Thank you for my freedom...

With the 4th of July weekend coming up, you might expect a post on my gratitude to those who have fought for our country's freedom in the armed forces. While I am grateful for that...right now my heart is filled with gratitude for a different group of people who have fought long and hard for freedom in a different way.

I attended my first ever homeschool conference in Portland this weekend and overall it was a great experience. I have never attended one previously for many reasons but enjoyed the opportunity this year and going with friends made it much more enjoyable too;)

I heard speakers this weekend that really got me thinking about my right to homeschool or home educate my boys. Once in a while, I hear little comments about what it "used to be like" but it happened so much this weekend that my brain is just beginning to wrap around the concept. I heard some truly unbelievable stories that have caused me to really evaluate something I can so easily take for granted so I want to officially thank them.....

Dear Pioneer Homeschoolers of the 80's,

I want you to know first that I am sorry for not fully comprehending the trials of the road you have paved for me and for my family. It is hard to believe that in my lifetime a world existed that was so hostile to homeschooling families. I can't imagine being cut off from family and friends and not knowing another single family choosing the same path. I can't imagine not having one "curriculum" company to order my materials from. I can't imagine my kids hiding under their beds when there is a knock at the door and not allowing them to play outside during school hours. I can't imagine being taken to court every single year and the emotional tolls that a legal battle that can have on a family.

Thank you that I can't imagine that.

Thank you for your devotion to God's call on your life. Thank you for fighting this battle for me and earning me the freedom to choose this same road that you traveled. Thank you for making that road easier. Thank you for your perseverance to stand up for what you believed in. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for sharing what you have learned and passing on your wisdom to a new generation of home educating families.

Thank you that I can imagine a world where homeschooling might not always be understood but it is allowed. Thank you for the freedom to hold my head high and be proud of the choices my husband and I have made for our family. Thank you for allowing my kids to tell the lady at the checkout counter why they are not "in school."

I am eternally grateful.

Sincerely,
Suzie Doeren

Youth Outdoor Day

Yesterday the boys and I attended our first Oregon Youth Outdoor Day and it was so fun for us. It has been going on for 8 years now here and sells out every year. Luckily we registered early and for the bargain price of $5 each we got to attend. Unfortunately Daddy had to work due to a paving deadline he had to meet, but we went on ahead and took lots of pictures for him. It was very well organized for such a large group of people and God brought out the sunshine just for us. Honestly it was the only nice day in so long and we were so blessed with warm temperatures!

Our first stop was fishing, and the boys were so excited. I actually got to teach them to cast! I know I learned when I was little, probably from my stepdad Joe; but I never thought it would come in handy. Well, they got the hang of it right away even surprising the volunteers that were helping out. So, here are a few video clips showing off their stuff.....

They also enjoyed many hands on activities such as fish printing, laser shooting, and even building a birdhouse. Brody was happy when we found a booth on wild sheep. It was interesting to learn some of how they are working to increase the population. He got to hold a real horn and learned how the rings show how old they are!

All in all it was a great day and we hope to make it again next year!

My new toy!

Bryan wanted me to have one and I said no.
Then I really thought about it and still said no. I felt it would take up more of time that I don't have to give...


Then we saw it in person...and I am now the proud owner of a iphone.





I LOVE this silly thing and in reality I feel I am spending less time on the computer instead of more. It is so fast and easy to check a few things then click off. Plus it is just downright cool! I am about as giddy as when I got my first pager! Honestly my desk is getting clearer and clearer as more notes and information go in there. If you have stock in post it notes...you might want to reconsider your holdings there. I am hoping to drastically cut down my usage;)



I am very excited about the video feature too! I was hoping to get a flip for my birthday. Now I'm sure this is not the quality, but I don't do a lot of video and this will be perfect for little clips like these! I got the boys doing a little piano practice this morning to figure out how to work it!









My favorite features...the weather at the touch of the button, the maps, and the mom's organizer which even holds my grocery list!

I'm sure one day when my boys are all grown up they will see this in a museum and wonder if I ever had one so now they will now;) I'm sure that my first cell phone is in one somewhere! I remember it clearly...had a cord and everything! It came up from the floorboard and had the buttons on top which was really handy for driving and dialing.

Technology is moving so fast. I can't even imagine what my kids phones will look like one day.
Well, I should be off to bed, but I will proabably search the app store for a few minutes.....if it could only cook dinner for me!