Pondering

There are some that are so trusting in handing over their lives to God's hands.  They may question and perhaps doubt from time to time but..wow...look what can be accomplished when we let go.  When ever Katie writes I want to link it to here.  I'd like to be reminded that people do live like her...some in small ways while others in large (each important, each are needed, each are examples of living like Jesus).

Here is Katie Davis' journey.

For Later

Ran across a picture of something that my taste buds and stomach are desiring very much.  They are called bacon-wrapped jalepeno thingies.  Great name, really.  So I 'am planning ahead' for Super Bowl Sunday's menu.  These are sure to be a hit with Victor.  Yup...he's going to love me....than later... perhaps not love me so much...hee hee hee.

Weekly Menu~

I'm trying out doing a menu plan on blog.  I love to menu plan but lately I do more planning than actual cooking.  Kinda defeats the propose really.  Anyway, I'm hoping this will be an easier way to keep track...I plan what I want to make and then look at what I can make by using up the pantry items.  I try to buy fresh but I don't have the energy,patience time to grocery shop every week.  I like the twice a month visit to the grocery stores...so does our bank account.  Thus, the need to menu plan and shop wisely.

Menu Plan 

1/30 - 2/5

Saturday ~

breakfast: 

• jalepeno and mushroom omellete w/ cottage cheese on the side (for Victor & I)
• Mushroom and cheese omelletes for the kids
• bacon 

Lunch/Dinner:

•  Rick's Chili
• Honey Corn Bread

Sunday ~

breakfast/brunch:  

• Baked French Toast Cups
• bacon or sausage
• yogurt w/ fresh fruit and granola
• cafe Latte 

dinner:  For the Feast of St. John Bosco

• Skillet Lasagna (or a premade one if I get pressed for time)
• Salad w/ this "out of this world salad dressing"
• Tiramisu for dessert

Monday ~

Lunch:   Chicken & Tomatoe Quesadillas

Dinner:  Leftovers (I'm sure there will be plenty)

Tuesday ~

Feast of the Presenatation/Candlemass

Breakfast/Lunch:  Candlemas Crepes
Dinner: 

• Beef Tacos,
• Rice
• better than anything cake

Wednesday ~
* update: rosary tonight
Today's planned meals will be bumped to next week...this will be a sad evening...
Lunch:  Sandwiches and chips
Dinner: 

• Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore
•  garlic mashed potatoes

Thursday ~
* update: Funeral today
Lunch:   Bean burritos
Dinner:  Leftovers

 

Friday ~
Feast of St. Agatha
Lunch:  Little Flowers Today...so a quick bite will be in order

• St. Agatha Rolls to take to the group
• Sunflower cupcakes for 9 eager little girls

Dinner:

• Chipotle Shrimp Tacos 

Praying

A dear friend, Yvettes mother passed away Monday night.  I am praying for the hurt that is left behind.  Yvette has and is the families strength right now.  She has been left to make the arrangements and plan for her mother's organs.  I can't even imagine what this is like for her.  I am praying for the families strength, for Our Lady to hold each of them, for His grace to be upon them.

Children's Book Mondays

Every Monday there is a lovely treat waiting for you here.  Her name is Elise, a wife, mother, and loves books.  Children's Book Mondays are glimpses into the world of children's literature with summaries and reviews. 
I know I have less time than I like to read and find books from the library.  As it is our collection of library books takes up several shelves...this just for what is read for school.  So, thanks to sites like this I can choose good quality books for the kids to enjoy. 

My Daybook ~

Outside my window...it's already dark and this daybook should have been retitled "my nightbook".

I am hearing...two little girls giggling in the bathtub and humming from only boy as he completes a writing assignment.

I am thankful for...my health and the bond I have a few very dear and good women.

I am praying...for a close friend whose mother has been in a terrible accident.  Praying for my brother, sister, several family members who are all going through some rough times. And for Marci and her child.

From the kitchen...nothing at the moment since it's way pass bedtime now.  This post has taken me hours to complete.  We had hot dogs for dinner earlier...nothing fabulous since this morning wiped me out.

 ~ day 2 for this daybook ~

From the learning room...we are on break P.E time and there are kids all over the place running in and out of the house. 

Living the Liturgical Year at Home...we will be having an Italian night this coming weekend for St. John Bosco's feast day using recipes from Catholic Cuisine.  It all looks easy and tasty so ,I am excited on having a nice Sunday dinner and then a movie.

I am creating...a library request list for the next few weeks of our Alphabet Path.  I am also trying to put all the ideas for "H", "J", and "I" weeks together.  Jessica and serendipity both have great leads on crafts and books.  We are going to use a lot of what they have suggested but, since this is a horse lovin' family we are going to have fun being inspired by this lovely animal too....

I am wearing...a white long sleeve, green khakis, and my converse "chucks".  I should grab a sweater since I've been shivering for the last hour or so.

I am going...to Holy Hour in just about 30 minutes and hopefully go see an old friend.

I am reading...a few blogs and lots of grammar from my eldests text

Pondering these words...

As we have a high old time this Christmas, may we who know Christ hear the cry of the damned as they hurtle headlong into the Christless night without ever a chance. May we be moved into compassion as our Lord was. May we shed tears of repentance for those whom we have failed to bring out of darkness. Beyond the smiling scences of Bethlehem, may we see the crushing agony of Golgotha.

Nate Saint, martyred missionary pilot

I am hoping...for a miracle for my friend's mother.  She was hit by a car as she was walking in a shopping center and is in grave condition. 

Aroung the house...two sets of kids in opposite ends of the house doing the exact opposite of what I need them to do.  Hmmm, this momma needs to go deligate. 

One of my favorite things...little Red spunky personality.  She is tiny in stature but enormous in spirit. 

A few plans for this week...more cleaning, menu planning, and grocery shopping.  Sadly there may be a funeral to attend and a dear friend to embrace.

Picture to share...

Plans ~

Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

January 25th

    Saul, surpassing all his equals in zeal for the Jewish law and their traditions, which he thought the cause of God, became thereby a blasphemer, a persecutor, and the most outrageous enemy of Christ. Was one of those who combined to murder St. Stephen, and by keeping the garments of all who stoned that holy martyr, he is said by St. Austin to have stoned him by the hands of all the rest6 to whose prayers for his enemies he ascribes the conversion of St. Paul: "If Stephen," said he, "had not prayed, the church would never have had St. Paul."

Then Saul heard a voice, which to him was articulate and distinct; but not understood, though heard by the rest : Saul, Saul, why cost thou persecute me? Christ said not: Why cost thou persecute my disciples? but me: for it is he, their head, who is chiefly persecuted in his servants. Saul answered: Who art thou, Lord? Christ said: Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutes. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad:—" to contend with one so much mightier than thyself. By persecuting my church you make it flourish, and only prick and hurt yourself." This mild expostulation of our Redeemer, accompanied with a powerful interior grace, strongly affecting his soul, cured his pride, assuaged his rage, and wrought at once a total change in him. Wherefore, trembling and astonished, he cried out: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? What to repair the past? What to promote your glory? I make a joyful oblation of myself to execute your will in every thing, and to suffer for your sake afflictions, disgraces, persecutions, torments, and every sort of death. The true convert expressed this, not in a bare form of words, nor with faint languid desires, nor with any exception lurking in the secret recesses of his heart; but with an entire sacrifice of himself, and au heroic victory over the world with its frowns and charms, over the devils with their snares and threats, and over himself and all inclinations of self-love; devoting himself totally to God. A perfect model of a true conversion, the greatest work of almighty grace!

Acts of the Apostles 9:1-22

Prayer

O God, Who hast taught the whole world by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant, we beseech Thee, that we who this day celebrate his conversion, may through his example draw nearer to Thee

 Our Menu

• 
  
  Roast Beef
• 
  
  Garlic Horseradish Mashed Potatoes: 
• 
  
  Celery & Carrots Sticks with Dip:  representing the fall from Saul's horse at the time of his conversion as depicted in sevral portraits
• 
  
  Black & White Cookies:  representing his conversion from darkness into the Light

Only in California

Well Maybe Not...

There is something seriously wrong with a beureaucratic system that thinks they know better than the individual citizen.  Here in sunny California we have a lot of that.  Among the beaches and sunsets walk a group of "elites" that believe themselves the saviors of all. 

CARB (California Air Resource Board) is one of those groups.  They are one of the clever weeds that has sprouted from the state's EPA group.  Out to do good by protecting this soiled earth we live in and fine any human that goes out to terrorize the planet.  Did you know that you...a human...is considered an enemy of the earth?  Anyway, CARB has written up policy after newer policy enforcing regulations on diesel run vechicles, water usagage out from the bay, protecting little itty bitty fish from the San Francisco Bay, wind powered energy...etc etc.  They have been quite busy in dreaming up developing EPA laws since our new President took office.  You can imagine the work?

Work...yah well they obviously have work and comfy paychecks to motiviate them.  In the mean time numerous contracting companies are going under.  1000s more are losing their jobs.  And government is growing growing growing.  Did you know that in California 1 out of 5 are out of work?  Our unemployment is a....ready, in the 20% range.  Goverment...no jobs lost in that industry. 

Okay...deep breath now this was my weekly blog rant on politics.  Won't promise the weekly thing though.  There is a lot of news out there to comment on.  Too much really..

Cover-up taints costly diesel policy | tran, board, carb - Opinion - The Orange County Register

More California news regarding the deceitful CARB.
Cover-up taints costly diesel policy | tran, board, carb - Opinion - The Orange County Register

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On Our Alphabet Path ~

Along The Alphabet Path

Ee is for elephants, electricity, eagles, endangered, enchiladas, echoes,

& St. Elizabeth Seton

~ Letter Formation ~

Using scuptley clay Rosa first forms her letters and then creates an animal inspired by the letter.  We used HWT for added practice.  Then rounded up the first part of our lessons with signing  the letter E also found on youtube

~ Literature ~

author study

E is for Elsa Beskow

• Pelle's New Suit
• Children of the Forest
• Ollie's Ski Trip
• Peter & Lottie's Adventure
• Around the Year
• Flowers Festival
• The Sun Egg

~ Language Arts ~

E is for Eyebright coloring pages, songs from the CD

and worksheets from here and here

Dictation work for E is for Electricity

~ Nature & the Arts ~

Working with Museum ABC and Serendipity's pdf page

All the kids completed a four square page for the eyebright herb.  Older girl labeled it

~ Science ~

E is for electrity

We read lots of books, watched some videos, and the kids recreated some past projects

Raining Rain Day Daybook

Outside my window...The rain is just pouring down with a wind to match.  Literally one of my favorite kind of days.

I am listening to...The rain pouring outside and the words from the musical "Singing in the Rain".  Isn't a perfect day to watch this movie.  The family is loving it.

I am thankful for...A great weekend with Victor.  He was a groomsman at a friends wedding and we had a fabulous adult weekend with friends, dancing, and great food.

I am praying for...The people of Haiti and Victor's safety while at work

I am pondering...(borrowed thought from Elizabeth Foss)
"Though we should fall fifty times a day, let us rise again quite simply, without wasting thought in self-reflections on what we may have done or left undone.  Such useless discouragements are often greater faults than the ones that so disturb us.
     If we follow His plans for us, though heaven and earth should be overturned, in truth it does not matter whether we suffer or enjoy, so long as the Divine Will be accomplished."
~ Jane de Chantel

I am wearing...Black sweatpants, a white thermal, slippers, and an apron.

I am reading...A Little History of The World by E.H. Gombrich
 
I am creating...Lessons for this week and hopefully lessons to go into next month.

From the kitchen...Yummy slow cooked pork into carnitas.  We did it using my father-in-law's recipe and boy did they come out great.  The whole house had an amazing aroma.  Just a few weekends ago my brother made carnitas the "authenic" way in a copper pot filled with lard.  Almost like when we were kids.  We only needed the real pig and a large family of uncles working around the pots, aunts going to and fro making use of every part of the pig, and little kids running around the backyard; ususally being chased by the moms to get out of the way.

From the learning room...Continuing with G week for Rosa, off to Philadelphia in American geography, and it's about Rome and The Reformation Period for older girl.

Living the Liturgy at Home...Our morning and evening prayers, praying the Rosary, and trying to be in a place of listening and asking...Is my Heavenly Father pleased with me each and every day?

I Am Hoping...for a good learning week, time to catch up on our budget, and rain all week!

In the Garden...Nothing.  Our poor backyard has truly been neglected. 

Around the House...Still some clutter but we are working on that.  Perhaps another thing to hope for this week...the energy to get it all done.

One of my favorite things...family time together and time alone with my husband.  It was an awesome weekend.

Plans for this week...
Gearing up to end G week with our Alphabet Path
Focusing on quiet family time
Praying for Victor's safety this week at work

Picture Thought I'm Sharing...

Peter piper leading his hens

Words of a Three Year Old ~

We were debating on what to eat for lunch...it had to be quick and easy

Me:  O.K guys what does everyone want?

Little Red:  I wanna burrinos and quesarinas.

Me:  What do you want?

Little Red:  Momma, I said I wanna surrios and quesarias

Devastation in Haiti

Some ideas on how to assist those most in need RIGHT NOW...Devastation in Haiti

~ St. Anthony of Padua pray for us ~
~ Our Lady of Perpetual Help pray for us ~

History Text

This review over at love2learn caught my attention.  I am forever looking at history texts, books, videos or just some review of something that I can use for older girl.  Anyway, I am lucky enough that our library carries this book and now it waits patiently in my book bag to be read...by me.  Here is the summary of the review from love2learn: 

Ms. Ana Braga-Heneby M.A gave this book rave reviews and compared it to another favorite of hers:  A Child's History of the World by Virgil Hillyer.  Now, I picked up a copy of A Child's History of the World at last years Catholic Homeschool Conference but I wasn't impressed with it and ended up giving it away.  Once I read this review I kind of regretted that move until I got to the section on how both these books dealt with specific events in history involving the Catholic Church.  Virgil's book is stated as being more Anti-Catholic when addressing events like the Inquisions.  Thus, the parent/teacher would need to discuss these topics with their children/students prior to reading them.  On the other hand, Gombrich's book includes actual accounts of the Reformation Period and includes an entire chapter on the Counter-Reformation.  This author's tone with Christainity's influence through out history is supposedly both factual and respectful in tone.  I don't have great issues on the anti-Catholic stuff in history books because I can use this as a teaching tool for my own kids.  Teaching them how some of the world warps facts and bases views on Catholism on lies and myths.  That said though, one does need to be careful over the material chosen to use when teaching their kids something like history.

Ms. Braga-Heneby also suggested using Van Loon's Story of Mankind alongside/complementing it with  A Little History of the World.  She states using the above mentioned books would make up a great World History curriculum for elementary school aged kids.  I haven't read Story of Mankind to do any kind of comparison.  Once I do I'll post my own review of the above mentioned text.

State 2 State Studies ~

"L is for Liberty Bell,

which made a patriotic ding

in historic Philadelphia,

proclaiming, "Let freedom ring!"

K is for Keystone

(also available at our library)

We start each new state with an email announcing the new state.  I found a website that sells vintage postcards.  To buy each would be pricey so, I just copy and paste the picture to the email. 

~ Our plans for this state ~

 

locate Pennsylvania using this map

 

Look closely at our state by using this enchanted learning's web site.  The kids will color it and paste in their notebooks

Using KidZone Geography the kids will color and learn about the

• state bird
• state flag
• state flower 

We also use this product from notebookingpages.com for this:

1. state inventors
2. famous people of the state
3. and added symbols for scrapbooking 

Going back to this site for state facts:  population, capital, rivers, motto, and learn the state song

The state song can be heard on youtube and the lyrics found here

  

~ To fill our tummies ~

United-States-Cookbook

Making pretzels 

For the INSPIRATION/ IDEAS, CREDIT goes to Jessica, Mary Ellen, & Dawn

Grief and Joy

How do we move on after a death of a loved one?  Especially if that loved one was your child.  I have lost a father, a beloved grandmother, a dear uncle and several cousins...but I have been spared some of this pain...not all but some.  (There is still a story to tell here but, it'll have to wait...) 

The time right after a cousin was killed a few summers ago I remember his mother (my Tia) siting by his coffin during the viewing.  She wouldn't budge and just sat there quietly looking at her son.  Every now and then she could be heard asking him "why he left" she was just so sad.  I cried for her that day and many days after because she was in such grief.  She was drowing in it.  When I saw her a few months after she looked aged and still sad (especially around her eyes).  The one difference was that she was no longer drowning.  She had returned to chruch and speaking with a priest.  She was finding healing in the Mass and seeking the embrace of Our Mother.  My Tia still walks a little wounded but, she is living again.  She is embracing new life with the birth of her second grandchild.  And best of all she smiles the way she use to.  Full of Life!

My prayers continue for my Tia and the many mothers who are in Grief and Joy.
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R is for Rhyme

Following the path set up at serendipity we have a read it, discuss it, and do it approach to poetry that we try to do on Fridays. When ever we get the chance, though, we do plug it in during the week. All the kids get something very cool from poetry so it's well worth the effort to do more than once a week.  

 

What we use

R is for Rhyme (carried by our library...yay!)

Poetry for the Young People series

Serendipity P is for Poetry site

 

B is for Ballads

We concluded with Mr. Henry W. Longfellow as our featured poet 

 

What we read

selected poems from the Poetry for Young People series

Paul Revere's Ride

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Hiwatha and Megissogon

Evangeline 

 

What we did

looked at this video on blacksmiths

researched historical background

lots of notebooking, reading, and listening 

 

What we discussed

the historical context of Longfellows work

how the era of his day showed in his writing

the social conscience of slavery and war waved heavily on his soul

 Next time: 

C is for Cinquain

• poet:  Henry W. Longfellow & Edna St. Vincent Millay
• poetry concept:  stanza, internal rhyme, emjambment
• poetry type:  Cinquain

The New Year has begun

Happy New Year!

I didn't intend for my first post to be about school or to be used to catch up on something that happened months ago but, it was.  We did have a lovely New Year's Eve celebration though.  It was spent dancing with my husband, laughing with my eldest, and snickering with a brother.  Just the three of us (the other kids didn't last past 10:30).

It was also my nephew's 13th birthday (HAPPY BIRTDAY GABRIEL) and we usually spend the eve with my SIL and her family but, this time around we opted for a more intimate night.  We stopped by there for dinner, gifts and the cake...shared our hugs and well wishes then went home.  It felt a bit off not being all together but, SIL was tired and we had had our feel of craziness.  I think we all benefitted from a quieter welcoming of the new year. 

And I am very hopeful to 2010 no matter what ups or downs it brings. 

Life moves forward...

On Our Alphabet Path

Along the Alphabet Path

Dd week

Dd is for dinosaur, dancing, ducks, daughters,  donuts

& St. Dominic

What happen to Cc week you may be asking....uuummm...I haven't a clue.  We did go through Cc week how could we miss it with it being the first letter in Rose's name.  But, I have no pictures of it sorry.  So off we trot to Dd.

~ science ~

Dd is for ducks

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck

Have you Seen my Ducling

Dance at Grandpa's

The book of Dragons

Make Way for Ducklings

Dd is for Dinosaurs...and lots of them!

Lots of books & these videos.  Some of which our library carries....dynomite!

Bill Nye the Science Guy

Reading Rainbow: Digging up Dinosaurs

and some worksheets that were used for math and a lapbook

dioramas

Rose and Only Boy created these and chose an extinction theory to put in their dioramas.  Rose chose the theory of extinction by an erupting volcanoe while Only Boy believes the asteroid was the culprit. 

~ language arts ~

 hidden d worksheets & an illustrated story of her own

~ nature & the arts ~

D is for double daisy fairy coloring page

(while we listen to a song)

D is for dancing ladies

(from Museum ABC)

D is for Decoupage!

Each child was given a set of different stickers or printed pictures of their choosing.  I especially love Rose's insistance creativity in placing ants and ladybugs alongside our Blessed Mother.  They did come out really cute though and are a great place to keep their medals

~ Author Studies ~

D is for DePaola

Strega Nona

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Night of the Posadas

The Knight and the Dragon

The Popcorn Book

The Clown of God

Pancake for Breakfast

The Legend of Old Befana

~ Tea Time ~

D is for

Decadent Donuts

Sorry no pictures for these but, they were delicous and a dandy way to end our week