Inside Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the places Alex was most excited about visiting in Paris was the Notre Dame Cathedral. She ended up using my 'big' camera, and taking hundreds of photos. It was an amazing visit! We were just disappointed that, when we go into line to climb to the top of the towers, the line closed down for the night! Ugh! And, we had plans on going back later in the week, but we never made it.

It's amazing how Notre Dame towers over you. But, even more amazing, is the view from inside...

Wow! Pictures hardly do this justice. The ceilings are so incredibly tall! And, this was a Sunday morning and they were having a service. We were there over an hour and the service was still going on. The singing was absolutely gorgeous!!! I could have stayed for hours.

We found the Treasury very interesting. The treasury houses relics of various saints and holy people. Relics are items left behind by these people - it can be an actual part of the person (like a bone or some hair) or something used by the person (like a robe or Jesus' cross). The above reliquary has bone fragments from several saints. If I remember correctly, the center relic includes part of a jaw and a tooth of a saint. Notre Dame has 3 (unproven) relics from Jesus - the crown of thorns, a nail from the cross, and a piece of the cross.

There is artwork throughout the cathedral and I believe this painting was in the Treasury also. It's a detail showing Jesus washing the feet of a disciple.

Another view showing the incredibly high ceilings and some of the stained glass windows.

This is a view from the back. There are several thousand people sitting listening to the service. And, there are hundreds of visitors walking around, in silence, observing this amazing cathedral and taking photos. Again, the music was incredible and I wish I would have recorded a little of it.

Visiting the Louvre

Last week we returned from our big European trip! I have over 2,500 photos. Gulp! But, I'm ready to make my first post... our trip to the world famous art museum, the Louvre.

Alex & me in front of the Louvre & I.M. Pei's pyramid

After traveling "all day and all night", we arrived at our hotel by the Louvre about 10:30 a.m. Paris time. Even though we'd only slept about 3-4 hours, we decided to skip a nap and try to stay up until 7 p.m. We walked the few blocks to the Louvre and got lunch at a food court. I had a pizza and Alex had McDonald's - which was very easy as they had a computer you could order from in English!

My brother, who has visited Paris several times before, was able to help us find the 'other' entrance into the Louvre and skip the long lines. Our entry led us through the base of the old medieval fortress. The Louvre was started in 1190 when King Phillipe Auguste built this massive fortress as protection against invaders. Since that time, it has been added to many times, in many styles, to become the Louvre that is known around the world today.

During our visit, we mapped out a few of our "must sees"... those works of art the Louvre is particularly famous for, including Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue.

Besides some incredibly famous works of art, I think what sets the Louvre apart is the architecture. Built over centuries, different wings and rooms have different styles. The ceilings, walls, and floors are often as exciting to look at as the art.

Saint Peter Martry - I unfortunately didn't get the name of this work of art & artist

I have enjoyed learning about Saints in art this year, including Saint Denis, who survived decapitation, and Saint Sebastian, who survived being shot by multiple arrors. At the Louvre, I encountered Saint Peter Martyr who had converted from the beliefs of the Cathers to become a Catholic under Pope Innocent III. The Pope appointed him, under an Inquisition, to uncover those who were Cathers, not Catholics. The Cathers were punished with jail or even by being burned at the stake. Two of the men that Peter Martyr hired assassins who attacked him with an axe, wounding him in the head and chest. In the artwork, as above, you can recognize Saint Peter Martyr by an ever-present knife or axe in his head.

Mona Lisa, from behind the crowd

And, of course, we had to see the Mona Lisa! (Even though it isn't one of my favorite works of art.) The crowd around it was amazing! Even when you wait and push your way to the front, there is still a barrier around her and thick glass protecting her. We spent just a few seconds at the front before pushing our way back to the open space. It was pretty funny! But, I suppose everyone who goes to the Louvre has to see Mona Lisa!

We got back to the hotel later than expected, took showers, and went to bed. Alex and I both woke up about 2 a.m..... wide awake and hungry! We took a snack into the bathroom and set on the side of the tub and looked out the window. Even in the middle of the night, it wasn't really dark out! We watched the street below us, and listened as a few noisy groups went by. We had a wonderful time! After about 2 hours, we went back to bed. I think I got up at about 9, but Alex slept until noon! Thankfully, my mom & brother had already been in Europe for about 10 days and were adjusted to the time. They went out and brought us back breakfast.

Garden of Your Mind

I grew up watching Mr Rogers' Neighborhood. Did you? Well, today, I received a link to this "remix" which I thought was WONDERFUL! It reminded me of the things he taught me as a little girl...   Enjoy!

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum

Last week I read Michelle Moran's book Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution. With our trip to France coming up soon, I'm very interested in learning about French history. And, this was a terrific book to learn more about the French Revolution.

Madame Tussaud is a historical fiction book about the famous wax sculptor who lived in Paris during the French Revolution. Born Marie Grosholtz, she learned the art of wax scultping from her uncle. Their museum, Salon de Cire, was better than a newspaper... it didn't just tell the news, it SHOWED the commoners the people MAKING the news. As the Revolution began, the Salon was updated frequently to reflect the quickly changing political changes.

Madame Tussoud, a wax figure (from Wikipedia)

Marie and her family walked a fine line between the Royals and the Revolutionists. And, as the Revolutionists started their murderous rampage, they started 'demanding' that Marie make death masks that they could parade through the streets on their pikes. It was a GRUESOME, deadly time. And, though it was hard to read about some of the realities of the Revolution and the Reign of Terror, it was also incredibly interesting! I highly recommend this book. (Note: there is a short 'bedroom scene' in this book between Marie and someone before she is married.)

Got Dung?

We were out at our ranch today, and I saw a little roll moving along the ground. I went closer... and saw two dung beetles and a ball of... well... dung! They were busy rolling it along. WOW!

(mage from Wikipedia as I don't have a way to upload my photos right now)

Well, I got online and did a little research. I really enjoyed the Kids National Geographic site. First of all, I found out that our dung beetles are 'rollers'... they roll the dung into balls. (And, our beetles looked just like this photo.) They will bury these balls and use them for food or to lay their eggs in!

These beetles are helpful for livestock! They bury dung that might otherwise attract pests like flies. Also, they are returning useful nutrients to the ground! So, I was thrilled to find these two little helpful creatures on our ranch!

When I Grow Up... (Camp Day 2)

Kids are always being asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" For years, Alex has been answering "A vet." And, I think it's likely she'll be one! My sister was the same way as a child... and she is now a veterinarian! And, Alex has watched (and even helped) my sister several times. She hopes to spend even more time with her this summer! But, for now, she has camp... and the junior veterinarian program!

This was my favorite photo taken from Monday. It's part of her Jr Vet course and she's listening to the heart beat of a real dog. I believe this is probably the same black lab puppy that she got to bathe on Sunday. Besides her Jr Vet course she is also taking an "Adopt a Pet" course... where you get to take care of an animal all week long! Well, at least during your hour. Her chosen pet: a chinchilla! And, I've already done research... they can't tolerate our humidity so we won't be getting one. Sorry, Alex! Enjoy while you're at camp!!!

Cub Creek Science Camp

Alex is away at summer camp this week. This is the 3rd summer she's done a week-long camp, and the second one where she's went and hasn't known ANYONE when she's arrived! To me, that's pretty brave! I know I wouldn't have been able to do that as a child!

The camp posts photos each night and I found 3 of Alex today. This first one is of her (back row, 5th girl in greenish yellow shirt from left) and her cabin mates and counselors. I got to meet two counselors and four of the girls when I dropped her off yesterday.

Here she is (in white jacket) enjoying the campfire. It looks like she's having fun!!

And, here she is writing... it looks like she's writing on her jacket instead of her paper?!? :-) Anyway, from the newsletter, I think they are writing about their dreams & their fears & what they hope to accomplish this week.

Since this is her 4th week away (she also took a week-long trip with school this year), I'm really getting used to it and didn't cry a single tear! I am covering her in prayer and pray she has an incredible week. This sounds like a really neat camp, and I'll tell you more as the week goes on. By the way, it isn't even in Texas! Yep! She is at an out-of-state camp for the week!

Book Review: In the Reign of Terror: A Story of the French Revolution by G. A. Henty

I recently finished my second book by G. A. Henty - In the Regin of Terror: A Story of the French Revolution by G. A. Henty. I downloaded a FREE version from Amazon on to my Kindle app.

Image is of a MP3 version

Harry, an English boy, moves to France to live in the chateau of a French Marquis. The Marquis hopes that Harry's English ways will influence his boys. But, the French Revolution has come and there is danger to all French aristocrats, including the Marquis and his family. The Marquis and his wife move to Paris to support their king and imprisonment and death will await some of the family while Harry tries to protect the Marquis' three daughters.

Image from Wikipedia

Of course this is a very violent book given the topic it is covering. The violence begins with the horrific September Massacres of 1792. The massacres started with the slaying of 24 priests who were being transported to a prison named L'Abbeye. Five days of massacre followed as the mobsters emptied prison after prison, giving 'mock' trials and then executing the prisoners - male and female, young and old.

This book really helped me to understand the French Revolution and, more specifically, the Reign of Terror. However, I think it was incredibly gruesome and I don't think I'll share this particular book with Alex for a few more years. It might be better suited for high schoolers and adults.

FREE Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trip

I just signed up for a FREE Colonial Williamsburg Electronic Field Trip (CW EFT). We used these programs a few years ago and they are a wonderful learning resource! You can buy the year-long program through Homeschool Buyers Co-op at various times throughout the year. The FREE episode is in September and is called The Will of the People. Below is what the email said about it...

The Electronic Field Trip "The Will of the People" examines the presidential election of 1800, one of the most bitter in U.S. history, and provides a surprising lesson for a 21st-century student. Thomas Jefferson explains how negative campaigning, partisan politics, and contested elections have been a part of our political system since the earliest days of the republic.

Complimentary access to the field trip includes:

• Online video streaming available 24/7 from September 1 to September 30, 2012
• Email Thomas Jefferson
• Interactive online games
• Downloadable resources, such as the teacher guide and program script (PDF)
• Comprehensive lesson plans for grades 4-8

P.S. My friend, Laurie, over at Teacups in the Garden, has been using these programs with her children for years. Here's her review of "The Will of the People."

Ponce Inlet, Florida (Summer 2011)

Now that summer's here (yeah!), I'm spending some time catching up on my blog. I'd love to catch up on all of our vacation photos before we start on our next big adventure...16 days in EUROPE!! So, here's part I of our trip to Florida last summer. Alex & I went with my husband's family: his mom, dad, sister & her son who was three.

We rented a house in Ponce Inlet and that was our base for the week. We used Ponce Inlet Watersports three different times during the week and really enjoyed them. Alex and her cousin enjoyed these 'swings' while we waited for our various tours.

We rented kayaks which was a LOT of fun, but I didn't take my camera because I was afraid it'd get wet. This photo was from the EcoTour and the photo was of my favorite part...I got to hold a jellyfish! It's a cannonball jellyfish and isn't painful unless you get the chemicals in your eyes or mouth. I washed my hands afterwards. Thrilling!

I went running on the beach at sunrise three different times. It was WONDERFUL, though I tried it barefoot the first time. Ouch! I ended up with some bloody toes. Yuck! Anyway, another thrill was seeing sea turtle tracks! It was nesting season and I could see where the turtles had crawled up onto shore, dug a nest and deposited their eggs, and then returned to the ocean. Amazing!!!

I visited the Reptile Discovery Center in LeLand one day by myself. I didn't know the schedule and only got to see the last two snakes being milked. It was an amazing thing to watch, though! And, it was very safe as the man, and snakes, were in another room behind a glass wall.

Alex and I visited the Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet while the others went shopping. We enjoyed the touch tank and the aquariums and other displays. Outside we got to see some turtles who were being rehabilitated. There were displays showing what was harming them... like trash. We saw x-rays of harmful things they had swallowed... like a fishhook. And, we visited the nearby SeaBird Rehabilitiation Center.

Our house was about 1/2 a mile from the beach and we spent a lot of time there. Here's my nephew making a sand angel!

And Alex having fun on a boogie board. We had a blast with these!