Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life.
I know I am posting a day late, but the past few days have been so busy!
{pretty}
Catching up on some reading while watching her brother’s Fencing Tournament.
Rose just loves her little St. Therese doll, a gift from my friend Amy!
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A Little Way of Homeschooling ::
Thirteen Families Discover Catholic Unschooling
I was so happy to reconnect with Suzie, the author of A Little Way of Homeschooling
, after receiving the sweet note she sent me, after finding this blog. She hadn’t made the connection, but I actually met her at her home in Virginia while attending Christendom (her husband was one of my professors) and her brother purchased (and still currently lives in) my own childhood home (built by my Dad) in California! Isn’t it such a small world?!?
I have never considered myself an “Unschooler” and I wasn’t sure how I would like the book (other than the fact that it was written by Suzie and St. Therese is pictured on the cover!), but I must tell you that it has been so very inspiring and just what I have been needing lately. St. Therese sent this little “rose” to me at the perfect time! Hopefully I will have a chance to share more about the book soon.
{funny}
Our silly girl with a graham cracker in one hand, a granola bar in the other, and wearing her big sister’s sunglasses… She was being such a stinker and just had to have those sunglasses…
Here is the other picture, taken 10 minutes earlier:
Oh, yes, she was mad, but I just love seeing her wrinkle up that bottom lip!
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Our precious little baby at 6 weeks and 1 day old ~ May 12th, 2011
I had my first appointment on Wednesday, and since I mentioned that my cycles had been somewhat irregular (due to nursing) they decided to send me for a dating ultrasound to double check my
original due date. It was so reassuring to be able to get a peek at our little one yesterday afternoon, and hear the sound of the heart beating strongly.
As for my due date, based on my cycle the baby should have been due between Dec 23-25th. However, according to the ultrasound I am actually not due until January 4th! This explains why that first test had such a faint second line, since I was not even three weeks pregnant, at the time!!
I had thought that, like Rose, I would most likely deliver and be home in time for Christmas… (I have never made it to my due date.) However, since my average is to deliver about 10 days early, this baby could arrive RIGHT at Christmas…. And, if for some reason I actually do go all the way to my due date, my husband will be out of state on training for the first two weeks of January…. This should make things very interesting!
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Jessica, I always love your posts and pictures. You are on my St. Gerard list and in my prayers. I have been homeschooling for 16 years, and the longer we do it and the older (and wiser :)) I get, my approach leans more towards unschooling (until high school and then I highly recommend Seton ~ we've had great success with college/scholarships). Peace and prayers!
+JMJ+
Sorry for the second comment, I forgot to request follow-up comments. 😉
I can't wait to hear more of your thoughts on Suzie's book. I didn't think I "unschooled" either, but I agree with everything the Andres' say. It brought me a lot of peace, too. I'm glad you're recommending it!
I just picked up that book today. I read her first book last week. Very interesting to say the least. I look forward to hearing your take on it. I've never before been interested in unschooling and would never consider myself one, but somehow my heart is changing. We'll see what happens.:) Love the pics btw.
Don't you just love the first ultrasound? I just had one too on the 11th, 7 1/2 weeks along. The tech referred to the baby as "the dot". The knickname seems to have stuck at least temporarily. 🙂 Congrats again! I'm sure you'll be early before your hubby leaves.
Jessica! I am so happy for you!!! You and your family are in my prayers! A baby for Christmas- I guess no one will expect any other gifts this year! 🙂
Oh, and thank you for recommending this book! Sounds great – I hope I can get it here in Germany.
Have a nice weekened!
Congratulations – I'm so happy for you and your family!
I lived in Front Royal for 12 years and got to know Suzi Andres, she is so humble and wise even though I no longer homeschool I loved her last book so much I'll most likely get her latest one. Thank you for sharing!
Totally unfair!!
I loved seeing the photo of my new book (my baby) and that would have been my favorite part of your post (though the mad face was enchanting too…)
But then I saw the photo of your new baby. Oh Jessica, congratulations! God is so good, and I vote for the ultrasound picture as "the rose most likely to make my day." Yay for new life!
I had pre-ordered The Little Way of Homeschooling as soon as I heard about it. It's still sitting in my very large to-read book basket in my bedroom. As soon as I'm done with my current read I'm going to get started on it. I think it will be great encouragement for me in these last weeks of school. I look forward to reading your thoughts on it.
Your little Rose is so darn cute. Even when she is a "stinker". 🙂
And I love early ultra-sound pics. It's wonderful to share the baby with the other children.
God bless, Jessica. I hope your week is going well!
My heart just leapt with joy as I saw that newest little member of your cherished family. Ahh. Praying that angels surround you for every step of the journey and delivery. God send you whatever grace you need to have a happy healthy baby!! Those beautiful angelic children of yours will be doting on you every step of this journey!! I'm so many miles from you or I could offer to do something kind for you when the baby comes like make some yummy meals or offer to be a dish fairy or something. I can send prayers, though and will continue to send that spiritual support across the miles. God always provides!!!!! You are in the very best hands.
Deo gratias!
you have been abundantly blessed.
i've been eying this book (A Little Way of Homeschooling)since i consider myself an unschooler. i think i'm going to get it after i wrap up this school year. i too, i'm in need of pick-me-up.
Awww! It makes my heart just smile so big to see Rose hugging her dolly! Sniffle. And so excited about your baby and oh sigh… just love this post. 🙂