Tuesday, February 19, 2008

A day with George and the Duggars




First of all, is it me or does February seems to be flying by?
In a way, I guess that's good...since I always long for spring about now!
However, after weeks of rain, we had a "teaser spring" with sunshine and warmer temps...and it's amazing how everyone pours out of their houses-both adults and kids alike- practically doing cartwheels!

Also, as the month hurries on, it brings us a little closer to our vacation to California!

By the way, I want to thank all of you who gave me some great ideas and suggestions for keeping kids happy on a long road trip. I appreciated that so much!
And in case any of you will planning one in the near future, here's a super website I found!



Alright, I admit it. If you haven't guessed already, we're big on American history here in our little school at home. Mainly because the teacher (that would be me) loves it.
I already blurbed about Abraham Lincoln. But here's some of the artwork we did on President's Day this week:

The middle picture is free-hand drawing by the five year old...not bad! And the one on the right was from my third grader. (They get their artistic side from their daddy!)
And the one on the left...well, gotta' love his do!

Of course, my Kindergartener's civics still needs a little work. I had thought she knew who was currently president, but when I asked her, she had evidently forgotten.

"Remember? His last name starts with "B"..." to which she replied,

"
Blincoln!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On a slightly different subject...I don't watch a lot of network TV anymore, so Monday evenings find me watching TLC, with all of the family reality shows.
(And that's how I spent my President's Day evening- notice the tie-in.)



First, there are the antics of "Jon and Kate Plus Eight"
Sure, the couple does squabble a lot...but having sextuplets plus twins all under the age of seven has bound to get a little stressful. Plus, how many of us would want to cameras rolling in our own home, catching all our foibles and times of losing it a bit? Yikes, they are a brave family!

Also, on Mondays is Little People, Big World (OK, so this husband and wife
also squabble a bit!)
As many of you know, they don't live all that far from us, so we had the fun of visiting their farm at pumpkin time a year and half ago!

And then the many adventures of The Duggars!




All three of these families happen to be Christian families...yet, amazingly, the family with now seventeen children seem to rarely argue! Oh, I'm sure they are not perfect since nobody is...but wow, I really admire them!

No... more to the point, I am in complete awe of them!

Sometimes I tire just mothering and home schooling my two...just TWO!
Yet, she manages this huge bunch with such love, grace and godly wisdom.

Whether you agree with having that many children or not, it's hard to argue with what you see.
Not only do the children respect their parents, but the husband and wife seem to have a great love and respect for one another, as well.

My favorite episode is where they take their huge motor home along with a truck and trailer and get on the road.
Destination: Disneyland. With lots of stops along the way.
Those kids were literally crammed in there, sleeping every which way...but still managed to have a good time.

And if they can all make it to Disneyland...well, then so can we!


Blessings!


21 comments:

Nadine said...

Those are interesting shows. Can you imagine all those kids...my I'm glad I had two.

Beck said...

I'm fascinated by the Duggars! Michelle Duggar seems like the gentlest woman on earth.

Girl Raised in the South said...

My daughter has just recently told me about the Duggars, amazing family. They have the best website, great recipes, etc. You're right, instead of judging, just admire what they pull off!

gail@more than a song said...

I love Jon & Kate plus 8, one of my favorite new shows! I think I've caught the one on the Duggars once but need to find out when it's on so I can tivo it.
We've kinda lived/breathed history around here for a while, our daughter loves it and getting her degree in it! She might teach next year.

Susan said...

Blincoln....how cute!!!
Susan

Jill said...

I love the TLC channel - it's usually the one I check first. And, I love all three of those shows. My husband, on the other hand, refuses to watch Jon & Kate and the Little People because of the way the wives treat the husbands. I just take it as part of the "editing" and do enjoy watching. I CANNOT imagine anyone filming me for a day, let alone a whole TV Season.

Anonymous said...

Those families and shows sound like fun. I have never heard of any of them. I need to turn the tv on a little more.

Ms. Kathleen said...

I have never heard of the Duggers. I will have to check it out. I am like you, a family that LOVES history.

Sounds like you are super busy! Have a great day! Hugs!

Carole Burant said...

Nope it's not just you, I also find that February is flying by...but winter still continues over here! lol We still have soooo much snow and the temps have been frigid again, right now it's -1F. Sigh. Glad to hear you had such a lovely President's Day and I loved seeing the artists' work:-) Gotta love "Blincoln"! hehe I don't watch much tv at all but I have seen a couple episodes of Little People, Big World. I haven't heard of the other two families you've mentioned...I think it truly takes special people to stand having that many kids around them! lol xox

Denise said...

I am not sure that woman is real.. How can she smile that much......ahahha all those kids.... I think it must be God ....who gives her supernatural patience..........ahhaha and Feb. where is it going? Life is fast and the months are keep up..........

hugs

Susannah said...

Nice artwork! (Yes, I do see some budding talent.) Love the cotton balls. Blincoln... lol!

I've seen the Duggars on TV once or twice. I remember the episode where they were building their enormous house. Now that's an extraordinary family. (How do they pay for it all?) They seem so clean cut. What a rare and beautiful example of solid Christian family life. I'd be interested to learn more about the family histories of the husband and wife. (Hmmm. A little research for a future post, maybe!)

Disneyland? One of my favorite places on earth. I hope you have a wonderful time!!!

Hugs, e-Mom

Anonymous said...

You are the best. I wish I had someone who really loved history teaching me when I was young. It seemed there was nothing ever exciting about it and I really hated every minute of learning. Today I regret that I am so far behind in my history lessons.

Great job Tammy!

Dawn said...

I never watch that channel, but it's my DIL's favorite. I've heard of that family of multiples 3 times this week, and never before. Maybe I should tune in!

ruth said...

It is nice having you here while I am reading your post. I too watch all those shows when they are on since you introduced them to me.
Yes because the camera is on constantly, we catch them during moments, that I'm sure they wished hadn't been filmed, but the thing about all 3 of those families is the one element LOVE!! There might be a few squables except with the Duggars where it isn't shown if it happens, Love is what holds each of the families together through the rough places.
Nice to have my 2 grandkids here today too!

Michelle said...

I don't watch much TV but lately have watched these shows! I appreciate true family shows (regardless of whether there is a bit of snipping from the moms/dads) but something I can let my children watch without worry so much!!!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

These shows completely enthrall me. TLC rocks. And I love "Blincoln."

Susie said...

Hi Tammy,
I always watch the specials on the Duggars and I also enjoy Jon & Kate +8.
I enjoy seeing how large families manage.
My nephew was a history major and now works at our museum. It's a real passion for him and we always enjoy hearing his thoughts..
I find this year flying by, but also going slowly (if that makes any sense in my tired state of mind...)
love and ((hugs))

Corrie said...

I can't even begin to IMAGINE 17 kids...wow! Would that be a comedy or a drama? ha ha.

Pamela said...

Only recenlty was introduced to plus eight. I am hooked.

I haven't watched the other show - but I can't imagine them even having time to argue.

Anonymous said...

I think it is great that the Duggars have so many kids, but I do think that taking so many kids on a vacation sounds VERY intimidating!

I have a friend who has 12 kids and she is a lovely, patient mom, and I admire her a ton!

Anita Ann said...

I have to say these shows are why I miss cable tv. I admire them all. John and Kate plus eight...wow. They do bicker but, really most of us do. Michelle Duggar is truly inspiring but aren't they all? They are all in special circumstances and God has blessed them all!