By
Lena on July 1st, 2009
Posted in General | No Comments »
They sent me (another) letter today. I’d thought I’d post it because Lydia and I had fun tearing it up. Below is the letter (in bold) and our remarks in italics.
Dear Galena,
G: well, at least they spelled my name right. That’s more than a lot of people do… Usually it’s Gelena or something…
Are you one of millions of young Americans who feel a special responsibility to guard our environment?
G: well, yes, more or less. But not in the way you mean. L: Judging from our hike we just got back from, I don’t think so. G: True, I mean, they were “chip tossing”.
Would you like an opportunity to make protecting our environment more than a cause?
L: Oh? So what’s more than a cause? Like, a worldview? Our life’s mission?
Maybe you would like to make it part of a career that will allow you to help protect our natural resources while serving your country and your community?
G: I don’t think so, but thanks for taking so much interest in me. L: Maybe not. I don’t feel so hot about a career in government right now.
If so, you need to take a serious look at today’s Army National Guard.
L: Well, since we already decided that it’s not so, is it okay if I take a not so serious look at today’s Army National Guard? G: Wait, don’t I have any other options?!
When I say today’s Guard is “green,” I’m not just talking about our uniforms!
L: Ew. They have green uniforms? I can tell you one thing, they’re never getting me into one of those! G: Oh, I don’t know… I look pretty good in green.
The fact is, in addition to our core mission of protecting America, today’s Guard is leading the way in dozens of innovative programs that help protect our environment and conserve our natural resources.
G: and spend our tax dollars… Funny they didn’t mention that part. L: Notice that he (it is a he, right?) says that their core mission is to protect America. And yet the entire letter is focusing on the greeness of those awful uniforms.
It’s true.
L: Aha! Here they finally are breaking through to me. I can see now that they do give us a little credit and automatically assume that we can’t possibly take them seriously and so they of course must allay our doubts by affirming that “it’s all true”.
From nurturing wolf cubs in Minnesota and preserving thousands of acres of habitat for endangered species, to introducing wind power in New Mexico, the Guard is at the forefront of enviromental awareness and responsibility.
G: All I have to say, is that nuturing wolf cubs is at the very top of my list of things to do in my life. NOT! L: Wind power in New Mexico, huh? Hmm…maybe they’re connected with Monsanto too! Did I ever tell you about the horrendous evils… G: uh, sis, let’s not go there ‘k? I want to be in bed before midnight tonight.
In addition to cleaning up after natural disasters and fighting forest fires, we’re showing the private sector that even a massive military operation like ours–with fleets of aircraft, land vehicles, tons of heavy equipment and hundreds of thousands of personnel–can have a positive impact on the environment.
L: Oh, yeah, of course America is invincible. With these “fleets of aircraft, land vehicles, tons of heavy equipment and hundreds of thousands of personnel” we couldn’t possibly ever end up being deployed to the smoldering badlands of the Middle East, now could we? Why is it taking us so long over there again?
In addition to being the nation’s “environmental first responders” to toxic spills, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, forest fires and other ecological diasters, Guard units across the country are pioneering the use of renewable energy, sustainability, protection of endangered species and rehabiliation of damaged ecosystems.
L: I’m not against rehabilating damaged ecosystems but why don’t we just not damage them in the first place. The primary cause of damaged ecosystems are big businesses working in close relationship with big government…not private owners.
We’re leading the way in recycling and a host of other initiatives to respect and restore our precious natural resources and reduce wastes.
More importantly, we’re fostering a sense of environmental awarenesss and stewardship, not just within the Guard, but in our communities as well.
Does this sound like the kind of team you would like to be part of?
G & L: Nope!
You should know the Guard is different from any other branch of the U.S. military. The Guard is made up of “Citizen-Soldiers” who usually serve part-time.
L (when she stopped laughing): First time I’ve heard the phrase “Citizen-Soldier”. Usually serve part-time, huh? They sure are way behind the times. Don’t they know that our illustrious President is ending the war by deploying all soldiers to the Mid-East?
Unlike other military services, when you join the Guard, you can train part-time near your hometown. That’s because there are over 3,200 Guard armories in the United States and its territories, so chances are, there’s a Guard unit close to where you live.
The Guard offers excellent opportunities for young men and women just like you. Including college scholarships and training in a choice of over 200 exciting careers.
G: WOAH! They put the young “men” before the “women”. Don’t they know that’s implying that men are superior to women?! I feel so oppresed right now. L: Sickening, very sickening. I don’t know what the country’s coming to…. Well, I guess I do, sort of.
And some of the Guard traing you receive could count for college credit.
When it comes to pay and benefit, no branch of the U.S. military can do more for its members than the Army National Guard! That’s because, on top of the excellent benefits available to all military branches, Guard members get additional benefits from their state as well.
Whether defending our homeland, assisting the victims of diasters or protecing the environment, for over 370 years the Guard has been there, ready and willing to help.
I urge you to explore your future with the Guard right away.
L: Read what I said above and you will see that I just did. G: Likewise.
Together we can make a difference.
G: I think I could make more of a difference by NOT joining and and instead raising up children to fear God. Strange as that may seem to you. And no, don’t tell me that I can do both. L: Likewise.
G: Anyway, that’s the letter. And as a note: We both have a high respect for the men who defend our country. However, first of all, I don’t believe it’s the woman’s job. Second of all, their job is to defend our freedom, not nuture wolf cubs in Minnosota. I think that should be left to the wolves. L: And certainly their job is not to wear ugly green suits…although I suppose I have to admit that pink would be worse.
By
Lena on June 29th, 2009
Posted in General | 2 Comments »
This past Saturday, Lydia, Karl and I (along with 14 other friends) had the opportunity to go on a hike up at Ape Canyon. The day was perfect: sunny, not a cloud in the sky with a nice wind and the hike was amazing (and one that I’d like to do again). Below are some of the pictures I (and Lydia and Daniel) got of the day:
Mt. St. Helens.
A toad (or was it a really big frog?) that I noticed on the side of the path and which Daniel was kind enough to catch. (I’m afraid that even if it meant not getting a picture of it – I wasn’t about to touch the thing.)
Not sure what these are called – they were pretty frequent on the hike though.
Jonathan, Chelsea, and Michael.
Taken by Daniel B.
Mt. Adams.
Some of the group admiring the view.
Mt. St. Helens
If you look toward the left, you can see Mt. Rainier.
Chelsea B.
Nicci K.
Photographic proof that I was on the hike.
Daniel – look at this picture…
and now look at this one – I was zoomed way out so it’s hard to see him.
The guys all took a little detour up a nearby hill/small mountain. The girls stayed below and ate chocolate.
Jonathan, Michael, and Karl.
Indian Paint Brush.
Zach and Karl.
Lydia and Karl.
Mt. Adams.
Mt. St. Helens.
By
Lena on June 29th, 2009
Posted in General | No Comments »
A while back, Karl borrowed my camera and went outside to take some pictures. Below are my personal favorites:
By
Lena on June 29th, 2009
Posted in General | No Comments »
Back in early June, a bunch of us from WPC went on a hike to the Ape Caves. Below is a group shot (minus the people taking the picture) after we were all done.
I’m not going to take the time to name everyone – if you went, you know who everyone is. If you didn’t go, you don’t need to know.
By
Lena on June 29th, 2009
Posted in General | 2 Comments »
I think I already mentioned that I graduated from high-school back on May 30th. Below are some pictures taken, I think, mostly by Lydia.
Before the ceremony – I was figuring out where to put my speech notes.
After receiving my diploma and charge.
The graduates of 2009: From left to right: Galena, Jonathan, Genevieve, Ethan, Daniel, Pastor Bordwine, Kevin, and Caleb.
On the last one: For some reason, it came out funny and Caleb is cut in half. (So, if you read this, Caleb, sorry about that. It’s nothing personal.)
On May 31st, Lydia had her last piano recital for the year:
Playing her solo.
Daniel and Lydia playing their duet.
Lydia, Daniel and Mrs. H., their piano teacher.
By
Lena on June 29th, 2009
Posted in General | No Comments »
I said that pictures would be following my last post. Well, they still are: just later than I planned. (about 20 days later…)
Anyway, here’s the start of some pictures that were taken as far back as May 16th.
On May 16th, we celebrated Greta’s 10th Birthday (Happy Birthday, sis!). Greta is a cheerful, happy girl who entertains and takes care of Iona a lot, and is good friends with Peter and Karl. She enjoys being outdoors, reading, music, crafts, and cooking and she is usually always ready to go do something new and exciting:
Greta – 10 years old and happy.
My wonderful Mom.
‘Ona, Grandma, and Greta
Pete – with his camera smile.
By
Lena on June 9th, 2009
Posted in General | No Comments »
Summer Plans:
Warning: Updates and picture posts coming. Yes, I know – I do everything at once. I’ve always had a hard time with moderation.
Recent news (which probably most of you know anyway):
~ I turned 18 in May – driver’s license coming on Monday (provided I pass the test)
~ I graduated from high-school. I’m happy about that. Really happy.
~ School’s all done. Except for math. I wonder – is math *ever* done?
~ We had four baby goats born today – more details at Lydia’s blog (any pictures will be there also).
~ A whole bunch of people went hiking to the Ape Caves last Saturday, which was really fun. A picture of the group will be in another post.
Lydia just recently did a post on what she’s working on this summer – I won’t link to it because I’m sure all of my readers are her readers also so you’ve probably all seen it. Anyway, this is what I’m planning on doing this summer – more or less.
Geometry – I enjoy math when I’m doing it but getting to the point of doing it is not my forte. Oh well, it will build character – as my dad says.
Music – violin, piano and harp – if I’m diligent enough to practice regularly that is.
Bible Memory – Like Lydia and most of the rest of my family I’m also doing the Bible Bee. So far, it’s going well, but if I’m going to make enough progress I need to really crack down and spend significant amounts of time doing it.
Reading – My list is a little different than Lydia’s – and nope I’m not planning on finishing all of these this summer – just make a dent:
1. Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin
2. Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton
3. City of God by Augustine – I’ve heard Dr. Grant talk about this one so much I feel like I should read it.
4. History of the Christian Church, volumes 1 – 10 by Philip Schaff
5. Spurgeon’s Sermons
6. Commentary on the Book of Galatians by Martin Luther
7. Sermons by Martin Luther – 10 volumes.
and that’s enough to keep me going for a long time. I also want to re-read some of my past favorites – such as Homemaking by J.R. Miller
Running/Walking/Hiking – Of Course! I enjoy them all so much I’d have a really hard time *not* doing it. I have a few fitness goals for this summer – the main one is to increase my speed in running and successfully climb Mt. St. Helens (i.e. do it without dropping down dead).
Quilting/Sewing – I’m not a “knitter” but I do like to sew and I’m really interested in improving in that area and also in learning about quilting. My great-grandmother quilted and she left a LOT of quilting supplies and materials which we now have including about 50 books on the subject – so I have everything I need to start learning.
I’m also tentatively going to learn French and (of course) keep working on Greek as well as do other misc. things. I’m also working on developing a plan for this Fall, as well as considering what I’m going to do after that.
So, that’s my life right now – external one at any rate.
Pictures will follow.
Galena
By
Lena on May 26th, 2009
Posted in General | No Comments »
Go here
By
Lena on May 20th, 2009
Posted in General | 2 Comments »
On Monday evening Peter got the flu.
Tonight Lydia got it.
And I have the feeling that I’ll be next?
AND we have an exam tomorrow?!
I’m positive that people won’t appreciate contaminated people coming and, well, contaminating them tomorrow, so maybe we can get out of the exam? 
Galena
By
Lena on April 27th, 2009
Posted in General | 3 Comments »
Last week, a bunch of families (ours included) went up to the Christian Heritage Conference. We stopped by the Museum of Flight for a few hours.
Greta
uh… Greta again.
They all look pretty enthralled – I think they were flying…. something?
Heidi, Galena, Rebekah, and Micah (poor guy didn’t want his picture taken).
Matthew, Josh, Zach, and Karl.
Dad.
And the group (minus Mr. S, Johann, Aimee and I)
From Left to right: Anya, Lydia, Heidi, Rebekah, Micah, Greta, Maria, Mrs. S, Zach, Mr. B, Matthew, Mrs. B, Michael, Joshua, Dad, Christian’s head, Karl, Christopher, Daniel, Joe, Josh, and Caleb.