Homeskool Daize

It's getting crowded in here

2011-05-12T12:19:00.000-05:00

So I'm all over the place. Originally this blog was for my homeschooling ramblings. I've kinda departed from that and started a new blog for Fitness and then squished every other good thot into this space. It's time to reclaim my spaces and separate out the thots. Time for yet, another blog. I like to organize and space my thots out so that's what the new blog will be for. So the homeschool journey continues and remains the school space. The other blogs will be for exactly what they are for. Thanks for journeying along with me these years of sporadic posting. As homeschooling winds down, I'm finding more time in my day for such things. And some seasons are fuller than others. Do you find that too? I'll be posting the new blog soon. Stay tuned for blog #3!

The New Blog

2011-03-31T09:54:00.002-05:00

Forgot to give you the link to the new blog!

http://radianceinsimpleexercise.blogspot.com

Come on over for some inspiration and my real life journey from flab to fab! :)

Bootcamp is coming....

2011-03-31T09:52:00.000-05:00

Well my booty is in need of camp. After a winter of recovering from Retinal Eye Surgery, it's time to firm up the flesh! I'm so grateful for the group of ladies that joined in last spring and came out to our Fantastic Free Park Workout in what started as a 4 week challenge and turned into a summer of mornings and exciting change in all our fitness levels. Well, I feel like I'm starting over in some ways and in others, so happy we did that, I believe it was my over all level of fitness that really helped me in such a complete recovery. I was still able to ski this winter a bit, which was really important to me, ballet was given back and now, running is my next mountain to conquer. I had to lay down the kettle bell, but that's easy to pick up again and get going. So my plan is that there is 8 weeks till the ballet recital. With the help of the motivation going on at Peak 313 I'm convinced that things will move rapidly! Can't wait to be feeling fitter and looking so forward to the journey in getting there.

Finishing strong

2011-03-28T07:52:00.002-05:00

March Break always gives me a boost. I get recharged and excited again about finishing but also about choosing where we'll go next year in our studies! This year we've been digging deep into the Battle of 1812. We went on the most amazing day hike in the Niagara Region and visited many many sites that were crucial to Canada winning the war. We even found the spot where our troops climbed the escarpment to over take the American troops and win the war. If it wasn't for that moment, Canada would be America. Don't get me wrong, I love our American neighbors and have many friends who live there. Yet, I can't imagine a world without my Home and Native land. I AM Canadian and grateful to all our folks in service both now and in the past, who have laid down their lives, their health, time with their families, so that I can enjoy being free to vote, blog, home school, attend church, have access to medical care when I need it, and to just be free. It's so critically important. So thank you.
From my heart, thank you.
As for finishing strong, we're pressing on. Almost there. 2 1/2 months left really, of grade 7 and then onto the last year. The prep year! In order for me to finish strong I need to have some things lined up right. Most importantly, my own health. Recently I lost 65 pounds. Slowly tho, I allowed 10 lbs to creep back on and then, I had surgery. During that time another 10 crept back. I'm not at all impressed by this nagging 20 pounds and am very ready for it to go. I gave up sugar 48 days ago and it's going well but I only moved 5 pounds off. So clearly it's time to move the body beyond a morning walk. It's bootcamp season. Almost. The snow is trying to melt which means the streets will be cleaned soon and running will be more comfortable. So I'm heading back out for a daily run...walk/run to start. :) AND...I'm excited to be following the Peak 313 "Try It" Challenge. It starts next Monday. Can't wait! This week I'll walk more, try some running and will begin with my kettle bell again. Now that I know I'm healed from surgery, it's time to get back to it. :) A little do over! I'm very excited. You can link up too!

A Homeschool Hop

2011-02-17T08:27:00.004-05:00

Here's one for fun! Join in a Homeschool Hop where you can read the blogs of many different styles and families journeys. Always worth checking out.

The many ways of homeschooling...

2011-02-16T09:01:00.002-05:00

I'm enjoying a series by Courtney this week on homeschooling. I like her. She's fresh, she's lovely and her heart is for the Lord. She is living the way her Father has called her to. No apologies. I like that. Her ways are not my ways, as our ways are not our Fathers ways, but He leaves room for us to grow to Him. Courtney leaves room for us to ponder and lean in. I like that too. So link in to Women Living Well. She's onto something. Happy Day!

It's almost over

2011-02-15T15:09:00.002-05:00

Strange, it's almost done. The homeschooling journey is feeling like it's creeping up to a close. I have one home with one and a half years left. Powerful moment, because I clearly remember day one. Our days are not so full anymore, not so rushed and a little bit melancholy even. But still worth while and wonderful. Never would I change a moment. Well, that's a lie actually. If I think back to day one, I can see a hundred ways I would do better. But being on this side of the fence is easy. It's always easy to look backward and say I wish I had...but that won't fix or change anything. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had in this, grateful for the friendships I've made and who God has allowed me to become. My second education through primary school is almost complete, I'm not where I was, but I'm not where I'm going to be yet either. Praise God!

RePost of the 10 Things list

2010-11-15T09:32:00.002-05:00

So way back I posted a 10 things in 10 days list. Here's a revisit of that thing. It was a great movtivator for sure, but life happened, and the list did not. :D I'm good with that. Because the cool thing about lists is, I'm in charge of it, not the other way around. So I'm going to redo the list and make it fit my now. What's your list?

Here's mine from the beginning of summer.
1. clean carpet in living room (bought the soap...)
2. finish Simon's grad scrap book (during advent)
3. organize mudroom for fall (done)!
4. remove anything not conducive to sleep from my bedroom (done)
5. paint muskoka chairs (spring)
6. power spray the deck (leaving till spring due to tree removal)
7. lay mulch around pool (bought it...still sitting there)
8. paint JP's bed (spring redo of whole room will include this one)
9. remove wallpaper in Sara's room (one layer done)
10.frame and order grad pictures for Simon's diploma set (in the mail)

New list
1. clean carpet before cookie exchange at end of November
2. fix toilet seat and taps in 2nd bathroom
3. book shelves up in bedroom
4. organize mudroom for winter
5. clean out the linens in cupboard
6. fall displays away, begin christmas decorating
7. make list of christmas to do's
8. declutter basement music area
9. scotchguard couches
10.move drums and vacuum

Okay, lets see if this works better. :D You in with me?

Life is full and good

2010-11-15T09:15:00.002-05:00

There is so much to do. Do you have that? I'm not at all complaining, in fact, I'm actually quite grateful that the words, even, the thought, 'I'm bored' can't escape my lips. I can't remember the last time I was bored. What a blessing. In fact, I remember thinking as I was drifting off to sleep last night, that laying here for 8 hours is crazy. I could be doing something! I'm always excited to get up, to 'start' my day. I'm usually really ready for something to begin! I know that some days are easier than others to wake up to, like when the sun is out and bright early in the morning, it's really easy to jump up and begin living again. But I love sleeping too. At the end of a full and complete day, I love dropping into my bed, reliving my day in thought and picturing my next one. What a blessing that today I got to enjoy my next one. I never want to take advantage of that. God is good to me. I'm crazy about Him. The scriptures say he rejoices over me with dancing! Can you imagine? The God of the universe, dances over me. And you too! He loves us that much. And while we sleep and renew our bodies, he still dances over us. Oh, how he loves us.

Back at it...again

2010-10-25T08:25:00.002-05:00

I tend to do that. To just stop. Not sure why, if it's life being so full, or lack of attention to the things that I like because I'm so busy. I choose to not beat myself up, jump back in and move on. That's my plan in the natural. In the supernatural, I know my God is just waiting on me to do a new work in me. He maintains me, prunes me, organizes my ways to his, when I let him, if I was really honest, that's not very often. I love control. I home school. Where in your life do you need to let go? I'm not sure if it's letting go of my kids, or just letting things shift and change and move the way they should. When things are the same for a long period of time and then change comes along, it can be hard. But it can also be exciting! New beginnings. Do you like change? I do, mostly. Some change I could do without, but I love new-ness. That's why I love my Jesus so much...he came to make ALL things new. Even my controlling nature can be made new to something better; surrender. Today, in the grayness of fall, I surrender. A good and exciting surrender, not a defeat. A renewal, a shift of season. A surrender that I don't have to have it all together, I don't have to know everything, I can be simply me, knowing that Jesus will love me right where I am. Things said, things unsaid, it doesn't matter. He alone is enough for me. He is my portion, I am his bride. We were born to praise him, to live for him, to direct our everything to him. As I try to maintain all my lifes stuff in the natural, it gets messy. When I rest in the supernatural love he has for me, clarity and order become like crisp water from the purest stream, touching my lips and filling me with a fresh and revived energy, a fullness that I can't describe. So why on earth do I run in the exact opposite direction? Do you?

Amazing grace?

2010-09-16T19:02:00.004-05:00

Well this week has escaped me, but non the less, I felt like I needed to check in. Our first week of school was a bit of a strange one, sickness, moving dear friends, and just the whole business of starting is a strange thing. This week brought helping hubby at the family business, pointe shoes and the beginning of ballet. My all time favorite thing to do with my own self. Now that said, the pointe shoes are not mine, they belong to my very adept dancing daughter. I on the other hand...find myself in great need of abundant grace. This being my second ever year of dance should say much. Dancing is serious hard work. It requires something from you. A trust first of all, that you believe you can make your body move in a way that feels completely foreign but looks completely beautiful when someone else does it. And an understanding of rhythm...which I thought I possessed until last year. The whole counting thing in dance is lost on me. It's all I can do to stay upright without every part of my body shaking under the stress my muscles feel. Once the quiver begins, it's not pretty. Then the toe cramp kicks in and finally the butt cramp..yep, I said butt cramp. Honestly, my lovely teacher, Ms. Hannah, makes it look so graceful. She is lovely and strong. So in my minds eye, I pretend I am she and float and move with as much grace as I think I own. And it feels amazing. Grace? Not so much.

I'm listening

2010-09-09T09:10:00.004-05:00

It's hard to be still, but the benefit is enormous. The payoff is sweet and so worth it. Stillness, I covet you and invite you into my busy stuff. Open my ears so I can hear the Divine, the lover of my soul, speak words of life and truth to my spirit. "Meet me, in the quiet of this room." Wanda Mann. Have you found that song that can bring you into that space, even when the chaos is running around you? Meet Me, by Wanda Mann is that song for me. It's the kind of song that when I close my eyes, I can hear silence even on a busy street corner, in the grocery store, anywhere. So today I pray Lord, you'll Meet Me, as I meet you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLUhIBelcxg

I win

2010-09-08T07:10:00.003-05:00

A noticeable drop in workout buddies this week as we all return to our fall schedules. But I am not deterred. This should maybe be a tweek it post, but, it's a win instead. Learning to change direction and make something work is so important for the win. Knowing I need motivation to get the job done is the biggest thing for me. So when something isn't working, change it. It's okay to do that. If you make the rules, you can change them too. And...here's news...it's okay to say 'no, that doesn't work for me.' Try it with me...it starts with saying, no. Out loud now...say it...no. NO! Feel better? I'm excited for change. I'm excited for new beginnings and I'm most excited to be able to say, No. This isn't working for me. I need to change it. And, for my sisters in Christ to know that freedom too, blesses me beyond measure. So sisters, say it with me again...NO. Now, go out there and practice. If it sounds like a great blessing but isn't lining up with your best plan for your family, then say it like you mean it. "No". You win. I win.

Tender times

2010-09-07T07:10:00.002-05:00

This morning was bitter sweet. I let my daughter go from the homeschool to the highschool today. The first time she's been in school since ending grade one! Wow! She looked beautiful in her kilt and uniform shirt. The picture of confidence and loveliness. And her brother, off for a victory lap in highschool. Sorting out his courses and confident he'll do so. So that leaves just me and Johnny P. A tiny homeschool family of one student and one child. Sweet. Bitter sweet. It's so quiet as I type this. It's a different quiet. Almost lonely. Well, here's to some excitement. I don't want to miss a thing, so I'm off to celebrate the first day of school with breakfast at gramma's and then off to begin our school day. It's a crazy life, but it's our life, someone once said. I like it's a full life instead. Full to overflowing somedays. I'll take it. Every stage, every season, every moment.

Labor Day

2010-09-06T19:27:00.003-05:00

To me it will always be labour day. The day I became a mom for the very first time :D
Enjoy your day off...I am! School starts tomorrow. Grade 7, Grade 11 and Grade 12B which is another way of saying Grade 13. :D Ahhh, routine!

full on friday more like it!

2010-09-04T15:02:00.004-05:00

It's actually Saturday, I couldn't post yesterday due to traveling to Huntsville to collect the man child. Yep, I have an adult child. First one too. I'm not sure exactly what that really means, and what actually changes, but whatever it is, I'm excited. I'm excited to have arrived at this place. It's not just a milestone birthday for him, but for us as well. Mom and Dad...successfully rear a child to this point. News flash, it CAN be done. And right there...freedom. How do I get freedom in this moment? Well, there's a certain level of satisfaction in bringing a newborn through all those stages to adulthood. Even though, this is the baby end of being an adult, he's here, he's made it. So I'm good with where we are. I'm sure there's more to come, so many 'mores' to come...finishing the next level of education, jobs, weddings, grandbabies...yep gotta slow down, but I look forward to these events. It's with great joy that I celebrate that I'm old enough to have a child this age. That I've arrived right along with him. Freedom for me, is knowing whose I am and knowing my kids are His too. Freedom is peace, that surpasses all understanding. So, even tho it's been a busy weird week, it's full of joy. Happy Birthday Simon, my first born. You bring me such joy and pride. I'm so blessed and pray that blessing into your life. As an adult...welcome to a very cool place. And I pray you know the same peace that I do. All your long, long life.

weary or dog tired

2010-09-02T17:42:00.008-05:00

Have you ever been so beyond tired that thinking is an event? I'm there. More than weary? I'm there. I thot. Because that got me thinking...what is weary? What I'm feeling is dog tired. You know, the kind of satisfied at the end of the day, get a good shower, cozy bed and relax kinda tired. Weary doesn't leave. Weary won't quit, it's like a fog that won't lift. And it never really will unless...you go to Him. When Jesus said, 'come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest', I don't think he meant, come to me if your dog tired and I'll make you fall asleep fast. Jesus is the only way out of the fog. The only way. And when we go to Him first, he'll direct us in the ways we should go to seek help. To medicate or not to. The scriptures remind us that He is the WAY and the TRUTH and the LIFE. So if I want life and good life at that, I gotta know the truth to find my way. Weary is a tough place to be. I'm grateful tonight for dog tired.

You would not believe what happened!

2010-09-01T14:55:00.002-05:00

So, we go to Huntsville on Friday last week to take our son to camp and get stuck in this MONSTER traffic jam. I'm talking people getting out of their vehicles, walking around, going for jogs, you name it. No moving. In park on the 407. 3 Ambulances, 2 Tow Trucks and an OPP go by... crazy. Then an hour later we go from 0 to 100 in however fast a minivan can...people were scrambling to get back to their cars, hilarious! So we're thinking there's gonna be bodies all over the road, a huge crash scene...nothing. No evidence of anything at all. I'm completely baffled.
So we get to Huntsville, have a lovely evening and drop the child off at camp. Only I leave my teen son and pick up an adult son. On Saturday he turns 18. Trying to wrap my head around that still. So Monday, as I'm pulling out of the driveway to go register my daughter for highschool...I see this hole in the soffit of my roof. Raccoons. Ugh. So I call the guy to come and take them out but on the other side of my house is an even bigger hole that I could climb in! Freaked out. Right there. So, $1000.00 later I have 2 doors on my roof that let the critters out but not back in. Good thing too! Cause that's nasty! In a week the guy comes back to take it all down, disinfect and repair the damage. So, my projects are falling behind. I'm okay with that.

10 Things in 10 Days list Update

2010-08-30T08:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I didn't account for the rain. So the outdoor activities are way off schedule but the indoor things are coming along really well. Purged the bedroom. Now it's in my living room. But that's not so bad since I'm moving it down to the family room today to be shredded. I can't believe the paper work. Crazy. So the bedroom is looking really great. Today I'm working on the floor in the living room so that I can clean the carpet on Friday before we leave for Huntsville. That will work really well for me. I'm hoping the weather isn't crazy blazing this week and I can do the mulch out back and also spray paint the items in need. My list may extend beyond the 10 days, but it feels really great to have a plan. I might have to do this challenge again. I'm kinda liking the deadline. It's pretty fun. How about you? Are you working to a deadline? And if so, how do you organize your lists?

Freedom Friday!!!

2010-08-27T08:05:00.003-05:00

Whooo hooo! Another week of bootcamp done! Check week 12 off the list. So a great conversation happened this morning during our stretch time. We've all realized that we're gaining weight. Okay, that was not the plan. The plan was to loose weight. I've gained 5 pounds since starting and a couple of my clothes are fitting tighter. Strange cause I thot muscle was smaller than fat...unless I'm bulking which really, isn't true at all. So, today is research day for me. I want to get to the bottom of this strange thing. It's not just me. Out of all the women this morning, 100% have experienced weight gain. What up wit dat? So in the spirit of freedom friday, I'm feeling actually really great about the fact that it's not just me, but I'm completely uncool with the gain. So, I've decided to post my foods. I journal what I eat anyway, so this is no big deal, but it is a bit more, (okay alot more) public. I think I'm beginning to realize my freedom in my weight isn't tied to a scale but more to how my clothes fit. And even there, it's a bit dicey because I can always buy another size. But measurements don't lie. I know that a woman should never exceed a 35 inch waist and men a 40 inch waist. This has something to do with the kind of belly fat that is very dangerous. So, therein lies freedom. Stay below 35. Done. Eat less, exercise more. Done. Live, love and laugh...be free. Working on it.

Food Journal so far today...

6:20 Protein Shake
6:30 -7:30 2 cups water
8:00 coffee
9:00 1 egg and toast with smidge butter
and 2 cups water

Thirst Thursdays

2010-08-26T07:35:00.002-05:00

To thirst means to have a desire or need to drink or have an ardent desire (craving, longing). mmmmmmmm...doesn't that sound like the perfect definition for our relationship with our Abba Daddy? At some point in our lives, we all have a thirst. Sometimes we thirst after things that set us in a downward spiral. We hit the bottom and can't quite figure out how to satisfy our thirst on our own. And that's just it, we were never designed that way. The insatiable thirst to KNOW, is deeply rooted in our being. We're reminded, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost." Isaiah 55:1-3 but an even better promise is "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:5-7 and even better yet "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." John 6:34-36 If I could only get that right every day. To never thirst after my needs or my desires ever again...wow. Knowing that Jesus has that covered blesses me. Knowing I can just rest in the beauty of my own peace that surpasses all understanding is where I can rest. He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. Revelation 21:5-7 and "The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Revelation 22:16-18 Have you had your free water today?

Winning Wednesday: Where You Go I Go

2010-08-25T08:26:00.004-05:00

What does winning mean to you? Winning prizes, or position, or a race perhaps? What ever winning looks like to you, think on it from a Jesus perspective today. What do we do in our day to show our gratitude for the freedom He won for us? How do we show Him our enduring and grateful thanks? I know for me, it's not always pretty. Some days, I'm critical of my hair, or the size of my hips or that the scale is running in the wrong direction...but I know deep in my soul, that God doesn't make junk. I know that because He already won, that the rumblings in my head are not of God. God speaks truth to me. He tells me to count it all Joy. He reminds me that tears may last for a night time, but JOY comes in the morning...that's because my Redeemer lives. He won. So, I'm having a Victory party. No more pitty party in this house. I'm celebrating every victory I can find in my day. My choice is to stop being a victim and contiue being Victorious...because the battle that was fought for me (and you) was way to costly to be ignored. Even in my weakness, He is strong. I can run and hide in the shadow of my almighty, but I think He would love it more, if I went boldly forward, declaring:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2U3PU-E32E&feature=related

Where You Go I Go: Jesus Culture

Chorus
where you go I go
what you say I say, God
where you pray I pray
where you pray I pray
(repeat)

Verse
Jesus only did
what he saw you do
he would only say
what he heard you speak

he would only move
when he felt you lead
following your heart
following your spirit

how could I expect
to walk without you
when every move that Jesus made
was in surrender

I would not begin
to live without you
for you alone are worthy
and you are always good

you are always good
yeah...

you are always good
always good
always good
yeah, yeah yeah

Chorus

Bridge
though the world sees and soon forgets
we will not forget who you are and what you've done for us,
what you've done for us

Chorus

Bridge

Bridge 2
though the world sees and soon forgets
we will not forget, who you are,
who you are, who you are, yeah
who you are, oh you are my god, you are my god
you are my god, you are my god, you are my god
woah, yeah..

Chorus

Tweek-it Tuesdays

2010-08-24T08:33:00.003-05:00

Today I want to challenge you. I'm challenging myself and I need accountability so I figure if I drag you along with me it'll work to my favor and wonderfully enough, for your favor too. With the advent of the Hydro Smart meter in our area, I'm facing a huge and insurmountable task it would seem. I need to conquer Mount Laundrymanjaro before rates change to time of use consumption. Now I know, that in your homes, laundry may not be your sticky area, but for me..oi vey. It's an on going, daily momentum buster. I simply and completely forget to do it. Our laundry room is in the basement and I'm a see it deal with it girl. So I need to tweek my plan since the Smart meter will be kicking in soon. I need to get down to 1 load a day and run it when I'm sleeping. Thankfully my washer just died and we bought a lovely front loader with a timer on it. So I can load before bed and set it to come on. Then I can get up before the higher rate kicks in and dry it and be done for the day. In theory this will work. On paper..awesome. Problem is, remembering to do it. So I need to tweek the plan. Somehow, I need something that makes me remember to go downstairs before I climb into bed....a sign...a push...hmmmm, maybe my husband, I could recruit him to remind me. What do you need to tweek? And hey...mudroom is done! Today I think I'll tackle my bedroom. :| Pray for me.

Press in toward Tuesday

2010-08-23T17:39:00.001-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLZvwCB6tCM

Maintenance Mondays

2010-08-23T07:54:00.005-05:00

Ever have the desire to change something or some part of your life and you buy all the books and magazines to inspire you, only to find them sitting on the shelf? You know what I've learned from this experience? Simply owning the book isn't enough. Reading it isn't either. It's the gleaning and application process where many of us fall short. Well, here's some inspiration. School goes back in our neck of the woods in 2 weeks. Let's together, tackle the last of the list. Let's do 10 projects in 10 days. You with me? Get your list together of 10 large or small things you want to do and get checked off the list. Saturdays count, Sundays for me, not doing it. So if we start today on August 23, by my calculations we should be done our 10 days by Sept 2nd. Just in time. Now for me...I'll be leaving for the north country on Saturday so I'm going to plug in an extra day there and say I'll be done Sept 3rd. Your call on how you want to pace yourself. So...question is...what's your list look like? Wanna share?
Here's mine.
1. clean carpet in living room
2. finish Simon's grad scrap book
3. organize mudroom for fall (done)!
4. remove anything not conducive to sleep from my bedroom (done)
5. paint muskoka chairs
6. power spray the deck
7. lay mulch around pool
8. paint JP's bed
9. remove wallpaper in Sara's room
10. frame and order grad pictures for Simon's diploma set

Okay that's me. Some of these projects are more time saturated, others are labor intensive, and other still, just take brain space. But all things I wanted done by the end of summer and somehow, here I am. So, 10 projects, 10 days. Not to mention, I want to help my dearest friend pack her home, make sure I have time for my kids last days of summer and keep house. Can this be done? With some ubber organization...I think it can!!! Who's with me?

Back to Blogging

2010-08-18T09:32:00.003-05:00

Yep, it's time. I think I need to come back to blogging. Facebook is fun, but it's taken me away. So I think I'll start over. Hi, I'm Samantha, a homeschooling mom, speaker and parenting coach. Nice to meet you! Introduce yourself, stroll my blog, excuse my rants...if nothing else, I'm transparent. If your on Facebook, look me up. I'm back.

Oh Time...come back

2010-04-13T13:59:00.002-05:00

Time flies. Honestly, it goes really fast. I'm seeing a new graduate coming into our family really soon, a blossoming daughter who desires to pursue ministry not a fashion degree like before and a skater boy young man, who seeks first the Kingdom. Praise God for all things.

The face of homeschooling changes over time too. Currently in our school, we have one in traditional Catholic highschool, one in online public school at home, and one completely homeschooled. Each child, unique and precious.

Who ever said it was a cookie cutter mould of planning, curriculum and one book does all? It's a joy to see each child becoming. I love who my kids are, cringe when I see or hear myself in them, where they need correction but so do I, and I rejoice in their changing and moving lives. Who they are now isn't who they will be and Praise God for that, but who they are becoming, is a joy to witness. God is just that good!

The Study of Words

2010-01-25T19:14:00.003-05:00

Words count. Ever notice how much your words count? You can bring life to someone or shoot them with just a few well organized and greatly placed words. I've begun using a dictionary when I do my bible study, when I pray, when I hear from the Lord. What a great tool! I never liked my dictionary as a child, but as an adult, wow! Words leap and have so much more impact. Understanding that there's a more full meaning, makes me long for more words. And ultimately more of God. This is a very very good thing.

The Graduate

2010-01-23T10:02:00.004-05:00

It's a busy life. I'm realizing when I don't get to be who I want to be that it's time to once again slow down. It always amazes me how every thing happens that is good, on the same day, at the same time. Why? So many good good things. I know the enemy's plan is to distract me, and he's quite good at it. But my focus is higher and deeper and wider. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. I'm back.

Trust

2009-09-23T16:33:00.002-05:00

Finding trust in a place where things are not lovely. Bad news came yesterday from a dear friend. Can't say what, don't want to break confidence. But it's not great. And video homeschooling is not as fun as Sara had hoped. It will come, I can see it. Just right now it seems dark. And so, we walk by faith and not by sight. Even when it looks dark, just a little spark can bring enough light to land our feet firmly on our path again. So praying this week for a spark. Just enough light to scare the darkness away. God is just that good. It'll come.

Back to it

2009-09-04T08:23:00.002-05:00

Is it a getting older thing when time goes faster or is it that we're so busy we don't notice the moment we're in. I'm trying to reconsile with myself how summer flew past so quickly when I determined at the start, I wouldn't let it happen. Maybe that's the control freak in me. I try and try to control time, but it's just not working out. Hmmm. There's a lesson in that I'm sure.
Well, school starts for us on Tuesday. Simon enters his final year of highschool and is celebrating his 17th birthday in Huntsville, away from us. It's strange not celebrating together. We leave today and pick him up the morning, so it will be great to have him back. I miss him.
And my lovely Sara enters her second year of highschool this year, at home. Last min change from going away to school. She really likes being home and I really like having her here. It's been a blessing.
Finally, JP enters grade 6. Closing in on the upper elementary years for him. He keeps school an adventure and reminds me to bring discovery to his learning. All things for him are WOW moments. I love that about him.
Can't wait to start on one hand and on the other, wish it was longer. But fall is coming soon, and I just love fall! Great days lay ahead.
We're back to it.

The Pay Off

2009-04-04T18:19:00.002-05:00

You know...say it, mean it, do it, really works. I'm talking about staying the course, staying strong when it gets tough. My last post (ages ago) was about issues of getting school done, but it seems to have passed now. School is getting done stronger and stronger with less of a fuss. Finally. I think the pay off comes when consistency rules the day. And the best part is, no best friends have to suffer in the process. JP is blessed with a strong and loving friend who guides him and keeps him honest. JP's mom is blessed by that. It's neat to watch 2 boys grow up together. Sometimes age isn't an issue and there are times when I see a peak of the man best friend is becoming. He's going to be a great man one day. And that calls JP up. I love that too. So what have I learned in this school year? That mom needs to be consistent and follow through. That best friends wait for you. That school waits for the flu. That I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Including homeschool. Amen.

Gettin it done...

2009-01-15T16:28:00.002-05:00

Ladies...it's a global epidemic today. My son had me pulling my grays out yesterday about getting school done on time with a happy attitude. So here's what I did. I told him that he had to be AT the school table by 9 to get started no excuses and I would guarentee he would be finished his morning by 11:30 IF he had a good attitude. Well, he was up and on time to the table and got the whole morning done plus an extra subject by, you guessed it 11:30. Only 1 afternoon subject to go which should have taken 20 mins, just wrapped up and it took you guessed it...60 mins due to bad attitude. I'm figuring out really fast with this guy that there has to be a consquence with some pain attached. I don't mean physical pain, I mean like not going to see his best friend for a week kind of pain. But then guilt kicks in and I feel bad for his best friend. Ahh. When he figures out I'm serious, wow, the attitude snaps into place and school gets done. Why he has to push so far and so hard in the first place is completely beyond me. Maybe it's because he's 10. I don't know... :)

"Wii Scream" is MY kid!

2009-01-02T17:35:00.005-05:00

Well December was just a blurr of activity, visiting, entertaining and enjoying so much fellowship we are so blessed. We really enjoyed our Christmas time. But something completely unexpected has happened. My oldest son, posted a video to Youtube and it is now a pretty big deal. It's our personal Christmas moment that has now become a public moment. We've see it on ABC, BBC and some Boston Media and our Local CHCH is playing it today at 6. Our local newspaper has called for an interview on Monday and now Inside Edition! Really. And it's quite cute, but completely surreal. Here's the clip...I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Advent

2008-12-01T17:52:00.003-05:00

So my Christmas shopping is 95% done and now I can enjoy Advent and finish school well. There's something in that finishing well thing. Finish strong, finish well. It's a feeling a relish as we creep up to the end of another year. And I see that as I get older, order means more to me than it did a while ago. I used to be very fly by the seat of my pants. Now, not so much. I like calm and order. Not perfection, just calm. And with 2 boys and a music loving daughter, calm is relative. So I'm finding it where I can, like planning dinners ahead on the busy days, having the christmas shopping done sooner than later. Now if I could only apply this to laundry...ahhhh, laundry. Well that's just another story :D

Dundurn Castle..what a trip!

2008-11-10T11:48:00.003-05:00

We went on a school field trip on Friday to Dundurn Castle..right up JP's alley because he is studying mid-ages..even though this castle is from the 1800's, it still gave him a sense of grandeur! So fun and great tour guides!

Heavens Rehersal 3

2008-11-10T11:25:00.003-05:00

This is how far away we were...see those little girls on the left in red shirts..those are our girls from New Song Dance Academy. They danced for ever in the finale with 2 full numbers as well. It was such a highlight!

Heavens Rehersal 2

2008-11-10T11:19:00.003-05:00

Getting on the bus, heading for The Rogers Center, Heaven's Rehersal..here we come!

Heavens Rehersal

2008-11-10T10:58:00.003-05:00

So it was wonderful, beautiful and glorious! Here's a photo review! This is the group waiting for the bus to arrive! Our fearless choreographer in glasses early Saturday morning and her fabulous assistant Mrs. Leah!

Laundry

2008-10-29T14:32:00.001-05:00

I really am a nerd...but this is just so cool~

Highschool?

2008-10-24T12:48:00.003-05:00

My oldest highschooling child who actually goes to a building for that event, won a Limo ride for reaching the most group sales in a fundraising event. So at 7 in the morning we all waited for the Limo which showed up as an SUV Limo. Fantastic. The weird part was watching my 16 year old son get into this Limo with 4 cheerleaders. Tell me he hasn't figured this whole girl thing out? He was loving it. The good thing was these cheerleaders are the athletic nice ones, not the hoochie mamma kind. Anyway, it certainly was a good day to be Simon.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-10-11T15:13:00.004-05:00

So what does Thanksgiving mean to you? To some, a time of reaching out to their Creator, to others a time to reflect on their lives, for others still a time to give back in gratitude for all they've been given. All to say, God is good. We all see Him in different ways but ultimately it's Him we need. To come to a place of sabbatical for a weekend if nothing more, brings restoration. But finding that peace in the hustle and bustle of cooking, peeling, baking, cleaning, shopping....wow. I read the book, The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan this summer or re-read it I should say. And I have to admit, it's transforming information in there. It's the kind of book that brings to light what it means to worship on Sabbath and to rest. What that rest looks like to one person may look like work to another. And so, the crazy mix of thanksgiving; not the holiday, the offering. How we offer our thanks to God on Sunday or anyday, should be an extension of who we are in our relationship with Him. What brings him honor? Sitting in the parlor staring blank faced at each other, or, preparing an awesome meal to share with family. Bringing real honest hospitality into our homes and showing the face of God through our faces makes more sense to me. If cutting the grass makes your heart sing and it happens to be Sunday, wouldn't God want your heart singing? If peeling potatoes rocks your world, wouldn't offering it up to God as an offering of love make great sense? But even more, stopping in the middle of it all and gathering in a house of worship to give him an exclusive amount of our time and just be in His presence with people who worship in the same way, doesn't that just say, God, I love you and your worth it. Your worth stopping for. Your worth the time it takes me to get ready and go, the busyness of leaving, the fullness of a day. Your worth it God. And by the way, thanks. For everything...the leaves that fall, the blue sky, the crisp air. I love oak trees God, the way move but don't fall over. The stars...gorgeous! I love how you love me. How even when I'm terrible, you love me anyway. Your an awesome God, and I just wanted to say....thanks.

Burst Training

2008-10-03T09:56:00.003-05:00

I hurt. Not because I hurt myself but because I'm Burst Training. No, not a stress relieving technique per se but an exercise plan given to me and others by my Chiropractor. To say I hurt makes it sound like I'm incapable of movement, which is not true. I have moved and now I know it. There are places hurting that I didn't know could hurt. So the idea behind this method. Something something Cortisol, something something HGH, burning the opposite fuel, better to burn sugar fast then fat slow...blah blah, I work out for 3 mins 3x's a week. Yeah! And let me tell you, it is work! Could you work out hard for 3 mins 3x's a week? Wanna join us? So far there's 4 in our little group right now. If you'd like more details, comment or email and I'll add you to our little group mailing. Support is support and it's a great thing!

We went for a little drive together...

2008-09-23T18:26:00.002-05:00

Pray for me.

He Got It!!!!

2008-09-19T11:26:00.005-05:00

Oh my name he got it...what do I do now? I'm so excited for him and scared stiff at the same time. Wow. Nutty eh?

....hold on!!!!!!

2008-09-19T11:26:00.002-05:00

Okay, today's the day....he' writing the G1 test today. For those of you unfamiliar with what a G1 is...that's a beginners driving licence. Ahh. Okay just Ahhh! So pray for him, and me and then get out of the way. St. Christopher, pray for us!

21 Rules

2008-09-14T14:08:00.003-05:00

The 21 Rules Of This House
by Gregg Harris

1. We obey God.
2. We love, honor and pray for one another.
3. We tell the truth.
4. We consider one another's interests ahead of our own.
5. We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
6. We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.
7. When someone needs correction, we correct him in love.
8. When someone is sorry, we forgive him.
9. When someone is sad, we comfort him.
10. When someone is happy, we rejoice with him.
11. When we have something nice to share, we share it.
12. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.
13. We take good care of everything that God has given us.
14. We do not create unnecessary work for others.
15. When we open something, we close it.
16. When we take something out, we put it away.
17. When we turn something on, we turn it off.
18. When we make a mess, we clean it up.
19. When we do not know what to do, we ask.
20. When we go out, we act just as if we were in this house.
21. When we disobey or forget any of the 21 Rules of This House, we accept
the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

I mean, do I really need to put these out so everyone can see them or can we just be decent to each other? Tidy up with a nice attitude? Please?????

Is it just me???

2008-09-14T14:02:00.002-05:00

Maybe I've had too much coffee. Maybe I'm just in a bad mood. Is it just me or is it okay to expect the people you live with to clean up after themselves? Is it just me? or is it okay to expect that when you live as a family, you function as a family not every person after themselves? I really think there's a unity involved in living as a family, that each contributes, not for allowance sake but because we live here. We clean because we deserve a clean home, not because company is coming. That chores must be done before playing and when you use something put it away..right away. I don't know...is it just me?

My Baby is 16 Sept 4, 2008

2008-09-05T10:26:00.005-05:00

So there it is...the 16th Anniversary has come and gone of me becoming a mother. Wow. Really, that went sonic fast. Now I'm not sure if that's because time flies when your having fun or time flies the older you get. I'm planning on believing its just been that much fun. And it really has. We love Simon. He's a fun kid. He's serious, but he has a really neat sense of humor. Simon was born 6 weeks premature and at nearly 6'1" you'd never know. We're so happy to honor Simon on his birthday and pray God's blessing over him as he grows and matures into an amazing young man.

The Boy Camper

2008-08-27T09:14:00.003-05:00

We dropped Simon off in Port Sydney at his favorite summer spot of all time....CAMP! He's happily tucked in his cabin with 8 other teenage guys for a week of Praise and Worship, Adventure and well, guy stuff. When we were leaving after a stiff upper lip goodbye, we found several creatures in their natural habitat. A few deer and a hotrod. Deer, Teenage boys Christian camp, Hotrod...what else is there? P.S. The leaves are turning!

Spano-tano Picnic pg2

2008-08-20T11:44:00.001-05:00

The Best most Bittersweet Family Picnic Ever

2008-08-20T11:35:00.004-05:00

This year was our first family picnic without two of our matriarchs in the family. Nonna Spano and Zia Mella were both greatly missed, but as one cousin said, 'it was like all the rain were their tears of happiness raining down on us, celebrating family. The rain poured and poured and then when we didn't think we could eat another bite, the sun came out and the games began. We played bocce, egg toss, water balloon toss and sack races. There was fishing, and walks, and a whole lot of laughs. Even some new fashions were designed for the event. See for yourself!

just a little more Ontario Place

2008-08-20T08:34:00.002-05:00

more Ontario Place...

2008-08-20T08:29:00.002-05:00

Ontario Place

2008-08-20T08:21:00.002-05:00

We had a family day at Ontario Place on Monday. Loved the whole day...here are some of the sites we visited...

Schools creepin in....

2008-08-15T09:34:00.002-05:00

This comes via my virtual buddy over at Auduladi and Co. Thanks for the lift! This is a hoot for those of us starting school soon or already going! And no kidding, it really does get stuck in your head!

I Will Survive (the homeschool version)

Originally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris
Originally performed by Gloria Gaynor
Mercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie Criss

First I was afraid
I was petrified.
Kept thinking I could never teach
'Cause I'm not certified.
But we spent so many nights
Reteaching homework that was wrong.
I grew strong,
so now I teach my kids at home!
We study math
and outer space.
I just kept on despite the fear
with a big smile across my face.
I bought a set of Base Ten blocks.
I bought books with answer keys.
My parents think we're nuts,
but they don't even bother me

Come on, let's go, walk out the door.
We're on the road now,
'cause we're not home much anymore
My friends would laugh and say we'd be unsocialized.
I heard one mumble
that I'd give up by July.
Oh no, not I!
I will survive!
As long as I know how to read
I know we'll be alright.
I've got all my life to learn.
I've got energy to burn.
and I'll survive.
I will survive.

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart.
Decided to attend
a play date at the local park,
and I met oh so many moms
who offered eagerly to help.
They used to cry.
Now they hold their heads up high,
and so do we!
My kids are cool!
They're not those chained up little people
stuck inside at school.
So if you feel like dropping by
and just expect us to be free
you'd better call ahead first
'cause we're probably busy

Birthday Bash

2008-08-05T10:02:00.004-05:00

JP's birthday wish was to take his buddies go-carting. They went with their dads and big brothers and it was a hoot. They came home smelling like stinky gas (pardon me, petrol...tee hee) and talking like there were engines reving right beside them. Then it was a quick dip and some cake. Here's a few photo highlights of the cake since the camera was left behind for the racing. PS...he wants it made clear that he turned 10, it's just a figure 8 race track. Good?

The Deeper you go...the more you don't wanna!

2008-07-27T15:39:00.002-05:00

So I'm researching on the Emergent Church and the emerging church and low and behold, don't I find a whole website devoted to bashing Catholics yet again.
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/contemplativeterms.htm this link will take you there to the nasty and outrageous if you like. I'm trying hard not to get bogged down with over analysing The Shack but find myself going there. So the Emergent Church is being compared to Catholic Mysticism and Rick Warren and Zondervann Publishers are leading the pack. This folks, is a new one on me! So basically, if you follow Rick Warrens teachings or the Popes your in a cult. Eeegads! How bad does it have to get before we get it. Its all about love love love love love...sing it Steven!

The Shack

2008-07-26T11:24:00.002-05:00

HHmmmmm....I haven't read like that in a long time. The Shack, couldn't put it down and when I finished it, wanted to pick it up again. It's a great read. I'm struggling with parts of it, but for the most, Loved it. There were parts that verged on 'new agey' type things like the night scene and perfect vision are described. But over all, understanding this is a work of faith and a desire to express Trinitarian love, then a work from the Emergent Church has done quite well. I'm troubled by the desire to disconnect people from 'institution' type religion. I love going to 'church' a building to fellowship with those who worship God the way I do. I love going to other peoples 'church' buildings to enjoy and share in their expression together. I don't think we can 'church' alone. So that brings it back to the central theme of the book, relationship in love. A complicated work this is and one that will take a lot of time to digest. I think I need to read it again. In the mean time, I highly recommend it as a great summer read. Watch out for the late nights though...its hard to put down for certain.

Snow in July

2008-07-23T15:20:00.004-05:00

Just because we haven't seen it doesn't mean it hasn't happened before. However, the weather in our neck of the woods these days has been wild! On Saturday (my birthday) there were wild winds, huge rains and insane thunder and lightening just on my side of town. Our next door neighbours gazebo flipped over and was destroyed. Across the road same thing only it landed in their pool. Trees down and other such damage. Last night, funnel clouds were spotted int he area and severe damaging winds crushed the produce crops. Wine will be hard to come by this vintage. It seems that a local farmer has sustained losses of 70% on his Winona farm location. The amount of hail that fell piled up over a foot in the drainage ditches and the leaves from many trees were stripped off and plastered against cars and buildings. It looks creepy downtown today. And a huge beautiful old tree about 3 blocks from me fell over from the roots and crashed into a house taking out its corner. Unreal!

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of my 30th Birthday

2008-07-21T09:06:00.003-05:00

Well, it happened. I'm 40. I'm fabulous and 40. That sounds so good together. And I'm excited about it too. My sweet DH booked a surprise wine tour for me and some friends on Saturday which was just wonderful. I think it didn't go the way he wanted but I'm not asking for details on that because it was just wonderful the way it was. He is the sweetest guy ever on the planet (sorry ladies, let me have a moment here) and I just love him so much. Planning isn't his area. He leaves that to me most of the time. For him to step out and do this for me makes me feel like the most loved woman who ever turned 40. That said, my friends rock too. People came back from the past to say Happy Birthday and new friends too. I've been blessed with so many lovely gifts that were so simply awesome. I love good books, devotionals, great tea and great wine and my friends blessed me with all of the above. And a mani/pedi that I can't wait to enjoy! Awesome. It's a neat feeling to be celebrated. A little overwhelming but really neat. I enjoyed the evening with my family at my mom's. My in-loves came, my brother and aunt. My mom just had some surgery and she pulled off this incredible dinner on her own. It was so good. And she gave me a gift that was so fun. In a huge gift bag were all little presents and each one had a card that introduced the gift. One was for dreaming, one was for feeding the spirit, one was relaxing and my favorite was to remember my dad. What an amazing gift. My DH and kids gave me a Pandora bracelet with 3 charms to remember my 40th by. Just wonderful. And honestly, the day started with breaky in bed, a surprise gathering, dinner at my moms and ended with a shooting star streaking through the big dipper. A wink from my daddy! Perfect, just perfect!

Is this really the image we give????

2008-07-16T13:27:00.003-05:00

This article made me laugh...obviously, this author didn't do his homework and chose to lump all homeschoolers into the same box. Funny how that happens.

Home-Schoolers Threaten Our Cultural Comfort

You see them at the grocery, or in a discount store.
It's a big family by today's standards - "just like stair steps," as the old folks say. Freshly scrubbed boys with neatly trimmed hair and girls with braids, in clean but unfashionable clothes follow mom through the store as she fills her no-frills shopping list.
There's no begging for gimcracks, no fretting, and no threats from mom.
The older watch the younger, freeing mom to go peacefully about her task. You are looking at some of the estimated 2 million children being home schooled in the U.S. , and the number is growing. Their reputation for academic achievement has caused colleges to begin aggressively recruiting them. Savings to the taxpayers in instructional costs are conservatively estimated at $4 billion, and some place the figure as high as $9 billion. When you consider that these families pay taxes to
support public schools, but demand nothing from them, it seems quite a deal for the public.
Home schooling parents are usually better educated than the norm, and
are more likely to attend worship services. Their motives are many and
varied. Some fear contagion from the anti-clericalism, coarse speech,
suggestive behavior and hedonistic values that characterize secular
schools. Others are concerned for their children's safety. Some want
their children to be challenged beyond the minimal competencies of the
public schools. Concern for a theistic world view largely permeates the
movement.
Indications are that home schooling is working well for the kids, and
the parents are pleased with their choice, but the practice is coming
under increasing suspicion, and even official attack, as in California .

Why do we hate (or at least distrust) these people so much?

Methinks American middle-class people are uncomfortable around the home
schooled for the same reason the alcoholic is uneasy around the teetotaler.
Their very existence represents a rejection of our values, and an
indictment of our lifestyles. Those families are willing to render unto
Caesar the things that Caesar's be, but they draw the line at their
children. Those of us who have put our trust in the secular state (and
effectively surrendered our children to it) recognize this act of
defiance as a rejection of our values, and we reject them in return.
Just as the jealous Chaldeans schemed to bring the wrath of the king
upon the Hebrew eunuchs, we are happy to sic the state's bureaucrats on
these "trouble makers." Their implicit rejection of America 's most
venerated idol, Materialism, (a.k.a. "Individualism") spurs us to heat
the furnace and feed the lions.
Young families must make the decision: Will junior go to day care and
day school, or will mom stay home and raise him? The rationalizations
begin. "A family just can't make it on one income." (Our parents did.)
"It just costs so much to raise a child nowadays." (Yeah, if you buy
brand-name clothing, pre-prepared food, join every club and activity,
and spend half the cost of a house on the daughter's wedding, it does.)
And so, the decision is made. We give up the bulk of our waking hours
with our children, as well as the formation of their minds,
philosophies, and attitudes, to strangers. We compensate by getting a
boat to take them to the river, a van to carry them to Little League, a
2,800-square-foot house, an ATV, a zero-turn Cub Cadet, and a fund to
finance a brand-name college education. And most significantly, we claim
"our right" to pursue a career for our own "self-fulfillment."
Deep down, however, we know that our generation has eaten its seed corn.
We lack the discipline and the vision to deny ourselves in the hope of
something enduring and worthy for our posterity. We are tired from
working extra jobs, and the looming depression threatens our 401k's.
Credit cards are nearly maxed, and it costs a $100 to fuel the Suburban.
Now the kid is raising hell again, demanding the latest Play Station as
his price for doing his school work ... and there goes that modest young
woman in the home-made dress with her four bright-eyed, well-behaved
home-schooled children in tow. Wouldn't you just love to wipe that
serene look right off her smug face?

Is it any wonder we hate her so?

Sonny Scott a community columnist, lives on Sparta Road in Chickasaw
County and his e-mail address is sonnyscott@yahoo.com.

Cruisin' in on 40

2008-07-13T18:19:00.002-05:00

Yep...its coming...40. Less than a week away. Alot of people are asking me how I feel about it and to be honest, I feel great about it. I'm happy, healthy and alive. I know my saviour, I'm in love with my husband and I adore my kids who adore me back. Really, life is just that good. And I know its that good because God blesses me. That and that fact that 40 is the new 30...what's to be worried about?

It's a baby, not a choice

2008-07-11T06:41:00.003-05:00

“Is This What You Mean?”

We in the pro-life community have been fed up for a long time with “public servants” who can’t seem to tell the difference between serving the public and killing the public. They mask the violence of abortion with the smooth language of “choice,” and refuse to protect the victims.

These politicians are found in both major political parties; some hold public office and others seek it. And many Church leaders have been hesitant to discipline such individuals, even though many of them claim to practice their faith.

These abortion supporting politicians get away with what they are doing in large measure because they refuse to talk about what the “choice” actually is. They try to avoid the word “abortion” altogether; but even when they use it, the word has lost practically all its meaning. Voters hear the word but are left with little or no awareness of the gruesome horror it represents.

This election season, it’s time for that to change. No matter what politicians or voters or Church officials are or are not going to do, it’s time that we who know what abortion is draw a line in the sand and give candidates and office-holders alike this challenge:

If you’re going to take a position on abortion, then you’re going to have to come clean about what it is. We are no longer going to let you obscure or trivialize the issue. Whether people agree with you or not, you owe it to them to be honest about what you’re talking about.

Therefore we issue this simple call to honesty: We will describe abortion to you, and you tell us if that’s what you’re talking about.

That’s it, pure and simple. This is not a debate, nor a threat. It’s a call to clarity, a demand for honesty. That is not partisan, nor is it unreasonable; it is not fanatical or inappropriate in any way. Nor is this about religion or morality.

We just want to make sure that we’re hearing you. When you say “abortion,” we just want to make sure we’re both talking about the same thing.

I recently posted videos on You Tube in which I describe and demonstrate the most common abortion techniques, using the actual instruments of abortion and the words found in medical textbooks and court testimony. Below you will see the links to these videos, as well as brief quotes you can use from abortionists themselves.

For example, Dr. Carolyn Westhoff testified, “In the dismemberment D&E…it is necessary to insert our forceps…and then crush the head.” (National Abortion Federation v. Ashcroft, April 2004, US District Court, Southern District of New York).

Then simply ask “pro-choice” politicians (whether they are candidates or already in public office) if this is what they mean when they say “abortion.” Yes or no. Ask it publicly. Ask it repeatedly. Ask it at town meetings, on blogs, in editorials. Those whose support they are seeking deserve to know.

Father Frank Pavone

You Tube links on the abortion procedures:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=us_y9GP_-DA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBOAPleF1t0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDpcj1DUcTw

Is this really what you mean when you say you support pro-choice?

First Trimester Suction Abortion

"The physician will usually first notice a quantity of amniotic fluid, followed by placenta and fetal parts, which may be more or less identifiable." (From the medical textbook Abortion Practice – Dr. Warren Hern, p.114, in section on First Trimester Abortion).

***

“When we do a suction curettage abortion, you know, roughly one of three things is going to happen during the abortion. One would be that the catheter as it approaches the fetus, you know, tears it and kills it at that instant inside the uterus. The second would be that the fetus is small enough and the catheter is large enough that the fetus passes through the catheter and either dies in transit as it’s passing through the catheter or dies in the suction bottle after it’s actually all the way out.” (Sworn testimony given in US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (Madison, WI, May 27, 1999, Case No. 98-C-0305-S), by Dr. Martin Haskell, an abortionist. He describes legal activity.)

***

Question: Can the heart of a fetus or embryo still be beating during a suction curettage abortion as the fetus or embryo comes down the cannula? Answer: For a few seconds to a minute, yes.
(Sworn testimony given in US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (Madison, WI, May 27, 1999, Case No. 98-C-0305-S), by Dr. Harlan Raymond Giles, an abortionist. He describes legal activity.)

Second Trimester D&E Abortion

"The procedure changes significantly at 21 weeks because the fetal tissues become much more cohesive and difficult to dismember. This problem is accentuated by the fact that the fetal pelvis may be as much as 5cm in width. The calvaria [head] is no longer the principal problem; it can be collapsed. Other structures, such as the pelvis, present more difficulty….A long curved Mayo scissors may be necessary to decapitate and dismember the fetus…" (From the medical textbook Abortion Practice – Dr. Warren Hern, p.154)

***

“The doctor grips a fetal part with the forceps and pulls it back through the cervix and vagina, continuing to pull even after meeting resistance from the cervix. The friction causes the fetus to tear apart. For example, a leg might be ripped off the fetus as it is pulled through the cervix and out of the woman. The process of evacuating the fetus piece by piece continues until it has been completely re-moved.” (US Supreme Court, Gonzales vs. Carhart, April 18, 2007, describing the D&E procedure).

***

"Let's just say for instance we took a different view, a different tact and we left the leg in the uterus just to dismember it. Well, we'd probably have to dismember it at several different levels because we don't have firm control over it, so we would attack the lower part of the lower extremity first, remove, you know, possibly a foot, then the lower leg at the knee and then finally we get to the hip."

"And typically when the abortion procedure is started we typically know that the fetus is still alive because either we can feel it move as we're making our initial grasps or if we're using some ultrasound visualization when we actually see a heartbeat as we're starting the procedure. It's not unusual at the start of D&E procedures that a limb is acquired first and that that limb is brought through the cervix and even out of the vagina prior to disarticulation and prior to anything having been done that would have caused the fetal demise up to that point."

"When you're doing a dismemberment D&E, usually the last part to be removed is the skull itself and it's floating free inside the uterine cavity…So it's rather like a ping-pong ball floating around and the surgeon is using his forcep to reach up to try to grasp something that's freely floating around and is quite large relative to the forcep we're using. So typically there's several misdirections, misattempts to grasp. Finally at some point either the instruments are managed to be place around the skull or a nip is made out of some area of the skull that allows it to start to decompress. And then once that happens typically the skull is brought out in fragments rather than as a unified piece…" (Sworn testimony given in US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (Madison, WI, May 27, 1999, Case No. 98-C-0305-S), by Dr. Martin Haskell, an abortionist. He describes legal activity.)

News and Blog Links

John Smeaton, Society for the Protection of Unborn Children:
http://spuc-director.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-pro-life-video.html

Catholic Online: www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=27584
Catholic Online Homepage: www.catholic.org

Catholic News Agency: http://catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=12318

OpinionEditorials.com: True Face of an Abortion by Kevin Roeten

...and one more for fun

2008-07-09T08:32:00.001-05:00

He gets better as he goes along making these...nice to see Canada in this one.

Just a great laugh

2008-07-09T08:12:00.003-05:00

I LOVE this guys youtube post...its nothing earth shattering but its just simply fun and wonderful and pure joy. Unfortunate title, buy hey, as Christians we live by different rules that perhaps this young man is not bound by. None the less...in a day when oil costs are rising, people are stealing and killing over a tank of gas, and all the other world sadnesses, this brings a smile...enjoy.

Missed it...

2008-07-09T07:16:00.003-05:00

How on earth did I miss posting my son's 10th Birthday? Well, traveling home the day before kinda threw me off my thang a bit...but, here it is, better late than not at all. So my youngest is a Canada Day Baby...he loves that because he says the whole country celebrates his birthday with firecrackers and everyone has their own party at their houses for him. He's also a patriotic young man and dresses in white and red to celebrate and sings Happy Birthday to Canada too. Such a cutie. So here's to my baby who's not A baby but is MY baby...Happy Birthday John-Patrick, you are priceless. Quite the ham...but priceless.

True North Girl Strong and Free...

2008-07-04T15:25:00.004-05:00

I wish I was still up north sometimes...that place gets in your blood...I miss the smell, the water, the pace. HHHmmmmm...I love being there.

aaaand we're back....again!

2008-06-30T13:13:00.002-05:00

Can I just say....aaaaaaaahhhhhh.....okay, I'm good. I'm so so so relaxed its amazing. Release. Being away for 7 days, honestly, that's the first time since my honeymoon that I've seen my husband everyday all day for 7 days in a row. It was GREAT! We tubbed, ATV'd,enjoyed great company, rode tractors, shopped, almost bumped into Shania Twain, rested, relaxed, slept,enjoyed time as a family, ate, ate some more, swam, hot tubed, so all to say, wow. What a trip! Here are some highlights...

So Long Self

2008-06-18T13:43:00.002-05:00

This is the song my daughter and her bestest estest friend ever sang together at their grad...

I'm so done

2008-06-17T10:03:00.002-05:00

I don't like to be one who wishes days away, because I do love being in the moment...truly present in each second of each moment I'm blessed with. But I'm close to done now. Sara's grad was lovely. Simple, sweet, beautiful. All the people she loves were there for her in one way or another, if not in physical presence their phone calls and best wishes were obvious to her. She is a loved and blessed girl. And our Marineland trip was as usual, fun...rainy, stormy even, but still a hoot. Finally this week I wrap up Little Spirits and Long Range Planning for Enoch and then the boys are off to Mosport...girl weekend and of course packing and readying ourselves for North. This years north trip is particularly welcome. I'm so ready to just stop...you know be still and know HE is God type of stop. What a welcome way to begin my summer. I love teaching, but I'm really ready to rest now. I'll recharge and be ready for another year of going and what not...but for now, I'm done.
This is the song for grad this year...it was on our powerpoint and just summed up the whole deal. Loved it!

Girls Retreat...

2008-06-08T14:49:00.002-05:00

It was spectacular...we loved it. Learning about God's plan for purity and how we're not alone in that decision. Isn't wonderful that God is such a gentleman that He would desire His daughters to be humble and pure? So good.

The Biggest Distraction of all...

2008-06-03T07:52:00.003-05:00

Welcome Michi...the biggest distraction to school ever. He is living with us until he gets his Rabies shot at which time he'll be moving to my mother in loves house where he'll become the worlds best mouser! I'm convinced keeping this cat inside is cruel. He needs the wide wide world...can't you tell by looking at him that he's a mountain lion? He thinks he is anyway. He hunts and attacks our 14 year old cat Murmel. Murmel hates Michi.

A Little Fashion Show

2008-06-03T07:42:00.006-05:00

Sara is walking down the runway with her Gramma holding the crazy patch pillow she made for her as a gift (we missed the picture of her wearing the hoodie she made) and Dad has the honor of escorting his baby girl down the runway wearing the dress she made for her grade 8 graduation. Clutch the pearls, I nearly fainted.

...and we're back!!!

2008-06-03T07:33:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the long absence my friends. Its been a long go of planning a preparing for our churches first Girls Purity Retreat. A tonne of work and time and effort sustained only by the Holy Spirit was put forth by a team of amazing hard working women and it was a joy and honor to be in their company. Some pics to share and also a quick mention that it is my 1 Year Blogaversary. So happy year to me!
We also celebrated my daughters piano recital and her fashion show where she modeled the dress she will wear to her grad 8 graduation. Wonderful! So enjoy the pics and I'll stay closer as we slide into the homeschool finish line and on to celebrate with grad! Wahoo! Friday is our last day!

A Prayer Request

2008-05-21T13:07:00.002-05:00

Dear Praying Friends,
Re: Girls Purity Retreat St. Joseph Church, Grimsby, May 30 – May 31 2006

In just two short weeks we will be hosting our first Girls Purity Retreat for high school aged girls. We are very excited about this event. Our schedule is packed with fun and inspiring activities and talks. Three university-aged young women will be coming to share from their life experiences. Our event closes with a mother daughter tea, and a purity commitment ceremony. It’s going to be life changing.
As a praying friend, you have a significant part to play in this as you pray over the girls and this event. We need your prayers. Join us as we pray
That we would reach our capacity number. That not one girl, or her mom, would be missed.
Against any distractions that could come at critical moments of understanding and decision.
For a profound, transforming, permanent work of the Holy Spirit that will sever every evil plan of the enemy and set these girls on a path of victory and purpose.
That they will go back to their communities spreading the fire and message of purity.
For physical and spiritual protection as they leave this event – that the Truth received would not be lost.
For a deep hunger for God’s Word and a passionate pursuit of Christ’s likeness.
For great boldness and courage to share their faith in the midst of this generation.
For the organizing team and speakers, and the provision of every resource need.

God bless you and thank you for your prayer support!

“We are meant for so much more than we often realize. It’s difficult to believe that an act as simple as a breath of prayer can have some kind of cosmic import, a place in the grand scheme of things. He is ever inviting you and me to join Him on this amazing adventure, to live life – day in and day out – on the edge of holy expectancy.”

Standing with you “on the edge of holy expectancy” for this generation.
Girls Retreat Organizing Team

Trinity Sunday/Communion Day

2008-05-18T15:55:00.003-05:00

What a great day for a Communion. God opened the floodgates of rain on this spring day and we celebrated. My Cathecism class was wonderful. After weeks and weeks of preparation, they did a truly wonderful job. I was so proud. Like a momma bird hovering over her baby's. What a wonderful day. And on Trinity Sunday too. It really doesn't get much better than this.

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-12T19:09:00.001-05:00

Watch to the end for a beautiful blessing!

Finally Free, Home at Last

2008-05-09T17:49:00.002-05:00

OTTAWA - Brenda Martin is finally a free woman.

Martin was released from a Kitchener prison Friday after being granted full parole. She had been held at the Grand Valley Institution for Women since returning to Canada last week after spending more than two years in a Mexican prison on fraud charges. Sitting in the passenger seat of longtime friend Debra Tieleman's car, Martin told reporters she'd been on pins and needles all day.
"When they finally called, actually when two guards came to the house, and (said) 'Your parole officer wants to see you,' I said 'Oh my God, maybe I'm getting out!"'
She thanked the "three heroes" in her life: her mother, Marjorie Bletcher; Tieleman; and a journalist who followed her plight.
Martin said she was headed to see her mother in Trenton, Ont.
"I'm just going to relax with my mom, and probably cook dinner for my mother and my stepfather."
Carol Sparling, a spokeswoman for the National Parole Board, said Martin is a first-time federal offender sentenced to a non-violent offence.
"Those offenders are reviewed with only one criteria, which is if there is reasonable likelihood of them committing a violent offence," she said.
"The board found that was no evidence in violence in this case and directed full parole release."
Parole documents cite a 1993 conviction for drunk driving but don't consider it germane to her current case.
A Mexican court found Martin guilty last month of involvement in a scam run by her ex-boss, former Edmontonian Alyn Waage.
A Mexican judge sentenced her to five years in jail and ordered her to pay a fine.
She has steadfastly maintained she knew nothing of Waage's fraud scheme, which bilked 15,000 investors out of nearly US$60 million.
Waage was arrested in 2001 and is serving out a 10-year sentence at a low-security federal prison in Butner, N.C.

Found a little...long way to go.

2008-05-08T13:41:00.003-05:00

I found some motivation, the sun came out, I opened a window and just jumped in. And I do feel better which makes me want to keep going. I love it when my house smells fresh and feels clean. It's a 'good thing'. What cleaning products are you using these days? Making the switch to 'green' or staying with old faithful? I'm into products that don't make you wear gloves. Love that! So what's making your houses fresh?

I need some motivation

2008-05-08T08:19:00.003-05:00

My house is a bomb and I need to tidy up...but it's grey and cloudy and I'm not in the mood. Ever happen to you guys? I'm just blahhh. I know I'll feel better when its done, its just starting. Blahh. What gets you going? What helps you get the blahh into submission? Blahh blahh blahh...blahh.

Okay, this is how much God loves me!

2008-05-04T13:17:00.007-05:00

You know those moments that happen in your life that are so incredibly sweet that they're like a hand picked moment between you and God? Well I just had a weekend of Divine Appointments with God. I just love Him so much because He cares so much about the details of our lives. On Friday, my daughter and I left our Homeschool Event a little later than I planned (hard to tear away from those things...) and I still had to stop and pick up snacks. The plaza I went to is crazy hard to pull into traffic going left, so I was stuck there for a while waiting, feeling later and later. I prayed out loud,"God just please make a break in the traffic so I can get out of here." And I'm not kidding you, the very next car stops and lets me go. God is so good. We get to the conference which was at the University of Waterloo and we stayed in the dorms. What a neato experience that was for my daughter and I. We loved it! Not the comfyest sleep but didn't matter, it was the funnest ever. The next day (Saturday) was the best part of the conference only the biggest bummer for me was no coffee. I love coffee. Not more than God, but man, I really love coffee. So there I am, brewing a coffee headache (it amazes me that I only drink one a day unless its a celebration or a really small cup, but I still get a headache if I don't have one...hmmm) and I'm sitting in the bleachers (but Jenny saves the day and blesses us with some chairs, thanks Jen!) kind of grumbling about not having coffee and again, I just sort of pray a simple little prayer, "Lord I would just love a coffee." Nothing. That's okay cause God is still good. I see people coming and going all day with their coffee's and its bugging me but God is bigger than coffee so I don't really care alot. We have lunch and I'm getting ready to settle in for the after noon, my headache is still there and I'm not perky happy but content to hear the afternoon message when this complete stranger comes up to me with a tray full of coffee, Tim's no less, and says, "I just bought too many coffee's would anyone like one?" And she looks right at me. There are 1200 people in this place and she comes up to ME. She's not even sitting near me so she doesn't know my coffee circumstance. I jumped out of my skin saying yes yes yes, because even though she paid for it, God just bought me coffee!!! It was the best coffee I ever had. I actually wept. Because it wasn't at all about the coffee, it's simply that God loves me that much that He would bring me a coffee. But it doesn't end there. The day just kept getting better. The afternoon door prizes were being announced and my daughter silently prayed, "God, don't let me win the CD, but if I win the Bible I will give it to my best friend Sandra." And don't you know, the very first name called in the Bible draw was my daughters. And then about 5 names later, my name was called for a Bible. They thought we were sisters...I loved that. Honestly, I was just saying thank you Jesus over and over. Because now, He rewards my daughters faithfulness, and then amplifies it by giving us 2 Bibles. What an incredible day. God is so faithful and cares about the simple little details. More than ever, I'm in love with my God. I know I'm His favorite. And so are you, and you and you and you. Isn't that so great? To honestly say your the favorite and not be at all puffed up in anyway bragging, because its true. God is just that good!

Images

2008-05-01T12:43:00.004-05:00

Well here's a good conversation. My strangerfriend at Aduladi&Co. offers a great commentary to make you go hmmmmm on her blog post from yesterday. Is it okay to look at images of Christ in the new covenant even though the old testament covenant still applies. But by the blood of the lamb we have a new promise so how far do you press it? As a Catholic woman I find myself really thinking on this because we are loaded with images in the Catholic church. And I honestly love them. I'm visual so that part of me is fed well with so much to look at. So my take on this is that as long as I'm not making an image INTO God, then having a picture of Jesus should be okay. If we get all legalistic about it then we should probably not wear crosses either. And I really don't want to give up my cross jewellery. I love it, but its not a god to me and none of it has power. And too, watching The Passion Of The Christ, really puts into perspective what he suffered. Until that movie I never really 'got' it. So as a tool to deepen my faith, seeing that movie helped. So then, gazing on the face of Christ, weather in my minds eye or through the eye of someone else, if in a desire to grow in faith, has to be okay. Am I justifying too much? I pray for the mind of Christ because scripture tells me to do so. Is that cheating? I don't think so. I love how St. Thomas Aquinas says it: Religious worship is not directed to images in themselves, considered as mere things, but under their distinctive aspect as images leading us on to God incarnate. The movement toward the image does not terminate in it as image, but tends toward that whose image it is.[St. Thomas Aquinas, STh II-II, 81, 3 ad 3.]. Regarding idols we find this...2113. Idolatry not only refers to false pagan worship. It remains a constant temptation to faith. Idolatry consists in divinizing what is not God. Man commits idolatry whenever he honors and reveres a creature in place of God, whether this be gods or demons (for example, satanism), power, pleasure, race, ancestors, the state, money, etc. Jesus says, 'You cannot serve God and mammon.'[Mt 6:24 .] Many martyrs died for not adoring 'the Beast'[Cf. Rev 13-14.] refusing even to simulate such worship. Idolatry rejects the unique Lordship of God; it is therefore incompatible with communion with God.[Cf. Gal 5:20 ; Eph 5:5 . This site www.newadvent.org has a neat description of the issue too. But sadly as I poked around the web, there is alot of anti-catholic stuff out there. It's a hard subject to tackle and my friend Angel said it best, its not a salvation issue. Its more about living in Victory. Trying as best we know how to live a life for Christ, that he would be blessed by and that would show who he is by how we live.

Curriculum Fair

2008-04-29T13:12:00.003-05:00

I love curriculum fairs...I get giddy when I walk into the vendor hall. I found some really great new ideas for next year and a few old stand byes. Next year will be a new venture into the homeschool world as my daughter stays home for grade 9. Highschool, a whole new world! Exciting and feels like starting first year again. For grade 5 son, I found a great new art program and for him that's huge. I also found a 4 season nature journal curriculum to completement the science we'll be co-oping with 2 other boys from our group. It looks like fun too. One huge disappointment was penmanship. I've used quite a few programs over the years and was saddened to find nothing new in the world of penmanship for boys. My son being the artist that he is, can reproduce anything and make it look nice, but, he can't read it. He's having trouble making it make sence in his mind, so I'm going to make up my own program for him. One letter at a time.
And for highschool we begin a Hobbit study and Romeo and Juliet study. It'll be a full year. I'm going to handle it by staying on terms instead of semesters. I don't like semesters anyway, not having math every semester is a disaster. So exciting times of planning ahead.

The Plague and Healing...

2008-04-26T20:46:00.002-05:00

I've had the plague. I'm healed. It was hard fought for. Infact, he died over it. Praise God. I'm still recovering, but I wanted to say I'm still here and alive. What an ordeal.

Say What?????

2008-04-18T10:29:00.003-05:00

I'm absolutely floored by this...I don't normally side with Bill O'Reilly but this time, he's quite eloquent. As for Bill Maher? Why isn't he being asked to leave his job the way "the guy" did when he spoke rudely about the girls basketball team last year? I guess Oprah wasn't all over this one. Too bad.

Guilty...

2008-04-18T10:14:00.003-05:00

I have to say...we've bought into this whole idea of tee shirt theology a few times. Our kids have many and even the one pictured in my last blog. And although one must be careful, its great to see the kids wearing them boldly. In fact at the dollar store one day, my daughter was wearing the one in the picture and the cashier leaned over the counter to say "He died for my space too!" And with a wink and a smile, she finished the transaction. My daughter left there feeling connected to her Christian world outside of church and home. It was a lovely experience. I'm sure there will come a day when there will be a tough reaction to her faith and she'll have to use her apologetics skills but until then, I'm okay with the shirts. What I'm not okay with is complacency. Its about relationship, religion is the way we choose to express the relationship. Anyone want to weigh in on that?

T-shirt Theology?

2008-04-17T12:46:00.003-05:00

So Much for T-Shirt Theology
By Amy Welborn

At the heart of the Pope’s speech last night was call to the bishops to take stock of the realities of American culture, be realistic about the Church’s weaknesses, and get to work.
A slew of recent studies and surveys confirm what everyone involved in Catholic ministry knows: Catholic identity is very fluid. Catholic views and perspectives on most issues aren’t generally marked by Gospel-centered counterculturalism. Catholic young people are just not absorbing whatever it is they’re being taught.
In my years of involvement in Catholic education, it was clear that concern was starting to mount about all of this. Those of us in parish or school ministry knew that our students weren’t being taken to Mass by their parents. We knew that the chances were high that the young parents bringing their children for baptism hadn’t set foot in church since their wedding, and before that their confirmation. We could see it spinning apart. In the hopeful days after the Second Vatican Council, the belief was that now that the evils of rote memorization and the fear of Hell had been dispensed with, intentionality would rule the day when it came to faith, and everyone would be so much more fully engaged.
But it didn’t seem to be working, and instead of intentionality, minimalism and a stripped-down version of cultural Catholicism in which even the “culture” part seemed to be missing defined the mass of those we worked with. I knew things were bad when one parish religious education director said to me of her hopes for the children of her parish: “If they can come away with the feeling that church is a good place, a happy place, they’ll remember that, and when they get older, they’ll come back.”
So, in the mid-80’s “Catholic identity” became the new buzz word at workshops and conferences. Talk about how great it is to be Catholic. Bring up our rich, interesting heritage. Talk about some saints. Wear T-shirts if necessary.
On the surface, it may seem as if this is what Benedict’s message is all about. But it’s really not, for it goes deeper.
Last night, Benedict was direct about the problems. He talked about “Catholic identity,” but it’s clear that what he means goes beyond “Cool 2 B Catholic” bumper stickers.
“As I just mentioned, one of the great challenges facing the Church in this country is that of cultivating a Catholic identity which is based not so much on externals as on a way of thinking and acting grounded in the Gospel and enriched by the Church’s living tradition.”
He was also direct about how the Church is to blame for this. Bad preaching and inadequate teaching. A failure, ultimately (and this is a constant Benedictine theme) to help people connect the defining questions of their lives with the answers found in Christ, and the Church as the place to find Christ and be nourished by him.
“The goal of all our pastoral and catechetical work, the object of our preaching, and the focus of our sacramental ministry should be to help people establish and nurture that living relationship with “Christ Jesus, our hope”
Now that’s Catholic identity.

Our Lady of Perpetual Laundry...

2008-04-16T15:07:00.005-05:00

Yep, that's me. I've been touring some blogs today on the subject of Lovely Laundry. I can't see it. Really. I can't find anything lovely about laundry. I have two boys. I love them. They smell. My daughter does her own laundry. I love her, I never know when she smells. I always have Mount Laundrymenjaro to climb and I never ever have moments of peace and tranquility while doing it. Am I missing a ministry moment? I don't think so. I'll be fine. My family will be fine. And I can feel quite lovely without loving laundry. Mind you, with a laundry room that looks like this, I might find a way to love laundry a bit more. So to all my friends who find laundry lovely, God Bless you. I find organizing lovely. I find other ways to express lovely. Laundry, just ain't it.

My German Shepherd Turns 81

2008-04-16T09:54:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Pope Benedict..."and many more..."

Clay Projects...

2008-04-13T17:15:00.002-05:00

These are some clay projects my youngest made this year. We're studying Pioneer Life so he built a clay log cabin and we're also studying Botany so he made a clay flower. We're loving the clay as an option for enjoying tactile experiences. Fun fun fun...

A Search

2008-04-08T09:22:00.001-05:00

I'm looking for a poem called Continue On. Anyone have a copy of it or know where I can find it? Its a poem for moms and its an encouragement from God.
Let me know...

Say no more...

2008-04-07T08:09:00.002-05:00

from Sue @ Half the Kingdom

Toooooooooooo cute!

2008-04-05T15:10:00.000-05:00

Watch for the big finish!!!

40 Years Ago

2008-04-04T07:49:00.004-05:00

Do you know what today is? 40 years ago today, Martin Luther King Jr. was murdered. Now as a white, Catholic, almost 40 year old Canadian girl, what does that have to do with anything in my life? Everything. Martin Luther King Jr. has been a part of my life for my whole life. I've never not knowen who he is and how important he was and his legacy still is. In his honor, I highly recommend watching Amazing Grace The Movie...although it isn't at all about him, it certainly is about his Dream.

Say It Ain't So

2008-04-03T14:49:00.004-05:00

California's home-schooled headed for public schools? Sacramento, California -
A three-judge panel from the 2nd District Court of Appeals made it illegal on February 28 for any parent to home school their child, unless they have a teaching or tutor credential. Upon hearing the ruling, school districts officials began demanding that police take immediate action. So yesterday, throughout the state, judges secretly began swearing out and signing arrest warrants for any parent who was suspected of home-schooling their children without a teaching credential.

Setting up a special task force virtually overnight, SWAT teams and truant officers armed with arrest warrants and automatic weapons began rounding up wayward parents, and against their will placing their child in protective custody and enrolling them in public schools throughout the state.

Originally thought to be a logistical nightmare, distinguishing home-schooled children from that of the public school system, officials quickly learned they could gather up a list of suspects from last year's contestants, finalists and winners of the National Spelling Bee Contest, unusually high SAT scores and any kid who passed a random drug screen and/or pregnancy test.

"Also, we followed home any polite, courteous or well adjusted child," said Dug Martinez, SWAT Commander. "Oh, and any kid we caught actually doing their homework at the library."

In the early morning predawn darkness, SWAT teams and truant officers began their statewide sweep, crashing down the front doors in quiet peaceful suburban neighborhoods, but mostly in rural areas.

"After the California Superior Court medical marijuana ruling, the three-judge panel of the 2ND District Court of Appeals had to do something to try to restore the proper checks and balances to the political system that has been inadvertently eroded by that ruling," said a political scientist. "So they did what anyone would do in their situation, they pointed the finger at a minority group to draw away public attention from themselves."

"Also, they must have thought the ruling against home-schooling would bring in badly needed federal education dollars to the public schools for the upcoming recession, securing the liberal vote for the elected incumbency from the teachers' union," said a legal analyst from the Cassandra Institute Foresight School of Law.

"Overall, we netted a pretty good raid," said Officer Martinez. "We arrested the parents. Put the kids in protective custody and enrolled them in public school. We confiscated a whole bunch of high quality, up to date learning materials, too."

Listed among the home-schooling educational material seized by police: copies of "Plato's Republic; The Prince; The Magna Carta; The Federalist Papers; The Declaration of Independence; The Constitution and The Bill of Rights."

"You know until today's raid, I never even bothered reading this stuff myself. Let alone read it to my kids," said Officer Martinez. "I just found out we've alienated these good people out of at least three of their inalienable rights. Now, that ain't right."

The home-schooling learning materials will be held in the evidence locker to be used at trial, unless a plea bargain is reached, then they will be properly disposed with, according to Officer Martinez.

The story above is a satire or parody. It is entirely fictitious.
Written by Robert W. Armijo
Story written: 11 March 2008

Is Gas REALLY that high?

2008-04-03T12:30:00.004-05:00

OH MY NAME!!!!!! I was driving my son to school (yes one does leave the hermitage) and just about rear ended the guy in front of me when the price of gas caught my eye. I don't usually care too much about this stuff because you gotta get it, gotta pay it, they got us! But this is crazy!!! $1.123 For Real!

JPII We Love You!

2008-04-02T13:26:00.003-05:00

“Even though man is capable of evil, and at times boundless evil, evil itself will never have the last word. In the very abyss of suffering, love can triumph.” Alleluia!!!

Homeschool Moms Unite..or at least hold each other up!

2008-04-02T08:16:00.004-05:00

My sweet blogger buddy at Aduladi & Co. posted a great post today on homeschool moms and expectations and the like and it is really funny, but also at the core, what most homeschool moms feel at one point or another. Its interesting how peer pressure can creep into something a special as homeschooling. Trying to keep up, keep up 'appearances'...oh yeah, it creeps in. But, at the end of the day, if we're doing it because God told us to, then it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, or what grade our 9 year old is really in or if the highschooler should skip a grade or that our last years banana fly experiment is still fermenting in the front window. Really all that matters is we invite God into our school efforts every day and rest knowing that the tears (ours and the kids) will come because we are human, and not everyone, homeschooled or not is academically inclined...and homemade granola in biodegradable baggies (although noble) is okay not to make! Lets support each other simply by raising a glass of water, cuppa Joe or sip of tea and say...way to go sister friend! You are making a difference and you are loved by an unseen family of people just like you! So here's to you moms!

How to be Catholic

2008-04-01T11:35:00.003-05:00

I love Father Stan Fortuna and his honest approach to teaching youth. And the fact that I learn from him every time I hear him speak.