Expressions from our Youngest

Expressions from our Youngest
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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Small Successes

Faith and Family has a wonderful meme where you can list three small successes accomplished during your week.  It is wonderful to hear so much progress.  Just click on the name and post your successes.  Here are three of my accomplishments this past week:

1)  My sixth grader finished her edits on her writing assignment about a dishonest leader.  She chose a bible verse of Proverbs 1:29 to include in her paper.  It refers to knowledge and my daughter believed the people in the story did not turn to true knowledge (in reference to God) and, therefore, fell into the trap of this dishonest leader.  There was one person who escaped the trap set by this leader because he was smart and sought true knowledge.  I love when I can include the Faith into their daily academic assignments.

2)  The main teacher in our co-op was out sick at the last minute.  We had to think of something the children could do quickly and easily.  I had an idea to teach them Math using the white erase board.  It was a big success.  The children were three to seven years old and my idea caught their attention for 45 minutes.  I'm glad I thought of trying this even though I didn't know if it would be a success or not initially.  We would of had a much harder time with the children if I did not come up with this plan.

3)  I left 15 minutes early today to pick up my daughter from high school.  This was so I can enter the little chapel they have in the school and say the rosary.  It is so much easier to pray sometimes when I'm away from the kids and clutter.  It just took 25 minutes and it was worth every minute to be able to sit in quiet solitude and be in the presence of Our Dear Lord.  This was a success for me even though immediate results aren't easily visible.  I really prayed hard for our country as I'm sure you know it is needed!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Eileen is Grateful


It's time to post to Judy's blog this week for the things I am thankful for in my life.  It is such a joy to count our blessings in the midst of so much turmoil going on in the world.  It is good to know that God does indeed to care of his flock who follows his voice!

1)  I am very grateful for the Morning Offering my children and I say together every morning.  Sometimes I say it two to three times if our schedules are running at different times.  I don't mind though.  I feel like I need and desire this lovely prayer:

Come Holy Spirit, Help me to say my prayers well.
Oh Blessed Trinity, I believe in you, I hope in you, I love you, I adore you.
Oh My God, I offer you all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings of this day.
To please you, to honor you, to make up for my sins.

Sweet Mother Mary, Keep me in you care.
Oh Virgin Mother Mary, Help me to heaven above.
Mother of Jesus, Keep me always as your loving child.  Amen.

2)  I am thankful that my husband knows how to cook salmon on the barbeque.  Last night he went ahead and made the dinner.  I only set the table with the children and cleaned up.  It gave me time to relax and have a glass of wine.  DH is the one who knows how to cook fish around here.  We have salmon often.  I can work the grill when the weather is warmer.  Nevertheless, we have to throw a match in to get the fire going because there is something wrong with the grill.  I just stand far away because I don't like doing this.  When my older sons are home in the summer, they help me.  I am looking forward to warmer weather with more grilling!

3)  I am thankful for Crystal Light drink mix.  It isn't too sweet, low in calories, and is healthier than many other mixed drinks.  I drink the rasberry ice, iced tea, and peach tea.  I can no longer drink lots of soda like I did when I was younger.  My four year old likes it too.  It is a nice change from all the sugary and syrupy juices for young ones.

4)  I am thankful for children that like to learn about Jesus and continuously turn to him every week to be fed and nourished.  I am so grateful for the simple bible story books they have now for little ones.  Little ones need pictures when you read to them.  It is so nice to bring the truth of God's love for us to little ones!

5)  I am so grateful for warmer weather beginning to trickle into Maryland.  I really have a hard time in colder weather at times.  Warmer weather helps me do more, clean more, and get out more.  I can't wait for summer!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Treasured Moments

     

Erin from Australia has a wonderful meme where you can post some of the treasured moments you've experienced during your week.  Here are some of mine:

1)  Reading picture books from the library to my four year old today.  We read Little Rex, Big Brother by Ruth Symes; Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold; and Noodles the Puppy by Hans Wilhelm.  Little Rex was a wonderful story for a little one who wants to be BIG and realizes in the end that it is good to have a gentle side.  Patrick loved to relate Rex to his older brothers who love him dearly.  Even More Parts is a funny story about idioms.  Patrick knows what idioms are now and he did a journal entry about 'putting your foot in your mouth.'  He was laughing aloud as we read together.  Noodles the Puppy is a reader.  He is just learning how to read and I had to help him along but he did fairly well.

2)  Having the time to post this was very treasured to me.  My husband took the dog for a walk with my two daughters.  I don't mind walking the dog either but not in cool weather.  It needs to be a bit warmer.  I know how treasured father daughter moments can be.  I remember - I was a daughter once too!

3)  Having a break to go to the local coffee shop to grade my daughter's Math and Vocabulary homeschooling work.  I need to 'escape' to be able to grade effectively because I am out of range from my four year old and away from the mess!

4)  Knowing my college sons have good, trustworthy, faithful friends while they are in college.  Every time we meet their friends we are so impressed!  It is true that they need some buddies during their college experience if they are living on campus.

5)  Saying rosary today together as a family.  I love to hear my four year old try to say the 'Hail Mary.'  His voice is so cute and precious and I love the innocence he brings to all of us.  He even know the first Glorious Mystery.  He said, "the Resurrection."  That's a big word for a little guy!  We were all amazed!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Eileen is Grateful


It is time to post what I am thankful for this week on Judy's blog for her meme.  If we can elevate what we are most thankful for above all the mishaps and problems, we will see more clearly into God's will for us!

1)  I am so thankful that some of the homeschool moms from the co-op realized my four year old was having a melt down because we had to leave early to drive my older sons to an interview.  One of them escorted us out to the car to say good-bye.  My four year old did not want to leave or say good-bye.  Which brings me to #2...

2)  I am grateful that I was able to go to adoration and reflection last night at a near by Church.  In the reflection, it was stated that Saint Jose Maria Escriva (spelling) said that "those who love much don't know how to say good bye."  There was more of his quote after this that made sense too.  Something like "because they take the person with them."  I've been through this before with my other children and sometimes I have the same problem of not knowing how to say good bye.  Maybe we're normal after all!

3)  I am thankful that my sixth grade daughter finished her book report on The Witch of Blackbird Pond and was able to make colonial peanut butter fudge for her class on her own. She did an excellent job.

4)  I am grateful that my high schoolers last swim meet is tonight.  She needs a much deserved break from waking up at 4:30 am three days a week to go to practice.  Plus a swim meet once a week in the evening/afternoon.  It was a very good experience for her and provided a venue for my husband to bond with her.  I know there is a special relationship between fathers and daughters.  I remember!  (I never said good bye to my father either - just see you later with a big hug.)  He was the same way!

5)  I am grateful to be able to share this meme with such wonderful blogger friends.  I really enjoy hearing about your lives.  I will never say good bye because I carry you with me in my thoughts and prayers!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Simple Woman

Peggy Hostetler has a wonderful blog where one is invited to express the simple things in life they are experiencing.  It is hosted on Mondays and is a very good way to start off one's week by contemplating short range and long range plans.  Just click on Peggy's name to be part of this blog.  Below are the simple things I'm experiencing this week.  (Hopefully they are simple enough!)

Outside my window...it is cold and dark.  I hope the snow melts more today.

I am thinking...why does my 1966 Encyclopedia Brittanica state that the French and Indian War began in 1754 and the Seven Year's War began in 1756 .  My daughter's history text has the dates switched around.  Furthermore, my encyclopedia states that these wars were not related to eachother.  My daughter's history text says that the French and Indian War was an extension of the Seven Year's War!

I am thankful for...a husband who has left some Valentine's Day cards and candy on our kitchen island for us.  He also bonds with my daughter through her participation on the swim team at her Catholic school.  I am very thankful for this.

From the learning rooms...author and writer John Steinbeck; the issue of the French and Indian war reported as being forced by the governor of New France left out of my daughter's history text; care for the two different types of seeds we planted for my sixth grade daughter's science experiment; math corrections; sentence diagramming; chemical compounds...

From the kitchen...pork loin filet for dinner.

I am wearing...blue cotton PJ's with blue stars and my grandmother's warm fluffy pink bathrobe.

I am creating...a little flip book to teach the children the seasons in the Co-op class I teach and a new journaling book for my four year old.

I am going...to find certain chemical compounds on some products at the grocery store with my daughter and pick up my highschooler from school later.

I am reading...Souls at Rest by Charlotte Ostermann.

I am hoping...that the Maryland legislature fails in its attempt to redefine marriage!  What a Valentine's Day gift!  If possible, pray for justice to prevail with me.  I am also hoping that dh looks at my website information before it expires!

I am hearing...silence intermingled with the rustling of my daughter and husband getting ready to go to swim team practice and work.  I occasionally hear my dog's paws move to another lounging spot.

Around the house...I have to gather our library books later.

One of my favorite things...is having a very good watch dog at home when I have to pick up my daughter from high school.

A few plans for the rest of the week...get my flip book enlarged and laminated and take things one day at a time.

A picture thought to leave you with... (I don't know how to put pictures on my computer yet - so I can't do this.)

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Tea Talk


I am posting to Ruth's blog today for my Tea Talk.  I really enjoy hearing about everyone's day on this meme.

I am having my usual coffee with a hint of hazelnut creamer.

My mug is my sweet father's (passed away in 2007) Holy Name Society mug with his prayer on it which reads:

Holy Name Pledge
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ true God & true man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
I believe, O Jesus - that Thou art the Christ - the Son of the Living God.
I proclaim my love - for the Vicar of Christ on earth.
I believe all the sacred truths - which the Holy Catholic Church believes & teaches.
I promise to give good example by the regular practice of my faith in honor of His Divine Name.
I pledge myself against perjury, blasphemy, profanity, & obscene speech.
I pledge my loyalty to the flag of my country & to the God-given principles of freedom, justice, and happiness for which it stands.
I pledge my support to all lawful authority - both civil and religious.
I dedicate my manhood (myself) to the honor of the sacred Name of Jesus Christ and beg that he will keep me faithful to these pledges until death.

I was feeling wide awake for 3:00 am in the morning.  This insomnia happens to me occasionally.  Sometimes it is hard to bare.  Tonight though I feel as though I've had enough sleep which was only 5 hours.

I am a morning person.  Therefore, when I rise early - my day seems to be much more productive.  Plus - it is quite time for me.  I believe I will say the rosary after I post this.

On my mind I am hoping that the resources I lent to my friends will be returned today.  I lent a Saint story to a friend over a year ago.  It had my own notes in it.  My daughter may choose this Saint for her confirmation name.  Anyway, I had to remind my friend to return it finally.  I don't like doing this, but it needed to be done.  I hope she knows it is just a friendly reminder!

I am also being pulled away from homeschooling my younger children to driving my college sons to a job interview.  I hope I do not get lost on my way from University of Maryland to the job site.  It will be a joy to see my two sons!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Eileen is Grateful



It is time to post to Judy's blog this week to list five things I am thankful for.  It is a wonderful meme because our priest just talked about the beatitudes this past Sunday and they are all about 'Counting Our Blessings.'  Listing things I am thankful for helps me put things in their proper perspective rather than letting little mishaps get me down in the dumps.  Following the beatitudes help us to be more holy also.

1)  I am so thankful for the library I go to in a neighboring county (once again).  Our local library had only one book in the whole county library system that would help my high school daughter with her English paper.  The neighboring county's one library had four excellent books that I was able to pick up the other day.  The librarian there was all smiles and so helpful.  I expressed how thankful I was for her service!  What a joy to see someone who loves to serve!

2)  I went to a local store to pick up seeds for my sixth grade daughter's Science project.  This was the first time I went to this store.  Low and behold - they had the little stands with pretty decorative flags to hang on them out in front of your house.  I bought a stand and a flag for February with hearts on it.  I've always wanted one of these.  One day, I'll learn how to put pictures on my blog to show you.

3)  I am so grateful that I lost three pounds last week.  I just kept my calorie intake to 1000 calories per day.  It took an entire week and much of it is water weight but I feel much better.  Now if only I can continue...

4)  I am thankful for the time with other homeschool moms at Starbucks on Monday night.  Many of the moms from our homeschool co-op were there.  We had a very nice time and learned some new ideas for teaching our kids.  For example, next year I might look into a good writing program for my to be seventh grade daughter.

5)  I'm thankful for our co-op that started back up after 4 weeks of cancellations due to snow and sickness.  I got my dance and movement class for the little ones moved to another time.  I am not used to it yet but am sure the change will be o.k.  It was a little helter skelter today because my partner mom who teaches with me was out.  That caused a riff in my schedule of events.  Pray that my partner teacher can continue to come to co-op without making too many last minute no shows.  It is harder to teach the class when this happens.  I am glad I went ahead and purchased a teachers manual for this class so that I can be better prepared when this happens.

Clingy Four Year Old?

I love to snuggle with my 4 year old.  Nevertheless, he is getting quite heavy lately.  I feel like I'm a magnet sometimes.

Sometimes, when I am trying to relax he seems to be trying to snuggle in a very wiggly way.  For some reason, he likes my stomach and tries to squeeze it a lot (fatso - just kidding).  He piles pillows on me and then jumps on them.  He thinks I'm a jungle gym.

He does have still moments, but these active times are getting harder to put up with the bigger he gets now.  I'm worried that he needs more discipline or needs to be a bit more independant.

When we are at Church, he prefers to be with mommy most of the time.  If dh tries to get him he often fusses.  Other 4 year olds stand nicely in the pew.  My Patrick, oftentimes, wants to be held still.  He likes to be able to see and my family does not like to sit in the front.

He ripped the zipper of my dress at my son's graduation because he was wiggling in my lap too much.  Fortunately, my older son spared me his suit jacket.

Anyway, you can see where this is going.  How independant is your 4 year old?  Also, how often does your dh play with him/her?  Sometimes, I wish my dh could be a magnet too now that Patrick is getting bigger!