Schools Out for Summer

It's funny how those words elicit such emotion! So we finished last Friday, but we keep certain things going through the summer- simple things that just keep us fresh. For me, new work begins. I've begun writing my lesson plans for next year at Masters Academy: ANCIENT. I've set some hefty goals for myself so that I can have a month to do projects at home before school begins. (Like working in those beautiful garden boxes my husband built that are currently growing ragweed, small trees, and pumpkins -credit to my children) I'll be teaching seven classes next year, four of them require their own lessons plans, so I'm pretty much glued to my computer and chair. But this is where I thrive. (Not in a computer and chair (lest you be confused), but in teaching). LOL

So Jo's moving up to 8th grade, Daniel- 5th, Nicky- 3rd, and Anthony- 1st. It seems strange to not have a little one running around. Even Anthony seems so grown up. He's determined to keep up, whatever the cost. He began bringing me books and sounding out the words -essentially teaching himself to read. I've been so impressed. I thought I should wait until 1st grade, but he's so willing and quick, that I might just teach him to read before September. We'll see.

It's been raining today, so I'm not tempted to walk away from the computer. I'd better get back to planning. Hence, you can reach me almost instantly via email!

Rhonda

2008 Family Reuinion Cruise Photo

I would post more but I want to bug my DJ buddy, Dave... just a little :)

This photo was taken during our first excursion to Key West. Traveling with the whole family was so much fun, especially when you didn't have to think about meals & activities. It was the best time we have ever had together & I'm looking forward to doing this again with great anticipation.

The Habit of Enjoying Adversity

I was reading the daily devotional from the "My Utmost for His Highest" website yesterday & was struck by what was being shared. As most of you know I have had an ongoing battle with insomnia [almost 4 yrs now] & more recently, intense searing pain which has become an almost constant companion to me. It's reality has touched every part of my life. Perhaps you or someone you know is in a similar place. I hope you find the following excerpt encouraging & challenging.

The only thing that will enable me to enjoy adversity is the acute sense of eagerness of allowing the life of the Son of God to evidence itself in me. No matter how difficult something may be, I must say, "Lord, I am delighted to obey You in this." Instantly, the Son of God will move to the forefront of my life, and will manifest in my body that which glorifies Him.

You must not debate. The moment you obey the light of God, His Son shines through you in that very adversity; but if you debate with God, you grieve His Spirit (see Ephesians 4:30 ). You must keep yourself in the proper condition to allow the life of the Son of God to be manifested in you, and you cannot keep yourself fit if you give way to self-pity. Our circumstances are the means God uses to exhibit just how wonderfully perfect and extraordinarily pure His Son is.

Discovering a new way of manifesting the Son of God should make our heart beat with renewed excitement. It is one thing to choose adversity, and quite another to enter into adversity through the orchestrating of our circumstances by God’s sovereignty. And if God puts you into adversity, He is adequately sufficient to "supply all your need"
(Philippians 4:19).

I was challenged & encouraged by these words. If I am understanding this correctly, God's sovereignty is at the center; the core of my circumstances. How often & how easily I forget that since God is sovereign over everything in my life nothing in my life is a surprise to Him & nothing happens to me that He has not orchestrated. But it remains true, so... how do I respond to that? So often I find myself debating my difficulties with God. Just because I may not like my circumstances does not give me justification to grumble about them. If I take on the attitude that I am not just willing but "delighted" to obey God in my difficulties, what blessing; what joys lay in store for me - that "the Son of God move to the forefront of my life & will manifest in me that which glorifies Him". Wow! Now that's worth dwelling on!

Shine,
Nick

Family Vacation

Gives new meaning to "Family Vacation"

We had a great trip with the Campagna clan. Key West, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and 2 days at Sea. I'll post more pics shortly!
Rhonda

Like Daughter, Like Mother

I know what you're thinking...I'm speaking about myself and my daughter. Well...nope.
Recently, we decided to dog sit, for the mother of our beloved and missed dog, Tuscany. She has an uncanny resemblance. Not only in looks. If you let Shadow off the leash, she has a way of walking just far enough, looking back at you, and then darting off for some fun. We laughed as we considered how much our puppy was like her. So, twice during our time, we had to give her a bath (she likes our pond). And at night, she whines until you let her join you! She's very social.

The highlight for our weekend together, though, was when I heard her whining in the back yard, but couldn't place where she was calling from. I thought maybe she'd gotten hurt, since I couldn't find her. We went on a Shadow hunt, and found her in our storm drain. It was so pathetic. She was under the grate just crying her heart out. All we can figure is that she must have taken an interest in something at the end of the pipe and darted in. But once she got in, she couldn't turn around. So here, you see is how I had to retrieve her! Thanks for the adventure, Phil and Carol.
Rhonda

US Air and Space Museum

A very cold, yet fun cub scout trip. The Hall's and we took the trip to Huntsville, AL to see the US Space and Rocket Center. There was a lot to look at and some neat interactive exhibits. I really enjoyed the IMAX on the Apollo Program.


Here's Daniel in an Apollo control capsule. Can you imagine?






Nicky's playing around in the mock Space Station. They sure do a lot of neat experiments in space.





Joanna's using a simulator to land a space shuttle. No success. She crashed every time!






Jo enjoying Bella.

Daniel's a "Tenager"

A Tenager! Yes, that means 10 years old. These are actually from his birthday party in January, but as they were saved on my PC as "New house pictures," it took me a while to find them!

Daniel is quite the young man around here. He can do just about anything that Dad does, provided you show him once. He's a great helper and a tender viddle, as Nick would say. I'm never lacking for compliments and hugs. What a cool boy!


Daniel had chocolate/ chocolate cake!


So we decided to let Daniel really pick the theme for his party. He decided to have a "shooting party." So even though it snowed throughout the day, we bundled up, played dodge ball, and then had target practice. The boys all did really well!



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No wimps here, it was REALLY COLD outside!

A Modbe party

So I'm having my first Modbe Swimsuit/Clothing party. Come and check it out! Friday, March 14th from 7pm- 9pm. You don't have to sit through anything. Just show up during the party hours and try on swimsuits! They're all designed to be modest. Jo loves the "Diagonal" suits- they're perfect for a young lady, and very slimming.

SO you're out of town...Check out the website and let me know if you want anything! The cost is similar to Lands End. You can find the link by clicking on the title of this post!

Mancation

Thought I'd post some pics from the guys last camping/ hunting trip. So the Campagna and the Henn boys decide to go hunting. They really didn't care what for. They got licenses to hunt large game (it was turkey season). I told the guy who sold us the license that I didn't consider turkey to be large game, I thought it was more like...road kill...but anyway.

They go. They don't see any turkey, but they get invaded by cows. Yes. Cows invade their camping area, leaving a trail. Evidently, the men set up the camper in one herd's pasture! One bull was particularly upset (thankfully on the other side of a fence), and huffed, dug his hooves into the ground and made mad noises at the guys (at all hours). Daniel did manage to shoot 495 rounds though, most of them into a dead coyote. Yes, you heard it right, a DEAD coyote.


Remote camping (in a pop up)! The best way to go!


Not a good idea!


They had more luck fishin'


A boy and his gun!

Thank you

Thanks everyone for your letters, prayers, and encouragement. I am healing well. God is faithful. I had no idea how many dear friends would respond with such love. We've had meals, cards, calls, gifts and genuine care given to our family. It is times like these that I am reminded how blessed I am to be a part of the body of Christ. Thank you all.

On top of the miscarriage, Nick has been sick two out of the last three weeks. This season has caused me to slow down a great deal and although I feel the need to pick the pace up again, my desire is to rest more in God. I'm off to teach in the morning again, and I must prepare a "Foley Studio" for my classes. It's a great deal of fun and I enjoy teaching, but quite honestly, I'm tired.

Consider praying for energy and joy to return to my daily routine, that I would not be anxious about my responsibilities, and that the Lord will heal Nick.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

News and thoughts

Friends,
The sad news is that our little addition will not be joining us in July. We lost our baby this past week and I delivered him yesterday at 15 weeks. He was quite perfect looking - about 5 inches long with 10 little fingers and 10 little toes. It has been a truly sad time for our family. We have no insight as the the cause of my miscarriage at this point. It's ironic, though, that I've been wanting to post what has been quickly becoming my favorite hymn. It has been ministering to me for weeks. And now, it comforts me afresh, with new meaning.

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed;
for I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

"When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress."

"When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine."

"E'en down to old age all my people shall prove
my sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
and when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
like lambs they shall still in by bosom be borne."

"The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeaver to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake."

-Anonymous

Love,
Rhonda

Christmas 2007

We had a wonderful visit up north for Christmas. We miss you all already! Here are some shots of our trip...

Family in the South!


Baltimore Family!


Cousins in the Middle! Wow, look at the contrast -Blonds and Brunettes!

NYC!

F.A.O. Schwarz, Dinner in Manhattan, and The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center


Ice Skating!

There's nothing like a trip to Defonte's Deli in Brooklyn!

Take a look!

Take a closer look by clicking on the image. "I'm not a failure, I'm not a failure!" LOL

Joanna's Watercolor

Here is Joanna's latest art piece. She used a technique where you place salt on the wet paint to get a snow effect. Pretty neat, huh?

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a large gathering for Thanksgiving. Many children, lots of games, much food, and thankful hearts gathered around the table.


The aroma in my kitchen for three days was too wonderful. There is nothing like putting a couple of Italian women together and letting them create. The cream puffs, strombolis, ricotta turnovers, artichoke dip, and pumpkin pie smells kept the house quite cozy.
Above we're making panzarotti, or "broken belly." It's called that because they're so good that you eat until your stomach feels like it will burst! They're kind of like a calzone, but fried, so the dough is more fluffy.

The three ladies that kept the games going, the dishes clean, and the food coming!

The kiddos with their Uncle Spencer, who, by the way, made the guacamole, and sang a song from an Italian Opera that I think he is performing in Nashville. It was neat to see all the Italians in the house follow along and understand. I, on the other hand, needed translation.

Happy Birthday Nick!

It's number 8! We only have big celebrations on even years, so this year, Nicholas had an American Adventure's Birthday bash, complete with magic show, foam factory (guns and styrofoam balls), and outdoor rides.

Nicholas was the star of his own magic trick. Even he doesn't know how he made it work!

The foam confetti ending to our magic show

Daniel shooting Mom!

Cousins

I still don't know how we three ladies squeezed into the scrambler. My ribs still hurt!

Another year!

Well, my daughter turned 12! The girls that actually could stay for the cake are with her in the photo!


She had her first scrapbooking party. We didn't know how much the girls would enjoy such a thing, but it turns out that Joanna has actually created a new hobby for many of the girls. Thank you Maegan for teaching our scrapping segment of the party! The books they started look great.

Jo is quite an awesome young lady. I'm so proud of her accomplishments and her heart.

news and conversations

So I was waiting on a science book to arrive, and it finally came on the afternoon I scheduled my first lessons- what timing. We made play-dough Earths this week. I'm feeling really tired these days and want to do more for myself, like.... exercise, or do a Bible study... a hike through the woods would do.

So I put Jo's MP3 player on and danced. Pretty goofy looking, I promise, but I feel better. I also can't touch my toes to the back of my head like I used to years ago. I'm going to make that a personal goal. LOL

Jo auditioned at the local arts center and was cast in "A Christmas Carol." She gets to memorize over 20 songs, in an alto part - a new stretch for her. She plays "Amelia," who is one of the girls in a family that would benefit from Scrooge's death.

Daniel is well into flag football. He's got quite a nice spiral on his throw. And scouting continues. We're up and running for sure. We've just completed week 6 of school- and I didn't drop any "plates" until this week. Now that I'm schooling 4 at home- including a middle schooler, I really have to organize my time. Don't look too closely at the furniture- I think it says "DUST ME."

Back to the schoolroom I go!
Rhon

Go Mets! ... oops... I mean Braves!

We had such a blast at the Braves Game Friday night! - Thanks Jen Moore! Nick spent the evening reminiscing about the days his dad took him to Shea Stadium to see the Mets. So what could he do but quietly root for them?

We enjoyed dinner with the Hollis family, Happy Birthday Teresa! I couldn't resist dropping this picture in of Amanda and Emily. Aren't they cute?


Well...Mets won 7-1 (Nick's secret wish granted), our tickets included dinner, and to top it off, it was free hat night. What a deal!




A pre-game photo op!









Yes, we had a bird's eye view! After the game, there were fireworks. Lots of them. Better than the 4th of July!