Monday DayLook: March 31, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... overcast and very windy.

I am thankful for... 18mo little boys, warm weather beckoning us all outside (Sorry! The dreadful wind has just started to blow ice chunks around.  I am however, thankful I hadn’t washed all the winter gear!).

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory,’ ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling,’ and ‘Bought with a Price’ by Most Rev. Paul S. Loverde (Bishop of Arlington).  The later was sent to me by my mom…I wish it weren’t timely or necessary.

I am praying for... a young man, near my son’s age, who is going through a difficult time.

I am hearing... ice chunks pelting the school-room window.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… vest and tie for Greg’s prom attire…I’m at least thinking about cutting out the pattern.

From the School Room... subjects are being finished up by most kids.  The oldest struggles to maintain focus, making me ponder quite a few things.

From the Kitchen...  working on finalizing the Easter menu, trying to restart menu planning in general!

From the FarmYard… I haven’t been outside for quite some time to visit the chickens.  However, we should have a batch of rabbits right around Easter if all goes well.  Pigs will be arriving in a couple weeks.  The chickens are starting to wander out farther to scratch and ‘find the good stuff’. 

A successful moment… dance is finished up for the year for Angelina.  She has improved so much over the last year…fun to see her dance.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: think we’ll stay home today

Tuesday: wrestling for Louis/Graham/Zeke

Wednesday: another day to stay home

Thursday: wrestling for Louis/Graham/Zeke, evening meeting for Suzie

Friday: wrestling tourney for Louis/Graham/Zeke

Saturday/Sunday: Jr. High Youth Rally for Angelina,  Greg & Eric (sponsored by the diocese & Catholic Youth Advisory Council; Greg & Eric  will be ‘working’ as a CYAC member/advisor), Eric’s RE class received their Confirmation & First Eucharist,

A picture memory...

Easter – April 2006

Zeke 3yo, Angelina 5yo (would be 6yo in June),  and Greg 9yo

Morning Glory

So, my last post about homeschooling challenges touched on just how difficult the day to day process has been in our family.  The choice to homeschool isn’t hard, but the day to day requires more than I ever thought possible.  It has been emotionally and physically exhausting. And, when you homeschool in an isolated area, it just compounds the problem.  For a while, I wasn’t doing/dealing well at all.  I knew it, but didn’t know how to help myself.  Somehow, the means to help myself (probably the result of many heartfelt prayers) offered itself. 

I was forced to make some major changes, especially this year.  I experimented a bit to see what would work for me before stumbling onto/into help.

First I tried staying up late to get some personal time for prayer, reading and just being alone.  If I can’t get time during the day, after everyone is asleep should work, right??  It doesn’t work for me.  I’m already tired.  The praying was dry and the only reading I can handle is fluff…just fluff.  I cannot concentrate or meditate on anything of substance in the evening or late evening hours.  The longer I tried to make this work, the worse my emotional well-being became and my frustration with everyone and everything around me grew.  I didn’t like myself very well and I’m pretty sure my family wanted to ship me off to Siberia.

Shortly before Lent, I knew I had to do ‘something’ else.  I needed to change my pattern; thankfully Lent creates the perfect atmosphere/attitude.  So, instead of giving up Chai or Dr. Pepper, I wanted to instead give up the poor emotional and physical health I’d been stuck in for a couple months.  But, how to do it?  These two books have been a huge source of help and inspiration:

and

Along with reading each of these every morning, I journal when necessary for accountability.  I like looking back to check on myself.  The most helpful advice thus far has been to determine the one thing, if changed tomorrow, that would help me the most.  Mine was rising by 6:15am.  At this season of my life, rising by 6:15am mostly works…if Dac stays asleep I get to read by myself in the pre-dawn light.  If he wakes, he nurses while I read.  My second ‘thing’ was going to bed by 10:30pm.  Necessarily, these two were done together. 

Rising earlier meant I had time to make myself a cup of Chai and read ‘33 Days to Morning Glory.’  It also created time to meditate on the words a little.  I’ve chosen to read ‘33 Days…’ first and then move to ‘Say Goodbye…’  Then, for fun, I play a game on my kindle (if you must know, it’s either Tetris…or ughhh! CandyCrush.  I succumbed and have not much else to say!).

Why has this made a difference?  Well, I believe it’s because oftentimes this is the only thing done during the day for me.  It grounds me.  It reminds me why I’m here.  Even if I end up yelling at the kids, the schoolwork isn’t done by the oldest (again), the 18mo didn’t sleep well last night, I didn’t get a shower (again), the walls are marked with permanent marker (and I just used up my ‘best’ organic cleaner; nothing else I have will take it off), and I generally feel as if I’m drowning in a sea of chores and to-do’s…I still FEEL like I’ve accomplished something I haven’t been able to do for quite some time…read a passage that is uplifting and brings me closer to Christ and His mother, Mary.

And, finally, there is a little bit of peace in my day.  I know I have a little sliver of peace to look forward to each and every day. 

 

Our Homeschool Challenge

Electronics.  When, how much time, what kind, which software, where do we put it?  Ughhh.  Being a parent is tough in this electronic age.  Both Eric and I use electronics for volunteer work and career, so it’s a part of our lives.

One of our children, Greg, will most likely study and work in a field saturated with electronic devices.  He started young and just never lost his fascination with all things computer and electronic.  It’s been a challenge figuring out how to encourage his enthusiasm without letting him go overboard, and yet figure out how to keep him interested in the ‘more boring’ (according to him) subject areas involving literature/English, writing skills, history, geography, music, art, etc. 

He likes science, but takes forever to work through his chapters.  Math, thank goodness isn’t hard for him, but he’d been stalled on a topic for over a month because it challenged him and he couldn’t figure it out as easily.  I don’t think it would have stalled him this long if he’d have spent a consistent amount of time on the topic each day, but I could NOT find a way to encourage or motivate him.  At his age, I cannot make him physically do tasks.  I cannot make him learn!  He has to want to do these things.

I suppose he’s been what you call a challenging child or unmotivated learner (when it doesn’t coincide with his purposes) or a difficult student.  And he is.  However, he is intelligent and none of the above mentioned subjects are hard for him.  I’ve seen him write A+ papers and do it in a short amount of time.  He can read well and make his way through what he refers to as ‘the most boring book’ he’s ever read and then write an essay…all without taking notes.  (Not that I haven’t encouraged note-taking, he just doesn’t agree.)

We’ve tried an endless variety of ideas, strategies, and the like to ‘change’ his attitude and study/work ethic.  They haven’t worked or only work for a time.

He’ll be a senior next year.  While I rejoice with relief that he’ll soon be graduating, my husband and I also find ourselves thinking of all the times he’s helped us with electronic/computer issues when we didn’t want to take the time to correct problems ourselves.  He’s much quicker, anyway.  Also, I find myself thinking about the days when I won’t have to struggle EVERY SINGLE DAY to motivate him!  I have wanted to give up; I really have.  But, I haven’t.  I’ve threatened so send him to public school, but I haven’t.  It it really an option? 

Eric has encouraged sending him to school; friends have encouraged sending him to school; and grandparents have encouraged sending him to school.  Yet, he remains here in our homeschool.  Even when I felt our relationship was at an extremely low point, homeschooling still presented itself, in my heart, as the best option. 

Home is the best place for him right now.

Greg knows this; I know this; his dad knows this.  Some days he listens better than others.  Some days are pure torture for one or the other!  This homeschooling route is really hard; I couldn’t do it without grace. 

Regardless of the obstacles, Greg and I continue to work on our relationship.  It’s evolved over time, thank goodness.  I thought we’d forever be stuck at opposing ends and he’d never want to come home after leaving for college, but I don’t think that anymore. 

And that is awesome.

Marcus

I’ve finally figured out a blog name for the youngest.  My sister-in-law inspired this one…but it completely fits. 

He’ll be Dac. 

When Marcus gets mad or wants our attention, be makes a sound that is used to portray (not quite the right word, but you get the idea) pterodactyls.  Yep, he pretty much sounds like a squawking pterodactyl.  So, Dac it is.

Monday DayLook: March 24, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... it’s a beautiful (but cold!) sunny morning.

I am thankful for... one dance recital finished, workbooks being finished, 18 month old little boys running down the hallway, sunshine, fresh eggs, grandparents who come down for the weekend to watch grandkids in their activities, opportunity to connect with homeschool friends this past Friday, cute little wrestlers & a working washer/dryer to do laundry.

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory.’  As I come to areas in the book where I’m asked to write or brainstorm, I’ve written everything in a journal.  I figure it’s a good record to look back to in reference.  Also started reading ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling’ by Debra Bell. 

I know it seems odd for a mom who’s homeschooled for TEN years to purchase and read a book like this, but this particular book has a section on teens.  It’s what I need.  I’ve always said I reaffirm my decision to homeschool every year…and believe me, when you homeschool teens you’ll go through ups and downs that shake you and make you doubt your conviction that homeschooling is the right decision.  I’m not even through the first chapter on teens and already this book has fortified my resolve!

I am praying for... the young man from our community who is going through a difficult time.  My friend’s father came home from the hospital last week, so his long road to recovery is now taking place at home…he still needs prayers.

I am hearing... the phone is ringing again.  No need to answer this one.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… laundry is being done.

From the School Room... Greg is gone today for FFA Crop Judging, so the rest of the kids have my full attention.  We started the day in their bedrooms, because our ‘life skills’ class has been neglected the last few weeks.

From the Kitchen...  I’ve been reading ‘Say Goodbye to Survival Mode’ by Crystal Paine.  This week, I’m focusing on de-cluttering the kitchen.  I’ve included the pantry and dining room because it just makes sense to me. 

From the FarmYard… snow is almost all gone and its not as muddy anymore.  We can see buds starting to form on the trees!

A successful moment… was able to attend one day of the North Dakota homeschool convention. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: dance for Angelina

Tuesday: wrestling for Louis/Zeke/Graham, dance rehearsal for Angelina

Wednesday: dance for Angelina

Thursday: lunch with our new Bishop, wrestling for Louis/Zeke/Graham, dance for Angelina, Mass with the new Bishop

Friday: dance for Angelina, wrestling tourney for the Louis/Graham/Zeke

Saturday/Sunday: dance rehearsal and Ballet Academy Recital for Angelina

A picture memory...

Louis (almost 3yo) & Graham (6yo)

August 2012

Finished by Friday!

Remember I’m the type who likes lists and crossing off each item?  Well, this is a short list of what’s been accomplished in our household/homeschool this week. 

1. Graham’s First Reconciliation on Monday, March 17.

2. Angelina finished up her Religion study for this school year.

3. DRE paperwork for Confirmation/First Eucharist is completed and sent.

Monday DayLook: March 20, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... the truth is it’s gloomy and cloudy.  Rain and snow are in the forecast this week.  Only a little longer!

I am thankful for... a warm home, good health, our Neato vacuums (one on main level and one in basement), warmer weather, Chai tea & rubber boots!

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory’ thanks to my ‘old’ study group.  The current leader sent me an extra copy and I’ve finally found the impetus to just read it and not fret over starting on an odd day.  It is helping a LOT; it’s just what I needed. 

I’ve also been reading ‘Say Goodbye to Survival Mode’ by Crystal Paine.  Sarah at More Than Enough talked about this book and it sounded like a great fit for me and how I feel like I’ve been living…though that’s not how I’d like to be living. 

I am praying for... a young man from our community who is going through a difficult time.  Also, for the father of a good friend who has been in the hospital for going on three weeks.

I am hearing... Zeke just finished up practicing piano.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)…  a little bit of laundry, but absolutely no sewing.

From the School Room... so thankful that subjects are nearing an end for some of the kids.  Greg is doing better at keeping a good pace and checking off assignments.  I am constantly praying for focus for my children.

From the Kitchen... the grill was fired up this week for hamburgers (needed to clear snow and ice from the patio and the weather finally cooperated last week).  The first grilled hamburgers of the year tasted great!  There are some brown bananas that are just begging to be made into bread.  They may end up in the freezer…

From the FarmYard… the rabbits pens have been cleaned.  It’s time to start thinking about when we want baby bunnies – about 30 days gestation – so in time for Easter?? 

The chickens are off in their laying.  They haven’t been laying as many eggs this week and I’m not sure why.  Could be that they’re about a year old and it’s time for a molt.  It’s really not the greatest timing with egg demand increasing at this time of  year.

Also, it’s mud time around here.  The snow and ice have been melting.

A successful moment… Angelina and I are registered for the Minnesota Homeschool Conference…and rooms are reserved, too.  She’s coming along because I hope to drop her off at camp on Sunday evening.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: First Reconciliation for Graham, dance for Angelina, Golfing for Eric (all. week. in. AZ.)

Tuesday: wrestling tourney for Zeke & Graham

Wednesday: hopefully spend some time outside, dance rehearsal for Angelina, It’s a Solemnity!!

Thursday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham, dance for Angelina

Friday: ND Homeshcool Convention & Catholic homeschool gathering in the evening

Saturday/Sunday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham, rehearsal & dance recital for Angelina, Greg leaves for ND State FFA Crop Judging, Grandma & Grandpa Golden Acres plan to come for a visit.

A picture memory...

July 2010

Angelina and our God-daughter at the ND State Fair.  They were born in the same year, Angelina in June and our God-daughter in August.

Finished by Friday!

Remember I’m the type who likes lists and crossing off each item?  Well, this is a short list of what’s been accomplished in our household/homeschool this week.  If you care to share your list, I’d welcome inspiration!

1.  Fish aquarium cleaned …it really needed it this time.  Unfortunately, our Cory cat, which wasn’t doing well in the first place, died this week.  I tried my best to  keep him alive by adding stress coat & additional oxygen.  And a Danio that had ICK didn’t make it either because the other fish chased it around.  I should get an isolation tank to protect sick fish.

2. Patio is cleared of ice and snow – thanks to Zeke & Louis.

3. Recycling & aluminum can crushing done by Graham.

4. Zeke finished Math-U-See Zeta!

5. Greg turned in the final draft of a government paper.  After many drafts, it’s just wonderful to have it done.

6. About half of the remaining Christmas décor has been stored.  Slow and steady…it’ll get done by Easter!  Ridiculous, right?

Monday DayLook – March 10, 2014

Looking out from my back porch... the sun is shining and the back patio is slowly clearing of ice and snow!  (I’ve been working to lower the huge drift in front of the BBQ grill by shoveling and chipping away at the ice layer.)

I am thankful for... a warm home, good health, Lent, fresh eggs, Confession, my washer and dryer,

I am reading… ‘Froggy Gets Dressed’ is one of my favorite children’s books.  I also enjoy reading ‘Little Blue Truck’ to my boys.

I am praying for... Graham to have a memorable First Reconciliation later this month.

I am hearing... the neato vacuum taking care of my floors while I sit in the schoolroom supervising and helping with subjects.

I am wearing… a t-shirt and jeans.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… Greg and I purchased fabric for a tie and vest.  He was invited to prom by a homeschool friend in a nearby town and wanted to spruce up his suit a bit.  I told him if he was diligent in his schoolwork and helped keep his siblings occupied, I’d have time to sew these for him.

From the School Room... the kids are starting to finish up a few workbooks.  Greg had a great day on Thursday last week and finished assignments in each subject.

From the Kitchen... Angelina and a friend made chocolate chip cookies. 

From the FarmYard… the eggs are so dirty when they’re brought in from the coop because the hens have been scratching = dirty feet = dirt in next boxes = dirty eggs = more work to clean them up.  But, eggs are good!

A successful moment… Eric and I went through calendars.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: dance for Angelina

Tuesday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham

Wednesday: hopefully spend some time outside

Thursday: wrestling for Zeke & Graham, dance for Angelina

A picture memory...

Father’s Day in June 2011.

Finished by Friday!

Remember I’m the type who likes lists and crossing off each item?  Well, this is a short list of what’s been accomplished in our household/homeschool this week.  If you care to share your list, I’d like to be inspired!

1. Graham finished his Music workbook.

2. Last Crop Judging Meet for Zeke & Angelina today – ND State 4-H Crop Judging contest in Valley City during the Winter Show.

3. Greg’s Sr. year course of studies is finalized.

4. Sorted out and washed the next size up in clothes for Marcus – he’s been wearing high water pants for a few weeks.

5. Ordered a few necessary clothing items for Greg & Angelina.  I always have the goal of not ordering during Lent, but kids don’t choose when to grow out of clothes & they sure don’t remember to let me know in a timely manner!

Ash Wednesday

This is a favorite pic from Ash Wednesday Past.  I looked for another, but could not find it (my pics are filed by month & year only).

Marcus – Ash Wednesday 2013

Hope your Lent 2013 is off to a great beginning!

Lent 2014

Ash Wednesday is marked on the calendar, but I admit to being so engrossed in the day to day activities of this family, that I wouldn’t be prompted to think about Lent if I wasn’t reminded by Facebook statuses and my Feedly blog reader.  Thank goodness prepared friends and favorite bloggers have it together enough to keep us other (distracted) Catholics pointed toward Christ and the liturgical year.  In the last week, I’ve read two items that gave pause and interested me enough to share with friends and my own children.  Maybe you’ve already read/seen these, but if you haven’t, check out the links about Lenten preparation on Sarah’s great post or for your teen’s, check out this post from the LifeTeen.Com Blog.

So, here’s what I and my family are doing this year…

Just Suzie: 

(1)  Read ‘33 Days to Morning Glory’ by Fr. Michael Gaitley.  I’m trying not to worry about NOT starting on a recommended date. 

(2) Lenten Sunday Meditations …signed up at Bridegroom Press.

(3) The idea of ‘40 days and 40 bags’ to clean and de-clutter is on my heart, but since time is limited, I plan to do an act of cleaning/de-cluttering for 15 minutes in one of these three areas: upstairs laundry room, Marcus’ closet, or basement guest room.

As a Family: 

(1)  After talking about the suggestions, in the LifeTeen post, the kids really like the idea of giving up all electronics after supper. 

The kids will all do individual sacrifices and our family does at least one related to food or drink, as well.