One thing I would really like my kids to know before they leave my home is that science is a useful way to discover truth, but that it has limitations - and that many things that are presented as fact or as indisputable in school are in fact theories and much of the evidence is disputable and even purposely misleading.
There are two viewpoints in science: things were created by intelligent design or things created themselves spontaneously from natural selection. If there is intelligent design, we are referring to some type of God - and we can't have God in school these days - so the only view point presented to our children is spontaneous natural selection.
I want my kids to understand the limitations of this perspective and to be able to refute it, not only with faith, but also with science.
My friends Sara approached a scientist after one of his presentations on a topic like this and asked if he'd be willing to teach classes to homeschooled youth. He really wants to get this message out so that people have a more balanced perspective (it is so one-sided at school) and agreed to help her. He also wanted to get other scientists involved and to teach a larger audience. He asked Sara to help him. Sara invited me to the meetings they have had (it was a little intimidating to be at Dennys eating lunch with all these genius scientists who are so passionate about science and sharing truth). I want to go read all of their books!
I am excited to help in their endeavor. They are having an information meeting on September 9th for those who'd like to be involved in these classes they want to make available. They should be amazing. I have been so inspired by their passion and knowledge.
Guest Speaker
I was able to get a Palestinian guest speaker, Sahar, to come tell us about growing up in the middle of the conflict between Palestine and Israel. She had an incredible story of faith, perseverance and forgiveness. It was also really sad to learn about how inhumanely the Palestinians are being treated by Israel and how we as Americans are helping to fund a government that is treating people so terribly. As I learn about the Zionist movement, I am begining to think that it is Satan's counterfeit for bringing about Zion. They are trying to establish a Jewish state through force, oppression, hate, violence and lies. Zion will come into being in oppostite ways: compassion, agency, peace and love. That is not something Sahar said, it is just a personal opinion. Here is her inspiring presentation:
https://youtu.be/2287lCG8ync
She stayed at our house that night and the next day she gave my kids a bag full of fun little toys for them. She was so kind and sweet.
Hiking Budy
I have been wanting to take advantage of the nice weather lately to go enjoy nature. So I say to my family, "It is a beautiful day! I have to go on a hike! Who wants to go with me??" So far, Cassia is the only one who is as enthusiastic as me to go - so she's been my hiking budy. Maybe someday the rest of my kids will enjoy it as much as we do!
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| Me going to go play in the waterfall |
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| Cassia in front of the waterfall |
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| Cassia way above the waterfall |
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| View From the inside of the waterfall |
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| View from above the waterfall |
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| Different hike... sitting on the U in Uintah. I'm pretty sure we trespassed to get there - I wonder if there's an actual trail to it somehow... we had no idea what we were doing! |
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| View from the top of the view |
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| On our way back |
Joy is 3! We had grandparents over on her birthday and she opened presents.
The next day we invited friends to the park and then to a hot dog/s'more campfire party. Joy got all sticky with her friend so they got all clean together and fell asleep. They are such cute buddies.
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| Showing her Birthday Presents |
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| Cake |
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| And more presents |
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| At the park...I have the most awesome kids |
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| Waiting for friends to arrive |
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| Trampoline Time after eating hot dogs |
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Watching a funny video while eating s'mores
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Getting Clean After S'mores
 
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Joy is a ray of sunshine in our home. She is always singing, dancing and making life fun. Well, almost always... she does have her grumpy moments, but they are rare and she recovers pretty quickly. James loves nothing more than making her smile and laugh and is constantly trying to get "huggies" (hugs) from her. She runs and laughs with her 2 next older brothers most of the day. Dallin spoils her and she goes to him when she is sad and needs someone to help her. Jessalyn dresses her up, paints her nails and does her hair. William teases her, but she is starting to see that it's his way of showing love. She loves and admires Cassia, and Cassia enjoys her cuteness and laughs at her funny ways. We are all so blessed to have her in our family.
When I write posts like this, I remember how good life is and how blessed we are. We are experiencing a lot of transition lately and it's easy to get bogged down by to-dos and how to-dos, but it is so good to write a little, step back and remember how good things are and what a blessed life we live. Things always work out for the best, so no need to wonder about the future! It is wonderful to just be thankful for the present.
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