Completed!

/> We have been quite busy here at the Palmer household. Stan received his call to be a pastor to two congregations in western Kansas, Lindsay was confirmed, Elise graduated from high school, the younger girls sang in homeschool choir at the seminary for the last time! We thank God for all the opportunities he has given us during our time in Indiana, and the wonderful people we have met whom we will always cherish. As to being completed, I am unsure as of this time if this blog will be "completed" or not. I have enjoyed blogging about family and theology (my two main interests). Most of my readers are on facebook, where I post photos about our family. I have touched on many theological subjects that are important to me. After we are settled in our new parsonage in western Kansas, I may feel like blogging again. For now, I am going to focus on completing the task of packing our family up and spending time with dear people that are here. I appreciate those who took the time to read our blog, and hope that it was as enriching to you as it has been for us. God's blessings to you. "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." 2 Corinthians 5:21

The Unfortunate Turkey

Here is a story that my 9 year old daughter wrote: Once there was a turkey named Tom. He lived on the Burgan Farm. It was 3 days before Thanksgiving Day, and he knew what that meant: death for all turkeys. He hated the tradition of having turkey for Thanksgiving. Tom hid inside the barn, hoping not to be noticed. His stomach rumbled. He was hungry. He saw some feed on the ground and ate it. “No one will find me here, I hope,” Tom thought anxiously. 2 days passed. Tom forgot that there was one more day until Thanksgiving. “Ha! I fooled them that time!!!” Tom thought. He came out of hiding, snickering to himself. Before he knew it, Farmer Burgan was chasing him around the barn. “COME BACK HERE, YOU SNEAKY TURKEY!!!” Farmer Burgan shouted. Tom was beginning to tire. He rested inside the barn. “AHA! THERE you are!” said a voice. It was Farmer Burgan! And no one ever heard from Tom the Turkey again. Moral: ALWAYS COUNT THE DAYS UNTIL AFTER THANKSGIVING IF YOU’RE A TURKEY.

Grandpa was Special

I have been thinking about my grandpa lately. He died about 14 years ago. I adored him, which is evident by the look on my face in this photo, which was taken in his shop. He made me the wooden barn (complete with a Snoopy weathervane, which is cut off in the photo), as well as the big wooden Snoopy. I did a lot of fun things with him on the farm, which included riding in the tractor with him when he worked the fields. It was an enclosed cab, and he made me a bed in the back of the tractor so I could take a nap when I got sleepy. When I was awake, I would sit on his knee while he drove the tractor, and he would tell me stories. Grandpa was special.

Where it's At

It's hard to believe we ready to embark on our 13th year of homeschooling. This will be the last year for my oldest! In fact, she only has one homeschool class to complete; besides that she will be taking classes for dual credit. We have been talking about what practical life skills she wants to acquire over the next year. It feels strange to be thinking how little time I have left with her at home before she moves away for college (we actually might be the ones moving away and she might be staying in the area). Today in church the epistle reading was Ephesians 5:6-21, part of which says, "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." It goes on to explain that God's will is that we are filled with His Spirit, through the hearing of His Word. What does this have to do with homeschool and growing up? Everything. Our time with our children is short, our time on this earth is relatively short (and no one even knows how long). Receiving the Word of the Lord, and his forgiveness therein, is "where it's at." That's where I need to be, along with my family. Out of that grows all of the life skills where my children learn to care for themselves and serve their neighbor.

Summer 2012

Braces off!

20 year anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am incredibly blessed.

Not Skipped

I haven't been in the habit of quoting movies here on our blog, but last night we watched the 1968 version of Yours, Mine and Ours. It is based on a true story about a widow with 8 children who marries a widower with 10. Then, she gets pregnant with child #19. When it is time for the baby to be born, as they are on the way out the door to the hospital, one of their teenage daughters is asking the dad for some advice about her boyfriend. Here is his response: Frank Beardsley: It's giving life that counts. Until you're ready for it, all the rest is just a big fraud. All the crazy haircuts in the world won't keep it turning. Life isn't a love in, it's the dishes and the orthodontist and the shoe repairman and... ground round instead of roast beef. And I'll tell you something else: it isn't going to a bed with a man that proves you're in love with him; it's getting up in the morning and facing the drab, miserable, wonderful everyday world with him that counts. [Leaving the house, they say good-bye to the little kids] Frank Beardsley: I suppose having 19 kids is carrying it a bit too far, but if we had it to do over who would we skip... you?

The Month of May

We finished up school last week. Here is our completed timeline based on The Mystery of History curriculum. I did ancient history with the younger three, so the timeline starts in the lower left-hand corner and works up, with the most current time in the upper right hand corner. It's hard to believe that my oldest only has one more year of high school (and only 2 more one semester courses to fulfill her high school requirements)! When we started homeschooling that seemed so far off but now it is almost here. Elise will also be taking some classes at a local college for her last year in high school, trying to get a jump start on all of those college credits she will need!

Property of Mom

One of my birthday presents from the kids...and no, I didn't write it. My daughter did.

What's Happening with the Palmers

Since I didn't send out a Christmas letter, I thought I would give a short update here. We stayed here for Christmas; since Stan is a vicar this year he is directly a pastor-in-training, and pastors do not get holidays off! We had a nice Christmas here, holding our annual waffle party with our dear friends who have become like family to us. We enjoyed the various services offered at church throughout the Advent and Christmas season. We had our own family Christmas here in the late afternoon after Stan was finished with his vicar duties of the day (that was a long time to wait to open presents, but the kids are old enough to be up to the challenge). Stan continues to enjoy his work very much, which we are thankful for. Homeschool is coming along nicely, although the end is in sight for my oldest student/daughter. What's up with the kids: Elise: continues her organist position at an area LCMS church, and likes it a lot. She will be taking the ACT and SAT soon, and will be finishing her homeschool work this year. Then it will be time to take classes at a local college. It's hard to believe. John: is playing basketball with our homeschool group, and continues to enjoy his piano. He accompanied the children who sang in the Christmas program. He also won our homeschool group's spelling bee, and will advance to the local level in February. Lindsay: is enjoying her piano, books, science, and any outside time she can get. We haven't had much snow, and she can't wait to go sledding! Bethany: started piano in the fall, and tries to keep up with her siblings. She likes school a lot, as well as playing chess with her brother (or on Dad's laptop). Stan's vicarage will last until August. As much as we miss our family and friends back home, this is home for us now (or perhaps I should say, for now). I am thankful to feel at home here, and glad that my family is settled. God will lead us to the next place. We will keep you updated on the adventures of the Palmer family!

The First Day of Christmas....

If Christmas is just starting for you (or if you like great Christmas music), you might want to check out Sacred Christmas Music for the Christmas Season. While many people are done with Christmas today, we are just getting started; this music is excellent quality and we are enjoying it very much. Happy 12 Days of Christmas!

Christmas Catch Phrases and the True Meaning of Christmas

"Jesus is the reason for the season" is an oft-repeated phrase during the Christmas season. What does this mean? Sometimes the best way to explain what something means is to start by saying what it does NOT mean. To "Keep Christ in Christmas" does not mean that Christians should expect non-Christians to celebrate Christmas in a way that puts Jesus at the center. Why should they? Similarly, Jesus as the meaning of Christmas does NOT mean that I must show the world how much I love Jesus by demonstrating my holy life and my Christian themed family traditions, thereby giving people an irresistible reason to be a "fully devoted follower of Jesus". In other words, the Christmas season should NOT degenerate into a "me for Jesus" campaign. Jesus does not need my vote on facebook, and he does not save people because I love Him. The main point of Advent, Christmas, and Christianity is NOT that "I am for Jesus,", but that "Jesus is for me." In His perfect life of obedience, His death on the cross, and His resurrection, He paid for the sins of the whole world and gives eternal life to those who receive Him. At Advent we remember that He came to earth and was born of the virgin Mary; we remember that He will come again to take those who believe in Him home with Him. What better way to receive him this Advent and Christmas than by being in His House, hearing His Word and receiving His Sacrament. For to receive Him is to receive the forgiveness of sins, which is why He came that first Christmas. Then we can say with Simeon, who saw the baby Jesus, Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace according to Thy word, for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen Nunc Dimittis (Song of Simeon), from Luke 2:29-32 (Lutheran Service Book)

Another Fun Dance...

Last weekend we kicked up our heels at a dance our friends' church. Elise and I went "1940's"; John and Bethany are in their Regency outfits.

Grace-full Parenting

Getting Grace is an excellent article by Susan Olasky in the November 5, 2011 issue of World magazine. (You do have to pay to read the whole thing if you are not a subscriber). I won't try to give a thorough summary, but the article basically says that homeschoolers who think that their parenting choices give them a guarantee that their children will grow up to be outstanding Christians may be in for a rude awakening. My *bottom line* reaction to the article is hooray that some homeschool families are realizing that THEY don't "make Christians." If a family has an undue focus on *being good*, that will bring only pride or despair into the family. Let God's Law (not man's rules) be the standard, but give the Gospel (Christ for you for the forgiveness of sins, spoken as "I forgive you", and "Jesus forgives you") to the one who has admitted his transgression. And remember that we all are sinners. It is Christ's forgiveness that makes us Christians, not our "family values." For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Galatians 3:21b-22

Stepping Back in Time

Last night we attended a homeschool Family Historical Ball, dressed in Regency period clothing (early 1800's)

Last weekend we attended Civil War Days, which included reenactors (one was in the movie Gettysburg!), and a town hall dance (which included the Virginia Reel!)

Summer update

It's been a busy few weeks at the Palmer home. Elise went to a Lutheran retreat, called Higher Things, and the other kids were in swimming lessons. I have been avoiding the computer somewhat and trying to finish up some projects before we start full-time school mid-August. Stan is in Hebrew, which ends the first week in August; his vicarage begins the following day.

Wedding Photos

We recently attended our nephew's wedding and enjoyed seeing family and friends. Bethany was a flower girl, along with her cousin. Elise played preludes and postludes on the organ.

More Photos

Here are a few photos from this spring:

Lindsay's 10th birthday, celebrating with friends. Love those smiles!



Stan bought me a lovely corsage for Mother's Day! When I saw this photo I realized how much John has grown.

More Spring Stuff

Some more photos I have been meaning to post:


Going out for my 41st birthday



Easter 2011

Vicarage Placement!

Stan received his vicarage placement last night, and we are happy to announce that we will be staying put for the upcoming academic year! We are very pleased to have been placed in the same congregation Stan is currently serving in as a fieldworker. His vicarage begins August 1st, and lasts for one year. Consequently, we will not have to change the name of blog for the time being.

Spring Summary

Here are a few things that have been happening this spring:

In March we were able to go on a trip to Kentucky to help clean a church that reopened a couple of years ago. Our fieldwork church had the idea to send our youth to this particular church to help out; we were very surprised when we heard that this was the church that our friends were at on vicarage!

Elise with her friends


John with his friends


Removing church cushions, so we could clean the pews



Group shot of the 3 families that worked together. We had a lot of manpower under the age of 18! Even the youngest ones helped out.



Lindsay's 10th birthday