Simple Woman's Daybook - April, May, and June 2017

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook for April, May, and June 2017.

Outside my Window...it is presently a cool overcast day.  It is a great day to home-school.  I usually don't turn the fireplace on in April...but I did today for a little while.  I think we have global cooling in Maryland because it is June when I type this next sentence and it is still cooler than usual. 

Finally, today: June 13th, we are having some sunny hot weather. A wonderful home-school father and his sons are putting in a new back deck for us.  I might have to give them some popsicles later to cool them off.

I am Thinking...that I hope the Lord guides the progress of my children.  

Colin/26 - Receiving his Ph.D. in Engineering and this fall going to live with some Franciscan Monks in New York to help serve the homeless for a short period. He expressed that he does not want to become a priest nor has he given up on girls.  Therefore, we will see where the Holy Spirit leads him! 

Brandyn/25 - Living at home to finish up his Nursing Degree at the local community college. Also working part time at University of Maryland in Baltimore Hospital. 

Kristen/21 - Just transitioned from University of Maryland to Montgomery College to finish up her Nursing Degree.  She will be going on a mission trip this summer to Latin America and working as a lifeguard sub at the local pool.  

Claire/17 - Attending University of Nebraska in the fall to begin her degree program in early childhood education.  We are currently attending her high school graduation celebrations.  She is on swim team and life guarding at the local pool for her summer job.

Patrick/10 - Continuing to finish up 5th grade home-school lessons and participate in swim team and soccer.

I am Thankful...for the deacon at our local parish as he communicated with my brother who has colon cancer to see if the Church can assist him in any way while he is getting treatment. That was in April.  Now it is June and they should offer him Prayers of the Sick sacrament.  

I am also thankful that my fifth grader was able to speed up his completion of his fourth quarter home-school material. Now he is basically finishing up just reading and vocabulary.  He is working on a book report about Saint John Bosco by Catherine Beebe.  He said that he may choose this Saint for his Confirmation name. Right now he is outside at recess playing with a neighbor.

In the Kitchen...We had pork chops, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob.  That was in April.  In June, Brandyn helped me make up my own seasoning for the pork chops.  It turned out very good.  

Last night, June 12th, my hubby barbecued chicken and potatoes.  I love the way potatoes taste when they are barbecued. Although I didn't have dinner last night as my stomach did not feel so good. 

I am Wearing...Black sweats with a blue tee and grey and pink jacket.  Cozy clothes to snuggle indoors on this rainy day.  That was in April.  Now (in June) I'm wearing black jeans, short sleeved blouse, black sweater, and flip flops. Today, June 13th, I'm in shorts as it is very hot today.

I am Creating...a simple craft to have for my journal writing class and a yummy dessert for the end of the year celebration for our home-school coop. That was in April.  

In June, I am continuing to develop ideas for my journal writing class.

I am Looking Forward to...sunny and warm weather with the swim team starting up for our two youngest children and life guarding positions for my daughters.  The swim team pasta dinner is this Friday evening.  I am making Creamy Pesto-Chicken Casserole.

I am Hearing...three of my kids and the dog fooling around and playing in the background with hubby talking on the phone about college to my daughter at University of Maryland.  That was in April.  

Now it is June and I was the first one up today.  It is 8:00 a.m. and I hear a couple others beginning to rise. Today, June 13th, I hear the men and boys working on the deck.

Around the House...In April, we finally cleared out much of the clutter in our basement, got new walls and new floor with some book shelves too.  It looks much better.  We will be getting a new air conditioning and new deck in June.

I am Praying...for my brother who has colon cancer. I am also praying for my mother who is very worried.  I am also praying for myself that I do not have any setbacks or recurring issues with my illness as I have recently. I am currently receiving some treatment. I am also praying for my oldest son who is over in Sweden for his career.

One of My Favorite Things...was celebrating Easter with the family and taking a weekend trip to Ocean City, Maryland.  That was April.  Now in June we are busy with Claire's graduation celebrations.  Here is a pic to share:

A Few Plans for Next Week...finish my craft for my journal writing class and turn in religious education registration to Mother Seton Parish.

Here are some recent pics to share of one of the graduation events my family attended for my daughter:

Simple Woman's Daybook - October

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook for October.

Outside my Window...as soon as the first day of October rolled around in Maryland, the temperature dropped and we had some rainy weather. It feels a bit more like autumn suddenly.  The temperature must be in the 60's or 70's rather than the 80's or 90's as it was most of September.  The other day it was a beautiful sunny day though...a bit of Indian Summer coming through (just for a few days) in the 80's for a high. Today was beautiful too:  cooler in the 60's with a strong cool wind, bright blue sky, and puffy white clouds!

I am Thinking...that the month started out a bit rocky in terms of my PTSD but seems to be more under control now.  My daughter did very good visiting three colleges last week:  University of Maryland, Catholic University, and James Madison University.  She is a senior in high school and she is handling the stress of college visits very well.  She is not sure what college is her favorite yet. She visited others as well in neighboring states.  I drove her to a friends party tonight in Virginia.

I am Thankful...for the two coops that my son is in.  One is close to home and the moms and families are all very nice.  He is taking history, science, art, and choir.   Even though he is doubling up on his history and science, he seems to be enjoying his curriculum.  The other is further away and we attend coop less often (There are only 8 classes as opposed to 16 classes this fall semester).  I teach one class and it is going very well.  I'm teaching kindergarten journal writing.

I am also thankful that we found a great used car for my other daughter in college.  She won't have it on campus yet but when she comes home she will be able to use her own car.  She is ecstatic!

In the Kitchen...I made Spicy Buffalo Chicken Bites for the last Maryland football game we attended at the beginning of the month.  I've been making Ruebin Roll-Ups and freezing them in preparation for the next game.  I'll have spicy and horse radish mustard with them.  Here are some pics from the last game.

My son is a ham! Just kidding!

I am Wearing...black sweats, a blue tee, and a grey and pink jacket.

I am Reading...I have seven books I'm busy with:  1) Out From Under: The Impact of Homosexual Parenting by Dawn Stefanowicz; 2) Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely by Lysa TerKeurst; 3) How to be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving by David Richo - I'm reading with my hubby; 4) My son's book I'm helping him with a book report - If All the Swords in England: A Story of Thomas Beckett by Barbara Willard; 5) The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian; 6) The Catholic Controversy - A Defense of the Faith by St. Francis De Sales; and continuously a daily devotional to keep me away from vice - 7) Imitation of Mary by Alexander De Rouville

I am Creating...Two potential crafts:  One for my home journal class and the other for my coop journal class. I am also having a flyer made for my class.

I am Looking Forward to...I looked forward to celebrating our 30th anniversary this month. We spent the sunny day hiking Sugarloaf Mountain, drinking wine on the way down, and going out to dinner.  Here is some pics:

I am Hearing...the educational channel my son was watching.  He is restricted from watching too much junk t.v.

Around the House...I have to finish organizing some of my clothes in the bedroom.  I bought baskets to organize outfits on my shelves. I also did a major clean up in my son's bedroom with him today!  Hallelujah!

I am Praying...for our country and for babies in the womb.

One of My Favorite Things...was having my son in an Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) class this year.  He is doing very well.  It is nice to develop numerous ways to write instead of just one way.  Therefore, any new exposures are beneficial for him.

A Few Plans for Next Week...attend my son's evaluation to place him on an Upward basketball team.

Here is a recent pic to share of my daughter and I at the University of Maryland game:

Simple Woman's Daybook (September)

I am participating in a Simple Woman's Daybook.

Outside my Window...it is going to go up to 94 today in Maryland according to this mornings weather report on WMAL.  It is currently pleasant in the morning as we just returned from walking our dog, Bella.  She attracted a couple of our neighbors' dogs.  It's so funny how she gets so excited when she first sees them at times...and...suddenly...a couple minutes later...she doesn't even know the other dogs are there.  Why is her "doggy world" like this?

I am Thinking...I am very concerned about my 24 year old son.  His heart is breaking as he just helped his girlfriend move three hours away to attend grad school.  His girlfriend is studying to be a physical therapist and they just tacked on three more years of study for this degree.  I do not see the need for this.  I think people (likely liberals) are specifically making it harder for young people to start families together.

Son and Girlfriend

I am Thankful...for the interview I had with a local Catholic school to possibly be a substitute teacher in the future.  In the meantime, I might be able to help with after school care.

In the Kitchen...We barbecued chicken last night and had mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.  I also made some yummy Buffalo Chicken Bites for our next tailgate at University of Maryland football games.

Dinner last night

Yummy Tailgate Food

I am Wearing...pink shorts, grey tee, and black flip flops.

I am Reading...My son's book on Thomas Becket with him.

I am Creating...Two crafts for two different journal classes I am teaching.

I am Looking Forward to...going to the Penn State game with Maryland in Pennsylvania with my hubby, other son, girlfriend, and her parents.  It will be the first time we meet her parents.  She is a beautiful girl my son met on CatholicMatch.com.  I've heard about 1/3 of couples are meeting online these days.

Son and Girlfriend

I am Hearing...the quiet in the house while my son is doing his religion. He studies three separate religion books, including the Catechism and Bible History.

Around the House...I just watched the ending of the "Lord of the Rings" with my 5th grader last night.  It was so good that I could hardly take my eyes off of what was going to happen next!

I am Praying...for my children and our country/military...always...always...always!

One of My Favorite Things...was seeing my 5th grader double up on some of his work this year so that he does not fall behind.

A Few Plans for Next Week...attend Back-To-School night at my daughter's Catholic school in Virginia.  I always look forward to meeting her teachers.

Here is a recent pic to share:

Family at the Beach 2016 Summer

"Doctor in the House" by Michael Burgess

I just finished reading Michael Burgess' book "Doctor in the House" where it shows how dangerous it is to permit Democrats to take control of Congress and the presidency with a majority because they are unprofessional and unethical in their business ventures.  There were good proposals and alternatives to Obamacare put forth by Republicans that were ignored, turned down, and lied about to the American people.  I just can't imagine working with people like this because it can cause great suffering and even depression.  Michael Burgess is a Republican in Texas that used to be a doctor.  Here are some of his suggestions that were put forth:

1)  Insurance Reform:  In the spring of 2009 Nathan Deal and Michael Burgess introduced HR4019 and HR4020 to the 111th Congress.

-  HR4019: Limiting Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions in all Health Insurance Markets

-  HR4020: Guaranteed Access to Health Insurance Act

2)  Tax Fairness:  HR3218 was Improving Health Care for All Americans Act authored by Congressman John Shadegg of Arizona and consisted of:

(a)  Refundable tax credits for medical costs

(b)  Expansion of access to health insurance coverage through individual membership associations

(c)  Incentivizing creation of high risk pools

3)  Medical Liability Reform:  Mr. Burgess communicated with Obama on several occasions before the passage of the health care reform bill regarding the success of Texas' capping of noneconomic damages

Idaho, for example, established a pre-trial hearing panel to review pending lawsuits which saves tax payers money and lowers liability insurance premiums.  So there are success stories that are ignored.

4)  Portability - 2005:  HR2355 - Health Care Choice Act (re-introduced twice)  which involves the ability to shop for health insurance plans across state lines.

5)  Medicare Payment Reform:  HR3693 - Future Physician Workforce Act (doc-fix legislation) tackled and solved the Medicare reimbursement issue which is a huge liability to all involved.  Obama's plan just feeds into this problem making it worse.

6)  Create Products People Want:  There is no stampede of people rushing to buy the government's HHS attempted monopoly of an insurance policy which builds a national risk pool (copied from Republican idea) around participants.  Mandates have no place in a free society.  There are some brilliant minds in the insurance industry.  Why would one attempt to shut the ideas of others out?  This is also where health savings accounts can apply too.

7)  Price Transparency:  The Healthcare Price Transparency Promotion Act directed states to establish and maintain laws requiring disclosure of information on hospital charges.  Also, hospitals and health plans had to make information available to the public.  Better informed and more empowered citizens make good choices.

8)  Preventive Care and Wellness Programs:  Under Obama's PPACA the cost curve has been bent upward rather than downward (the opposite of what O previously claimed).  Why can't insurance companies be released from restrictive regulations and be allowed to reward healthy life style choices?

9)  Doctors to Care for Americas Patients:  Michael Burgess repeatedly introduced Physician Workforce Enhancement Act.

Great Picture Books

Here are more great picture books I read with my five year old:

1)  A Weekend with Wendel by Kevin Henkes

This is a wonderful story about a mouse named Wendell who has not learned his manners yet.  He stays the weekend at a friends house and the family experiences some difficult and humerous encounters with Wendell.  Wendell learns a valuable lesson in the end and the family is releived that he has to return home.  It is a good story to introduce youngsters to choose civility in encountering any difficult peers.

2)  Sophie's Window by Holly Keller

A great story about a bird who learns to fly with some difficulty.  The bird miraculously meets a friendly dog who helps him return to safety until he learns to fly on his own.  They become great friends after the dog reaches out to help the bird.

3)  Little Rabbit Lost by Harry Horse

If you are ever worried about your little one getting lost in a crowd, this is a good story to help your child learn to stay near mom.  Little Rabbit wants to be grown up too fast and learns the hard way that he has to wait until he is a little bigger.

4)  One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian

The fox learns that he should not take things that do not belong to him by encountering some unwanted strenuous activity to have something returned to him.  A great lesson to reinforce the seventh commandment, "Thou shalt not steal."

5)  The Caterpillar and the Polliwog by Jack Kent

The caterpillar is very excited because she knows she will one day become something else and tells everyone she encounters.  The polliwog learns he will become something else too and is lead to believe that it is also a butterfly.  At the end of the story, the polliwog is delighted to learn that he becomes a frog.  This story introduces children to the concept of metamorphisis in a fun way.

Great Picture Book

I just wanted to tell everyone about a wonderful picture book I've been enjoying with my five year old this summer.  It is called Five-Minute Devotions for Children, Celebrating God's World as a Family by Pamela Kennedy.  There are 21 animals/insects your child will learn about along with a short biblical commentary and bible verse to go along with the animals behavior/character/situation.  We just read about spiders today learning how they spin their webs and kill and wait for their prey.  The bible commentary revealed that telling the truth is the best way to stay out of the web of lies and a reference to psalm 34:13.  Each page has a delightful picture with simple questions to keep them engaged and test their listening.  You can purchase this book from Amazon.

Great Picture Books

These are such wonderful books that are teaching my four year old about baby animals and how they grow, their habitats, if they hatch from eggs, how long they stay with their mothers, what they like to eat, their predators, etc.  Each page is presented with a colorful picture and beautiful story text that shows how mother animals take care of their young and the habitat they live in.  Learning about animals is very attractive to young children as it is nature the way God has designed it.  We received these books as a gift years ago and never grow old of reading them to our young ones.  They are a wonderful gift idea too.  They come in a set with twelve small books that keep the attention span of the very young.  I highly recommend them. See
http://www.amazon.com/Leap-Frog-Nature-Books-Jackrabbit/dp/B004BI0516/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1308564984&sr=8-4