Hanging out with a friend: clockwise from top is Boo, Bunka, Melon and our buddy.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Be Bold; Keep the Rules
I glanced at the cover of what I thought I had brought home from the library "free" pile of magazines. It wasn't the one I thought I'd grabbed. It was a magazine I hadn't seen before called "More" for women over 40.
Wanting to be open minded, I read through the highlighted articles. The largest, with a big picture of Diane Keaton read: "Be Bold, Break the Rules."
You know what? It's not at all bold to break the rules. Not really. Not now. Breaking the rules, especially the perceived rules, is somewhat of a sport.
Take a look at any lifestyle or personality section of any paper or magazine. The headlines revel in rule-breaking. When was the last time you opened the local paper to read the elevating story of a monagamous couple celebrating the birth of their 5th, 6th, 7th, etc. child? Or are you more likely to hear of drug use, jail sentences, wild parties, scanty clothes and various liasons? Now, I know I sound like a cranky old lady, but really, what's the challenge in following the crowd?
Being a veteran rule-breaker, I have to tell you, it's quite simple to break the rules. It's so much easier to let the tide of anger or sloth sweep you away from what you should be doing, or not doing. Ahem.
Truly, it's more of a challenge to keep the rules. Wouldn't it be easier to simply say, "Gee, I've had enough of sock wads near (not in) the hamper. You're out of here buddy!" than to bite your tongue and pick up the said sock wad? For the billionth time. Try it. Just for a day. Keep your tone gentle and your words kind. Or, more personally, eat only what you need. Where's the glory in pushing away the second helping? NOT eating the gooey chocolate dessert? Be bold. Keep the Rules.
Wanting to be open minded, I read through the highlighted articles. The largest, with a big picture of Diane Keaton read: "Be Bold, Break the Rules."
You know what? It's not at all bold to break the rules. Not really. Not now. Breaking the rules, especially the perceived rules, is somewhat of a sport.
Take a look at any lifestyle or personality section of any paper or magazine. The headlines revel in rule-breaking. When was the last time you opened the local paper to read the elevating story of a monagamous couple celebrating the birth of their 5th, 6th, 7th, etc. child? Or are you more likely to hear of drug use, jail sentences, wild parties, scanty clothes and various liasons? Now, I know I sound like a cranky old lady, but really, what's the challenge in following the crowd?
Being a veteran rule-breaker, I have to tell you, it's quite simple to break the rules. It's so much easier to let the tide of anger or sloth sweep you away from what you should be doing, or not doing. Ahem.
Truly, it's more of a challenge to keep the rules. Wouldn't it be easier to simply say, "Gee, I've had enough of sock wads near (not in) the hamper. You're out of here buddy!" than to bite your tongue and pick up the said sock wad? For the billionth time. Try it. Just for a day. Keep your tone gentle and your words kind. Or, more personally, eat only what you need. Where's the glory in pushing away the second helping? NOT eating the gooey chocolate dessert? Be bold. Keep the Rules.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
8 Things about me
So Minnesota Mom has challenged me to tattle on myself a bit. I'll have to think hard and come up with at least one she doesn't know yet from my denizen of dark secrets. Hmmm...
1. I speak french; not well, but I try. I began learning french when the german class was too full at our little high school and I was told to take the class if I wanted to have a foreign language credit that semester. But why a foreign language? I decided in 8th grade that taking a foreign language was mysterious and exciting, like being a spy or taking typing. (Seriously, that the was mental equation)
2. I secretly aspire to be a writer someday. I have always loved to put pen to paper and be part of that mysterious creation. Which leads me to #3:
3. I am a serious, dyed in the wool, hard-core procrastinator. I "have all the good intentions" and so on, but I get lost in the shuffle of daily life. Admittedly, I have made real progress through the years, but making and keeping priorites, is, well, something I'm still learning.
4. I have lived in 7 states: Indiana, Minnesota, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, and Alaska. How's that for geography? North to South, East to West and a bit in the middle. Brian says the next move will have to be to a territory, just to keep up the theme. (The next move?!?) I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of people and how unique each place is and was.
5. I am not a "natural" mom. I have always admired moms who effortlessly cuddle their wee babes and straighten their young men's ties with finesse and affection. To me, this is a learned skill. God, in His infinite goodness has given me oodles of grace in this area.
6. I have 8 siblings: 5 here with us and 3 wee 'uns rejoicing in the beatific vision. I am number 4 and have yet to learn how to not cook far more food than the 4 1/2 of us here need to eat.
7. I am a collector of things. I love teapots and baskets, fabric and paper, books (and books and books and books) and all office supplies. Hence, I am having a garage sale before moving across town in a few short weeks.
8. I have a wickedly short temper. St. Jerome is my bud. He knows my need. This is one of those "growing with time and grace" things. I still boil over sometimes, but most of it gets dealt with inside rather than after the fact. Mercifully, Our Lord also gave me a fairly short memory. While I might have been wildly angry yesterday, I might not remember why today. Only that I need to apologize.
So, who to tag? How about Lauren, both Summa Mamas, and Helen? That's not 8, but it is what I came up with.
For this meme, each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules
of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At
the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then
goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have
been tagged and asking them to read your blog.
1. I speak french; not well, but I try. I began learning french when the german class was too full at our little high school and I was told to take the class if I wanted to have a foreign language credit that semester. But why a foreign language? I decided in 8th grade that taking a foreign language was mysterious and exciting, like being a spy or taking typing. (Seriously, that the was mental equation)
2. I secretly aspire to be a writer someday. I have always loved to put pen to paper and be part of that mysterious creation. Which leads me to #3:
3. I am a serious, dyed in the wool, hard-core procrastinator. I "have all the good intentions" and so on, but I get lost in the shuffle of daily life. Admittedly, I have made real progress through the years, but making and keeping priorites, is, well, something I'm still learning.
4. I have lived in 7 states: Indiana, Minnesota, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Texas, and Alaska. How's that for geography? North to South, East to West and a bit in the middle. Brian says the next move will have to be to a territory, just to keep up the theme. (The next move?!?) I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of people and how unique each place is and was.
5. I am not a "natural" mom. I have always admired moms who effortlessly cuddle their wee babes and straighten their young men's ties with finesse and affection. To me, this is a learned skill. God, in His infinite goodness has given me oodles of grace in this area.
6. I have 8 siblings: 5 here with us and 3 wee 'uns rejoicing in the beatific vision. I am number 4 and have yet to learn how to not cook far more food than the 4 1/2 of us here need to eat.
7. I am a collector of things. I love teapots and baskets, fabric and paper, books (and books and books and books) and all office supplies. Hence, I am having a garage sale before moving across town in a few short weeks.
8. I have a wickedly short temper. St. Jerome is my bud. He knows my need. This is one of those "growing with time and grace" things. I still boil over sometimes, but most of it gets dealt with inside rather than after the fact. Mercifully, Our Lord also gave me a fairly short memory. While I might have been wildly angry yesterday, I might not remember why today. Only that I need to apologize.
So, who to tag? How about Lauren, both Summa Mamas, and Helen? That's not 8, but it is what I came up with.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Overheard
Preteen daughter, holding 6 month old bald-as-a-peach Bunka, freshly bathed: "I used volumizing shampoo. I think it helped."
Thursday, May 31, 2007
May flowers bring good neighbors
This was the first May Day that refused to slip by unnoticed by us. Inspired, as we so often are, by Minnesota Mom, we made a handful of May baskets and deposited them on our neighbors doors.
Keep in mind that is it more our custom (when I say our, I mean my) to procrastinate and look back with regret after the fact at the missed opportunity. So this was, genuinely, a coup.
We don't know our neighbors well. Although we have been here for over 2 years in our "temporary" duplex, for the most part we haven't taken many opportunities to extend ourselves. Many neighbors have come and gone, as is the case in most rental areas. Our little cul-de-sac is entirely duplexes, largely owned by landlords, though a few are owned by tenant landlords. They live in one half while the other half is rented out.
Such is the case with our nearest neighbor. They have been here, if I remember correctly, as long as we have. But things have not been as quiet and simple as one might desire. In fact, there were a few dramatic moments. Like the one where I flew breathlessly down the steps and begged the gentleman to please, please, please not allow his dear pets to use our yard in the process of their "morning duty." He was taken aback, partly I am sure by my appearance, the hour, and my begging.
So imagine my surprise when the doorbell rang a few days into the month of May early in the day. I was still in robe, so I let eldest son answer. It was the neighbor. She had a pot of clever little "roses" to give to us, thanking us for the May basket. Each was a silk flower attached to a pen, pushed into several inches of pinto beans.
I was humbled. Here it took us so long to do a little something kind and how much it would have saved us! And the very next weekend, Mr. Neighbor cleaned and raked our back yard while we were away! Lesson learned (I hope!) as we prepare to have new neighbors.
Keep in mind that is it more our custom (when I say our, I mean my) to procrastinate and look back with regret after the fact at the missed opportunity. So this was, genuinely, a coup.
We don't know our neighbors well. Although we have been here for over 2 years in our "temporary" duplex, for the most part we haven't taken many opportunities to extend ourselves. Many neighbors have come and gone, as is the case in most rental areas. Our little cul-de-sac is entirely duplexes, largely owned by landlords, though a few are owned by tenant landlords. They live in one half while the other half is rented out.
Such is the case with our nearest neighbor. They have been here, if I remember correctly, as long as we have. But things have not been as quiet and simple as one might desire. In fact, there were a few dramatic moments. Like the one where I flew breathlessly down the steps and begged the gentleman to please, please, please not allow his dear pets to use our yard in the process of their "morning duty." He was taken aback, partly I am sure by my appearance, the hour, and my begging.
So imagine my surprise when the doorbell rang a few days into the month of May early in the day. I was still in robe, so I let eldest son answer. It was the neighbor. She had a pot of clever little "roses" to give to us, thanking us for the May basket. Each was a silk flower attached to a pen, pushed into several inches of pinto beans.
I was humbled. Here it took us so long to do a little something kind and how much it would have saved us! And the very next weekend, Mr. Neighbor cleaned and raked our back yard while we were away! Lesson learned (I hope!) as we prepare to have new neighbors.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
A Successful Hunt
So the house we originally had our little hearts set on sold to a different family. But within a few days, and many houses later, we found the exact same model house (they're everywhere!) for only a wee bit more with every little thing updated. St. Joe's good.
Now we wait. The closing isn't scheduled for 7 more weeks, but, if all goes well, we'll be using our new school room by the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. And that, I think, would please St. Joseph.
Now we wait. The closing isn't scheduled for 7 more weeks, but, if all goes well, we'll be using our new school room by the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. And that, I think, would please St. Joseph.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
St. Joseph, Patron of House Hunters
Would it be untoward to drop a St. Joseph medal at the house you're hoping to buy? Or would it be better to leave a miraculous medal and know that St. Joe, dear man that he is, completely understands?
Boo says to leave both, just in case.
In any case, Papa and I decided last night that the house we should get will have a natural spot for both dear St. Joseph, and a nice, new, outdoor Mary. After all, we look for the spot to put the outrageously large hutch that Papa's family calls the Breakfront (anything that large gets its own capital letter.)
Won't you please say a brief prayer for us and all other families seeking a little place to plant our Mary garden?
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Making Mary's Month
Every year I commit to making Mary's month a special, prayerful time. It is, after all, such a wonderful opportunity to tie our children's heartstrings to the mother of God. And who is a better, more worthy model for this scattered homeschooling mom?
But every year, I find myself behind the 8 ball; finishing the school year, baseball, spring recital...somehow the time for planning and carrying out my plans slips away.
Well, this fine spring morning reminds me that Mary loves us dearly. She does not hold the rod of discipline or disapproval. Remember the first little weedy, little bouquet given by your child, roots swinging beneath grubby fingers? Didn't your heart melt? Our Lady loves us even more. Whatever gift we give is lovingly accepted as it is.
So this year, I am resolving to not be perfect, just loving. We have put up a sweet little May altar, we're playing "Bring Flowers of the Fairest" and the Ave Maria and lighting a few candles. And asking for the grace to love.
Happy May. Happy Spring.
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Month of May
Despite the fact the May always follows April I am again surprised to find myself in the month of Mary. Like Minnesota Mom, I'll be running out to gather a few things for the day.
One thing I've always wanted to try was a Mary Garden. The dear man that he is, my husband recently indulged me in th
e purchase of an old book called , "Mary's Flowers: Gardens, Legends and Meditations" Although a dingy green thumb may lead us to a nice patch of hearty marigolds this year, I can at least learn more about the different flowers whose names gave honor to our beloved Mother. One place to take a peek is these fine folk in PA http://www.mgardens.org/ .
e purchase of an old book called , "Mary's Flowers: Gardens, Legends and Meditations" Although a dingy green thumb may lead us to a nice patch of hearty marigolds this year, I can at least learn more about the different flowers whose names gave honor to our beloved Mother. One place to take a peek is these fine folk in PA http://www.mgardens.org/ .Here's an amazing list of possible flowers and their meanings: http://www.fisheaters.com/marygardens.html as well as May crowning ideashttp://www.fisheaters.com/customseastertide5.html.
It's Spring in the GWN
It's Spring, finally, in the Great White North. How do we know this? Daddy asked eldest son to find his baseball mitt, I gave the car a swish (really is was more than a swish, but I will call it like it looks. They were REALLY dirty from a long, mushy meltdown) and garage sale and "for sale" signs are popping like dandelions.
One of the other sure signs of spring? Curriculum fairs! Yeah! I am still processing from our local, non-sectarian, fair and am praying fervently for the grace to attend the fair in the lovely city of Minneapolis, MN http://www.mnconference.org/. With God's generous grace, I'll fly to hear Andrew Pudewa and Danielle Bean, among others, inspire and encourage.
I wanted to add a couple notes from a slightly less than postulant curriculum fair go-er. I discovered that curriculum fairs are mountains of info to be admired and selectively scaled. One tip I read recently helped me a great deal. Find out who is going to be there and research what they carry. Keep a list of things that look like they need some hands-on research.
It sounds simplistic and perhaps time-consuming. However, I knew that Borders Books and Music would be at the local fair. I knew, too, I was looking to get Susan Wise Bauer's newest offering http://www.susanwisebauer.com/books.php. When I asked their representative if she could bring it to the fair, she did so and was able to sell every copy she brought, as well as order the corresponding curriculum to be carried in the store. This may sound silly, but in AK, knowing that I can go and look at a piece of curriculum and buy it at the teacher's discount--and not have to pay postage!!! Well, add a coffee and you're in mini-teacher-inservice territory.
Second, prepare for the curriculum fair the way you did for the ACT test. (I lived and went to college in MN--we didn't need to even take the SAT!) Go to bed early, eat a good breakfast (attend mass--they didn't offer THAT before the ACT) wear your comfies...and enjoy the experience. Bring a tote or backpack and the list you made when looking at the vendors. Bring a snack and consider letting the kiddos have a day with a trusted someone. It's a long day for them, especially toddlers. You'll especially appreciate this when you come home and they've had a nap.
Thirdly, never forget that no matter how much or little you have for resources, or time to incorporate new "fixes", remember who is the Lord of your little school. "It is vain that the laborers build it..." Trust that He will guide you--if you ask for guidance--and inspire you and provide all that you need for your saints in training. They're all his resources, anyway.
Spring is God's gift to us; to recover from the winter, to breathe freely again, to rejoice from our long fast and to revel in HOPE! Hope for heaven, hope for handwriting, hope for finishing the race. Happy (still) Easter!
Storytime
When I was little, there were no pre-k's in the little town we lived in. Instead, as each of us reached the necessary maturity, we were duly walked to storyhour two or three times a week. We listened to stories in a circle for about an hour and then trundled home. The only memory I have of this time is an intense longing to decode the hidden messages of letters and read at my own pace. No, wait. I had forgotten the great literary treasure, "Peas, Cheese, and Chocolate Pudding," which is a riveting story of one's child's unwilling adventure into culinary variety.
In any case, I love to hear stories to this day. I love to read them to myself and to my children. I will often, when visiting the library, not even venture into the adults sections. I know there are a great many treasures there, but I have children to share gems with now!
So when I heard this gentleman http://www.greathall.com/onlinebro.html speak at a local homeschool conference, I was enchanted. He has the one essential quality of a good storyteller; he loves stories. So we spent a bit and are now listening to his voice quite a bit each day. Who can complain when their children want to hear great literature?
In any case, I love to hear stories to this day. I love to read them to myself and to my children. I will often, when visiting the library, not even venture into the adults sections. I know there are a great many treasures there, but I have children to share gems with now!
So when I heard this gentleman http://www.greathall.com/onlinebro.html speak at a local homeschool conference, I was enchanted. He has the one essential quality of a good storyteller; he loves stories. So we spent a bit and are now listening to his voice quite a bit each day. Who can complain when their children want to hear great literature?
Friday, April 27, 2007
Thinking new thoughts
Just finished the IDEA Curriculum Fair, flush with new thoughts and hopes for the coming year. It's such a delicious thing to attack old patterns and look for solutions. Hope springs eternal...now let me at books! It's time for a teacher inservice.
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