Expressions from our Youngest

Expressions from our Youngest
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Saturday, June 29, 2013

7 Quick Takes




It's time for 7 Quick Takes at Conversion Diary.

1.)  My husband and I went on two long walks through a beautiful path in our town.  It seems to be the only way we can really communicate with each other well.  We escape the computer, kids, chores, responsibilities, etc. of our household and just have nature and each other.  Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Paradise.  Might it be that less is more?  Don't worry...we were fully dressed!

2.)  I took some picks of these beautiful flowers in our garden the other day.  Hubby was out pulling weeds while the kids played in the house.  The house was filled with laughter from the kids and playing with the dog.  It was a great day.





3)  We had a nice time at the kid's swim meat the other day.  It is nice to be out doors in good weather and communicating with wonderful families.






4)  We are developing a plan for cleaning and organizing the house next week while hubby is off work.  It really needs to be done.  Especially, if I want to continue to hold my Journal Writing Classes for my son and his friends next year. 

5)  My son made my day by posting this on his facebook:

"Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own home. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor . . . Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” - Mother Teresa

6)  I finally got my review done before I had to pay the late fee to register my son with our umbrella group for next year's homeschooling.

7)  My daughter is volunteering at a local hospital one day a week this summer.  She was waiting to hear back from the person in the volunteer office to tell her which day to come in and be trained.  She never heard back.  Therefore, the last day of her availability to go in and be trained...we just drove down and she showed up.  It was a good thing too because she saw the woman who was supposed to email her and she had time to send her to training. 

My daughter couldn't understand why we were doing this at first but sometimes you have to take the initiative to show you are interested.  They can be a little unorganized at this volunteer office sometimes.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Deos Gratias




It is time to participate in Deos Gratias and list thing we're thankful for during our week.  Just click on the link to participate.

1)  I am thankful that my daughter is willing to babysit for a friend for 1 hour two times a week in the wee early morning so that she can go swim.  She has three young children and I love the fact that we can help her out.

2)  I am thankful that I did not have to go to the swim meet tonight as we had a lot of rain and it is cloudy and the grounds all wet.  I am concerned about my daughter though as she is a lifeguard and had to work all day and now participate in the meet.  It was sunny until the early evening.  I brought her lunch and hubby will buy her something for dinner.  I am grateful that she has a job.

3)  I am thankful for the red lilies in front of our house.  They are so beautiful and remind me of God's beautiful creation.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Creation Craft

The 7 Days of Creation
Creation Work

This is just something I'd like my class to make next year in their class.  I'm going to try to draw it so I wanted to post it here.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Sabbath Moments



It is time for Sabbath Moments.  Please click on the link if you want to share some times when you've found God in your week.

1)  I found God in the swim team's pancake breakfast as I was able to get to know some of the parents more.  I've always been interested in the quiet-behind-the-scenes people who get things done.  Therefore, I snuck around and took a picture of the parents sitting on the picnic table holding it steady when the team was lining up to get their picture ready.  I found God in these willing parents helping their kids stay safe for their pictures.


2)  Today my husband and I took a long walk and it was beautiful when we stopped to watch a mother deer and her three babies walk across the path right in front of us.  I wish I had my camera because they were so close.  It is a nice path through the woods...cool on a hot day here in Maryland.

3)  I found God when we arrived home and I saw my oldest sons taking my youngest son on his bike without his training wheels on.  They were going around the court.  What a joy to see them reaching out to their younger brother.



Friday, June 21, 2013

7 Quick Takes



It's time for 7 Quick Takes over at Conversion Diary.  Just click on this link to participate.

1.)  Yesterday, I was feeling reluctant to drive my daughter to her volunteer job at the hospital because I was driving like a crazy woman to and from swim team and swim lessons.  Bringing her to the volunteer job was just one more trip I had to make in the morning.  Nevertheless, I pushed myself to make the trip.  It turns out that it was so worth while because I was able to get some birthday gifts for my son's seventh birthday today.  They even wrap the gifts in the store for you.  This was one less thing I had to do.  This was not in my plans but I'm glad I eventually figured it out.  In fact, I was planning on going to the library while I waited for my daughter's training session to end.  The library is being renovated and it was closed.  Therefore, I thought about going to a small toy store nearby and it wasn't until this moment that I remembered I had to buy a gift for my son today.  Does this ever happen to you?  I'm glad I pushed myself out the door to bring my daughter to this important job and low and behold...accomplished another unexpected priority.  I should make a written list the day before so that I will remember to do important things.

2)  It was great to be able to work with my son on his math in the backyard on the deck yesterday.  The last couple of days have been beautiful weather here in Maryland.  There are not any bugs yet.  We had the pleasure of observing our puppy chew up an old patio furniture pillow while we worked on math.  The lightening bugs are just beginning to appear more at night.

3)  I'm glad I e-mailed my friend to remind her of my son's birthday party in another week.  She is going through a rough bout of some kind of flue going through her family.  She needed to be reminded that we can sit under the umbrellas, drink cold drinks, and chat.  Something to look forward to.  It will be held at a water park where the kids can run under gigantic sprinkler systems.

4)  My reviewer is coming over today to look at my son's work so that I can finish up his homeschool year and register him for next year.  The price goes up next month so I want to send it in.  My reviewer is an experienced homeschooler and is so nice.

5)  Today we will have just my Son's family celebration for his birthday.  I made a cake already.  I'm grateful that they are happy with just cake and cards.  I've seen parents who create these lavish birthday parties when their children are two years old.  This just stimulates a desire in children to expect more and more at each subsequent birthday.  We keep it simple and the kids are happy with this.

6)  I was fortunate to be able to do a little scrapbooking the other day.  I would like to eventually set up a table in a room for this.  I had to use the kitchen island.  It was good to be able to accomplish this.

7)  I'm going to return my books from the neighboring county's library today and go register to teach my son's religious education class next year.  Our county's library severely reduced their hours and some of them need to learn how to be customer service oriented.  Therefore, we go to neighboring counties.  There is one to the north and one to the east that we use. 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Deos Gratias



It's time for listing what we are thankful for and link up to Thoughts on Grace

1.  I am so thankful to be able to go to a neighboring county's library to do some work with my son today.  There were too many distractions at home.  We needed peace and quiet to get some reading, math, and writing done today.

2.  I am grateful that my daughter is continuing to volunteer at the hospital as she wants to be a nurse some day.  I am also thankful that she is a coach-in-training for swim team and a life guard too.

3.  My oldest son has his own car, a research project for grad school funded he is working on,  an internship, and a place of residence at college.  For this I am deeply grateful.  We get to see him on weekends sometimes.

4.  I am also grateful that my to-be-senior in college isn't too distraught over not having a car yet.  We are looking for a good used car for him.  He needs one to get around to work and to his friends.  I am grateful that he is also a lifeguard.

5.  I am grateful that my to-be-seven year old is in the group that learns to swim to be the next children on the team.  As you can see, I spend a lot of time at the pool or carpooling my kids to and from there.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Second Grade Curriculum 2013/2014



I though I would put together the curriculum my second grade son will be using next year.  Along with all these items we'll be using many ideas on the Character Training Support Group on the Homeschool Lounge.

**********Religion **********

St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Religious Education Program, Sacramental Year for Holy Eucharist
Book:  Finding God, Loyola Press


**********Reading**********

Story Time Treasures by Memoria Press - Literature Guide Set with Novels and Catholic National Reader


**********English**********

Kolbe Academy Elementary Language Arts/Kolbe English 2/English Grammar and Comp


**********Spelling**********

Spelling Power by Adams-Gordon


**********Latin**********

Prima Latina by Leigh Lowe, Classical Trivium Core Series, Memoria Press


**********Math**********

Christian Light Education, God's Light in Mathematics 2


**********Writing**********

Nucleus of Life Journal Writing, NOL MeetUp


**********Science**********

Harcourt Science, Kolbe Academy or Nancy Larson http://www.nancylarson.com/science1.html


**********History**********

Story of the World, History for the Classical Child, Volume 2:  The Middle Ages/Rainbow Resources Center


**********Art**********
A Simple Start in Chalk Pastels


**********Geography**********

Galloping the Globe


Share your homeschool curriculum with others here.


Prayers for fathers on Father's Day



Some beautiful prayers from Home Life Ministries to pray over your husband this Father's Day:

http://www.characterjournal.com/character-quality-listing/


Pray for Your Husband…  
The following list is designed to pray one request per day, thus enabling you to pray through it each month. Pray…

1. That he would totally submit himself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

2. That he would love the Lord with all of his heart, soul, and strength.

3. That he would be a man of wisdom, viewing himself, me as his wife, our children, others, and circumstances the way God does.

4. That he would grow in brokenness of spirit and humility, longing for God to reveal areas of needed growth.

5. That his heart would hunger and thirst for a closer, intimate relationship with God.

6. That he would understand that though he is a husband and father, he is a man under authority, respecting his authorities, as he desires his family to honor him.

7. That he would give first priority to spending time with the Lord every day in Bible reading, mediation, and prayer, and that it would be a source of encouragement and strength to him.

8. That he would realize his position of victory and power in Jesus Christ, casting down imaginations, and bringing every thought into captivity.

9. That he would experience God’s perfect sacrificial love for him and because of that knowledge, love and cherish me, his wife, so that our marriage would clearly typify Christ’s love for the Church.

10. That he would be committed to and experience moral freedom, making a covenant to not look upon strange women to lust after them, and setting nothing immoral before his eyes.

11. That he would fully accept the way God has made him and me, understanding our differences as male and female, and enabling us to reach out to each other unselfishly.

12. That he would continue to grow in the skill of intimate, honest communication, reaching out to me in sensitive understanding, allowing a greater oneness of spirit between us.

13. That he would be committed to making his marriage a priority, delighting in me as a woman, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

14. That he would be filled with wisdom to be the loving, wise, sensitive spiritual leader of our home.

15. That he would (continue to) make it a priority to lead our family in a regular devotional time.

16. That he would be a wise protector, shielding his family from the onslaughts of Satan and the world.

17. That he would value and understand each of our children’s needs and strengths, being and doing all he can for their spiritual and emotional growth.

18. That he would know how to express his love and acceptance to each of our children, alert for opportunities to praise and affirm them, and be enabled to meaningfully communicate with them.

19. That he would make it a priority to spend quantity and quality time with our children.

20. That he would be a loving, consistent disciplinarian of our children, not provoking them to anger.

21. That he would grow in meekness, not given to anger, but when failing be given the grace to humbly ask to be forgiven.

22. That he would trust the Lord for the spacing and number of children in our family.

23. That he would make wise financial decisions, being committed to tithing our income, and remembering that God is the ultimate Provider for our family.

24. That God would protect and guard him from spiritual, emotional, and physical danger.

25. That he would be blessed with good health and strength.

26. That he would have a life purpose bigger than his occupation, keeping the vision of service and missions before his eyes.

27. That he would use his job to encourage and share his faith in a dynamic way with others.

28. That he would not compare himself with others, being concerned of God’s evaluation of him.

29. That he would view the irritations of family life, occupation, and all of life’s trials as God’s best tools to build and refine his character, and be given the grace to delight in the Lord when the stresses of life increases.

30. That he would experience purpose in life and enjoy God’s smile of approval as he lays down his life for his family and others.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Five Minute Friday


I'd like to try and join the flash mob for Five Minute Fridays today.  Unfortunately, by the time I receive word of it (Friday morning)...it's too late for me to post to the site.  Nevertheless, I'll try once again.  You just write for five minutes without editing while thinking about a keyword:  LISTEN is the word today.

I really need help organizing the house but no one will listen to me.  I'll be talking about it to my doctor today...someone who listens.

We have books and papers everywhere, three coaches in our living room, furniture my hubby wants to keep for our college sons when they move out, messy children, junk mail laying around, a dog who chews things and leaves her hair on the rug, a storage room that needs to be organized, and you get the picture....

No one in my family cares about this but me.  I've lived 26 years trying to organize this mess and with all the books from my kid's school years...it just piles up more and more.  No one listens to me though...like I'm being unreasonable.

I will see what my doctor says when I tell her about it.  Hopefully, she'll understand.  Nevertheless, it is part of my illness when the mess starts 'getting to me.'  How does one decipher if I'm right or just having symptoms?  We'll see what the doc says today...wish me luck.

I can't think straight in this mess.  I need help.  A professional organizer will help me for $1200.  We could afford it because we just received a gift from my mother-in-law.  Hubby doesn't care though.  I'm stressed out living in this mess and no one will listen to me!!!



Saturday, June 8, 2013

Sabbath Moments



I'm hooking up with Colleen's blog for Sabbath Moments when we cease from the 'busyness' of our lives and bask in God's presence.  To participate...just click on this link.

1.)  I was able to spend time conversing with one of my best buddies this past Thursday.  We caught up on so much in our family lives.  I also gave her a book to read by Zan Tyler:  The Seven Tools of Learning that is helping her remember the reasons she chose to homeschool her young children.  If is such a joy to see how our conversations and this book are helping her.  She is a beautiful person and so intelligent.

2.)  I was able to take a nice warm bath yesterday and escape all the carpooling the kids around.  It was so relaxing just to be able to soak in the tub and say a few prayers and get squeaky clean.

3.)  My six year old watches a lot of nature or history channels now rather than all those noisy cartoons.  I'm so grateful that I was able to snuggle with him last night under a blanket and enjoy the shows with the screen door open so a light breeze came through it.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Five Minute Friday




Write for 5 minutes without thinking or editing and join Lisa Jo's great meme today called Five Minute Friday.  The word we focus on while we're writing is:  FALL.  Just click on this link to participate.

Ready go:

Let the rain fall down today in Maryland...all day long.  A light a gentle rain.  We read three picture books and visited the library to receive our summer reading gift.  The librarian said, "once you read five books you can come for your gift."  After we asked for our gift, another librarian said, "come get your gift at the end of the program in August."  I felt like falling over and fainting.  One says one thing and another says another thing.  What do you expect from the government?

Oh well, it is a good day to read and visit the library with the rain falling down all day.  A little chillier today than it has been recently.  My son and daughter need the sweats on when they go to their lifeguarding jobs.  I asked my son how work was when he came home and he said, "boring."  I felt like falling over and fainting - just kidding.  Oh well, at least he has a job.  I replied, "yea, it's a boring kind of day.

My other son is spending time at our Maryland beach house with friends in the rain today.  Hopefully, they'll be able to spend some sunny days there before they return home.  Hubby will be going to the beach house after time trials for swim team.

I think I will fall down and faint if it rains tomorrow for time trials...just kidding.  The rain has been falling down lightly at a steady pace all day today.  My daughter is getting ready to go lifeguard in the rain now.  There won't be too many people at the pool today.  Oh well, at least she has a job.

Hubby has been on the computer all day and there is much cleaning and organizing to do in the house.  I think I will fall down and faint...just kidding.  It is one of those rainy days we are trying to make the best of here in Maryland.  Our entire family still lives under one roof and it can be crazy on days like this.  Nevertheless, we said some prayers and lifted our hearts to God for his guidance and protection.  Let the rain fall down today!!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Ultimate Moment with Son


HE IS THE ONE IN THE BLUE T-SHIRT...THIS WAS MOTHER'S DAY 2013.

A few months ago, my second oldest son was home from college and I showed him the hospital records from his birth.  His is twenty-one years old now and is a beautiful person.

Unfortunately, he was born on the mental ward of the hospital and the records I showed him were the hospitals notes on my condition.  It was plain to see that I was not feeling very well with PTSD from an assault earlier in my life and mental anguish from a difficult pregnancy.

He is majoring in psychology and is presently finishing up his junior year.  Therefore, I thought it was a good time to show him the hospital records as there was a court case regarding my insurance for workers compensation.  He would find out about it some day.  I didn't want him to find the records when I had passed onto the next life without talking to me.

He was wordless after he read the hospital report.  A few weeks later, he came home again and asked me what happened the night he was born.  I proceeded to tell him that I was having symptoms from my illness and had to be hospitalized.  I was having severe labor pain in my back.

I was placed on the mental ward and would walk between my bedroom and another room trying to get comfortable on the beds for my back while moaning about the labor pains.  Finally, I thought I had to go to the restroom.  On my way out of the restroom, out he came...onto the floor.  He was crying and doctors said it was a good thing the umbilical cord broke.

I should have picked him up but the nurse came in as she must have heard his cries.  She picked him up to bring him to the maternity ward and another nurse came in to be with me.  It was definitely one of the hardest times in my life.

After the story, he gave me a huge hug and we embraced each other in love.  This was something I never told him as he was growing because his young mind would not understand it.  I've wanted desperately to tell him how much I love him and I picked the right time.  I finally felt great release to be able to communicate this to him.

All the years, having these memories in my heart about his difficult beginnings every time he accomplished something or reached a milestone.  I would think, "If he only knew how far he has come."  So often quite tears come to me as I think of him.

Now he knows.  We can share in the moment together and be glad we have overcome it together.  It was hard when my husband brought him home from the hospital and I had to stay there for another two weeks.  My heart was aching but I was having much difficulty.  Upon my return home, one of the greatest love stories began in my life by caring for my beautiful son.  My son is here and he is thriving!! I am so blessed to have a Lord who helped us overcome the odds!!

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Deo Gratias




Deo Gratias is Latin for "Thanks be to God." Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big and small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude! I invite you to share five blessings at Thoughts on Grace on Wednesdays with Colleen.

I am very grateful for:

1)  My daughters are grateful that it is "the last day of school tomorrow."  They will be taking exams and coming home early to go to swim team practice.

2)  My first grader is grateful that he "has a family that cares for him." We "teach and feed" him.

3)  I am grateful that my son is driving my daughters to school one more time tomorrow as I have to clean and take a shower for our last homeschool co-op in the morning.  Unfortunately, I forgot to put the ice cream cake in the freezer and it melted in the refrigerator.  Maybe I can purchase another one in the morning if there is time.

4)  I am grateful for the MeetUp I use to post my classes.  I was able to come up with a story and lesson on Father's Day for the boys.  Here is my MeetUp:  http://www.meetup.com/nucleusoflife-com/.  Feel free to join and look around to get ideas.  If you join, it doesn't mean you have to participate but I'd love your feedback on anything.

5)  I am thankful that my son's friend was able to pick him up and drive him home tonight as I had to go to the grocery store.  We were running out of food and I'm thankful I was able to restock some of it tonight.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Light in the Darkness






















I am posting to Light in the Darkness today.  What a joy to express some good news during the week.  Just click on the link to participate.

Today, I began teaching my son the Memorare prayer.  It is such a powerful prayer and my husband and I devoted our marriage to the Blessed Mother.  I am so excited for him to learn this prayer.  He is in first grade and his faith is very strong already.  Afterwards, we will learn the other prayers that we say at the end of the rosary like the St. Michael's prayer and then the Magnificat.  We try to say the whole rosary on Sundays.  We say a decade every day and my son recalls all Five Mysteries each day.  Now we can end with the Memorare.





Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. 
           
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.


Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/memorare.htm#ixzz2V9vqDNKD

Deo Gratias





Deo Gratias is Latin for "Thanks be to God." Remembering to give thanks for all of our blessings, big and small, helps us to find God in our everyday moments and gives us an attitude of gratitude! I invite you to share five blessings at Thoughts on Grace on Wednesdays (I'm late).

I am very grateful for:

1.)  The mechanic we found to fix up used cars:  Both of my sons will have fine used cars to use this year because we found an excellent mechanic.  He is completely honest and extremely knowledgeable and friendly.  This is a Godsend.  My oldest son has had his used car for over a year.  Now we have the opportunity to get our old car fixed up for my second oldest son.  It has been sitting in our driveway.  He said it is a good car and will be good to fix up.

2.)  I reconnected with this meme:  I've been missing this post to say what we've been thankful for during our week.  I'm so glad I found this meme to reconnect with blogger friends.

3.)  It is the last week for school for my daughters.  They are taking finals this week and swim team, lifeguarding, and coach-in-training will be starting up for the summer.  Once school is out, it will be much easier to focus on 'pool' activities.

4.)  The fact that hubby and I are going on more walks together.  It is a joy to be able to escape our responsibilities in the house and with work for an hour to walk in God's Creation.  We walk on a great bike path that has much shade on hot days. 

5.)  My son was able to drive the girls to school today.  He has to go to CPR training near their school so he can be a lifeguard this summer.  It was easier today for me because I have to pick up my daughters earlier this week since they will be finishing up earlier due to final exams.



Sunday, June 2, 2013

A Simple Woman's Daybook




I'm posting to A Simple Woman's Daybook for this Sunday in June.

Outside My Window:  It started out sunny today in Maryland on this relaxing Sunday.  The clouds started rolling in when my husband and I took a long walk together.  The walking path went through the woods and the flowers and honeysuckle smelled so good.  My hubby even picked some flowers for me that I smelled along our walk.  It was so romantic when a petal went up my nose and I blew it out and it came floating to the ground.  (just kidding - but it did happen)

I am thinking:  Our puppy, Bella, better stop chewing on the blanket I have wrapped around my shoulders.  She is so cute but chews on things too much.  I will be taking her to obedience classes this month.  She popped a hole in my son's basketball today.

I am thankful for:  A successful month of May that just passed.   We had four birthdays, one graduation, and one Confirmation in our family.  It all went very well.  It was a tiring month to say the least...NOW IT'S TIME TO RELAX...before swim team starts up.

I am also thankful for going through my growing son's old clothes and bringing them to a younger mom with two boys.

From the learning rooms:  I am still finishing up history and continuing the three R's:  Reading, Writing, and Math.  I'll be reading my son Leon Garfield's Shakespeare Stories II later today.  There is a story about Julius Caesar in it.  We read about him in history with Story of the World.

From the Kitchen:  Pork Roast

I am wearing: A blue and black jogging short set

I am creating:  A craft and story to read for our last NOL Co-op.  We will also have ice cream cake for the last class that I'll have to pick up later in the week.

I am going:  To the library in the neighboring county to pick out a good story for our Co-op class.  The library in our county has bad hours and is closed on Sunday.

I am reading:  Intellectuals and Race by Thomas Sowell.

I am hoping:  that I am going to manage well this week when hubby goes to the beach with my oldest son and his college buddies.  It is a graduation present for my son to use the Beach House for fun with his friends that graduated from college with him.

I am hearing:  My husband calling my oldest daughter to come get ready to go to work.  She is a lifeguard at our local neighborhood pool.  She is glad that it is overcast today so the pool will not be crowded.  When she comes home, she has to study for finals.

One of my favorite things:  was helping out at the graduation ceremony this past weekend at my two daughters' school.  The junior parents serve at the senior's graduation ceremony.  It was fun to have fellowship with other moms and serve the senior families.  The girls looked so nice in their cap and gowns and red flowers.

Around the house:  My youngest daughter and son are talking about something on the other computer and running outside to see the baby bunnies living under the sliding board to our swing set.  There is a whole family of baby bunnies there and you could see the hole that is used for their burrow.

I am wondering:  when my hubby will be home so that I can go to the library and when my college sons will be home later today.  He is just now pulling up the driveway.  Later today, maybe everyone will be home to say rosary together.

Some pictures to share: