Our First Race Day

It wasn't really a race day for us though. We decided since Jake's bike is not operational that we would wait to actually enter a race. Tom wasn't excited about that really, but Jake really wants to have their first race together, so he agreed to wait a bit. I thought it might help my anxiety about entering if we went for a dry run to the opening of the series. We went as if we would be racing but didn't bring bikes.

We got up at 4AM. The boys set their alarms so they would get up two minutes before me because they think that is funny. Cooler packed, loaded up and we were out the door at 5:45. We took the bug...just for fun! Besides, it's smaller and easier to park in a small space.

We arrived at 7:45 and there was line of trucks with bikes and gear just like I expected. Perfect. We found a place to park the bug, no problem. If we were racing, it would have been better to get there about an hour earlier. Talked to some people. Went over to the Registration Desk. There were still people signing up for today's race, perfect. This series you can sign up online before hand, so then you only have to check in when  you get there. 

The boys checked out the board for the practice schedule. Jake was brilliant and took a picture, so we were always aware of who was practicing and where. We saw their class practice a few laps. We all stood by the fence and watched as all the classes took their turn at practice. Each group gets a few laps to be ready.

And then a hush fell on the area as practice ended and everyone was at the Registration Desk getting the race schedule. We went to the bug for some lunch.

The first race on the Main Track started while we were eating. Holy Cow! Those guys fly!

After the first race started, the boys went over and talked to the people at Registration about signing up. They gave them a magazine, stickers, and a form. They told them what class they would be in and how many people were in that class today. Not many. Most of the riders are either little or adults in the beginner class. Teens are usually in the advanced classes because they are kids of dirt bike riders and have been riding since they could walk. That eased my mind a bit. The riders are more spread out and less competitive in their class. That doesn't mean that the boys will stay there though!

This is their very excited look. Really. They are pretty wound up about entering. And now we are too! We had an awesome day watching all the practices and then the first round of races. The kids are adorable! They are my personal favorite. The Dads all walk them up to the starting gate with the kids on the bikes and then hold them up until they take off. They round the corner and then here come the Dads running across the track to cheer them on and pick them up if they fall. I wish I had got a video!

Jake wouldn't let me take a picture of him being cute. But Tom would!

So now we are all fired up about racing! I'm amazed that what I thought was complete chaos last time we watched a race, was pretty organized once I knew what was going on. The races and practices all went up on time, no sitting around waiting. It was great! I can't wait to be there for a real race. Tom and Jake are very excited. Ooh! And they put transponders on each bike so they know exactly what their lap times were! Now there will be no doubt who is faster. I just can't wait to hear that argument!

The only downside was that two kids did get hurt during a race. No big deal, they walked off the track. But on the main track there was a paramedic called. We couldn't see what was going on but a guy said he saw it happen and it was pretty bad. That my biggest fear is that they will get hurt badly. I can't stand it when my babies are hurt! But they are invincible, you know? I can't protect them forever. The only consolation I have is watching them talk about riding makes them both light up. So if you ever meet us somewhere and my sons aren't socializing much, just ask them about dirt bikes...they won't shut up!

Things We Do

Here's something exciting! Jake has been working on his YZ250F. Here he is cleaning some part of the engine. More parts are arriving every day which means there are excited trips to the post office and UPS/FedEx arrivals greeted by happy boys.

Tom decided that the quad needed some preventative maintenance which resulted in even more parts being ordered. This time it was the carburetor. Tom says that they will be the death of him. I did take some video and warned not to use offensive language because I was recording for posterity.

These kinds of things also happen here. This is Tom researching the Bill of Rights. And Jake reading the Constitution. It started because I'm taking a class online and was playing a game, which Jake took over and was playing on his computer all afternoon. Tom played LawCraft and deemed it lame because there weren't enough choices and it seemed pointless. The Supreme Court one made him angry. We've had some awesome conversations around here the last week or so.

Hiking/Geocache in Big Bear

The high in Big Bear was forecast to be only 78 degrees, so of course we had to head up there and get some hiking done! I rushed around the house trying to get some things done before we left. Study, dishes, laundry, showers, pack a lunch, start dinner in the crock pot...in other words, I started to get stressed out and irritable rushing around like that. The boys called me on it, so I slowed down. Who cares what time we get there, darn it?!

Our first stop was the Discovery Center in Fawnskin to get a new Adventure Pass for the San Bernardino Forest. I get an annual pass every year, because many of the picnic areas and places to play in the snow require one and it's kind of a pain in the butt to find one the day we plan on doing something up there. Sometimes the place we want to stop is only half way up the mountain, so we'd have to drive all the way up, get a pass, then drive back. So I got one today because we were just planning a picnic and hike to an area right near the Discovery Center. It took thirty minutes with two people in line ahead of me. :/ And then they tried to convince me three different times why I didn't want to get one. Seriously.

On to the fun! We went to the Cougar Crest Trail because it has a bunch of geocaches on it AND it has a nice picnic area. The trail is five miles total, but we only made it half way. Next time we'll get an earlier start!

My geocache app wasn't working when we got up there but we brought our stuff just in case it fixed itself when we got up the trail.

We saw this through the trees and were compelled to leave the trail and find out what was up there!

Tom tried to convince Jake that it wasn't safe to explore these concrete slabs, but it looked fine to Jake. After Jake jumped around on it for a bit, Tom figured it was good for him too, although he would not walk out to the edges.

Many Spider Man poses had to be photographed!

Thanks to Tom's awesome foresight, we had plenty of water and a backpack to carry it in this time! There were also lots of shady places to rest. We met lots of people with dogs, explored off the trail a bit (thanks to a new app that showed us where the trail was, no one was worried about getting too lost), and found some pretty neat looking trees.

The app finally started to work! I really love doing this. I'm planning on buying a few "trackables" so that we can watch where they go online. AND there is an awesome pack I need to get that has a scan-able tracker on it so other geocachers can log YOU as a find!

There wasn't much in these finds, so we left some extra things for others to find.

Tom noticed that this lichen on the trees was "blooming". It looked like something out of Labyrinth, like they were eyes that might follow us as we walked by!

I love these old twisted trees. There aren't a lot of large or tall trees up here. We think it's because of the lack of rain in this area and rocks just under the surface here.

Jake pretended to get lost while Tom and I looked for a cache. He hid and played "Marco Polo" with us. Sometimes you find very strange things in caches. Like this bottle of eye drops. Really?

This was at a 1.5 miles and things started to get a little silly! We decided we had had enough and headed back down the trail at this point.

We added a rock here for the "Lonesome Gods".

Before hitting the road we took a water break while I mapped where we went on my AllTrails app. Very cool. Tom was examining the two feathers he found while we were walking. I love watching how that boy's brain works.

On the way home we stopped at the summit to find one more cache. It was a hard one and Tom was the winner of this contest!

We also stopped at a monument that we've seen a thousand times but never remembered to stop at. It proved to be pretty cool.

This is why they call it "Old Woman Springs Road"!

And we had to wait until Tom read every word of the sign. Jake found an old shoe and decided to bring it home with us.

So we got home around 4pm and the pot roast in the crock pot was just about ready for us to eat. Another perfect day!

Finished reading "Titus"

"Remind them to be subject to rules, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another." 3:1-3

We walked "in this world" and Jesus came to us and showed us that God loves us anyway. He sees through our sins to the human being He created and loves. We need to look at others, all humans, as God sees them. Love people and treat them with dignity and respect, not because they are good people or Christians, but because God created them and loves them.

Finished "The Hobbit and Philosophy"

The book the day I got it from a secret friend...

The book the next day because I left it on the coffee table like a fool when we went out to see a show. Grr...dogs!

At least it was still readable. I thought about getting a new one, but then maybe I'll just keep it just the way it is. Every time I look at it I'll remember my dumb dog and her separation anxiety issues. Just like my "Putting Things By" book she ate right after I got it! I swear that dog is jealous of my books.

Anyway...I finished it last night. I couldn't put it down! What is awesome about it is that I've been reading a lot of philosophy the last few years through the The Great Books of the Western World, so while I was reading this, I had a frame of reference for the philosophers they were quoting AND think about what some other philosophers would think about it.

I have notes ALL through this one, much to Tom's dismay, and I can't write them all here but I'll give you a couple of my very favorites that might make you want to run over to Amazon and get one for yourself!

Let me see...here's one! "They (the dwarves) become so obsessed with the goal that they in turn become attached, and thus enslaved, to it. Attachment to an idea may well be the worst form of attachment. An idea does not breathe; living creatures do. Yet Taoists (along with Buddhists, Hindus, poets, artists, mystics, and numerous philosophers) caution us against assigning more reality to an idea, an image, or a symbol than to reality itself."

Instantly I can relate this to my two favorite subjects parenting and education, which in my personal thoughts go hand in hand. How many parents fail to see their children for who they are when they look at them? We grow attached to the idea of who are children are instead the child right before us. And when the child acts out of character of the idea we get angry and try to redirect that child back to the idea. Relationships can be like that. We fall in love with the idea of what our life will look like and when it doesn't measure up we lash out in anger. We've become enslaved to that idea and can't accept the other good that might come along. If we would clear our mind of preconceived ideas we might see all the other glorious things our relationships are instead of the one thing they are not.

And I believe we Christians are given the same guidance about not "assigning more reality to an idea, an image, or a symbol than to reality itself." God Himself is the reality. We are not create images of Him. We are not to carry around a symbol of Him and treat that as precious instead of the reality of His love.

Here's another one, "Good stories and conversations seem to be the key elements in Gandalf's mentoring of Bilbo."

Throughout time, that has been the best kind of education. Gandalf's gentle encouragement and stories of old times are what keep Bilbo going beyond what he was comfortable doing. In the end, Gandalf tells him, "My dear Bilbo! Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were." He's right. For better or worse, Bilbo has changed.

Here's another of my favorites. There is a whole chapter on play and I found this gem, "In ancient Greek, there's a close connection between the words for "play" (paidia) and "education" (paideia). The Greeks considered education to be something that comes out of leisure, because leisure is time spent seeking things that are beautiful and enjoyable, not just working to get things that are necessary."

Breathe that one in!

This book was wonderful and I can't wait to get another one. There are loads of them, everything from classic literature and science fiction to tv shows and movies. Entertainment reflects humanity and that is what philosophy is all about.

Finished "2 Timothy"

I say finished like it's some kind of great accomplishment! These books are only a few chapters long, so if you just read titles, you'd think I were zooming along. But it is nice to have a reminder here about what my thoughts were the last time I read through and how things may have changed. I got this particular bible in July 2004, so I've read through it a few times. Some of my notes hurt to read again. Some bring big smiles. Some are not notes at all, but scribbles from one of the boys that wanted to "help" mom.

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." 4:3-4

I think that time has come and it has come before. I read the bible itself. Sometimes I find commentaries. Sometimes I try to find what the original language said, or other translations. Sometimes I find things that make me sad, angry, or confused. But they are still in there and I try to open my heart and mind to find out why. I pray A LOT about certain lines and authors intent. And for some things I may never find the answer and put on my "First Things to Ask Jesus" list. But I can't ignore it. It's there for a reason.

This one will always be close to my heart.

"At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." 4:16-18

My MIL, Ann, gave me this when she had heard how some of my friends and deserted me when I was arrested in 2004. There were people who did not believe me that I was falsely accused. And there were some who would not stand with me for fear of being associated. I was devastated. I had no idea that anyone could ever do that. But the Lord did rescue me. I know that His strength was what held me up that year and what continues to be my rock through the years ahead. He's got my back even if the whole world turned against me.

Thoughts On Education

Sometimes I wonder if  I should post my thoughts here. My main purpose on my blog is more like a public scrapbook. I intend to start having the year printed in a book to keep forever. For other things,  I keep a journal on my desk and write things down as they come up in my mind throughout the day, but sometimes I wonder what others might think about it. I have thought about putting some things up on Facebook, but not all (I'd say most) of my friends are really interested in thinking about things more deeply. They are really just there to hear what other people are up to and to exchange funnies. That's fine. Besides, what I'm thinking about isn't always easy to express in a couple lines. So here I am, writing on my blog and wondering what people are thinking or if anyone is out there.

I read an article in a magazine for homeschoolers about getting services and such from the public schools. This magazine is geared specifically to un-schoolers, so I was a little surprised to see the topic at all. I read it thinking I would get more insight into the reasons why someone would want that but didn't really. I guess I have a different perspective.

From my experience, when one of my kids wants to learn something or is interested in a field of some kind, they really are not looking for a group of kids the same age with a teacher showing a simplified version of it. What they really want is an adult with that passion to show them what they do in the real world.

We've come across this specifically with computer programming for my younger son. He actually is interested in learning real programming, not how to use a program that simplifies programming for people. But the college won't let him take a class because he is twelve. I don't think he'd like that type of thing anyway. What he wants is an adult that understands programming and is willing to answer questions.

Instead of finding ways to let homeschooled kids into the public schools for specific classes, I think it would be better for the world if we got rid of some of the laws and the public perception that keeps children out of the adult world. Children (especially our teens) would learn a lot more from responsible adults in a working situation than in a classroom.

If a young person is interested in journalism, I'd have him apply to several local publishers as an apprentice, or at least find someone in the business that would let them work along side them for awhile. Just the interview process alone would be a better learning experience than taking a high school writing course at the public school. Right now, the only way to do something like that would be to have a close friend that would be willing to let that young person work for them "under the table". You may not have a friend like that and then you would be out of luck.

The bottom line, in my opinion, is that we need to end this separation of generations. Instead of keeping kids separate from the adult world and grouped together in classrooms by age, why not look at each individual person? If an eight year old comes to your machine shop with his mother, stop and ask him a few questions, show him around, and use your judgement as to whether or not he would safe and alert enough to hang out in the shop and help for an hour a week, or whatever. If a fourteen year old young lady comes into your hair salon looking for experience, why not have her work for you a couple hours a week? Treat them as you would any adult but with a little more guidance. If it's not working for one of you, explain that to them and re-evaluate the situation as need be.

This idea that all people under the age of eighteen are not capable of learning anything except in a classroom with a textbook is just ridiculous.

DMV

Who knew that a run to the DMV could be so much fun?!

We needed to transfer the title for the latest dirt bike, so I made an appointment down the hill. There is one that is a little closer but it's in the wrong direction for anything fun to be added.

The appointment only took about twenty minutes, so were ready for breakfast with the Grandparents right on time! We met them at the recently re-opened "Farm House Restaurant." It closed last year the week after we ate there and has re-opened as "Farm's House"! The boys were a little perturbed about the name. Unless someone named Farm works there, it just doesn't make sense.

The food was good though. The boys were all geared up for chicken fried steak but it wasn't on the menu. Luckily, I've taught them well and Tom asked if they could make him some and they were happy to oblige!

We love spending this kind of "quality time" with the Grand-Parental Units!

Well, we're already a hour from home and it's only 11AM. What should we do next? Head up the opposite mountain! We've never adventured up the other side of the valley, so I thought a drive up to Idyllwild was long over due.
 
How about this view of Banning from about half way up!?

Ahh...72 degrees...I could get used to this! When we stopped at a "Vista Point", Tom found water leaking from under the truck. We've been having radiator problems. He popped open the hood and they found that the radiator cap had rattled loose. No problem! The grabbed a hat, closed it back up, and put a couple bottles of old water in the reservoir. On with the adventure!

Another awesome view. This is Hemet and Perris below.

This lizard was just asking to be caught. It proved to be too fast for us though.

Tom slowly approaching him. It was hilarious watching them. That lizard was toying with us!

Of course, we HAD to do a little geocaching while we were up there! There just happened to be one at the Vista Point. While Tom searched the bushes, I had to explain to a small group of people what he was doing. They had never heard of it and thought it was pretty cool.

We decided to take a peso from the cache and left a sea shell. Tom is not mad. It's just very bright out there on the mountain!

Re-hiding the cache! We are always sure to put it back exactly where we found it so that the directions are still right.

One more climb up on the rocks and no, I don't think those branches will hold your weight!

We continued our drive up the mountain. This was a reconnaissance mission so we made note of several places to go hiking on the way up to the town. We will definitely be back up here!

We found Idyllwild! The Nature Center was closed because the power company was working and half the area had no power. We decided to stop for some ice cream! We had to wait for them to open, but it was worth it. We also got some kangaroo and alligator jerky!

The town was adorable and looked like a nice place to spend the afternoon shopping and eating. We tried to find a place to get a new Forest Adventure Pass for parking but failed because of the power outage. We decided to head back down the mountain and come back another time for serious hiking!

How do you like this spot? There is a deck for fishing, a hiking trail, bathrooms, and picnic tables. Again...we NEED to come back here.

Jake was not enthused by the idea of fishing, but Tom was. Tom is dreaming of what he might catch here. And Jake is wondering how long he'll have to sit here waiting. I'm sure he'll find something to entertain himself!

We headed back down the mountain and out into the desert. These views are a big reason I love living out here. I feel like there is plenty of room for my whole spirit to stretch out!

Finished "1 Timothy"

And now I come across verses that I do not like. What to do with them?

"But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." 2:12-14

Hmm...I can get behind no "authority over a man". Does anyone have an authority over anyone, really? And Adam was created first, yes. But the woman was deceived by Satan and the man was pulled into transgression by woman alone. I'd mark that as worse.

Also, it says "I do not allow...". This is written by Paul, not Jesus. So I take with a grain of salt. There are many passages by Paul regarding women that I don't agree with and I've never seen any church practicing, so I don't think I'm alone here.

"For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer." 4:4-5

Everything? This passage, I believe was written about food specifically. I don't think we should apply that to more.

"But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment." 6:6

Yep. But it's not what you think. When we are content in our lives and in what God has given us, we are relaxed and focused. When we focus on God and not on this world, we are more content and happy. We may not be rich in money or things, but we feel better than if we were. It doesn't matter how hard we work or how much money we get. If we focus on those goals, we always feel like we are missing the mark and need more. We do! We need the Lord and spiritually, we know that.

Dirt Bike Repairs

Repairs?! More like a complete re-build!

I'm not even going to try to tell you the details of what is going on here.

The story goes like this. Jake had a Honda CR85. It was kinda small for him. He decided to sell it and use that money to get a bigger bike. He put it up on Craigslist and had no calls about it for a long while. Then there were a few. He emailed a couple people about trades. And then someone called saying they would trade their Yamaha YZ250F straight across. This is the bike Jake really wanted! The catch? It doesn't run. The guy said it did run recently but something happened and it doesn't run now. After much discussion, they decided to do the trade anyway. Even if they have to completely rebuild the engine it would be an ok trade. And the experience gained by doing the work would be priceless. It could even be an easy fix!

It's not going to be an easy fix. Or cheap. But still worth it. It's just going to take some time and effort.

Jake doesn't look amused, mostly because Tom gets so excited and will work for hours. Jake's more of a "slow and steady" kind of guy.

They have the engine all apart and much research is being done. I'm amazed at the knowledge these guys have. By the time they get this baby running, they will be experts!

 

Dad has an idea!