the little things in the midst of running the universe.

HSF Back To School Pancake Breakfast

2009-08-21T12:39:00.000-07:00

Amanda and Candice

Candice is just so funny:)

Luke

Noah

Gabriel

Veronica

Elisa

Joshua

Sofia

Levi

Elijah

The school year has "officially" begun with our Home School Friends Back-to-School Pancake Breakfast. Hundreds of pancakes with lots of yummy toppings were devoured by eager children and moms. We are so blessed to sojourn with these godly families who love the Lord and love us too! May the games begin.......

Amanda is Home!!!

2009-08-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Amanda Is Finally Home!

Elijah and Isaac waiting for Sissy Mama

Super Sibs Making the Welcome Home Poster

Veronica's Artistic Side

Elijah Getting in on the Action

Joshua Pleased With His Gift of a Sword

Fans and Dresses on Gorgeous Girls - Sofia, Veronica, and Elisa

Luke Trying Chicken Feet With his Favorite Oldest Sister

Looking at Hundred of Pics and Listening to Amazing Stories of God's Goodness and Grace

What a summer of growth in so many arenas: for me and Amanda! Having my little lamb on the other side of the world stretched me in ways I never knew it would. I learned to pray and trust God in ways that I never had been challenged to before. My death grip on my firstborn was pried open and God was faithful to do amazing things. Nonetheless, I am so glad that she is home! I am so proud of our daughter and all that God accomplished in and through her. Amanda had the opportunity to grow in friendships with godly young people and to be encouraged in her faith walk like never before. Opportunities to both share her faith and to die to herself abounded. Most treasured were the seeds, by God's grace, which she was able to plant. Amanda shared the Gospel with several young ladies and now we pray that the seeds will be watered and that they will grow. These last few days I have savored her presence like never before. Amanda is a delight and we are so blessed to have her back home! Her parents could not be more proud:)

Two Big Birthdays

2009-08-15T17:20:00.000-07:00

This week we celebrated two important birthdays! Luke has entered his teen years and Levi has left toddlerhood and has begun his childhood with #5. This is the year of Disneyland birthday celebrations for our family. Unfortunately their August birthdays fell on block out days with our annual passes, so we had a pre-celebration at home. Daddy's birthday is just around the corner on the 26th, so we are planning a big bash at the Magic Kingdom celebrating all three guys (small, medium, and large). I am so blessed to be a mommy of boys. Sons have a way of melting a momma's heart and taking us on adventures that otherwise we would have never known. As Luke joins the ranks of young adulthood, I am thrilled to watch as God is shaping and molding him into all He has created him to be. Levi starts school this year with which another chapter begins. The wild ride continues...

And Now There Are Three

2009-08-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Look That Set Her Free

Boomer and Ginger

Gabriel with Boomer

Ginger

Already Best Friends

I may have some of the most talented children in the art of persuasion yet. Down to one precious little doggie, our Chihuahua Sugar, I strongly felt we had all the dog we needed and certainly all the dog I wanted. Those who know Sugar may not feel she is as precious as I do, but that is beside the point. With our large family and the home schooling year on the brink of the horizon, the last thing we needed was another dog. At least that is what I thought. I have two toddlers that in and of themselves are a full time job. Isaac and Elijah keep me busy and keep me on my toes. However, the children did not share my same opinion. They felt we needed a bigger dog to complete our family. They wanted a dog that they could walk and take to the dog park down the street. When we take Sugar on walks, she ends up riding in the stroller with the babies about half way down the street. The heat really turned up when Grandma Varnell invited dog-lovin' Candice to accompany her to the local animal shelter to adopt a dog for Grandma. I was invited to go along. Knowing my nature I declined not wanting to get sucked into the whole ordeal and into coming home with a dog of our own. Upon Candice's arrival home, she began rallying the troops. Innocently she showed her younger siblings the pictures of adoptable dogs online. Candice began prompting the little ones to ask Mommy for a dog. Her allies started the assault. I was fit to be tied. How could I say "no" to one of these adorable creatures who without us may meet a bitter end? So I caved. I agreed to one small dog who was at least two years old. The dog needed to be over the detructo puppy stage. Okay, I am weak. I know this. But in my defense, I was totally outnumbered. Knowing my weaknesses well, I sent Willie. Willie is strong and wise. I always can trust him to have unwavering sound judgement. As my opposite, he is not overpowered by his emotions. The ever sacrificing daddy took work off early and off to the shelter they went. They weren't there but ten minutes when the phone rang. "How could you do this to me?" was the inquiry on the other end of the line. So many adorable dogs needing a home.... They ran out of time and no decision was made, but their choices were narrowed down to two, though neither were in MY parameters. I do think the kids were in cahoots. Surprisingly, half wanted one dog and the other half wanted another. Imagine that! Now, what are a mama and a papa to do? Which kids will be found in favor and who will have their hopes shattered? I know about now, my dear readers, you are feeling my pain. Seeing the brightness in our children's faces, I consented to both. How exciting! The next day Daddy the Hero got off work early AGAIN and took the kids back to the shelter. This time Isaac came along because we wanted to make sure the dogs would do okay around little ones. Planning that the dogs would be lifelong buddies, we also needed to see how the they would socialize with one another. One of the dogs got a bit snarly. Problem solved. We were back to one, right? However, Willie would not be the bearer of bad news. The kids were told two dogs and they were coming home with two. We couldn't break their fragile hearts now. Dog #2 was selected, played with, and chosen much to the delight of the darlings. The puppies (yes, 6 months and 10 months) came home Friday and the kids have been in bliss ever since.

When telling Amanda about the ordeal I said, "You kids can accuse Mommy and Daddy of doing a lot of stupid things, but you can never accuse us of not trying to make you kids happy." We often joke about the Thanksgivings we will have years from now when we will all sit around the table laughing about all the crazy stories we are living in now. This may just be one of the stupid things, or not. I started resolute and turned into a marshmallow. However, the kids are happy. I think that makes it all worth it. Nothing brings me more joy than my children's smiles. And they have been smiling lots this week! I will let you know if I am still smiling in a few months:)

Girls' Tour

2009-08-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sofia, Elisa, Veronica and Daddy

The little girls got to go on a tour with Daddy around his job site which was quite fun. Of course they were most adorable as they giggled with every dip and turn! Living the good life.....

Lovin' Skpe These Days

2009-08-01T10:03:00.000-07:00

I am loving technology these days. I don't know how I would have made it the past month if in God's sovereignty I had been born a hundred years ago. I can't imagine having my child gone with absolutely NO contact. However, by God's grace He saw it fit to place me here and now with accessibility to Skype. YAY! It has been so fun to Skype with Amanda. All the kids love seeing her and think it is a hoot to make funny faces in the camera.

Amanda has gotten into the habit (with a bit of pressure from the parental units) of emailing us daily. Sometimes all the notes consist of is, "I am alive, exhausted, and off to bed," but any contact is good contact for a nervous mama's heart. More often I get longer notes filled with her joys, triumphs, defeats, and prayer requests. Having Amanda on the other side of the world has tugged my heart strings more than I ever imagined it would. However, the privilege to pray for her in the midst of this journey as been so empowering in a totally powerless situation. The whole thought of my little lamb on the other side of the world, in China no less, is a bit scary to me at times. If something happens, I can't fix it with a band-aid. I can't do anything really, except PRAY. In moments of uncertainty when fear is trying to root its ugly head, God is ready, willing, and able to hear my every plea. Bringing my daughter to the cross and casting my cares on Jesus has blessed me as only He can during this new chapter of our lives. I am totally powerless, something that my flesh hates. Nonetheless, my God is all-powerful and He is good.

On another note... Sofia is always asking Amanda to send her emails, which is so adorable. Here is the latest!

Dear Sofia,
I have been missing you soooooooooooooo much!!! The other day I was painting a little girl's nails and it made me think of you, Elisa, and Veronica... I can't wait to get home and have a nail painting party! Of all the cute little girls I have seen these past couple weeks, none of them are as beautiful and sweet as my sisters! I am having a lot of fun in China helping take care of kids, doing arts and crafts, swimming, bike riding, pottery, and blowing lots and lots and lots of bubbles! A funny thing about China is that I fall all the time! I currently have a cut on my foot and both my knees are scraped from two separate incidents... I guess I am just klutzy sometimes! Well, I am off to go dinner (even though it is morning where you are at!), but I can't wait to see you in just two weeks! Time will fly, and before you know it we will be back to sharing a room, doing hair, and practicing "Mr. Nobody" by Anonymous. I love you lots and miss you bunches!
Lots of Love,
Amanda

Pros and Cons

2009-07-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

During the summer I like to evaluate our work areas and make changes for the up and coming school year. I love the feeling of organization and good planning. Weird, I know! Until now we had toys both in the family room and upstairs in the loft. This has proved to be problematic this summer. With more play time on the kids' schedules, I have continued to find myself getting the whole downstairs spotlessly clean only to walk upstairs to find disaster area number two. Mynew idea was to bring all the toys downstairs and to make the loft into a quiet study area. I figured keeping the tornado localized in one area while I am home schooling would be helpful. I always love to discuss my ideas out loud with one of my trusted advisors, so I asked Candice, "What do you think the pros and cons of having all the toys downstairs?"

Smiling she said, "Well, a con would be having the toys downstairs will make it look like kids live here."

I replied, "Kids do live here and I like kids living here. I don't mind if it looks like it."

Candice retorted with a smirk, "Then we"ll move that over to the list of pros." We tackled moving, organizing, arranging, and rearranging the toys. The little ones took great joy in playing with the abundance of toys downstairs and all and all I was liking the idea. Then all of a sudden Candice and I found ourselves alone in the midst of a myriad of toys. I called out to the deserters, "Hey, come in here and let's get all these toys picked up!"

Candice giggled, "I guess we are enjoying one of the pros."

Too fun! I had to share:)

Lesson From a Seven-Year-Old

2009-07-23T06:34:00.001-07:00

Once again we made the trek to San Diego for Joshua's CF check-up on Tuesday. As I have shared before, these appointments can be filled with apprehension on my part. I am often nervous about what the numbers will say. Sometimes kids on oxygen or kids that look sickly thin are in the waiting room. My heart breaks for them, and again for Joshua, because this could be where he is headed. Most of the time CF takes a backseat in our lives. We never forget, but we try to keep its power at bay. When I took Joshua in for his last visit three months ago, I thought things were looking pretty good and that did not turn out to be the case. Some labs came back not so hot. It was frustrating and a reminder that we don't have this CF thing under control and that we must totally rely on the Lord every moment of every day. So after last visit's surprise, I was much more nervous this time around not knowing what to expect. Joshua's weight is up and his lung function is at 102%. YAY! We still have to wait on other labs, but things are looking good. I am still weirded out that everyone at the hospital that works with Josh now are fully gowned with masks and wearing rubber gloves with his latest developments. Unfortunately, this is something I may have to get used to.

Our CF doctor is a wonderful doctor. He has been with Joshua since the first day of his diagnosis. He listens to my concerns and has even changed medicine regimens when I wanted to try less meds or different meds because of side effects etc. Over the years I have come to trust him 100% with Josh's care which says so much for him as I tend to like to be a bit of a control freak:) Those of you who know me well know that before CF I was a bit more of a nature gal. Some of my children have never had antibiotics. I like to try everything else I can first. With some things, that works. However, with CF that doesn't. That was a hard pill for me to swallow back then. Giving my four-month-old pills before each and every feeding was an entirely new experience. Annual family flu shot parties were not something I had ever anticipated in my future. However, I am now here in this place and so grateful for Joshua's medications that have helped him thrive and beat illnesses. Meds can be a very good thing.

So now for the proud mama moment... Josh's doctor told us about a CF study they are doing and asked if I might consider it. I looked at my son and said, "Joshua, it is up to you. Do you want to be in the study? It will help other people with CF, but it means lots and lots of pokeys." With no delay, Josh exclaimed, "Yep, I am tough, I can take pokeys. I take them all the time and I'm used to them!" while pounding on his chest with his fists. The doctor was astounded at Josh's selfless courage. My buttons would have burst if I had been wearing any. We want so much for our children to think outside of themselves and to have Joshua be so brave wowed us.

Our family's philosophy is that those of us affected by CF are all in this together and we all need to do what we can to improve the quality of life for one another. People that have gone before us and participated in these trials are why we have what we do today. I am proud of my son, who will sacrifice today's comfort, for a benefit tomorrow that may not even be his. I think we all could learn a bit from a seven-year-old little man.

To Know Courage

2009-07-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Willie took Luke, Noah, Gabriel, Veronica, Elisa, and Joshua to the annual Youth Safari Day. There they had opportunities to fire guns, to shoot arrows with bows, to watch gun shows, and to climb rock walls. It has become a Varnell favorite event over the past four years. Willie heroically braved the heat while the kids got to do what many boys only dream of doing. I chalked it up as educational as firearm safety was a key focus. The kids each brought home a backpack filled with loot and five of our six won raffle prizes. Veronica Joy now has her very own BB gun. What a day!

In the midst of life, God is so faithful in gently teaching us along the way. Yesterday He gave us one of those lessons. Veronica prepared to climb the rock wall. Her Daddy encouraged her as she got harnessed up. Carefully, she began her climb. About half way up, she got THAT look. You know the look of total trepidation which can totally paralyze us when fear takes over. Down she went happily placing her feet on secure ground. Later as they were walking by the undefeated rock wall, she told her daddy that she wanted to try again. "Are you sure?" he asked. Veronica nodded eagerly, so they stood in line to make another attempt. Daddy reminded her she would be safe and that she could do it. Once again, she sported the harness and was hooked up and ready to climb. She began making her way up the wall again. Half way up THAT look came across her face and she looked at her papa with pleading eyes. Her daddy smiled and said, "You can do it!" With resolve she placed one foot in front of the other. Daddy kept encouraging his girl. Yes, she could do it! And she did do it, all the way to the tippy top. It was the most exciting news of the day. Veronica grinned from ear to ear knowing courage and bursting with pride over her feat. Enthusiastically, she asked me over dinner, "Did Daddy tell you about ME today?"

Veronica learned a bit more about faith today. She learned that courageous faith means moving forward even in the midst of fear trusting your loving father as he says, "Don't be afraid. Trust me. You can do it!"

Five Loaves and Two Fishes

2009-07-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

Once again I had a wonderful time at the CHEA conference and was so blessed by: inspiring teaching, fellowshipping with fellow sojourners, making memories with my teenagers, and shopping, shopping, and more shopping! Over the years, God has always been faithful at these conferences to encourage my heart that I may not grow weary in well-doing.

This year I had an altogether new experience! During many of the sessions I found myself joyfully humbled to tears. From the very beginning of our home schooling adventure, I have attended conference after conference with a hopeful heart hoping that our family would one day have what the speakers were talking about. I pictured in my mind a beautiful family culture which glorifies God and enjoys Him. I realized this weekend that I am no longer grasping for what I hope to attain. God has done a beautiful work and we are so blessed to have what Willie and I have been hoping for, praying for, and working towards for so many years. By His grace alone!

In my early days of home schooling I wanted the formula. The one that says, "Do this, this, this, and this and it will equal THIS." So my line of thinking went something like this... If we home school, have quiet times, do family devotions, pray often, discipline in love, control influences, go to a Bible teaching church, use the right educational model, blah, blah, blah, we will then have the well-educated, beautiful, God-honoring family we were created to be. In my naivete, I saw this as all quite doable. Then eagerly into the trenches we dove. We could do this! Then life happened, and it kept happening, and happening. Those perfect home school days I had so perfectly planned out took place far more frequently in my day dreams than in my reality. Home schooling was just so much harder than I thought it would be. Either the speakers made it sound too easy or I wasn't all that I thought I was. Everyone in my life didn't share my enthusiasm. Even the darlings did not at times. I learned the truism of my absolute weakness. Wow. I couldn't do this in my own strength. Along the way, I even threatened the darlings with the school across the street a few times. In those moments, I am sure they were happily hoping I would follow through. Home schooling often became more about what God was teaching me than about what I was teaching our children. I learned of my utter need for His mercy, grace, and love.

I often tell my kids when they are discouraged that the beautiful thing of being a Christian is not that we don't stumble and fall, but that we have a Lord who picks us up, brushes us off, and tenderly steadies us on our feet once again. This is truth and a picture of our home schooling journey. We haven't done it all right. We have stumbled, tripped, and fell flat on our faces. We have striven for excellence not because of who we are, but because of Who we belong to. Where we have fallen short, our God has made up the difference. Our kids have witnessed both our devotion to Christ and our sin in action. They have seen our most intense joys and our deepest sorrows. They have learned to receive grace, and they have learned to extend it as well. Awesomely, God always remained strong in our weakness. And our loving God has given us the desire of our hearts, a beautiful family culture.

I am not saying that we have fully arrived yet. We aren't even half-way through our child rearing and home schooling years which we believe to be synonymous. But this weekend, God showed me that His workmanship is good. We aren't perfect, not even close. Sometimes more marred than I would ever like to admit. Our experience in a small way mirrors the boy with five loaves and two fishes. The little we've offered has turned out to be much in the Master's hands. I am so looking forward to living out the rest of this story. This weekend God gave me a moment to stop along the way and smell the glorious aroma of the roses.

All this to say, fellow sojourners, His mercies are new every morning. Our job is to offer our little and to watch Him make it much.

To CHEA or not to CHEA

2009-07-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

The Christian Home Educators Association conference (CHEA for short) is this upcoming weekend. I can't believe it is almost here. Time certainly seems to fly. Even with thirteen years of home schooling under my belt, I love going and hearing the inspiring speakers, shopping the enormous book fair, and going to lunch with kindred spirits. However, it is pricey. I was contemplating whether or not I should go. I missed mail in registration with the lower admssion fees. I haven't reserved a hotel. It is usually a girls' trip (Amanda, Candice, and me) and we are missing one of our trio. I'd like to go, but....... Sunday evening Willie and I were sitting out on the back patio enjoying the cool summer evening watching the kids play and I was expressing my quandary. Willie is a tell it like it is kind of guy, which I LOVE about him. So after I laid it all out there, he said, "If it just too hard of a decision for you to make, I'll tell you what to do if you want." I said, "Okay," with a little trepidation knowing that once I asked him to make the decision, I needed to let him. He answered matter-of-factly, "You're going!" So off to CHEA I will go with Luke and Candice in tow. This will be Luke's first CHEA as he is now old enough to go to the teen conference. What fun! CHEA has a way of turning teens into believers of home schooling. Home schooling is all my kids have ever known. They don't necessarily see it as different, just what we do. However, Amanda exclaimed half way through her first conference, "I get it now. I know why you and Dad do this!" I am looking forward to sitting with my kids in the midst of the multitude, accepting the calling once again, and being challenged to persevere in the race.

A sweet side note....As I was sharing my heart about the pros and cons of going to CHEA with my rad man, I was whining about how I liked the good ol' days when we got to go to CHEA together (before the family got so large) because we were encouraged together in our endeavors. Whine, whine. Sniffle, sniffle. My rad man exclaimed, "I couldn't be more sold out on home schooling!" How is that for support? I like that guy:) I know the day will soon come when we go to CHEA together again ... with a whole gang of teenagers. Watch out world!

Surreal

2009-07-07T08:06:00.001-07:00

Having my daughter on the other side of the world in China has been a new experience to say the least. As a home schooling family we walk along the way together every day. Spending hours and hours together is the norm. Don't get me wrong. My kids aren't glued to me at the hip or anything. Our family culture just enjoys quite a bit of togetherness. Now one of us is gone and the family dynamic is different. We are missing something, actually somebody. It feels weird.

The first two days when I knew Amanda was flying, changing planes, and meeting up with the team were nerve racking. Her cell phone wasn't working and she was unable to call me at our prearranged times. I watched the clock. I couldn't sleep. I went online to make sure her plane actually landed. I paced the floor. I tried to take my mind off the thousand of miles between us by reading aloud to my little ones. Do you know that I can actually think and worry while I am reading aloud? It shouldn't be possible. I prayed. And I learned trust on a whole new level.

Then there were the three days of NO contact. No emails. Absolutely nothing. Talk about painful. I knew in my mind that she was busy and that she is actually there to work and not call her mommy every few minutes. However, I wanted to hear from her. I wanted to know everything was alright. The no news must be good news applied. By Sunday I was pondering whether I am pathetic or normal for feeling so out of sorts missing my girl.

YAY! Monday morning I awoke to an email in my inbox from my girl! The email was only three minutes old, so I hopped over to Facebook to see if she was online. My next surprise, "hi mama!!!!!" popped up in the chat box. In that moment all my anxieties melted away. I knew she was okay! I forgot to mention that the first thing I saw online before I logged on to my email was the headline, "150 Dead in China." Fabulous for a mama's heart. Not! Later in the afternoon we even got to talk via Skype. All the kids got to say "Hi" to their big sis. And the world now seems to be a brighter place.

In the midst of all the agony of having my oldest take flight, it is still very good. God is growing me in the trust department. That is a good thing. But more importantly we are living out what we have hoped and dreamed of since Amanda was just a baby. Our hearts' desire for our children is that they will be arrows from our quiver and that they will take flight and carry the love of Christ to places, people, and times that we could never reach ourselves. We have prayed for this moment many times over the years. And now the baton passes and Amanda is living undefiled religion as she loves some of China's orphans - something we ourselves could never do today. I have to admit the grandeur thought of it all seems surreal. I am amazed at God's faithfulness once again!

Boys to Men

2009-07-07T07:50:00.001-07:00

I woke up to the beautiful sound of the humming lawn mower. Yes, I was sleeping late. It is summer after all:) Wow! No nagging, no bribing, not even a gentle reminder. Luke is now mowing away and such a smart young man for beating the heat. The rewards of parenting are great. The list of joys goes on and on. However, at the top of that list for me is watching boys become men and girls become women right before my eyes. Today I am getting a glimpse of the man my boy is becoming and I am proud. Yesterday, I just mentioned how the lawn needed to be mowed and how Dad was working so much he probably wouldn't be able to get to it any time soon. I told him how I needed his help because I don't even know how to mow the lawn. Mowing the lawn is a man chore at our house and my little man is growing up and taking initiative. I love being a mom!

Family Day

2009-07-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

Veronica Joy and Elisa Rebecca as Beautiful as Flowers

What a mess! So nice I didn't have to do the dishes:)

Gabe Our Babe

Sweet Candice

Noah Ready For Battle

Luke and Elijah - So adorable!

Levi in What Looks Like a Battle

Daddy with our Baby Girl, Sofia

Yesterday we ventured to the San Diego Zoo since Willie had the day off. We certainly weren't the only ones with the idea. It was hot, but cooler than Murrieta. It was crowded, yet still delightful. We had a great day checking out the new Elephant Odyssey. Willie was face to face with a big ol' lion with only glass between them and was quite impressed. As always, the giraffes were adorable as they chewed up their lunch, which we enjoyed watching close-up on the top level of the tour bus. I was enjoying the day and exclaimed to the children about what a marvelous day we were having when Luke replied, "It would have been better if Amanda was here!" I love that kid. Actually, I love them all. Willie ended up parking what seemed to be miles away, so we walked the scenic route back to the car through Balboa Park (one of my favorite places). The park was in full form with all its grandeur: beautiful brides being photographed, street musicians, still waters at the reflection pond, balloon artists, face painters, trolleys traveling through, and chiming bells. So fun! To finish the day we hit On the Border where the children got some balloon art of their own. I love our life. God has blessed us with getting to see the world through the eyes of children. Life wouldn't be the same without their giggles and excitement with each new day. Thank you, Jesus!

Amanda Has Arrived Safely

2009-07-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

I finally got an email from Amanda. She was supposed to send me a text around 2:30 this morning from Tokyo while she was on her layover and then call me after she went through customs in Beijing this morning. I thought she would call around 7:30. Well my internal alarm clock went off at 2 AM, so I laid there, waited, and prayed. Figuring by 5:00 that I wouldn't be hearing from her until she landed in Beijing, I caught a few winks before I was up and pacing/waiting. FINALLY, I got an email from her at 9:45 right before we walked out the door for the summer movie matinee. She arrived safely with little incidence just like we had hoped and prayed for. Her flight was not quarantined (which was a very real possibility with the Swine Flu issues). All is well. After all our planning, her cell phone doesn't have service. UGH! There is always Skype, emails, and phone cards. However, I thought I had it all planned out. Once again best laid plans go awry. It is weird to have Amanda on the other side of the world and to want to hear from her so badly while being unable to do anything about it. She is now with the team (which includes adults that are supposed to be responsible:) so I have more peace. This is a whole new experience for the control freak momma. I am definitely being forced to trust God on new levels. I can't wait to hear about her experiences and I know God is going to accomplish great things through this trip. Thank you for continueing to love and pray for our sweet gal!

In the Air....

2009-06-30T13:58:00.000-07:00

Chris, Hopie, and Amanda at the Airport

Nicole and Amanda Ready to Go

Amanda with Hopie Again:)

So my sweet daughter is in the air. Amanda left without incidence. I didn't cling to her and sob, or scream like a maniac, or even run after the Calvi's car as they left to the airport. I did tear up, but that's what we moms do. I did text her quite a few times before she boarded the plane, but I just couldn't help myself. I am proud of our little lady and can't wait to hear all that God is going to accomplish in the next several weeks. I figured she will be gone 1153 hours! That is a really long time............

The past month has been consumed with Amanda's graduation, party, the cruise, and preparing for China. The whirlwind is over. What a ride! To think I get to do all this at least eleven more times makes my head spin.

Now life seems quiet. I am already missing her! She is going to call me tomorrow morning about 7:00 our time to let me know how everything went and to hopefully report her uneventful arrival. Until then life must go on. Dinner needs to be made in the crock pot or the children may starve. I now get to do the laundry again. There is a load awaiting me.

The Bags are Packed

2009-06-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

After lots and lots of preparation, our firstborn is ready to leave for China to serve the Lord for six weeks with Bring Me Hope. We have been planning this since the end of last year and it always seemed like so far away. Now we are here. She leaves tomorrow. I am surprised how at peace I am tonight. Up unto this point I have had my emotions all over the place just hoping that I have taught, trained, prayed, and loved enough to prepare our precious daughter for all the Lord has for her to accomplish. I am so thankful that it hasn't been up to me and that God has been more than faithful in making up for my lack. I know tomorrow there will be tears. Tears of sadness because I will so miss my sweet daughter, but tears of joy because Amanda has a heart to serve the Lord with all her heart, mind, and soul. Tomorrow I will learn to let go on a whole new level. But tonight I am just going to enjoy the music of her laughter!

Introducing Bugsy...

2009-06-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Grandma Varnell brought Candice home a Guinnea Pig today! Joshua is in love with the little guy for certain. Bugsy has been played with and held almost every moment since his arrival six hours ago. He is probably in shock. Bugsy belonged to the kids' great grandma, G.G. I can't imagine what it must be like for him to go from that quiet serene environment to ... our house. What fun!

Karate Kids

2009-06-28T20:12:00.000-07:00

Karate Kids with the Proud Papa

(Noah-2nd in Kata/Gabriel-1st in Sparring/Joshua-1st in Kata/Elisa and Sofia-Participation)

Joshua and Gabriel Sparring

Our Handsome Warrior Gabe

Beach Bums

2009-06-28T20:00:00.001-07:00

We had our first beach trip of the summer Friday. It was such a blessing to be out and about again after our family has been so sick for so long. Our friends, the Calvis, were vacationing at the beach and invited us to join them for the day. Thursday I was still not up to par and Veronica was still battling a fever. Everyone wanted a beach day with friends over another day housebound. Friday morning the kids brought me in the thermometer, while I was still in bed and barely awake, declaring Veronica well enough to travel and with eyes begging that I would be too. We had a wonderful day enjoying the wonderful life of amazing weather, beautiful children, and wonderful fellowship. I do have to say a house right on the sandy beach definitely makes the beach more fun and twenty kids can put away quite a bit of pizza between them.

Still Standing Are....

2009-06-20T14:45:00.000-07:00

Willie, Candice, and Noah!

The rest of us are dropping like flies. We have been so sick, sick, sick. Gabriel took ill Monday. Veronica and I decided to join him on Wednesday. Luke, Elisa, and Sofia succumbed Friday. The baby boys have been fighting the past couple of days, but... Amanda has played Florence Nightingale like a heroine and finally she fell today! Amanda had all her shots for China Thursday morning, which I am sure contributed to her now fallen state.

All kidding aside, I have been fearful that Joshua would get this, obviously very contagious, flu. It is a deep cough, along with high fever, muscle pains, head aches, etc. With CF any illness is potentially dangerous, but respiratory issues can lead to BIG problems. Little man just came down sick. Please pray for Joshua. I am working to hold every thought captive in spite that I am tired, weak, and still sick. I know that the Master Physician, who loves my boy dearly, holds him in the palm of His hand.

Willie took work off early Friday to save the day. All our needs are covered. The children are lethargic and are watching more movies now than they probably have all year:) Just think of all I could have accomplished with them down for the count if I too didn't get sick. Oh well, another time maybe......

Thank you for your prayers. We are building fond memories which we will laugh about later.

Girls' Cruise '09

2009-06-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

What amazingly cool daughters God has given me! We had the time of our lives. These gals are the greatest of my friends and I am in awe of how blessed I am to be their mom. We jive so well together. Amanda and Candice are a dichotomy. Opposites, yet complimentary as well. Amanda is more quiet and thoughtful while Candice sings in the background, "Girls just wanna have fun!" Amanda giggles and Candice roars. Amanda reads as Candice changes her clothes and fixes her make-up for the third time that day. However, I am not sure who ate more frosty cones from the all-you-can-eat ice cream bar:) I am so thankful they are not too cool to hang out with Mom. We had a lovely time which God used to continue to knit our hearts together. I was so encouraged as I let go of the leash and let them run (as much as I could anyway). I was so blessed by their hearts for the hurting and their desire to live sacrificially in the name of Christ. They walked their talk and it was beautiful. In the past few months, I have stumbled and tripped so many times as I have tried to walk the uncharted paths of letting go bit by bit. I have fallen flat on my face several times and had to come crawling back to my sweet Amanda to beg her forgiveness. I am a control freak! I am certainly not proud of this and God has been growing me in this department for years. Unfortunately, I have not totally arrived just yet! Maybe by Elijah's college graduation.... Anyhow, both Amanda and God have been very merciful as I have attempted to navigate these uncharted waters. On the cruise both the girls demonstrated depth and wisdom beyond their years (within their very different personalities). I am so puffed up with pride and joy as I watch my sweet girls beginning to walk their own paths of faith. With pride in Christ...I know they are all of who they are because of Him! Of course, we all still have growing up to do. I still get to be the Mom and they still get to listen to my "guidance." But now with Amanda and soon to be Candice, I want to move on from being the benevolent dictator to being the mentor mother. I think it may be okay after all!

Amanda has more pics on her blog at http://amandavarnell.blogspot.com/2009/06/motherdaughter-cruise-09.html. Check 'em out!

Happy 10th Birthday, Veronica!

2009-06-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our lovely Veronica Joy turned ten years old! We spent the day celebrating at Disneyland where she picked out a princess diary with lock and key, princess pens, a princess purse, princess make-up, and a princess nightgown. Can you guess who's the princess? Sweet Veronica is truly our princess and we are so blessed that she is our gal. Veronica has grown so much in grace this past year which has been a delight to watch. She has risen to the occasion as one of the "big girls" and she is Mommy's little helper for sure. Veronica has become self-disclined and quite independent in her studies and strives to give her schoolwork 100%. Most exciting to me is that she has grown in her sensitivity to the Lord. Veronica is maturing in her faith and it is beautiful to behold. Her laugh continues to be contagious and I praise God for her every day!

Thank you, Jesus, for creating such a beautiful young lady when you made Veronica Joy. Thank you that she lives up to her name and spreads joy to everyone around her. Thank you for her zeal for life and her servant's heart. I praise you that she is fearfully and wonderfully made and becoming all that You created her to be. Please continue to prove yourself faithful to our precious daughter as she continues on her journey of faith. I love Veronica dearly and I thank You for entrusting us with this precious treasure.

Amanda's Grad Video

2009-06-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Imagine Steven Curtis Chapman singing "I Believe in You" and "The Great Adventure" in the background.

Words to My Precious Amanda

2009-06-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Friday night was Amanda's high school graduation. It was such a blessing in numerous ways. I will post pics and tell more later. Currently, life is a whirlwind as we had our Historical Happenings co-op's end of the year party at Mulligan's Family Fun Center on Monday, went to Disneyland to celebrate Veronica's 10th birthday yesterday, and are getting ready to leave on a cruise tomorrow. I will have lots of fun posts probably after I recover next week:)

For now, here are my words to Amanda upon her graduation!

As I stand here tonight beside you, I am flooded with emotion. The past few weeks I have been remembering and contemplating the years that have passed since you first rocked my world. You were a tiny precious daughter born to a teenage mommy who didn’t have a clue, but wanted and loved you so very much.

To be honest, as I think back I have many regrets but, by God’s grace, there were triumphs amidst the failures. I often expected way too much of you and held the bar too high in lofty places. However, you have exceeded far and beyond all my wildest dreams. You are an amazing young woman and I couldn't be more proud to call you my daughter. You are better than me inside and out.

I wish I had taught you better. I should have listened a bit more and talked a bit less. I could have exercised more patience and not taken so many things as seriously as I did. The “should have, would have, could haves”…. But I thank our Jesus that in my weakness, He is strong. I praise Him that nothing depended on me and everything depended on Him.

We’ve cried. But we’ve laughed more. And we have loved even more. You have become one of my best friends. Though I will not deny my heart is sad that your childhood is coming to an end, I have greater joy as I anticipate all God will do as He works mightily and powerfully in and through you. You’re far wiser than your years and your devotion to Christ delights my soul.

My prayer for you has been, is, and will always be that you will glorify God and enjoy Him forever! I pray that you will continue to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. I pray that you will know by experience the wonders of His mercy, love, and grace. I know the Giver of every good and perfect gift will continue to be faithful in bringing about His good and perfect plan in your life.

Thank you for taking me on this wild and crazy ride. I can’t wait to see how your adventure continues. We’ve had the best days of our lives! And I am looking forward to having some more!

Sisters at the Storm Game

2009-06-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

Locks of Love

2009-06-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

Auntie Ellie came over for haircuts Sunday. Veronica and Sofia cut pony tails for Locks of Love. This is Veronica's third donation and Sofia's second donation over their life times. They have beautiful hair and hopefully it will be used towards making wigs for children in need.

Outside Valid Range

2009-06-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

I am filling out a form online and it asks me to state the number of children residing with me at home. I type “12.” A red error message pops up on the screen stating, “Your number is outside valid range.” I typed eleven, then ten, then nine, then eight, and was given the same error message. Finally, seven fell into “valid range.”

Once again there is a simple little reminder that our family is living outside the norm, in more ways than just family size. I am still learning to trust in God’s goodness and grace as we walk as travelers and not homesteaders in this world. I still get tripped up as we persevere in the race called life. Today I took my eyes off the prize! I focused on the sacrifices and the hardships of our calling, instead of our joys which surpass all human understanding. I love our big ol’ family. Even though I often feel we are more like a traveling three-ring circus than a mere family, it is our calling. It is who God made in us. And it is GOOD.

Here We Are....

2009-05-30T13:46:00.001-07:00

About My Lists

2009-05-28T17:08:00.001-07:00

I am gearing down for the end of the school year and slowly, but surely, deep cleaning the home school room. Today I found a paper which somehow must have fallen behind the built-in cabinetry what feels like just a few heartbeats ago. Okay, the truth is almost six years have passed! It was a list of Amanda's "Pre-Italy" assignments. Most of the items on the list were dutifully checked off before the list's mysterious disappearance.

I am a list maker. As the giver of lists in our home, I love organization and I love crossing things off my lists as done. I also love when my devoted family members cross items off their lists. I couldn't help but smile as I envisioned my sweet ten year old girl, who is now only but a dream, crossing off each item on the very long list of assignments.

List making is a good tool. In and of themselves, lists are not bad. However, my lists are mostly filled with the mundane and what I perceive as necessary at the time. As Amanda will be launched from our home school adventure next week, I have been gently reminded that most of the things that I often put off until the lists are finished are the most important things.

I have been a bit emotional over Amanda's graduation. Filled with the should of, would of, could of blues. Awed by what and amazing young woman she turned out to be anyway! Praising God for His faithfulness in my weakness. Wishing there was a bit more time, but still looking to the future with anticipation and excitement.

And for the future I am purposing to always make sure that "a good time" worth a memory is also on my list.