More Sights at Corregidor

Here are some more pictures of sights the Middle Schoolers will be seeing this week on their outdoor education trip.

They had a great time at the Intamuros on Saturday. Kirsten is really enjoying this trip.

13th Anniversary

13 years ago today my Dad died of a sudden heart attack.

Below are the lyrics to a song I had written for my Dad the Father's Day prior to his death. I'm thankful I was able to share this song with him before he died.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Father used to sing to me "The Old Rugged Cross"
Tucked me in and rubbed my back and said "good night my child."
His tenor voice would fill the room with sweet refrains of hymns
And in my tender childhood days I knew I'd trust in Him

Images of Jesus' death emblazened in my mind
"Wondrous'ly attracting me to the Dear Lamb of God"*
"Amazing Grace" has saved my soul and "It Is Well"
"I Love To Tell The Story" that "Jesus Paid It All."

       As Father and Daughter we've travled rough roads
       And I never thanked my father for singing me those hymns

I pray that in his twilight years he knows I've forgiven him
Memories of good times shared far outweigh the bad
All things work together for good to those who love God
I pray his soul has answered Him and His glory forever he'll share.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, where my trophies at last I'll lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.

I'm passing on the good things to children of my own
Singing them the hymns I heard and grew to love so
"Blest Be The Ties" and "God Be With You", "I'm Going Home"
Songs rich in truth passed lovingly from him to me to them.

/To the old rugged cross I will ever be true, it's shame and reproach gladly bear/
/Then He'll call me someday to my home far away where His glory forever /
/I'll share /
/So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, where my trophies at last I'll lay down/
/I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown./
---------------------------------
Copyright 1996 - All Rights Reserved :  * Line excerpted from "The Old Rugged Cross"
"The Old Rugged Cross" copyright 1913 by George Bernard. Copyright of "The Old Rugged Cross" renewed 1941 (extended), The Rodeheaver Co., owner. ** Line excerpted from "Battle Hymn of the Republic"

Manila Sight Seeing at Intramuros

Today, the middle schoolers are touring Manila. From Kirsten's text messages, she seems to be enjoying the trip so far, though she was tired yesterday from a full day of 'band camp' and a concert they gave.

The main sight they will be exploring are the Intramuros, located along the southern bank of the Pasig River.

Square foot for square foot, no other site in the country holds as much national historical interest as Intramuros. Even its very ground is unique as it holds artifacts that recount the ages of trade even prior to Spanish conquest. Every single conqueror of this country flew its flag over the Intramuros. Read more about this landmark of the Philippines at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intramuros


Palacio del Gubernador


Fort Santiago

Intramuros was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Its name, in Latin, intramuros, literally "within the walls". This 'Old Manila' is known as 'The Walled City' and is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself.


Plaza de Roma


Plaza de la Fuerza


Manila Cathedral


A typical Calesa

A Day Of Firsts for our Boys


Ben started karate lessons today.
He has lessons twice a week now and really enjoyed his first
lesson. He will get his karate outfit in a couple weeks.


James has a tricycle to ride now!
This tricycle also has a surround seat that we can use for
Jerard to sit in.


Jerard got his braces today for his lower legs and feet.


Already we are noticing him standing straighter. He doesn't
mind the braces. He has to wear them all the time except during
bath time and meal time. He gets pretty messy when he eats
and we don't want the braces to get all messy, too!
Please pray with us that he will learn to keep his balance so he
can work on walking!

Cardboard and Tape

O, the things you can do with cardboard and tape!

Today I made Jerard a 'standing box' out of an empty Forex box and another box that was the perfect size for his standing box.

So he now has a 4-ply cardboard standing box that I fit to be the same height as a side table we have. It has a wedge in the bottom to keep his feet apart.

He can stand, play with toys, fuss at me for making him exercise:)!

Now, I need to figure out how to build a wheeled standing table so he can participate in mixing up cookies in the kitchen and other things!!!!