This week, another homeschooling mom showed inspiring humility by sharing with me (...okay, "venting!") some of her frustrations that day. It seemed everything she had spent the past two decades teaching her children had flown directly out the window! The laundry was mountainous; the kitchen was a sticky mess; and school work that day was most characterized by inattention.
Go figure!
Now, I will have you know that this mother is widely regarded as a "Super Mom" around here, so you know where I'm going with this:
"Whew! Thank God! It's not just me!"
It's never easy to have a "bad day" with our children, and on the
most elemental level I think we moms actually are consoled by shared conversations that
include the selfish relief of, "Whew! It's not just me!" When we see
"Super Moms" who really DO have their act together in so many
ways and for so many years, their "bad day" here or there gives the rest of us
the encouragement of knowing that, even for the most talented mothers
among us, not every day is perfect, even in homeschooling.
Now, I'm not encouraging you here to go out and gripe gloomily and endlessly about your vocation as a stay-at-homeschooling-mom (or whatever your parental situation is), which actually is quite a privilege. I am, however, encouraging you not only to be a good listener to your mom-friends when they need to vent, but also to welcome the shared support of reciprocity in that regard. Allow yourself to share your frustrations or perceived failures with a trusted confidant who shares similar moral and family goals, and I'd be willing to bet you both will end your conversation by feeling the relief of released anxiety.
Lift each other up in prayer and be renewed in your commitment to the gift of the lifestyle that God has given you and your family!
It is a gift of humility for us to step out from behind The Polite Facade we all wear to face the public. Share that gift with a dear friend who can help you reorient your focus back to being on your knees, not in frustrated defeat, but in the triumph of grateful supplication and prayer.
As I like to say: "In homeschooling, not every day will be perfect, but every day will be blessed."
So, the years might fly by, but if today feels like an eternity, think about what God might be wanting you to learn today -- and perhaps it's not geography, math, nor algebra.
Plus, in the immortal words of Scarlett O'Hara, don't worry about it too much. Because, "after all, tomorrow is another day!"
October 20, 2012
October 14, 2012
Halloween + All Saints Costumes!
For many years, we were the fortunate attendees at an "All Saints Party," hosted by one of our homeschool group's wonderful families. With a parade of saints, potluck dinner, hayrides, tree swings, saints' candy path (you knew there had to be candy, right?), bonfire, and a late night music jam, there was something for everyone, from toddlers to teens. As the beneficiaries of this fabulous evening, we never really ran into the dilemma of "Halloween costumes" vs. "All Saints costumes."
Until now.
After nearly 20 years of welcoming well over 100 people to this festive annual event, and with their children all grown, that family understandably has retired from hosting it. God is so very good, however -- another family generously has stepped up to open their home and continue the tradition. (Thank you!)
The new "All Saints Party," however, will be held the weekend after Halloween.
(*gasp!*)
"But, what will we do on Halloween!?" my children wailed (yes, we get plenty of practice with scary noises around here).
Trick or treating, for me, absolutely is out of the question. There are far too many literally evil cultural influences on display and afoot on Halloween night to throw my lambs to the wolves just for the sake of a bag of candy. The devil requires only the slightest invitation to.... (*shudder*). Ugh. Perish the thought.
But, because my children are well-schooled on the actual origins of "All Hallows' Eve" (the Eve of the Feast of All Saints, or all holy [holy being "hallowed", as in "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name..."] souls), the interest is there to dress up and indulge one's sweet tooth.
So, welcome to The Great Costume Debate!
It's actually not a huge problem around here. My children still all are Lilliputians, who have neither the exposure to nor the stomach for the nauseatingly macabre costume fare available on the general market. But, they still want something with the appropriate "wow factor" for the season.
Hellooooooo, St. Denis!
If you have a boy who is looking for a Halloween costume, while you are looking for his All Saints costume, then St. Denis is the man for you! While many male saints can be represented in costume with a wide and varied assortment of masculine accoutrement and dangerous weapons, I've only seen St. Denis justifiably portrayed carrying around his own decapitated head.
No, really! It's true! Look here:
http://cantuar.blogspot.com/2012/10/saint-denis-head-carrying-bishop-of.html?utm_source=feedburner&tm_medium=feedutm_campaign=Feed%3A+taylormarshall+%28Canterbury+Tales+by+Taylor+Marshall%29
Another great resource for costume ideas for little ones always can be found on Lacy's blog at Catholic Icing. She has costume ideas for both girls and boys. She even has lists of groups of saints for family dress up!
And of course, here's an awesome list of saint costume ideas, from kilts to crosses and peasants to priests!
A blessed All Hallows Eve! Enjoy!
Until now.
After nearly 20 years of welcoming well over 100 people to this festive annual event, and with their children all grown, that family understandably has retired from hosting it. God is so very good, however -- another family generously has stepped up to open their home and continue the tradition. (Thank you!)
The new "All Saints Party," however, will be held the weekend after Halloween.
(*gasp!*)
"But, what will we do on Halloween!?" my children wailed (yes, we get plenty of practice with scary noises around here).
Trick or treating, for me, absolutely is out of the question. There are far too many literally evil cultural influences on display and afoot on Halloween night to throw my lambs to the wolves just for the sake of a bag of candy. The devil requires only the slightest invitation to.... (*shudder*). Ugh. Perish the thought.
But, because my children are well-schooled on the actual origins of "All Hallows' Eve" (the Eve of the Feast of All Saints, or all holy [holy being "hallowed", as in "Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name..."] souls), the interest is there to dress up and indulge one's sweet tooth.
So, welcome to The Great Costume Debate!
It's actually not a huge problem around here. My children still all are Lilliputians, who have neither the exposure to nor the stomach for the nauseatingly macabre costume fare available on the general market. But, they still want something with the appropriate "wow factor" for the season.Hellooooooo, St. Denis!
If you have a boy who is looking for a Halloween costume, while you are looking for his All Saints costume, then St. Denis is the man for you! While many male saints can be represented in costume with a wide and varied assortment of masculine accoutrement and dangerous weapons, I've only seen St. Denis justifiably portrayed carrying around his own decapitated head.
No, really! It's true! Look here:
http://cantuar.blogspot.com/2012/10/saint-denis-head-carrying-bishop-of.html?utm_source=feedburner&tm_medium=feedutm_campaign=Feed%3A+taylormarshall+%28Canterbury+Tales+by+Taylor+Marshall%29
And of course, here's an awesome list of saint costume ideas, from kilts to crosses and peasants to priests!
A blessed All Hallows Eve! Enjoy!
October 11, 2012
An Opportunity for Charity
No, really. It’s true.
When I worked for Catholic
Relief Services (CRS) (crs.org), we were well-familiar with Mother Teresa’s
Missionaries of Charity (motherteresa.org) based in Calcutta, India. CRS was one of the first organizations in the
early 1970s to recognize her vital mission.
“They gave me milk, when no one else would,” she remembered when
visiting the agency’s headquarters in Baltimore,
MD in 1996. Since the agency maintains a presence in Calcutta, CRS staff have
volunteered in Mother Teresa’s homes for the dying and other establishments for
“the poorest of the poor.”
And it was a well-known fact
that if you were able-bodied and showed up on her doorstep, you didn’t show up
empty-handed.
“You’d better have either a
check or a mop in your hands,” one agency member cheerfully recalled, shaking
his head with a grin. “Mother is
nobody’s fool.”
Mother Teresa advocated that
one must never deny a person the opportunity for charity, for that act of
charity might be the salvation of that person’s soul. But, charity must be given not only in the
coinage of the world but in the currency of heaven, too:
“Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love,
of kindness, of understanding, of peace. Money will come. If we seek first the Kingdom of God,
the rest will be given.” (Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
I invite you today to open
your hearts and your resources to some extraordinary, special-needs students,
who are seeking the Kingdom
of God, striving to learn
about and understand, through hands-on science, the world which God created for
them! It might seem like a small,
superfluous, or simple thing to support a little child’s science class when there
are many, many critical needs in our world today.
But, God has placed each of us
within each other’s orbit to do what we can for those who are closest to us. For a child with special needs to comprehend
even one more tiny aspect of the world around him – that IS a vital need!
And these children are right here
in our local community, in our own back yard.
As a matter of fact, one of them is there right now. Here.
In my own back yard.
No, really. I can see him out the kitchen window.
He’s my son.
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just
one.” (Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
The details of her course
(making abstract concepts real), materials, and costs (less than $650 for the entire
year!) may be found here (and below at the end of this blog post):
I hope you will join me in
supporting these kids and Ms. Sally (she was Frederick County’s
“Special Educator of the Year” last year!).
Every dollar counts – even $5.00 means the world! And if you donate by October 16th
and use the match code, “INSPIRE,” your gift will be DOUBLED!
“Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money
is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So,
spread your love everywhere you go.” (Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta)
Thank you so much for
considering these kids in your hearts and prayers!!!
_________________________________________
My Project: My students require hands-on learning materials they can view, touch, and maneuver to understand abstract concepts and make science REAL. Manipulatives allow a hands-on experience to make science real, fun, and meaningful!
_________________________________________
“Let Me Get My
Hands on That -- Making Science Real!!!”
Rock Creek
School
Science Teacher: Ms. Sally Grove
My Students: Learning science can be tough for any student,
but for my special needs students, it is especially challenging. I teach the best students in the world! Our school serves over 100 of the most
severely and profoundly disabled students, ages 3 to 21, who function
developmentally from Toddler to 2nd Grade.
I teach middle school science.My Project: My students require hands-on learning materials they can view, touch, and maneuver to understand abstract concepts and make science REAL. Manipulatives allow a hands-on experience to make science real, fun, and meaningful!
Project Details
Vendor
|
Price
|
#
|
Total
|
|
RE266 - Lens & Prism Set
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$16.95
|
1
|
$16.95
|
LC3540X - Prepared Slides - Complete Set
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$39.95
|
1
|
$39.95
|
FS326 - Super-Safe Prisms - Set of 6
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$29.95
|
1
|
$29.95
|
BA109 - See-Inside Bucket Balance
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$16.95
|
1
|
$16.95
|
EA133 - Count Up & Count Down Digital Timer
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$13.99
|
2
|
$27.98
|
JJ159 - Lakeshore Electricity Lab
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$49.95
|
1
|
$49.95
|
DS575 - Simple Machines Activity Cards
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$14.95
|
1
|
$14.95
|
DS574 - Simple Machines Discovery Set
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$42.95
|
1
|
$42.95
|
GR700 - Life Cycle Sequencing Kit
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$29.95
|
1
|
$29.95
|
DD904 - Life Cycle of a Frog Elementary Specimen Set
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$49.95
|
1
|
$49.95
|
FS491 - Human X-Rays - Set of 18
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$26.95
|
1
|
$26.95
|
CE501 - Magnetic Field Wonder Window
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$29.95
|
1
|
$29.95
|
LC1011 - Sink or Float Exploration Kit
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$49.95
|
1
|
$49.95
|
EE512 - Lakeshore Magnet Kit
|
Lakeshore Learning
|
$49.95
|
1
|
$49.95
|
$0.00
|
||||
$28.58
|
||||
$7.14
|
||||
$30.00
|
||||
Project cost excluding donation
to support DonorsChoose.org
|
$542.05
|
|||
$95.66
|
||||
$637.71
|
||||
5 Donors
|
-$257.06
|
|||
GOAL TO GO!
|
$380.65
|
|||
October 2, 2012
September 29, 2012
40 Miles For Life - HE DID IT!
HE DID IT!
From 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Chris ran forty miles from the abortion clinic on Tollhouse Avenue in Frederick, to the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Peter's in Libertytown, to the Grotto of Lourdes at MSM in Emmitsburg. He made it throughout the day consuming only water and nutritional liquid supplements, without any solid food until he got home at 5:30 p.m.
WOW!!!
Along the way, people graciously called to update me with reports of, "He's healthy!" and "He looks fresh and great!", etc. And our eldest son and I were privileged to be Chris's crew at a midday stop in Creagerstown.
THANK YOU to every single one of you! We never could have done it without your gracious and generous support! All in the quest to end abortion through prayer and fasting! May God bless you and all our efforts for LIFE in the same measure as you have so kindly given of your time and talents today.
Thank you!
September 28, 2012
40 Days of Fast and Prayer
When the apostles were unable to expel a particularly powerful demon, Our Lord admonished them, "But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." (Matthew 17:21).
Today marks the beginning of our opportunity for 40 days of fast and prayer for our nation, ending on Election Day on November 2nd! Please make whatever prayers and sacrifices you can to save our nation! Remember, we are placed under the patronage of Our Lady as the Immaculate Conception, and her Son cannot refuse her requests.
Today marks the beginning of our opportunity for 40 days of fast and prayer for our nation, ending on Election Day on November 2nd! Please make whatever prayers and sacrifices you can to save our nation! Remember, we are placed under the patronage of Our Lady as the Immaculate Conception, and her Son cannot refuse her requests.
September 22, 2012
Ember Days
BONUS GRACES: Because today is the Saturday following September
14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), it is part of one of the
quarterly sets of Ember Days of the Church. Click here for a detailed explanation. Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!
(see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)
(see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)
September 21, 2012
Ember Days
BONUS GRACES: Because today is the Friday following September
14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), it is part of one of the
quarterly sets of Ember Days of the Church. Click here for a detailed explanation. Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!
(see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)
(see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)
September 19, 2012
Ember Days
BONUS GRACES: Because today is the Wednesday following September
14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross), it is part of one of the
quarterly sets of Ember Days of the Church. Click here for a detailed explanation. Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!
(see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)
(see also http://catholicism.about.com/od/holydaysandholidays/p/Ember_Days.htm)
September 15, 2012
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
http://catholicinformation.aquinasandmore.com/2012/09/04/september-is-the-month-of-the-seven-sorrows/
September 14, 2012
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Novena Prayer
Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).
We trust completely in Your Mercy. Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.
(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)
Amen.
(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)
__________________________________________
This day also is called the Exaltation of the Cross, Elevation of the Cross, Holy Cross Day, Holy Rood Day, or Roodmas. The liturgy of the Cross is a triumphant liturgy. When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the people, it was a foreshadowing of the salvation through Jesus, when He was lifted up on the Cross. Our Mother Church sings of the triumph of the Cross, the instrument of our redemption. To follow Christ we must take up His cross, follow Him and become obedient until death, even if it means death on the cross. We identify with Christ on the Cross and share in His cross.
We make the Sign of the Cross before prayer, which helps to fix our minds and hearts to God. After prayer we make the Sign of the Cross to keep close to God. During trials and temptations, our strength and protection is the Sign of the Cross. At Baptism, we are sealed with the Sign of the Cross, signifying the fullness of redemption and that we belong to Christ.
Let us look to the cross frequently, and realize that when we make the Sign of the Cross we give our entire self to God — mind, soul, heart, body, will, thoughts.
BONUS ACTIVITY: Tradition holds that sweet basil grew over the hill where St. Helena found the Holy Cross, so in Greece the faithful are given sprigs of basil by the priest. Cook a basil pesto, tomato basil salad (with the last of the summer tomatoes!) or some other type of recipe that includes basil, and explain to the tradition to your family.
BONUS GRACES: The Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following September 14th (the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross) mark one of the quarterly sets of Ember Days of the Church. Click here for a detailed explanation. Don't miss this special opportunity for efficacious prayer and fasting!
(source: http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2012-09-14)
September 13, 2012
Novena (Day 9): Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Novena (Day 9 of 9)
Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).
We trust completely in Your Mercy. Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.
(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)
Amen.
(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)
September 12, 2012
Novena (Day 8): Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Novena (Day 8 of 9)
Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).
We trust completely in Your Mercy. Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.
(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)
Amen.
(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)
September 11, 2012
Novena (Day 7): Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Novena (Day 7 of 9)
Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).
We trust completely in Your Mercy. Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.
(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)
Amen.
(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)
September 10, 2012
Novena (Day 6): Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Novena (Day 6 of 9)
Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us, willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for: (mention your request).
We trust completely in Your Mercy. Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted, Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may all come at last to the glory of Heaven.
(Pray an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.)
Amen.
(Novena prayer courtesy of EWTN Global Catholic Network, www.ewtn.com)
("Crucifixion", Painting by Spanish painter Alonso Cano {1601-1667}, Oil on Canvas, c. 1640.)
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