The Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ Aug 25th
Outside my Window… last night there was a SKUNK! Right there… RIGHT outside the kitchen door… I should have grabbed my camera, but instead I jumped/screamed and scared it away. It reminded me of the time my sister Jennifer mistakingly pet a skunk thinking it was our cat when we were kids. Thankfully the skunk was so surprised it didn’t know WHAT to do and she slowly backed up and got away. I didn’t react as calmly. 😉
From the learning room… I have been spending a lot of time over at Serendipity, browsing, printing and then requesting books from the library… I am so excited to add some of the plans to our studies this year!
I am thankful… for my wonderful hubby, as usual! This weekend he helped me SO much! He put all the boxes in our small little attic, cleaned the bathrooms, and even washed my van inside an out!! I tell ya, he is spoiling me!
From the kitchen… coffee like usual. I am still trying to decide what to make for dinner. I am leaning towards the recipe for Enchilasagna from my Healthy Foods
cookbook.I am creating… a back-to-school supply list.
I am going… to be very busy this week… You can see my plans below.
I am wearing…black gauchos and a pinkish tee-shirt.
I am reading… Managers of their Homes. Again. Why is it so hard for me to make a schedule??
I am hoping… that I don’t need a root canal. I woke up with a horribly sensitive tooth on Friday. I *think* that I had a filling fall out, though I am not sure. The dentist wasn’t able to get me in until tomorrow morning, and I have hardly been able to eat, and only able to drink out of a straw all weekend! Oh I have such a fear of the dentist… please say a prayer for me tomorrow morning!
I am hearing… an old Popeye movie playing. Twinkle Toes woke up with a bad rash on her legs… poison oak maybe? And I am letting her watch a movie.
Around the house… there isn’t much to do.. It is SO nice. I am sure that is all about to change come this afternoon, but I am enjoying it for the moment.
One of my favorite things… is receiving our new school books in the mail. The mailman just left a few more packages today! Yay!!
- Finalize the plans for our Little Flowers group
- Auditory Processing Class for Captain, Mon-Wed
Last week of Swimming Lessons ~ Each afternoon Mon-Thurs - Dentist appointment for me on Tuesday
- Pick up Back to School Supplies, and book order from our local book store
- Pick up reserved books at the library for our first couple weeks of school
- Chiropractic appointment for me on Wednesday (I am a mess!!)
- Summer with the Saints on Thursday
- The boys will be serving Mass and Benediction on Friday, which will also be the 1st day of our new school year… What better way to start the year than with Mass? After Mass we will go out for Coffee and Turnovers in honor of St. John the Baptist. I also promised the children a trip to the Ice Cream Shop to celebrate the beginning of our new year. It looks like it will be a fun day!
- Our newest Goddaughters baptism Saturday morning
- Twinkle Toes 5th Birthday on Saturday (We may have to celebrate on Sunday, since we have the baptism and party on Saturday… We’ll see.)
- Sometime in the midst of all this, I hope to catch up on reading my favorite blogs, post the rest of what I have planned for our school year, as well as post the rest of the pictures from our trip… It may or may not happen!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing:
Every once in awhile my email program goes crazy and decides to resend me the emails from the past
To see more Daybook entry’s, click here.
Our Plan: Religion
I wasn’t quite sure where to start (and stop) with sharing our plans for teaching our children Religion this year. Religion is not just a course of study, it is a way of life. As the Baltimore Catechism says, “God made me to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy with Him for ever in heaven.” We are constantly looking for ways to weave the teachings of our dear Church into all the aspects of our lives, and not just confine these lessons to a set block of time each day. It was for this reason that we choose to home educate our children in the first place. Anyhow, here is a small list of some of the resources we will be using this year:
Captain
Rascal
Both Girls
- Catholic Treasure Box Series
- Chat’s With God’s Little Ones
- Leading the Little Ones to Mary
- Various books by Father Lovasik
- 24 Catholic Songs for Children CD and Coloring Book
I also purchased the Home Catechesis Manuals by Moira Farrel (at the Home School Conference back in May) to add to our studies as well. We have had the Mass Kit for a few years, and my boys LOVE it! I am looking forward to using these guides!
In addition to our studies, we LOVE celebrating the liturgical year in our home, the domestic church. Here are a few of the things we do each year:
- Daily Mass (when possible) and Rosary
- Daily Reading and Calendar Magnet In Honor of the Saints
- Various Catholic picture books, Copywork and Coloring Pages
- Create a Liturgical Year Notebook
- Various Feast Day, Nameday and Baptismal day celebrations including lots of Catholic Cuisine
- The Jesse Tree during Advent
- The Advent Calendar
- The Jesus Tree during Lent
- Our Lenten Calendar
- Celebrate the 50 days of Easter
I am sure I left much out, but at least it gives a glimpse into our plans.
by word and example, in faith and in Christian living.”
(Canon 774.2, 1983 Code of Canon Law)
Our Cookie Crown Cake
Yesterday the Catholic Church celebrated the Queenship of Mary (and the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the extraordinary calendar.). Earlier this week I posted a recipe (for a Cookie Crown Cake over at Catholic Cuisine) that I had hoped to make. I ended up making it Thursday night, after the children had gone to bed, and they were all so excited when they woke up to find the cake on the kitchen table before we left for Mass and Benediction. (I overheard Twinkle Toes waking the boys up to, “…and there are even M&M’s on the very top!!!”)
It was actually very easy to make, though it did take a LOT little bit of time. 😉 I am a total amateur when it comes to cake decorating, so it didn’t turn out anywhere near perfect, but my children LOVED it, and that is what matters!
The cookies were the hardest part… The rest was a breeze. First, I forgot to sprinkle them with the yellow sugar, until they were half way done baking… oops!! I wasn’t able to find “Stardrop” candy either, so I cut some dots in half and used those instead. They aren’t as pretty as the Stardrops, but it worked… Then I wasn’t the most patient person when it came to the frosting… I guess it must take lots of talent, or maybe just a steady hand and lots of practice.. I don’t know. I just quickly squeezed it on (unevenly to say the least), and left it at that. 🙂
It was so nice to be able to attend Mass and Benediction. The boys were able to serve, and afterwards we went out for coffee and snacks with Father and some friends. We had such a nice time, as usual! Last night, after the children were in their pajamas, we said our family rosary, and then we (or rather they) ate the cake! I was told that it was very yummy!
I hope you all had a lovely day as well!
Feast of St. Pius X
Today we celebrate the feast of Pope St. Pius X.
St. Pius X said in his first encyclical that his papacy would seek to “to renew all things in Christ.” He is primarily remembered for allowing children to receive First Holy Communion at a much younger age. They are now allowed to receive Our Lord at the age of 7 instead of 12 to 14. He said, “Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven.” In fact, he also encouraged frequent, and even daily, reception of Holy Communion. He is also remembered for reforming the liturgy, promoting clear and simple sermons, bringing back the Gregorian Chant, encouraging daily Bible reading, and taking a stand against Modernism, which he called “the summation of all heresies.”
This morning I read about St. Pius X to the children, while they colored pictures of him, from one of the great Catholic Story Coloring Books.
Marci had a fun day planned in his honor, since today would have been the next Summer with the Saints, but she isn’t feeling well so she had to cancel. (We hope you feel better soon Marci!!) She did ask me to stop by her home to pick up some of the craft supplies and snacks on our way home from swimming, so we just might be doing a craft tonight! She really has been spoiling us!!
My oldest son has a special love of this particular Saint. In fact, a couple years ago he choose to dress as this great Saint for our All Hallows Eve Party. (Click here if you’d like to see a 2 minute video from that party!)
Captain dressed as St. Pius the XHere are a few pictures of Captain’s “St. Pius X” Saint-o-Lantern that same year. It was a tall order, but I think daddy did an excellent job “helping” Captain carve it… Stained glass windows and all! In fact, they won 1st Place that year!
Last year the rules were changed, and pumpkins had to be separated into a different category if the parents helped the children carve their pumpkins. (There was even a category for us adults!) Nevertheless, Captain and Hubby both won 1st place in each of their categories for the pumpkins they carved. I must say I am a bit envious of their pumpkin carving capabilities! 😉
Anyhow, reading about St. Pius X triggered all my children to discuss which Saint they want to be THIS year!! I can’t believe it is only 2 months away! Time to start planning!
Happy 20th Birthday…
…to my sweet little sister JuLianNa!
Oh! And thanks for inviting me to your party! I know you think that I am old, but sheesh, I am still your sister! 😉
The Prodigal Son
“The following is a homily given by Pope Benedict to a group of youth in a juvenile detention center in Rome on March 18, 2007. It is narrated and set to music with beautiful classic religious art.”
“Serving My First Tridentine Mass”
In Omaha, the day following Father’s First Mass and the day following our son’s First Holy Communion, Captain had the privilege of serving Mass with other highly experienced altar boys. Captain had been serving back home since he was five, but this was a special Mass for him because 1. It was his first Mass that he could receive Our Lord as an altar boy, 2. It was the first Mass he could serve for his godfather, and 3. As the title states, it was his first opportunity to serve the Tridentine Mass.
For a seven year old serving his first Latin Mass, the position of Boat Bearer was a good starter and instructions were given by the more experienced. The beauty of the Latin Mass is that every action has a purposeful and significant spiritual meaning. Those accustomed to the Latin Mass understand the significance of each action and it was edifying to see it practiced to the detail. We are grateful to the Altar Boys of Omaha for graciously passing this on to our son.
Although a little nervous around the older more experienced crew, it was apparent to Captain that he was among the best of the best, the Navy Seals of Altar Boys.
Vestments are carefully prepared in the sacristy before the Traditional Latin High Mass.
The Latin High Mass is celebrated by a Priest, assisted by Deacon and Subdeacon (the assistant roles often are filled by other priests, in this case, they were filled by Father’s two ordained brothers).
Processing to the Altar.
The Beauty and Splendor of the Ancient Liturgy. The Latin High Mass is celebrated with all the solemnity of Gregorian chant, incense, and full ceremonial.
Pie pellicane, Iesu Domine,Me immundum munda tuo sanguine.
Cuius una stilla salvum facere
Totum mundum quit ab omni scelere.
“My Second Holy Communion!”
“May this holy Mass keep all stain of sin from my soul. May It keep me close to Your Sacred Heart, O Jesus, as long as I live.
May It bind me to You forever in Heaven.”
(From
The Final Blessing:“Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus . . . “
The Altar of Sacrifice facing East towards the Heavenly Jerusalem.
At the reception, Father cuts the cake with some joyful humor.
Captain’s Aunt/Godmother with her husband and children.
(It was so nice to see them and meet our newest little Godson, who is being held by my sister-in-law!! He is such a sweet little guy!)
Enjoying quality time with cousins.
After Mass we returned to Valparaiso to visit with the Cloistered Carmelite Nuns. Sorry, no pictures to prove it.Learning to Sacrifice
I just came from Mrs. L’s blog, At the Wellsprings of Traditional Life, and have decided to join her in Learning to Sacrifice.
“Sacrifice is difficult, but if you start out with the small things in life we can learn and get better at it day by day! What can you sacrifice for our Lord this week?”
I’m going to start right now by getting off the computer to go do the dinner dishes. (Without complaining that we don’t have a dishwasher!) 😉 In fact, I think this week I will offer up the chore of having the kitchen clean before I allow myself to get on the computer. I am sure this would make my hubby very happy! (If I am not back before next week, you’ll know why!)
Before I go, I thought I would add this beautiful quote that Mrs. L shared by St. Therese:
The Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ Aug 18th
Outside my Window… the sun is finally breaking through the clouds and the smoke.
I am thankful… for all the wonderful bloggers I have met online, who are always inspiring me and sharing their various talents. (For example, don’t miss the wonderful coloring pages over at Waltzing Matilda’s!)
From the kitchen… a nice fresh pot of coffee. Just what I need after staying up till 3:30 am organizing…
I am creating… lesson plans using Edu-Track. I have been using this on and off for the last couple years, and really like it. If you’d like to check it out, you can order a demo CD for only $5.00.
I am going… to go get a cup of that coffee… I’ll be right back!
I am wearing…my nightgown and robe. I was up way too late last night, and can’t tell you how relived I was this morning when Captain’s tutor called to cancel! It is so nice to be HOME with nothing (much) to do until this afternoon.
I am reading… Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of Saint Therese of Lisieux . I just had our local Catholic Bookstore order me the Study Edition! This would be a great book for a book study group… Are any of my local friends interested??
I am hoping… that our RightStart supplies arrive today.
UPDATE at 1:35 pm: They arrived!!!
I am hearing…Jim Weiss’s American Tall Tales
Around the house… I feel like I am finally starting to catch up after a very productive weekend! The toy has been retrieved out of the toilet… The laundry is almost caught up. The school room is almost organized for the upcoming year, and I have started pulling out the children’s fall clothing.
One of my favorite things… is my collection of wedding pictures on my living room wall. (See below…)
- Make a schedule for our new Little Flowers Group
- Auditory Processing Class for Captain, Tue and Wed
Swimming Lessons in the afternoons - Summer with the Saints on Thursday
- The boys will be serving Mass and Benediction on Friday
- Celebrate the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I am hoping to make a darling Cookie Crown Cake!
Here is a picture thought I am sharing:
To see more Daybook entry’s, click here.
Our Plan: American History
We have been studying American History each year, and although, it was definitely time to move on and add another period of time to our studies, I didn’t want to completley stop studying our National History. Plus, it was our favorite subject this past year…
This coming school year we will have an American History block one afternoon each week. I just LOVE the American History plans over at Serendipity, but this coming year I think we will just continue our study of Early American History using Beautiful Feet’s program as a guide (we worked through the first half this past year) and supplement with the following books marked with an *.
Here is the list of the books we will be reading:
Benjamin Franklin - The Ox Cart Man
- Paul Revere’s Ride
- And Then What Happened Paul Revere?
- The Boston Tea Party
- Shh! We’re Writing the Constitution
- A More Perfect Union
- George Washington
- Boys and Girls of Colonial Days
- Long Ago in Colonial Days
- If you lived in Colonial Times
- Colonial Kids: An Activity Guide to Life in the New World
- Winter at Valley Forge
- George Washington’s Breakfast
- The Courage of Sarah Noble
- The Matchlock Gun
Abraham Lincoln- Meet Abraham Lincoln
- A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln
- Buffalo Bill
- The Fourth of July Story
- The Star Spangled Banner
- American History for Young Catholics*
- America My Country*
- Abe Lincoln and the Muddy Pig
- Abe Lincoln’s Hat
Ben Franklin and His First Kite- Sam the Minuteman
- George the Drummer Boy
- Paul Revere and the Bell Ringers
- John Adams Speaks for Freedom
- Thomas Edison to the Rescue
- Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express
- Davy Crockett: A Life on the Frontier
- Wagon Wheels
- The Josefina Quilt Story
- The Long way to a New Land
- The Long way Westward
And since we LOVE all audio stories, here are a few we will be listening to this year:
Old Sam, Thoroughbred Trotter- Your Story Hour CDs
- American Tall Tales
- Thomas Jefferson’s America
- Little House on the Prairie Series
- Johnny Tremain: A Story of Boston in Revolt
- Wee Sing America
Will you be studying American History this year?? I’d love to hear what you will be using!
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