Thorburn Family

After much discussion with “the masses” (ha) who read this blog, it seems important to say…*I know* I am no poet.  And *I know you know* I am no poet.  

And, thank God Almighty that we have English tutors for homeschooling high school writing in this house..I managed to teach my children the basics of various kinds of poetry, owing any success to utilizing well-written curriculums.  THIS is the problem with having a blog and “bearing your soul” and all your “family-isms” (I know you’ll have a cow over THAT word.. )… when you have a lot of home-educating friends (or WRITER/EDITOR friends.. hi Jean..) who KNOW EVERYTHING.  I am so glad you all know so much in the area of poetry and synta… what was it??.. and the rest.. whatever it was.. LOL.. I get it, and I know it, and I don’t care (ok, well.. I don’t know it).  

So here’s for the record that I know that you know that I don’t know, and I don’t care, and I am all set to be “cute,” which I have been called 4 times today so far. 

Speaking of education.. today was our first day of school…the first year in my life that I have homeschooled five children.   Went quite well.   Little things need to be tweaked, the kinds of things you can only know by actually doing it, no matter the amount of careful planning ahead of time. However, the tweaks are quite pleasantly minimal.  Maybe I am actually getting to be a decent scheduler/coordinator, after doing this umpteem b’zillion years now (it seems…LOL).   Which is good, since we have established the fact that I am no poet (all you nazi-poet-knowers).:^]    

Twas the night before Sunday and all through the clink
Not a Thorburn was stirring, not even for a drink.
Each tooth had been brushed and each face washed with care
Every mouth having uttered a quick thank-you prayer.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of late homework danced in their heads.
And Lydia in her kerchief, and Benjamin in his cap
Had just settled down to a long autumn nap.  

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
Jesse sprang from his bed to see what was the matter!  
Away to the window he flew like a flash
Threw open the shutters and threw up the sash.  

The moon as a spotlight on the puddles in the road
Gave the lustre of midday to the objects below.  
When what to his wondering eyes should appear
It’s Mom in the mini van, adjusting the mirror!  

Dad yells “JAMMY RIDE!!!!” and they all come quick
A hootin and hollerin…”Dad, what a trick!”  
More rapid than eagles, Val and Jube hit the floor.
Dad’s revving the engine, Mom’s closing the doors.  

“To McDonald’s! To McDonald’s!”  Ben shouts with his might
And before you know it, they’re all out of sight.  
Dollar Menu awaits and there’s ice cream to be had.
You heard it’s not healthy but ask Mom and Dad.

As we stumble in the door, we look quite a sight.  
Good thing we live in Claremont, where that’s really alright
Sundaes for all, and napkins for the boys
“No, you can’t have a happy meal; and no Ninja toys.”  

In a twinkling we’re huddled round tables with care
Eating and chatting with an excited air.  
Relationships strengthened and memories made
Another investment in the parent-trade.  

The days are long but the years are short
And soon they’ll be heading off to port.  
Filling those bellies with ice cream and love
Just another great gift from the Savior above.

An hour has passed and tomorrow is church
So we wipe Ben’s fudge mustache and grab Mom’s orange purse
Five kids wide awake!  Will they go back to sleep?  
Oh well, life is short, and babies don’t keep.  

But I heard Dad exclaim as we drove out of sight
“You never know when the next Jammy Ride will be…..
 
SO GET SOME SLEEP, AND GOODNIGHT!!!!”

The Christian House

The Christian house should be the happiest place on earth, not only to the grownups, but to every member of the family.  Let us see that we make it so even to the youngest.  Never mind if they do make a noise and tumble the house about with their innocent games, and shout choruses when some of us older ones are trying to write articles in the next room.  Thousands upon thousands of young people have gone to their utter destruction for the reason that having cold, dull, stiff firesides at home, they sought amusement elsewhere.  How many sad parents today would give the world to hear the noisy steps of long-absent children.  They would not mind how much the house was turned upside down nor how dirty the carpets became if only they could hear once more the cheery voice and feel the warm cheeks laid upon theirs.  So let us keep them at home by making home the very liveliest place on earth to them, the place of all others where God is honored and where the whole atmosphere is filled with love and joy and peace.

Reader Harris