Farm Power Show . . . and the homeless man on the corner

The Farm Power Show was coming up and the boys wanted to go.  We had free tickets to go so we may as well.  And then it looked like Seth would be in Kansas trucking a load for Pioneer, again.  So, I told the kids we would still go and they were excited!

We parked in the free lot and rode the shuttle to the event center.  We got to sit in the very back.  

I'm grateful to the gentleman who looked under the seat to make sure Eliza hadn't left any of her treasures behind (she brought a backpack but still had to hold everything outside of the bag).  And I'm grateful to the gentleman on the return trip who helped Eden gather her things.  Apparently, a trip of 10 blocks was enough time for her to pilfer through her bag and get a few things out.  

While waiting for the shuttle back to the van, we had a nice conversation with a man from Winterset whose wife is homeschooling. Funny how walking around on a school day with 4 school-aged children just screams homeschoolers.   

I wasn't sure if the kids would get in free or not, so I had reduced price tickets for them just in case.  Gladly, they weren't needed and I was able to bless some others with them.  

Looking down into the Iowa Event Center where there was a lot of big, expensive equipment.  Emmet was rattling off all the Claas combine numbers and which ones are bigger or smaller and where they're made, etc.  They picked up some more literature to read or maybe memorize!

There was some equipment that the kids could climb on and dream about.  

Emmet was fond of all the skid loaders.  

We walked and we walked and we walked and we walked some more.  We only had one incident or two where a child was grumping.  Then I had to remind them of their pledge earlier in the morning  . . . no complaining.  

We saw some family, friends and neighbors while walking around.  

Early in our trip, we found my dad who decided at the last minute to come to the show.  Lucky for us, he wanted to walk around with us for the whole time we were there.  I let Ephraim lead the way and he made sure that we saw it all.  

The children were all in charge of their own bags.  They got some free candy, a pencil or two, a pad of paper or two and a small flashlight.  Toward the end they got the walking sticks from the Fellowship of Christian Farmers.  It's a good thing we left after that because I was worried we would trip someone with the sticks.  

Now, if you're keeping track, we got in for free.  We parked for free.  And we ate for cheaper than they were selling concession stand food.  It was $8-11 for a meal!  Earlier, I had spent $20 at Hy-Vee on our way to the show.  That would end up feeding my crew, my dad . . . . and the homeless man on the corner.  

Earlier, when we arrived at the event center, there was a homeless man on a street corner.  I couldn't read his sign and we weren't in the right lane.  As our shuttle left the show, we went past the same intersection and there was a different homeless man there with a small, 8x11 cardboard sign that I couldn't read.  

We were reunited with our van and I was convicted.  We had some of our lunch left over.  I didn't need to bring it back home.  And then my brain went crazy. 

The cons:  What are you thinking?  You have the kids with you.

He could do something bad.  It isn't safe.  

You don't have to go through that intersection to go home.

He probably doesn't need it anyway.  

He doesn't want a half empty box of Pringles and three slices of the large bologna, some leftover oreos.  And what about the bananas.  They've been in the cold and are turning black.  

He'll probably spend the cash on alcohol. 

The pros:  You have the kids with you.  This could be a powerful message for them.  

You could be the hands and feet of Jesus.

You can circle the block and stop where he is.  

You still have that "coupon" from Hope Ministries that promotes their shelter and meals.

It is zero degrees outside and you have an extra pair of gloves in the van to give away.

He'd probably appreciate whatever I can give him, even if it is a half empty box of Pringles, three slices of bologna, leftover cookies, child-sized drink pounces and bag of m&ms.  The bananas are still good enough.

You actually have some cash on hand to give him, even if it is $5.

So, we did it.  We circled over the interstate and correctly navigated the one-way streets so we could meet up with the homeless man on the corner.  I'd packed our items in one of my cloth grocery bags and would have them ready to hand out my open window (and really only opened enough to get the bag out, still trying to be safe).  

His sign read: HOMELESS, ANY BIT HELPS

His mouth said:  THANK YOU! GOD BLESS!

What'd we give him?  Two buns with bologna.  Some oreo cookies.  A small bag of M&Ms.  The half empty can of Pringles.  Five dollars.  Two drink pouches.  Some less than perfect bananas.  A yellow pair of work gloves.  The "coupon" that promotes Hope Ministries and how they can help the homeless. 

God can use what you have.  Don't make excuses for not having enough or not having the right items.  Don't make excuses for not being in the right lane.  You can change directions and find a way.  A small gesture can have a huge impact.  

After we left, I told the children what just happened and why we did it.  I left it at that and let it soak in.  Did it make an impact?  

I got my answer that night.  It was 9:00 and Emmet comes out of his room to me on the couch, sobbing.   

"Mom, where's . . . . that homeless . . . . man going   . . .  to sleep?  It is 2 degrees out."

(You have to understand that Emmet is my literal, math kid.  It isn't cold out, he has to know the exact temperature.  It isn't 12;00, it is 11:58 or 12:01.)

"Mom, what's he  . . . going to  . . . eat tomorrow?"

"Mom, what if  . . . doesn't have any blankets?"

"Mom, it makes me want to take some of my toys back and give him more money."

And we had a heart-to-heart for a while on the couch.  I answered his questions as best I could.  I assured him that the gentleman hopefully found a ride to the shelter or started walking before it got dark.  I assured him that our food would last two days or he could get a hot meal from the shelter.  I told him all that the shelter has to offer for food, blankets, hope, etc.  I assured him that we gave what we could with what we had in the van.  And finished it up with why we did what we did.  

We were the hands and feet of Jesus on a cold day with some pathetic leftovers but it made a lastly impact on all involved. 

Matthew 25:35-40

³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Our week, January 19 to January 25, 2014

Sunday, January 19, 2014

The Grow Time children sang for the 1st and 2nd service.  They sang an upbeat version of "This Little Light of Mine."

After church, we headed to the Ferguson Christmas gathering.  This picture of the girls is the only one that I took.  There were lots of Seth's cousin in attendance and we had a nice time visiting.  

After this, we had a meeting at church.  Our church is in the midst of starting the search process for a new pastor.  We're having three "Pulse Nights" for the congregation to offer their input for the future. The first one was a lot of fun.  It is rewarding to know that our voices are being heard and that we have some say in the future.  

Monday, January 20, 2014

On these cold, wintery days, we have to have some inside crafts to make.  I've seen PVC pipe marshmallow shooters online and thought they looked like the perfect craft for the children to make.  We bought our supplies at the local hardware store for $5 total.  We assembled them on Monday morning (after our morning school for those who are keeping track).  We followed the size directions on this website.  

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

A picture of our bathroom door.  A reminder to me that I have a sweet daughter who sings while on the toilet.  She is (usually) so joyful where ever she goes and wants her voice to be heard.  She's been singing the song "Behold, Behold" that goes along with their memory verse for the week, Revelation 3:20.  

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

GEMS night at church.  I picked out the girls' outfits and then Eliza switched out her plain skirt for another and switched out her plain tights for a more decorated pair. It is hard to see, but the skirt is red and black plaid.  The tights are orange and purple and green.  And yes, she went to town like that.  I'm just happy that she's independent and doesn't mind what others think.  

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Seth was in the semi from  Tuesday until Thursday, stopping at home for an hour in between trips to Kansas for Pioneer.  The girls were feeling a bit under the weather so Wednesday night I told them that if they woke up in the night, they could come to my bed.  Wouldn't you know it, by midnight I was sandwiched by my girls in bed.  

Friday, January 24, 2014

A few of the books we've been reading.  In geography we're studying Iowa.  

We read several books on Florence Nightingale and how she changed nursing and listened to God's will for her life.  

In History, we're studying Lewis and Clark and Sacajawea.  

The Can You Find It? book was a fun one.  It is famous art paintings and we had to find hidden items in the art.  My kids love that kind of stuff and it exposed them to some famous art pieces.  

Working on our Monkey Lapbooks.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Ephraim's archery meet in Eldon, previously blogged about.  

Eldon Archery

Ephraim had another archery meet on Saturday in nearby Eldon.  His flight time was 2pm and they started by 1:50.  That's the one nice thing about archery.  .  . they run a tight ship and start on time and are very organized.  Ephraim was shooting at target # 16.  He is second from the left in the picture below.  

In case you can't tell, all ages shoot together.  It is grades 4-12, usually 2-3 schools are represented in each flight.  

This particular gym has the bleachers on the stage.  And then I had my dad's binoculars for a close-up view of the target.  This is the view of all the archers lined up and shooting at the same time.  

Ephraim is there in the middle.  He seems undaunted by the older kids next to him.  Yes, it is a competitive sport but there are archers shooting all morning and afternoon so you never know how you rank until the next morning when the results are posted online.  

Good job out there, buddy!  Ephraim's score for this meet was 183 with 2 bulls-eyes.  His season is winding down and I think it is safe to say that  he has enjoyed it.  

Our week, January 12 to January 18, 2014

First, a couple pictures from the day before on Saturday, January 12, 2014.  

Seth had a couple of loads to haul on Saturday for Pioneer and the boys were able to each take a ride to a bin site and then back to Pioneer.  At the end of the day, the girls were able to ride from Pioneer back to the shop. 

And lastly, on Saturday, we finally took down the Christmas tree.  

Sunday, January 12, 2014

It was a busy day for us and yet, I have no pictures.  The girls and I were in the nursery for church.  Then we had Seekers N Sneakers in the evening.  We had been on break since Thanksgiving so it was nice to be back!

Monday, January 13, 2014

Our homemade barometers!  We're studying weather a little bit and our book included the instructions for making your own air pressure gauge.  It was pretty simple, actually.  A jar, a balloon, some petroleum jelly and a straw.  And the most exciting news . . . they really worked!  Our straw went up and down, indicating high and low pressure.  

Monday night I attended our couple's Bible study while Seth was home with the children.  He'd have to leave super early in the morning (like 3 am early) to go to Missouri for a load of beans for Pioneer. 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Also on Saturday, I was able to get 6 Chicken Tetrazzinis made for my supper swapper group.  In return, I would get a breakfast casserole, cheesy potatoes, Cavatini, Cheeseburger Chowder and Salisbury Steak.  Click here for the recipes! 

Also on Tuesday, we had Clover Kids.  This month's lessons were on exercise and nutrition.  All the children had a lot of fun with this one.  

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Eliza proudly displaying another lost tooth!  She lost this one at the supper table, eating a hamburger and bun.  

Thursday, January 16, 2014

The day of the snow squalls!  This day had some odd weather.  It'd be sunny and then switch to windy with zero visibility.  By evening, there were several hours of a ground blizzard.  So glad we were snug at home!  Ephraim had archery practice but we got home just in time.  

Earlier in the day, we had a  nice visit with a 90-year old landlord and his son.  We brought along our bells and played several songs for them.  Then it was off to piano lessons for Ephraim.  He continues to do well with this, too.

Friday, January 17, 2014

We had a homeschool geography class on this day.  It is just a two-day class to teach the kids (of all ages) about mapping the world by heart.

Saturday, January 18, 2014

The North Mahaska archery meet, previously blogged about.

North Mahaska Archery Meet

Ephraim had another archery meet on Saturday, the 18th in New Sharon.  His flight time was 2:30 so it was nice to still have our morning at home and we were back home by 4.  

Here is Eliza borrowing Grandpa Harold's binoculars.  They did come in handy for a close-up look of the target.  

Ephraim is on the right, shooting at target #3.  

He came away with a final score of 198.  He has been improving his score at each meet and doing a great job.  

Just another look at the archers.  There were 48 of them shooting at one time.  Ephraim is third from the right.  

Ephraim had both sets of grandparents in the audience for this meet.  At one point, we got a bit loud with our "oooohhhh" when Ephraim had a couple of good shots!  

^{Ephesians 6: 13} Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Our week, January 5, 2014 to January 11, 2014

Sunday, January 5, 2014

There was an installation service at church for our deacon . . . Seth!  

Monday, January 6, 2014

Cold.  Cold.  Cold.  Cold.  But we did go out.  To try a science experiment we were hearing about.  You throw boiling water into the air and watch it vaporize.  So, we boiled water and took it outside.  Each child was given a small measuring cup with which to throw water.  Don't worry, they weren't throwing the water that close together (we staged/faked it for the picture).    I can't take pictures, manage boiling water, 4 children AND get a picture of the vapor.  Sorry!  But it was a nice chance to get outside for 4 minutes and practice science.  

Tuesday, January 7, 2014 

Emmet with his favorite books right now.  

Our craft for the day.  I'd seen this idea on Pinterest and knew it would be good to do with our Bible Memorization of John 3:16-17.  We painted a blue circle first and painted a brown cross.  After that dried, we got our hands messy in green paint and laid them on the blue.  When all that was dry, each child wrote their Bible verse on it.  Then we hung a yarn on the back and now they are hanging around the house.  

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Ephraim and Eliza are frosting Ritz crackers with peanut butter so we can dip them in chocolate!  Yummy!

The children were also eager to start back into GEMS and Cadets on Wednesdays.  

Thursday, January 9, 2014

My special Christmas cactus is blooming. This cactus is 12 years old and might look a little pathetic, but  it still means a lot to me.  It was a gift from co-workers when I was laid off in 2001. 

Friday, January 10, 2014 

Some of the fun math books we've been reading!  They teach skip-counting, multiplication and make math fun.  We are able to check these out from our local AEA and get to keep them for a month or more.  

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Our monkey and orangutan crafts to finish up our Primate Unit in Science.  Again, the ideas were found on Pinterest.  I found 4 different monkey/ape crafts and let the children pick which one they wanted to complete.  

Our week, December 29, 2013 to January 4, 2014

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Our week started out with church in the morning.  We came home for lunch and then it was back to town to perform our bells at Maple Ridge.  Our church hosts the church service for the residents on the 5th Sunday of a month, so not every month.  The children did a great job getting to know some of the residents before hand.  Eden walked right up to them to tell them that she did her hair "all by herself."  And Eliza was eager to show off her new Color-by-Number pages she was working on.  After Ron's Christmas sermon, we were able to perform.  First, the girls.  We played Jesus Loves Me.  

Then it was the boys' turn.  We played The First Noel, How Firm a Foundation and The Doxology.  
If we go back, which I think we will, we will have to learn some new songs.  We played all that we know!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Eden has been working on pulling her hair into a ponytail all by herself.  I think she's gotten the hang of it!  Boo-hoo for me, that's one more indication that my babies are growing up!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

With no New Year's Eve plans, we had a quiet evening at home.  We had a nice meal and then let the kiddos open their stockings.  It is kind of nice to save them to do after all the Christmas gifts, etc.  

Everyone got just a few small things and some family DVDs.  

We spent the evening watching Monsters University and eating caramel corn.  We had an enjoyable evening together.  

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Eliza was helping me sew up a hole on her little blankie.  

Thursday, January 2, 2014

We braved the cold temperatures to visit a cousin who was in town for just a couple days.  It was good to visit and catch up!

Here is Eliza, Reed, Drew with Ruby, Eden, Ephraim and Emmet.  

Friday, January 3, 2014

We've been working on a Christmas Around the World unit.  It has been a lot of fun to work on every other day or so.  We print out the lapbook pieces and we're putting them in a three-ring binder to keep together.  We were able to check out a couple books from the library to supplement this unit. 

Saturday, January 4, 2014  

Ephraim's archery tournament in Mount Vernon, previously blogged about.  

Mount Vernon Archery

Saturday, January 4, 2013 we had Ephraim's archery tournament in Mount Vernon, Iowa.  We actually had to Google the town to see where we would be going!  But, it wasn't that bad of a drive and we turned it into a fun family day.  We left by 8 in the morning and stopped off at the local pancake breakfast.  We arrived at Cornell College safely and in time for his 11:45 flight time.  This is the largest tournament in Iowa, hosting over 800 archers from all over Iowa throughout the day, 120 every hour.  

There are 60 targets set up the length of the indoor track.  When checking in, Ephraim is assigned his target number so we'll know where to sit on the bleachers.  You wouldn't want to be at target #1 and he's target #60! 

Even in the bleachers, it can be kind of tricky to see where the arrows land up.  One of these days I will remember my binoculars.  You also have to look in between the archers and coaches, which is tricky. Thankfully, on this day we had extra sets of eyes (my parents) to watch where Ephraim's arrows ended up! 

Ephraim was target #47, left of the tall girl in the orange on the right.  

They shoot from 10 meters and 15 meters.  They get a practice round at each distance and then three point rounds for each distance. 

Ephraim is second from the right, in the black.  They try to have two archers from opposite teams at each target.  After they've shot their arrows, they go forward to mark their scores and you mark it for the the other person at your target.  So, Ephraim fills out the scorecard for the gal from Washington and she fills out Ephraim's scorecard.  

Ephraim had a nice score of 180.  He had three perfect 10s or bullseyes.  He was pleased with that and placed right in the middle of the 4th/5th grade boys.   It was a good time and he was done in one hour.  

Look who came to see him in Mount Vernon!  Thank you!

After Ephraim was done, I had plans to see the Geology Museum on campus.  The website said it was open to the public and free of charge.  What I didn't read on the website, nor did I think of, was that it was January 4.  Christmas Break.  The museum was locked up tight.  Bummer.  

So, we headed to Iowa City to hit Theisen's for a couple of needed items.  Then we went to Williamsburg for some more cold gear for Seth (it was on clearance and this was even before the -5 degree day).  

We had an early supper at the Pizza Ranch in Sigourney and headed home.  It was a great day together and Ephraim thoroughly enjoyed his tournament!