• 'Twas the Night Before (a Homeschooler's) Christmas
• Food Drive & Coat Drive Results
• H20 Christmas Caroling Party - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Meet the Living Water Leaders - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Annual Ladies Tea - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Field Trip to Barclay Farmstead - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Field Trip to Wagner Free Institute of Science - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Howell Farm Maple Sugaring Field Trip - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Guided Tour of the Air Victory Museum - LW MEMBERS ONLY
• Homeschooled LW Teen in the News
• Science Fair Registration Reminder
• Children's Christmas Musical: "Mystery of the Manger"
• BCC Hosts Star Gazing at Whitesbog Village
• Living Nativity
• Drum Lessons

By Christy Taulbee. Copyright 2002.

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the home,
Children were still studying for their test on Rome.
Mom was planning, she had just an hour,
To teach 'one more lesson' before their night shower.

A whole week of vacation, the children were thrilled,
But Mom saw the lesson plans, and the blocks were still filled.
"Can I stop for a day, much less a whole week?"
Just the thought of time off made me shudder and shriek!

Would they remember anything, would they fall behind?
"Lord, I need your help, just give me a sign!!!"
Then out on the sidewalk, I saw my four boys,
And I heard them say, "it's not about toys."

To the neighborhood kids, they explained Jesus' birth,
And how through Jesus, not toys, we gain our worth.
At that point, math and spelling and learning to write,
Meant little to me as I had lost the sight

Of what teaching at home was truly about.
Then I sat at my desk and began to pout.
The pouts turned to sobs, "Lord what have I done?
It's not about grades, but to follow your Son!"

"Please guide me and show me my job is to teach,
and turn them to you, and of Jesus I'll preach."
Now we'll put away books and not open them 'til later,
We'll focus on Jesus, our Lord and Creator.

It's His day and so we will all celebrate,
I'll never mention the words "behind" or "we're late".
So, Thank You, Lord, for blessing me,
With such a great husband and family.

Now homeschooling moms, TURN OUT THE SCHOOL LIGHT!
And, "Happy Christmas To All And To All A Good Night!"

The Thanksgiving Feast Food Drive and Bonfire Party/Coat Drive donation results are in!  Drum roll, please...

Sadly, the number of donations to this year's food drive have significantly decreased from last years numbers.  Last year Living Water members donated 195 pounds of food to the South Jersey Food Bank.  This year's economic hard times have brought that number down to only 35 pounds.  Nevertheless, that's 35 pounds of blessings for those in need and it will all be delivered to the food bank later this week.

Conversely, this year's coat drive donations completely surpassed last year's donations!  Last year Living Water members donated a total of 39 coats.  This year a total of 95 womens, mens, boys and girls coats were donated (and mostly from those who were not able to attend the bonfire party)!  All 95 blessings (including a giant cardboard box of assorted hats, mittens, gloves and scarves) will be delivered to a local shelter this coming week.

But we're not done yet!  We have ONE MORE drive to finish off 2008!!!  Nadia Emery is championing the toy drive for the Weisman Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital and donations will be accepted on Monday, December 22nd at the Living Water Christmas Party hosted at Easton Bible Church.  Refer to Weisman's wish list for suggested items to donate (for health safety reasons, no stuffed animals or used items can be accepted).

Well done everyone!!!   Each of these drives are endeavors worthy of repeating again next year!  God's blessing to you all!

We know we said December was a month off…but we just couldn’t resist getting together with the H20 gang!

WHEN:  Monday, December 15th, 6:30p - 8:30pm*

WHERE:  The Young’s residence, 38 Cochise Circle, Medford Lakes

WHAT:  Get in the Christmas spirit with your middle school friends!  Join us in our annual tradition of caroling around our circle delivering homemade breads with tracts to every neighbor. Followed by cookies & cocoa.
               
BRING:

• Flashlights or battery operated candles.
• A plate of your favorite Christmas cookies to share.

NOTE:  Please dress warmly!

RSVP: Robin Young at cochisecr@aol.com.

*In the case of bad weather, caroling will take place on 12/22.

Living Water Home Educators has experienced tremendous growth this past year - so many new faces!  The leaders want to offer an evening of fellowship so we can get to know our membership.  If you're a new home educator (or not so new!) please join us at the Laberee home in Medford for a casual Meet-n-Greet.  Bring your favorite dessert - the coffee, tea and beverages will be provided.

DATE: January 3, 2009
TIME: 7:00pm
WHERE: Laberee residence, Medford
WHO: Parents only, please; childcare will not be available

Please mark it on your calendar and RSVP by December 19th to Rosemary Laberee at labereeland@verizon.net.

This is an evening that you just won't want to miss.   Moms only!   The operative word here is: FUN!!!  We have such a great time at this annual event - mostly recalling hilarious moments in our home school journeys.  It is a hoot!   Get the date on your calendar now - January 27th at 7:00pm.  Antonia Rivera will host this year.  She lives in Columbus, NJ but don't worry.   It is EASY to get to from 295 or 206 and it's not as far as it sounds (to those of you who seldom head out that way).

Bring a treat or appetizer and a simple, inexpensive gift to share for the white elephant exchange.  Email Antonia Rivera at acaimi@yahoo.com to confirm attendance.

PLACE: Historic Barclay Farmstead, 209 Barclay Lane, Cherry Hill
DATE:  Wednesday, February 11th
TIME:  9:30am - 11:30am
AGES: 5 and older.  No children under age 5 permitted on tour.
COST: $5 per person, adults and children

This is a unique opportunity for 21st century children to personally experience early 19th century farm life in South Jersey.  The Living History Tour “takes place” in the year 1816 when the Thorns, a Quaker family of eight, lived in the three-story brick farmhouse they had recently built.  Costumed guides lead small groups of children throughout the main house.

Children will experience hands on activities like quilting, spinning wool into yarn, writing with a quill pen, playing with 19th century toys, and learn how the children of the 19th century would occupy their time during the cold winter months.  The entire tour is indoors only. 

If interested in participating, contact Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com .  Payments are due to Kelly Linhart by January 14th.

For more information on Barclay Farmstead visit their website at www.barclayfarmstead.org.

PLACE: Wagner Free Institute of Science, Philadelphia
DATE:  Wednesday, March 11th
TIME:  10:00am - 11:30am
AGES:  Grades K-8
COST:  FREE

The oceans are home to some of the earth's most unusual living things.  Learn more about a variety of intriguing underwater creatures.  Students take an active part in the discovery process with hands-on objects, worksheets, and scavenger hunts.

If interested in participating please email Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com.  For more information about the Wagner Free Institute of Science visit their website at www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org.

PLACE: Howell Living History Farm, Mercer County
DATE: Wednesday, February 25th
TIME: 10:00am to 12:00pm
COST: $3.60 per person 3 years and older

The Howell Living History Farm Maple Sugaring Program consists of the following activities:

Firewood Cutting: Cutting firewood for sap boiling is the first step in preparing for a sugaring operation. We will help you keep warm by putting you to work sawing wood with a two-person saw and splitting wood with a wedge and hammer. You will learn about types of wood used for fuel, buildings, fencing and tools.

Tree Tapping and Sap Gathering: Learn how to identify a sugar maple tree. Volunteers from your group will help us tap a sugar maple tree. All will taste the sap if it is flowing before beginning the work of collecting it from the many trees in our "sugarbush". You will load some of the sap on a horse or oxen drawn wagon to take back to the farm for syrup making.

Syrup Making: Learn how sap is boiled down in our "evaporator" to make syrup. Make yourself a homemade tap from a piece of staghorn sumac and learn how the methods of collecting and cooking the sap have changed over time. Learn how maple syrup is “graded” and see different products made from maple syrup.

Pancake Making and Tasting: Using wheat grown on the Farm, help us grind and sift flour. Then take a turn churning butter. Learn about the conveniences of a circa 1900 kitchen while you sample a pancake topped with homemade butter and maple syrup.

If interested in participating, contact Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com.  Payment is due to Kelly by January 16th.  For more information on Howell Living History Farm visit their website at www.howellfarm.com.

PLACE: Air Victory Museum, Lumberton
DATE: Wednesday, January 14th
TIME: 11:00am
AGES: Grades 3 and up (kids ages 4 and older may attend)
COST: $3 per person, 4 years and older

The Air Victory Museum is home to a number of historic aircraft, engines, uniforms, vehicles and other memorabilia from the first powered flight on December 17, 1903 to today.  Our volunteers are constantly working on new exhibits and maintaining and preserving our collection of artifacts so that future generations can view, enjoy and learn from them.

A wind tunnel, built under the supervision of the Wright Brothers, sits next to a large scale diorama of the historic first flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  A flight suit that was donated by Major Fred Stankovich, who flew the Number 2 Skyhawk for the Blue Angels, stands next to our A-4C Skyhawk painted to match his aircraft. Captured German and Japanese technology from World War II as well as a complete Junkers Jumo 004 Engine occupy a corner of the museum.

As you can see, we have a wide range of artifacts that help tell the story of aviation in the past, the present and for the future. Come and take a look around and catch a glimpse into aviation’s past!

If interested in participating, email Kelly Linhart at plinhart1@yahoo.com.  Mail checks payable to Kelly Linhart and mail to Kelly's home (refer to Member Directory for the address).  For more information on the Air Victory Museum visit their website at www.airvictorymuseum.com.

Danielle Ryder is an artist with a mission!   Check out this blurb and don't miss Monday's Burlington County Times:  http://blogs.phillyburbs.com/news/bct/local-woman-adds-cheer-to-buttonwood-hospital/.

If you are in Kindergarten to 5th grade you have just a few more weeks to submit your paperwork for the upcoming Science Fair!  Go to www.lwhe.org and click on the Science Fair link at the top of the page to download the forms.

If you are 6th grade and up, the deadline has been extended and you can still submit your paperwork and participate.  But, you must act now!   Get all the details you need on the Science Fair link at www.lwhe.org.

Marlton Assembly of God (MAG) invites you to their annual children's Christmas musical!  This year the children of MAG, Marlton Christian Academy, and local area homeschoolers have collaborated to perform "The Mystery of the Manger: It's the Gospel Truth".  Performances are on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th at 6:00pm.  There is no charge for admission.

For directions to the church, visit their website at www.marltonag.org.

PLACE: Whitesbog General Store
DATE: DECEMBER 12, 2008
TIME: 6:00pm - 9:00pm (arrive between 6:00pm - 7:00pm)
COST: FREE outside event; dress warm!

Burlington County College presents Star Gazing at Whitesbog Village.  View the December ky using BCC’s high powered telescopes.  For additional information call 609-894-9311 ext. 1680 or 2071.

This event is weather permitting. In the event of poor weather conditions, check ext. 2071 for cancellation notice.  For directions go to www.whitesbog.org.  Sponsored by Burlington County College under the financial support of a grant from NASA.

Looking for a great opportunity to teach your kids about the true meaning of Christmas?  Walk through a living nativity scene!  The Mt. Laurel Living Nativity is scheduled to begin this weekend and end the weekend before Christmas.  For more info, visit their website http://www.livingnativity.org/nativity_main.shtml.

My name is Joshua Bruyning, a professional drummer and I am offering drum lessons.  I have many years of teaching, recording and live performance experience.

Sessions are available Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. Call me to schedule sessions. Classes are $25 per half hour.
Basic, Intermediate and Advanced classes are offered. Skill level will be assessed in the first session.

For more information contact me, Joshua Bruyning at (856) 313-1766 or joshuabruyning@yahoo.com.  References provided upon request.