Jamestown 400: Costumes!

Sisters at the Children's Memorial.

Curious as to how our sewing project turned out? Pictured above are the finished products--1607 era costumes for the Jamestown 400 Celebration!

Jamestown 400: Creation Answers

The Whole Clan: Houghtons, Servens, and 2 Cousins.

The first official stop on our Jamestown 400 Trip was the Answers in Genesis Creation Museum in Hebron, Kentucky. Were we blown away by the presuppositionaly biblical, professional and fun museum!


Daniel Cousin in the mist.

Our first place to explore was the lovely gardens around the museum. Though the the grounds were still being developed to their full potential, they gave a beautiful setting and prepared us to rejoice in God's creation.


The bridges were quite fun to bounce people on.


Jump Noah!


Strolling the grounds.


Entering the Museum.


Ride 'em Daniel!


We always tell our little ones "You can touch with your eyes, but
not with your fingers". : )


Gazing up at the Stars.

Our first and favorite stop in the entire museum was the Stargazers Planetarium. The chairs pushed back and we rested in awe, watching the universe unfold all on the rounded ceiling theater screen surrounding us. The various members of the Serven Clan are notably lacking skills in the science department, but this presentation whet our appetite for studying more in the mysteries of the heavens.

The movie gave glory to God, made us grasp at the hugeness of the universe, the smallness of man, and made us value all the more Christ's redemption. We are but specks as compared to the immensity of God's creation, yet He sees fit to have us for his own, bringing His children into relationship with him. What a magnanimous God we serve.


Real or Fake?

The striking colors of the frogs made them look pretend. God is so creative.


Not so sure about all these fossils.

After experiencing the "Men in White" Theater (quite the fun contrast from the Planetarium), we then processed into the main hall of the museum and through the winding corridors.


Look-out above!

Instead of giving a blow by blow examination of the different parts of this fabulous museum, I am going to direct you to the wonderful review on Lydia's blog.

In short, the museum walks you though the story of God's work in history--from Creation, to Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross and Consummation.


Cautious Lyd.


Dragons are real.


A good use for the "E" word.


Noah, Allison, Drake.


The "Tree of Life".


Sarah, Allison, Mrs. H. and Beth.


Classic Drake. : ) This young man is going to go places.


Cuteness.


A Preacher of Righteousness--Noah.


Loading Animals.

This is a small diorama of the scale of Noah's Ark. They did have a 3 story life size portion of the Ark in part of the museum, but these pictures give some of the scale of how massive it was.


Building the ark.


Waters of Judgment.


Covenant Promises.


An imposing entrance to the very wonderful bookstore.


St. George and the Dragon.


"To the Making of Books there is No End."

Don't forget to visit Lydia's blog for a full review of the museum. : )

Roles

Questions asked in Christian Living in the Home, by Jay Adams.

"The heart of these words [in Ephesians 5:22-24] to the husbands and to the wives can be reached quickly by asking two questions:

Husbands, do you love your wives enough to die for them?

Wives, do you love your husbands enough to live for them?

That is what the latter part of Ephesians 5 is all about. The husband must learn to love his wife as Jesus Christ loves His church. A husband, if need be, should be willing to give up his life for his wife. On the other hand, a wife should so love her husband that she is willing to live for him. She must be willing to pour her life into being his helper. . . "

Jamestown 400: Lyddy Bug

Notice who has the Red Plate. : )

Birthday's don't wait for traveling. And so, with much haste, we had a birthday breakfast with Lydia the morning of our departure.


A hat is a necessity for a young lady with fair skin. No sunburns allowed!


Decorating.

But . . . what is this!? After more than 8 hours in the car and states away, we pull up to our hotel and there are birthday decorations?


Surprise!!

The Houghton family, who we were planning to meet in Kentucky, had prepared a whole surprise celebration for Lydia's 12th birthday in the hotel dining room! : )


Support Staff.


Cold Satisfaction.


Friends.


Our sweet baby girl--12 years old!!

Jamestown 400: Traveling Cousins

Cousin Nathan--Future Ace Photographer in training.

One of the most exciting things about our travels to The Jamestown 400, were the individuals with which we were going to be traveling. Our California Cousins, Daniel and Nathan, with great anticipation and joy from both sides of the country, flew out to St. Louis to accompany us on our journeys.

We miss our cousins greatly. After years of endeavoring to live in the same town at the same time, the Lord granted us a season of blessedness when we labored on California's central coast together. Our home-schooling, visionary minded, theologically biblical cousins were such an encouragement to us and we miss them terribly.

We always referred to them as "The Cousins" just like one would mention "The Servens". In fact, in was humorous to discover one day that our little kids thought their last name was really "Cousin". As in Daniel Cousin, Nathan Cousin, etc. : ) We thought that was pretty cute, and the monikers have stuck.


Daniel Cousin after a little too many hours in the car.

Westcoast Christian Worldview Conference

A Little Help for Our Friends--
July 30-August 4, 2007

Several years ago, I was privileged to attend the Westcoast Christian Worldview Conference, fondly referred to as the WCWC. The Lord used the words of many godly pastors to work in my heart, teaching me to rely on Him more every day.

You still have time to sign up for this year's conference coming up in a few short weeks--and if you are quick to contact them, you may be able to get a $100 off the published rate to attend (Cost includes room and board--an incredible deal)!

Held in the mountains of California's Bay Area, this week promises to be rich with fellowship and teaching. This years' speakers include Pastor Joe Morecraft (also a speaker at the Jamestown 400) and Mark Rushdoony (son of R. J. Rushdoony), plus many other godly pastors.

Check out their website here!

Week In Review

On the road again.

Even though we have technically been "home" from our trip, we have not really been home. Our apologies for the lack in blog posts, but we are just now catching our breath.

Last Sunday - Worship Service at the Jamestown 400 Big Tent. Nathan's 24th Birthday. Virginia Beach in the afternoon. Late night dinner at a deli.

Monday - Pack up for home. Williamsburg Book Store. Start driving at noon, and arrive home at 4 AM.

Tuesday - Wake at 9 AM. Write a quick blog post. Head out to our regional Home School Conference where we run a vendor booth with our cousins.

Wednesday - Take our cousins to airport. Continue working the booth all day. Sing lots of Psalms, meet many sweet families, speak of many significant things (discipleship, music, history, child training, etc).

Thursday - Lydia and I out all day with piano and violin lessons. Everyone else starts to unpack.

Friday - I finally get to unpack! We quickly clean house and head out for Wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner for Josh and Katie Ritter. : )

Saturday - Up early and head to wedding where Peter is photographer, Rebecca serves as pianist, and Dad officiates. What a beautiful day!

Sunday - Back at home in the Lord's House. Host the sweet Kravitz family from TX for brunch and dinner. Walk in the garden, play instruments, visit.

Monday - Preparations for the dear Pedersen family coming tonight (also from TX). Figure out shipping for an international order for Genevan Foundation (I did not know it could be SO expensive!). Finally get around to a blog post. : )

I am really going to endeavor to post pictures of our Virginia trip. As it is, it seems as the blogosphere has already covered many aspects of the events (e.g. Caleb Hayden covers the links to most everyone in his helpful post), but we hope to contribute stories from our perspective over this coming week.

Pyromania

We are back home--as of 4 o'clock this morning! Don't worry, we slept in. : ) It is sort of a strange habit though.

What a beautiful time we had at the Jamestown 400 Celebration. Hearing the recounting of God's amazing providence draws me to rest upon His hand of mercy ever more, day by day. The teaching was rich and the fellowship sweet. We hope to post pictures and thoughts from our adventures over this next week.

As it is, the next few days will be spent unpacking, cleaning house, and running a booth for Genevan Foundation at our local homeschool conference. Benjamin flew home early Monday morning to set up for last night's opening of the vendor hall and will continue with his able work throughout the week. The rest of us hope to stop in every once in a while and give singing demonstrations of the Psalm CDs. What fun that shall be! Some of us are more dubious than others. : )

Speaking of fun and Benjamin, we thought you might be amused to see this:


Test run.

Ben got a little creative with our last "Bonfire of the Century".

This one had one central fire then 8 small ones in a square around it. They were all connected with gas lines and were designed to go off all at the same time. Unfortunately, as it had rained much the previous days and the wood was fairly green, the effects of the bonfire were not lasting. : )

Regardless, it still had that ubiquitous "wow-factor" that was quite enthralling.


Not too bad.

Checking In From Williamsburg

After being unable to connect to the internet at our place of abode, we are finally checking in from the hotel where the lectures are! : ) Things are going well and quite busy. I think everyone's only complaint is related to getting lost, maps, etc. : ) But it makes for a exciting adventure.

It is an honor to be at this historic event and witness the 400th anniversary celebration of the Jamestown Colony. Other have not viewed this this as a celebration--but as Christians, we see the significance of the Lord's allowing this colony to persevere through challenges and be the seed of our country.

We'll hope to put up pictures later. Today we head out to Jamestown Island for a tour with Dr. Jehle.

Adventures in Virginia

Sanctification by Traveling : )

Well, we are on our way--after a long drive yesterday, birthday celebrations in the evening with the Houghtons, then breakfast at the hotel in Cincinnati and ready for the Answers in Genesis Museum this morning. It is interesting to see how the Lord continually humbles us, showing our selfishness, pride, and all the creaturely comforts we feel "entitled" to. I was meaning to write a longer post, but after answering comments, Nathan is herding us all into the van for the mornings events, so the post will have to wait. : )

Another Recent Tea Time

Shortbread, whipped cream, and lemon curd concoctions.

Late one night, from a dark room--

Joel, yelling: "Rebecca!! Rebecca!!! REBECCA!!!!"

Rebecca, running to see what was the matter: "Yes Joel, what is it?"

Joel: "I was wanting to do something special tomorrow. You know, something fun."

Rebecca: "How about a tea party? Would that be special?"

Joel, grinning broadly: "Oh yes!! That would be very fun."


Our tea.

------
P. S. to our Readers:

Today is a special day . . . First it is Lydia's 12th Birthday!! : ) And we are just leaving for Jamestown in a few minutes. We will be a little spotty on our blog posts this week, but hope to put up some pictures as we have opportunity. Until then!

Rebecca

Rendezvous

Saturday found most members of The Serven Clan at The Rendezvous in Illinois. It was with several purposes we went--first and foremost of course to fellowship with friends, but secondly to give our costumes a test run. : )


Local urchins.

The Rendezvous, encompassing a range of years from 1740 to 1840, sought to give a accurate picture of life in Illinois in the days of yore. As reenactments go, it was quite extensive with lots of tents, reenactors, and visitors.


150 years apart: The Zes girls, Beth and Sarah.

Our outfits were NOT period accurate for the reenactment, but we wore them anyway. : )


Dancing a jig.


Savage.

We were fascinated to see and interact with the savages. It gave one a better picture of what the settlers would have been facing when they came to the new world--seeing a culture so entrenched in paganism and desperately needing the gospel. The particular savages at the reenactment were in various states of dress and undress. And when they wore clothes, it was as a status symbol, not as a sign of modesty. Very amazing. The antithesis was quite disparate.


Soldiers.


Watching the weaver with the Grables.

We walked through the various trademen's tents and had fun watching the amazing craftsmanship possesses by the artisans.


Joel and Sarah watch the Paper Marbler.


A Scheffer--Peter's favorite "Picture of the Day".

Lunchtime was a grand affair, spreading out under a shading tree with many picnic blankets, ice chests and paper plates dotting the landscape.


Eatin' lunch in the humid air.


The Birthday Girl.


Rebekah and Rebekah.


Mr. Z.


Peter Bringe throwing Knives.

The Bringe family has been very kind in helping us put together our costumes. They have given us things, let us borrow other things, and been a very wonderful resource in all our research. We were happy to bring their oldest son along with us to the reenactment.

Many thanks also goes to Jamie Billings for her help with the research and pattern development for our Jamestown 400 Costumes!

If you are wondering why there are not more pictures of our finished costumes, we did not want to give them away before Jamestown! : ) But we will have Peter take better pictures at Jamestown and post them on the blog for your perusal.

We are getting down to the wire of preparing for our VA trip. We leave tomorrow mid morning . . . . so I should probably wrap up this blog post and get packing!


Sweet Lydia.

Birthday Tea

Birthday Girl.

If you were to relive your 13th birthday, what would you choose to make the day special? We had the privilege to surprise our dear friend Hannah Burton with a birthday tea. Not an easy feat when you live several states away! But Mr. and Mrs. Burton wanted to give their oldest daughter a weekend of celebration she would not forget as she entered the dawn of womanhood.


Tea Table.


The Cake--courtesy of Rebekah.


Dear Friends: 2 Hannahs, 2 Rebe(ccas-kahs), 2 Sarahs, 2 Elizabeths, and 2 Lydias.


Flowers and Pictures thanks to Hannah. : )

The Little House

In the kitchen.

During the Burton Family's recent visit, Nathan gave them a tour of his little house. Since we snapped a few pictures, we thought you might enjoy seeing how it looks today. : )


Looking at the back.

Sisters Sewing

Tools of the Trade.

Last week was a major sewing week for The Serven Clan. The goal? Complete all costumes for The Jamestown 400 by a reenactment on Saturday (pictures to follow in a later post).

Because we were unable to find exact patterns to create our 1607 Jamestown Era costumes, we decided to try our hand at drafting. I had attempted some pattern drafting several years ago, but not had too much success.

First, we started by measuring the person with seven basic measurements. Then following the simple instructions from The Renaissance Tailor, I charted their measurements on trusty brown paper.


A little tape never hurt anyone.

If we ran out of room on our paper, we just added more. : )


Paper pieces complete thanks to Trader Joes.

Pattern Drafting is definitely an art and a science. There is a part that is mathematical: pencil, paper, ruler, and tape.


Cutting out the bodice from the toile pieces.

But then, there is a part of pattern drafting that is quite artistic.

Once we had the paper pattern charted, we made a toile of interfacing, placed it on the person, and continued fitting it to them. [Editor's Note: We did not take pictures of this portion of the experience--protecting the innocent, etc. : )].

This is the point when you would get out scissors, hack off various parts, move seam lines, and draw all over the interfacing with various arrows, measurements and scribbles. Once you finish the fitting, you take those messy pieces, trace out new toile pieces (which we continue as the finished pattern) and cut out from your fabric.


Main pieces for Rebecca's bodice (left to right): Back bodice, front bodice, caplet, sleeve.

Historical sewing has some interesting differences when compared to modern sewing. If you are a seamstress at all, you will notice the different shapes of the pieces. On the bodice itself, there is no underarm side seam. Instead, this is moved to the back and is curved following the muscles in the back to the point on both sides of the spine. The shoulder seam drops behind the shoulder creating an illusion to make the shoulders seem wider. Also, the actual sleeve does not have an under arm seam; rather the seam is behind the arm (running under the elbow).


My trusty machine.

For many years, all my sewing projects were done on Mom's high school sewing machine. The tension just got too much for me with all the "sewing-machine-turned-hungry" experiences [Editor's Note: Pun intended]. Buying this simple Bernina in 2001 was the best purchase I ever made! Countless hours of fruitful and non-frustrating sewing have been done with this wonderful piece of machinery.

I just took it in for a tune up, the first since I had purchased it--it has worked very faithfully through many, many projects (modern clothes, War Between the States, turn of the century, home decorating, altering ready made garments, and various and sundry other projects).


On the road to completion.

We basted together the front and back pieces to make sure we were on the right track--looking good.


Sarah sewing eyelets on her bodice.

After construction of the garment, now was the time for handwork! We had 18-20 eyelet holes to hand sew on each of the 4 sister's bodices.


Beth hand sewing on her chemise.

Earlier in the week we had completed petticoats (skirts) and chemises (undergarments). We used these as the foundation to draft the patterns.


While some work, others play. : )
Notice the afghan on the end of our bed!

The little boys set up a story-hour while the rest of us girls were sewing. Listening to a book on tape is always a good way to spend an afternoon. For us ladies, it provided a nice diversion while we worked away.


Lydia knitting (on a non-period project). : )