Church Camp 2008

Labor Day weekend we enjoyed another annual church family camp! Everyone had much fun and it passed with few injuries. Each morning started with an early prayer time and then gathering time around the campfire to sing hymns, pray and listen to teaching on the family. The afternoons were filled with many activities: volleyball, kick ball, football, baseball, bike riding, scooter riding, boffing, frisbee, kyaking, beach walking etc! Our dinners were shared--the church supplied the main meal and each family contributed the sides and desserts. After dinner, we all gathered around the campfire for more singing and teaching. When it was dark, we would gather and play 4 on a couch, one up one down and other group games.


On Saturday night, we had a talent show where each family or individual is encouraged to share with everyone their talent. From our family, the kids sang John Cherokee which is a sea shanite we sang a few years ago and brought back because of high demand! Hannah and Grace sang the "Itsy, Bitsy, Spider" which was adorable! The show ended with a short skit led by Sam Young. It was a story about a man who is tempted into a box by a Mr. Hunter (the devil). Many people come to help him out of the box such as a hippie, goth, cult leader, "Jesus has a wonderful plan for your life" minister (me!!!) and another person in a box, but nothing works. A christian man comes (Jonathan) and shares the gospel with Jerry (the man in the box). Jerry realizes his sin and accepts Christ as his Saviour which releases him from the box. It took us much practicing all weekend to put it together....but it was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed it.


Sunday morning we had a semi-normal church service and a few other not camping families, joined us for the day. That evening, we had a cook-off--Esther entered carmel apples and Daniel entered skillet cookies and they both won! I decided to enter at the last minute and made a new recipe. It didn't turn out as it was supposed to but still tasted okay, so I still entered it. I received a few votes, but knew it wasn't a winner! : )


We packed up Monday morning and headed home, tired, happy and full of fun memories!

Dear Mr. Obama...

I Voted!

Well, I am currently watching the numbers as the primary ballots are being counted and thought I would post. I voted today in my first presidential election! I have waited my whole life for this day and am very excited for November! I feel this primary has been pretty favorable to republicans and there are a few really close races that should be fun to watch over the next few months. I am not really favorable to the new "Top 2 Primary" and a few of our local races (since we are in a liberal area) will have two democrats facing off in November. This primary gives republicans really no chance at all in our district.

I finally heard from one of the other SPI candidates, John Blair. Here is what he said:

"Sarah,I would everything in my power to oppose it. I don't know the legal basis in CA but I hope it does not obtain in WA." jb

You would think that if you were serious in running for office, you would try to be a bit professional. At least sign your name properly!

Political Candidates for SPI

Lately, I have been studying the voting guide, to prepare myself to be a well informed voter. The most difficult races to figure out are the non-partisan races, such as Judicial and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Judicial is easy enough, because so many organizations make endorsements. SPI on the other hand is not as easy. Even though this position does not really affect our family since we homeschool, it kind of does, considering the recent situation in California where homeschooling was under attack. So, I e-mailed all the candidates, except one (more about that later) asking this question:

"Considering the recent situation in California, regarding home education, what would your position be if such a situation was to happen here in Washington?"

I made sure not to tip my hand in either direction, to ensure a truthful answer. Out of all five candidates, only one answered my e-mail. Here is his reply:

"Dear Sarah:
I don't have complete information on the situation in California, but want you to know that I value homeschooling very highly., I have many friends who homeschool their children, and I find that they are very dedicated to the education of their children. If elected SPI, I want to do whatever I can to make the OSPI more friendly to both homeschoolers and private school parents, as long as it doesn't violate the constitution."
Don Hansler, candidate for SPI

I am quite pleased with this answer and he seems to have many good answers for solving some of the problems in the public school system. I hope he does well and encourage other homeschoolers here in Washington to support him. I know the incumbent is not friendly to homeschoolers and has little to show for improving the schools. Here is a video of Mr. Hansler stating his platform:

Here is a video of one of the other SPI candidates--one who I did not contact!


Sometimes, I wonder if people try to run just for humors sake or if they are really serious!