A Simple Twist of Faith

7 Quick Takes Friday Volume 31

1.  My husband's friend, send him a present in the mail this week, a CD by John Michael Talbot.  Thirty years ago, they used to listen to it when they were in a Baptist youth group.  Now, as a convert to Catholicism, the album has an even more special meaning to my husband because the songs are from the Liturgy of the Mass.

 

 

Back on Track

Today was our first day back to home school since the "plague" hit my house last weekend, and I am grateful we are all well.  I am also grateful we are back on track. I hate to admit it, but I am a creature of habit.  My girls and I do best when we are on a routine.  I wish I could be the creative, whimsical, free-spirited "unschooling" type of Mom but alas I AM NOT.  Blame it on 12 years of parochial school or 3 years in the United States Army, or 2o years in corporate America, but I like my schedule.

 

Enjoy the Moment

Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has yet to come, trust in the Lord, and live for today; I recently wrote as a comment on my friend, Bridget's blog, The Ivey League.  If only I could follow this advice myself, I added.  Often times, I struggle with letting things go, and relaxing.  I let the anxieties of life crowd my mind, and leave no room for fun.

As a home schooling Mom, I worry that my kindergartner is not keeping up with her parochial school counterparts, so I push her. On Monday, we had instruction even though it was a school holiday. We learned about Martin Luther King, and watched an excerpt of his "I Had a Dream" speech on you tube, along with our usual Catechism, Math, Science, and Language Art curriculum.

At the beginning of the year, I choose the word BALANCE for 2011. I realize I must place a balance between work and fun.   I also need to be trully present to my husband, and my children, and not being distracted by my mental "to do" list. One thing I am trying to do is to enjoy the moment.  

Last night was such a moment. It was the chili cook-off at the Knights of Columbus hall.  Nothing fancy, it was a simple, family event. However, it was one of wonderful evenings when everyone was having fun.  There was no fighting, no crying, and no misbehaving.  So, we ended up closing the place down, and the girls went to bed at 10:00 pm, an unheard bedtime for children in our house.  Today, we all with the exception of Daddy, woke up late. As I write this at 9:30 am, we are still in our pajamas. Last semester, I would be freaking out.  I would be pushing the girls to get dressed, to brush their teeth, and to start circle time.  This semester, I am going to have another cup of coffee...

 

7 Quick Takes: Home School A Day in the Life (with a 5 and a 3 year old)

This is our second semester of home schooling. I am STILL on a steep learning curve...2011 is our year for BALANCE.  My girls are best friends, they share a room, they share their toys, and they share their home schooling day together.  My three year old wants to participate as much as my kindergartner.  My aim is to keep them engaged in the learning process, to have fun, without me going crazy in the process. 

1. Early Morning:

I try to get up no later than 6:15 am.  My husband usually attends 6:30 am Mass at our parish which is less than 5 minutes away.  It is a simple service so he is usually back by 7:00 am.  I use this time for private prayer and reflection.  I also drink coffee, and  briefly go on-line.  When my husband returns he makes breakfast for the two of us. This is our time to talk before the girls get up.  They LOVE to sleep so it takes awhile to get them moving .  Last semester, I pushed them so our day started at 8:00 am, however  it was too much so I backed off, and let  them get up on their own time. This has allows me to have some time with my husband, time for me to exercise, and a less stressful start to our day.  

 
Not yet, Mommy, we still waking up!

7 Quick Takes Friday Vol. 26

 

Happy 2011!  Here's a glimpse into my week. 1.  Monday, we were back on our home school schedule.  I don't think my five-year old was ready to crack the books just yet...would do you think?  2. Tuesday, I joined the Pantry Challenge hosted by Life As Mom.  I am looking forward to reducing my grocery bill and waistline as I choose low-cost healthy recipes and get organized in the kitchen.  If you have a great recipe, please share it!  Join me back here next week as I discuss my progress on the Pantry Challenge Week 2. 3. Wednesday, we have Chinese culture and language classes with our good friends. For the next few weeks we will be learning about Chinese New Year.  Check out this really cool link that explains the fifteen days of Chinese New Year. My friend, Kathy, does a great job of preparing the curriculum and facilitating the instruction.  I make cookies and coffee.  At least, I know where my talents are!  Here's some pictures from last year's celebrations. 4. Thursday, my Moms' Prayer Group also started back up after a break for Christmas.   We will be studying the gospel of John.  This week since we have not received the materials yet, I lead a discussion on "What is your Image of God?".   5. I don't know about you, but I am glad it is Friday. Today,  I am taking a deep breath and rereading this post about surviving and thriving by Jennifer at the Conversion Diary  6. Saturday starts the Girl Scout Cookie Selling Season.  My five-year old has staked her sales goal at 200 boxes of cookies. Her troop is trying  to earn a t-shirt, a badge and a trip to a local indoor water park.  7. So, how many boxes of Girl Scout cookies would you like to buy ? Please join Jennifer at the Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes.

7 Quick Takes Friday Volume 24

For more Quick Takes, please check out Jennifer at the Conversion Diary. 

1. We are having a wonderful Advent.  Thanks to our cool Advent calendar activity set, we are learning every day about the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth and the Wise Men following the Star to Bethlehem. That in conjunction with the Bethlehem Walk we went on last week, my girls are very interested in the Nativity story. Sure, my five-year old is still asking for a scooter, and a Spiderman car, and candy, but she is also asking about Jesus. 2. We have had snow twice this week, and it is beautiful.  Here in Tidewater Virginia, we rarely get snow, and never in December. If this weather would have happened last year, I would be fretting about getting to work, if  the orders would be processed, if daycare would be open... this year, I say "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..." 3. My little scientists took advantage of the snow, and brought out their magnifying glasses to look at the snowflakes. Did you know there are no two snowflakes alike? Hurrah for home schooling! 4. Here is the song my girls' Sunday school class will be singing at church this week. Check it out, it is a very special song entitled Happy Birthday Jesus. 5. Our Precor elliptical machine is officially broken. First, my husband tried to fix it himself. Last weekend, my husband and his friend tried to fix it, but without success.  Then he tried to assemble a team of "experts", an electrical contractor, Radio Snack, and a trip to the automobile electric shop, with no luck. This week he broke down and called Precor. I don't even want to know how much this will cost, but one thing for sure, I NEED THIS ELLIPTICAL!   6.Having less money=less Christmas shopping=less stress. What a wonderful Christmas gift. 7.I am looking for a new book to read, do any of you have a suggestion?

7 Quick Takes Friday Volume 22

1. In one week it will be Thanksgiving, and the sore throat I had last Friday has blossomed into a full-fledged cold and cough.  Earlier in the week, I was obsessing over preparing my home for our guests, now I am too sick to care! God definitely has a sense of humor. 2. My husband has really pitched in and helped me this week.  My girls usually think he is "Good-Time Charlie", so it actually kind of funny to hear him deal with baths, blow drying hair, and bedtime from the comfort of my bed. Being sick definitely does have some privileges. 3. This week we stepped back in time and met some Pilgrims and a member of the Wampanoag tribe without leaving our sofa. Thanks to my friend, Lisa, who gave me the link to the Plimoth Plantation Virtual Field Trip. This webcast originally aired on Tuesday, 11/16/10.  There is also a great Teacher's Resource Guide for Thanksgiving.   4. I finished reading the Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot. I learned a great deal from the book, and have started mapping out my new schedules... 5. more on that later... 6. when I am feeling better. 7. For now, have a restful weekend, and hop on over to Jennifer for More Quick Takes.

WW: Mommy, I Got A Great Idea!

Well, almost Wordless Wednesday, let me explain... My kids are BIG Curious George fans, so on the weekly trek to the library, we borrowed a couple of his DVDs.  Last night I went to bed early, I am sicker than a dog this week. Anyway, they watched Curious George with Daddy.  This morning my five year old comes racing down the hallway in her PJs, "Mommy, I got a great idea! Let's make a craft like on Curious George so no one can see us!" Apparently, the episode was about colors and camouflage.  After the cartoon, real kids came on and made camouflage outfits.  We did the same under the strict direction of Ladybug, and send a picture to Daddy.  His comment back was, "Can't even see them." So I ask dear readers, can you?

All Saints ’ Day?

This morning, the girls and I went to mass to celebrate All Saints' Day.  I thought this would be a great way to connect Halloween with All Saints' Day.  I decided to go to the parish school mass so the sermon would be kid friendly. Ladybug would see how her friends, and how the school children behaved at the mass.  Sounds like a great idea, right?  Well... Our pastor did do a wonderful job of explaining All Saints Day to the children.  He asked the children what the word Halloween means, and explained that it really is All Hallow's Eve (hallow means holy), so it's the night before the holy people's day or the night before All Saints' Day.   However, halfway through the sermon, Bumblebee had to go to the bathroom.  When we returned to our seats, my cell phone went off , a "cardinal sin" in a Catholic church. I had forgotten to turn it OFF. After that, Bumblebee stood up in the aisle and refused to come back.  The look of defiance on her face was so apparent one of the other Moms commented about it.  When I finally pulled her back into the pew, she started wailing so loud, and I had to leave the mass early.  On the way, home I quizzed Ladybug about All Saints' Day, however she was so distracted by seeing her friends, she did not remember any of the message our pastor was trying to impart on the children. By the time we arrived home the morning was gone, and we ended up completing Math and Reading assignments in the afternoon, which is a challenge at best with a kindergartener.  Because of all this, we ran out of time to do our saint activities so graciously presented at Become What You Are.  Please tell me some of you have days like this...

7 Quick Takes Friday Vol. 19

 

 1. Many Christians have mixed feelings about Halloween; I have friends who celebrate the holiday whole heartily and others who do not.  I found two links I would like to share that discuss the origin of "All Hallow's Eve", and how Halloween can be redeemed. Please read and let me know what you think.   2.  Thursday, was day 37 of 40 Days for Life., so far 484 babies have been saved. It was also the day that our newly constructed Planned Parenthood had a ribbon-cutting ceremony.   About 50 people from our local 40 Days for Life were there in peaceful vigil to protest.  I got the call when I was grocery shopping so the girls and I showed up a little late with our Red Rider wagon and our "Choose Life" signs.    3. In August, Ladybug donated 12-inches of her hair to Lock of Love.  This Tuesday, Ladybug received a "Locks of Love" merit badge from her Girl Scout troop.  It was so thoughtful of her troop leader to recognize her. 4. I received a few requests for the spiced pumpkin cheesecake recipe from this week's Wordless Wednesday photo.  Here it is: Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake

38 Ginger Snaps, finely crushed

1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

1/4 butter, melted

4 packages (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin

1 Tbsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. vanilla

4 eggs

1 cup thawed COOL WHIP whipped topping

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

 

HEAT oven to 325 degree F

Mix crumbs,nuts, and butter into a food processor, and pulse until completely blended.  Press mixture onto bottom and 1 inch up side of a 9-inch springform pan.  BEAT cream cheese, and sugar with mixer until blended.  Add canned pumpkin, spice, and vanilla; mix well.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each.  Pour into springform pan.  BAKE 1 hour 20 minutes or until center is almost set.  Loosen cake from rim of pan, cool before completely removing rim.  Refrigerate at least 4 hours, however I usually make it the night before, it taste better when it sits overnight.  Serve with cool whip and a sprinkling of nutmeg to be fancy.

 

5. This week I borrowed E.D. Hirsch's What your Kindergartener Needs to Know from the library.  I have been reading the fables to my girls, and they absolutely love hearing the stories.  We also used the book to help learn about the Earth, maps, compasses and globes this week.  Speaking of maps, my girls received a generous gift of the  Animals of the World from my friend, Cindy.  The map is beautifully illustrated with comically animal characters. It measures 54" X 38", in fact it was so big we had to hang it in our hallway! Perfect timing on this map, because Ladybug is learning the seven continents, and the animals help her distinguish and identify them.  Very Cool!  6. Great discussion in my Moms' Prayer group about the Biblical basis of the Eucharist, the Living Bread of Christ.  The conversation morphed into a discussion of we as Catholic Christian mothers can teach our children more about the Bible.  Next week's chapter is on Time Management. We are currently reading Graced and Gifted by Kimberely Hahn. Another book, I am interested in  reading the The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.  Jennifer  described it in her blog as a field guide to spiritual warfare. 7. This has been a tough week for me, due to my hormones.   I have not slept, and I have not felt like myself all week. I hate to say this, however to leave it out would not be authentic. I am trying to focus on the joys of the week: my children enjoying stories, my prayer group, a good cause, even a perfectly baked cheesecake...I am glad to see Friday here, and knowing that Sunday I will be able to start fresh.  Please join Jennifer at the Conversion Diary for more quick takes.