Daybook

Outside my window: The sun is shining without the wind that we have been having lately.

I am listening to: The Barbie Mermaid movie playing that we just got in from Netflix.

I am reading: The new issue of The Old Schoolhouse magazine I just received in the mail.

I am pondering: I am trying not to ponder anything! My brain hurts from being lost in thought over Bookworm and what is to come with and from all the meetings, emails, and phone calls ( with Attorney and social worker) that have filled our lives over the past week, spilling into this coming up week. I am at the point that all I can do is offering it up too God and fully Trust in Him. Whatever the outcome, it will be His will.

I am wearing: Black yoga Capri, lime green tank-top with a black t-shirt over that. Maybe if I dress sporty it might motivate me to exercise. (Wishful thinking)

In my kitchen: Chili is simmering and it will be served with cinnamon rolls for dinner.

I am creating: My daybook entry.

I am thankful for: The herb-Melitona, it is a life saver for the insomnia I have had this week.

In my garden: Well more like in my yard, 100s of dandelion. I might even try to make some syrup from the recipe that The Foss Family posted on their blog.

A Round the House: Lots of work to do, again.

On Keeping House: Working on the laundry pile that is growing rapidly.

Plans for the New Week:
Monday- School/testing
Tuesday- School, Karate and Baseball games
Wednesday- School/ testing
Thursday- Meeting with Social worker and follow up with phone call to Attorney. Karate Celebration
Friday-School/testing
Saturday- Baseball games

Hopes and prayers: peace and serenity

Living the Liturgy: I am still working on this, so far- just praying when I can.

Rhyme and Beauty: Trying to make and stick to a routine. Something we all need, but it constantly gets thrown off track with our family.

Living Education: Just ordered all the geography items for our USA Scrapbook. Can’t wait for my order to come in or too see the looks on the kids face when they each get a kit of their own. :0)

I am thinking: Is it bed time yet and my long list of things to do today.

Plans for the new week: Still working on wrapping up the school year. The boys CAT test is the main priority this week.

One of my favorite things: My children’s smiles! They can make the worst of days shine like a rainbow, once I see their beautiful smiles.

Sharing my photos thoughts:

Photo up-dates

It was opening weekend for Baseball on April 17th. Leonardo is playing for the minor league and our grandson Buddy, is playing T-ball. The kids made signs to show who their favorite players were as you can see in the photo below of Baby Girl. Buddy ran off the playing field when we showed up and the coach had to send him back out. Later on in the game, one of the little gals from Buddy’s team decided she needed to take a rest and lay down for a bit in the field. Buddy soon found that he too was bored and he started to climb the fence with his best friend. This is such a fun age to see out in the field, they pretty much do whatever they want without a care in the world. Leonardo’s game was right after Buddy's. He had butterflies, but he did great out there in center field. This is his first year playing baseball and I think we found a sport he really enjoys!















A comfy place for Baby Girl


My laundry helper of the day


Firecracker playing house


Miss Chubby Cheaks


Morning bed head on Leonardo whom is NOT a morning person.


Oh, the joys of homeschooling


Baby Girl enjoying a book with Firecracker


Taybug


I caught baby T's first smile. It's way to cute for words.




C woke and cooked breakfast for eveyone.


C and Leonardo make butter beer from Harry Potter.


Time for coloring eggs.






The egg hunt





The kids made a cake!






The wind was blowing and it was so cold that we didn't keep trying to get a good picture for Easter this year.

Daybook

I am reading: I am re-reading Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum by Laura Berquist and looking over Oak Meadow IG grade one.

I am pondering: Wow that’s a load question. I am pondering how (if) the meeting with Bookworm’s social working will go this Wednesday. We will know for sure exactly what the social workers intentions are regarding her plans on removing Bookworm from us will be or at least that’s what information I am hoping to walk away with. We have a game plan set- up and we need to see how this meeting goes before we make the first move. Bookworm is so worth the fight we are up againts!

I am wearing: I am wearing blue Capri sweatpants, a long sleeve t-shirt with a long tank underneath.

In my kitchen: Hubby is making potato soup for dinner and the house smells like the bacon he is frying up.

I am creating: I am still working on my homeschool plans for the new school year. I did make a “Thank you” card today which means I am moving closer to the scrapbooking supplies :0)

I am thankful for: Having all (okay we were missing two) my children home for brunch today. The house was packed with kids, grandbabies and friends. It was a mad house and I LOVED every minute! Forgot to grab that camera, darn it!

In my garden: Losing hope on the whole garden thing. Oh but I did see tiny blooms on our Lilac trees!

House work: Started cleaning at 6 a.m this morning. I just couldn’t sleep past five today, so I got busy with the house work.

Hopes and prayers: Hoping to get the school room done this week. I moved out the majority of my scrapbooking stuff from this area and I am working on a focused but cozy space just for school. Still have to purchase this wall unit for the school room. I also need to hang up curtains and add some religious art to the walls.

Living the Liturgy: Still pulling my Mosaic list together to place an order soon.

Rhyme and Beauty: Trying to slow our hectic life down and just enjoy the moments we have as a family.

Living Education: Moving away from the many workbooks that we have had in our education over the past two years.

I am thinking: What the next step needs to be in order to keep Bookworm out of the foster care system until she is 18. Asking for intercession from Saint Therese.

Sharing a picture thought:



I LOVE the many bed head styles we get to see each morning. Sharing one of C today.

Our US History Plans

US History from 1400-1860
Our History Spine: The American Story-100 True Tales of American History,The Landmark History of the American People and The Story of the USA book one and two



Native American Unit
History, Readers and Read Alouds:

Saint Isaac and The Indains
Kateri Tekawitha: Mohawk Maiden
A Lion to Guard Us
Childhood of Famous Americans: Crazy House
Childhood of Famous Americans: Geronimo
Childhood of Famous Americans:Pocahontas
Exploration & Conquest
Icans, Aztecs, & Mayans
If You Lived with the Hopi
If You Lived with the Inorquois
If You Lived with the Sioux
Pedro’s Journal
The Birchbark House
The Discovery of America
The Matchlock Gun
The Sign Of the Beavor
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Walk the Worlds Rim

Art Study
D is for Drum
Music Apreasation
Authentic Music of the American Indains

Hands on Learning
3D Interactive Map: American History
More Than Moccasins
Native American Lapbook
Lets Learn About American Indians Lapbook (for Baby Girl)
Plains Indain Teepee Village
Time Traverls CD
Winter Promise : Make Your Own History Book and Make Your Own Native American Book
500 Nations DVD




Colonial Unit

American Adventures
And Then What Happened, Paul Revere?
Ben and Me
Ben Franklin of Old Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin
Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?
Carry on, Mr. Bowditch
Childhood of Famous Americans: George Washington
Childhood of Famous Americans: Martha Washington
Colonial America
Colonial Life
If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution
If You Lived In Colonial Williamsburg Days
If you lived in the Colonial times
If You Were There When They Signed the Constitution
Johnny Trumain
Meet George Washington
Mr. Rever and I
Omkastoe
Phoebe the Spy
The Bears on Hemlock Mountain
The Cabin West
The Fighting Ground
The New Americans: Colonial Times
The Revolutionary John Adams
The Secret Soldier
The Shippack School
The Story of Elle Whitney
The Winter at Valley Forge
Time for Kids: Benjamin Franklin
Toliver’s Secret
What the Big Idea, Ben Franklin
Who Was George Washington
Who was Thomas Jefferson?

Hand on Learning
3D Interactive Map: American History
Colonial Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects
Colonial Fashion Paper Dolls
Life in Colonial America Lapbook
Easy Make and Learn Projects: Colonial America
Life in Colonial Coloring America Book
Liberty! The American Revolution DVD
Felicity: An American Girl DVD

Art
Colonial Times A to Z
Music
Wee sing America




Pioneer Unit

A Pioneer Sampler
Amazing Impossible Erie Canal
By the Great Horn Spoon
Calico Brush
Childhood of Famous Americans: Laura Ingalls Wilder
Childhood of Famous Americans: Sacagawea
Daily Life in a Covered Wagon
Going West
If You Traveled the West is a Covered Wagon
If You Were a Pioneer on the Prairie
Imprisoned in the Golden City
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Little House on the Prairie
Meet Thomas Jefferson
Naya Nuki
Paddle to the Sea
Riding Freedom
Robert Fulton, A Head Full of Notions
Robert Fulton, Boy Craftman
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Stone Fox
Swift Rivers
The Catholic Little House on the Prairie Series
The Erie Canal
The Fairchild Family Series
The Journeyman
The Lewis and Clark Expedition
The Voyage of Patience Goodspeed
They’re Off, The Story of the Pony Express
Tikta’liktak
Trail of Tears

Art
Come Look With Me: Art in Early America
Pioneer Life A to Z

Hands on Learning
3D Interactive Map: American History
American Pioneer Paper Dolls
Hands on History: Pioneers
Lewis and Clark: Journey of the Corps of Discovery DVD
Liberty Kids DVD series
Pioneer Days: Discover the Past with Fun Projects
Pioneer Project Lapbook
The West DVD
Westward Ho! An Activity Guide to the Wild West

Music
School House Rock: America Rock
Wee Sing America

Just One of Those Day's

Okay, so I have had “One of Those” kind of days today. I have accepted the fact that I cannot help Bookworm heal on my own and have decided that it was time to head back too Attachment Thera-play with her. I have read books, Blogs and multiple websites and I know I can’t do this whole RADS thing on my own. So, I called the counseling center and what do I find out after speaking with Miss M, the therapist? Well, it seems that the Social Worker-whom is looking out for the best interest of Bookworm, plans to pull her from our house and Miss M also stated that she was informed of this up-coming move in February. Mind you, that SW has only met with Bookworm once (In November) for maybe 20 minutes (BIG MAYBE HERE) in the last six or seven months since she has had this case. SW said today while speaking about this new revelation with my hubby, “You seem real mad about this!” Do you think I am pissed about this? Um Hello, Seriously, you have to ask if we are “MAD” about this information. Did I mention that this news did NOT come from SW personally or that everyone else in the world knew of this since last month-except for us? Good thing the phone was between us today or I might have just reached out and freely given a big “LOVE TAP” too SW's forehead. (Around here we call that Jewish love after Hubbies family) Can these people be for real when it comes to the children’s lives that they are playing “God” with? Attachment issues do not come from keeping children in long term placements with families that love them and who truly want them to heal from years (9 ½ years in our case) of abuse and neglect. Seriously!!!!!!

Daybook

I wrote this yesterday, however; I didn't get a chance to post it.

I am listening to: Complete quietness at the moment. Hubby took the kids to the park to play baseball and Firecracker is down for a nap.

I am reading: Blogs, blogs and more blogs. I really need a good book and was glad to hear about this new book “Small steps for Catholic Moms” is coming out soon.

I am pondering: How the meeting with Bookworm's social worker will go for Bookworm Monday at her school. I will be in for some major attitude when she gets home and no one here is looking forward to that. Chances are it will be a very rough ride for us all since Bookworm is a long ways from healing from her attachment disorder.

I am wearing: I was wearing dark blue denim, cream colored v-neck tee shirt, cream colored tank top and my clogs. Now it’s jammie time for me.

In my kitchen: Dinner tonight will be a roast with cabbage, garlic and onions. Roasted potatoes and carrots with a salad and dinner rolls.

I am creating: I am still working on my homeschool plans for the new school year.

I am thankful for: My family! Today I have been blessed with spending the day with Taunya and watching her being an awesome mommy too Taneum.

In my garden: What garden? I will be purchasing items for an Herb garden craft to celebrate Earth Day.

House work: Well there is lots of that here, and I don’t see an end to it any time soon. (Adding chore charts to my creating to-do list) Also found this idea and hoping to put it to use during my post Lent/Spring cleaning time.

Hopes and prayers: Hoping for a good night’s rest even though Firecracker still wakes more times than I care to admit. I am also hoping on getting some scrapbooking done this Wednesday night with friends at our monthly meet-up. I have been so busy with life that I missed the last three scrapbooking meetings.

Living the Liturgy: Pulling my Mosaic list together.

Rhyme and Beauty: Trying to slow our hectic life down and just enjoy the moments we have as a family.

Living Education: Continuing to work on my new lesson plans and ideas for the new school year. I am reading more on the Charlotte Mason style.

I am thinking: Today’s Homily. We had the college campus priest today and we all love how passionate he is about being a priest. Our children love this young priest and they become upset when he is not the one doing confession when they go.

Plans for the new week: Still working on wrapping up the school year. The boys CAT test came in, so we will work on those in the morning and the regular school assignments in the afternoons.

I am going to try finishing listening to “Sharing Small Steps” podcast. (Made it to 6 minutes before hearing "Mommy.")

I will be working on getting caught up on the house work.

Sharing my photos thoughts:


Baby T and Mommy stayed the night with us. I had to grab a picture of her all tucked in for the night.

Homeschool Curriculum

2010/2011 Curriculum
0ur new school year starts in May and I am running out of time on making our school schedule. I am still playing with some ideas but here is my rough draft of what we will be studying this year. I am extremely excited to be learning about US History this year. I can’t wait to see my childrens faces when they open their curriculum boxes that I have been keeping a secret.

US History from 1000-1860
Native American Unit
Colonial American Unit
Pioneer American unit
Time Travelers

Religion
Catholic Mosaic
New Catholic Picture Bible x2 (one for wall time line)
Rosary Rummy
Catholic Family Paper Dolls
Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism
A Year with God


Math
Teaching Text books Math 4
Teaching Text Book Math 7
Waldorf Math

Language Arts:: Still working on this
Seton English 6
Copy work from History Units

US Geography
State-by- State Scrapbook (Thank you Shower of Roses)
Catholic Geography Bee
Uncle Josh's Maps
Backline Maps of World History CD
Great States and Great States Jr
US floor puzzle
H.I.P Pocket Change (Thank you Serendipity)

Science: still working on this
Real Science 4 kids Biology Level 1

Easter Sunday

Our Lord and Savior lifted up his voice and said with incomparable majesty: "Let all men know that grace comes after tribulation. Let them know that without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. Let them know that the gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase. Let men take care not to stray and be deceived. This is the only true stairway to paradise, and without the cross they can find no road to climb to heaven." When I heard these words, a strong force came upon me and seemed to place me in the middle of a street, so that I might say in a loud voice to people of every age, sex and status: "Hear, O people; hear, O nations. I am warning you about the commandment of Christ by using words that came from his own lips: We cannot obtain grace unless we suffer afflictions. We must heap trouble upon trouble to attain a deep participation in the divine nature, the glory of the sons of God and perfect happiness of soul."

-- St. Rose of Lima

From my window

We woke up on Good Friday to lovely snow. I grabbed the camera and took a few pictures from the window off our back porch.


Day book

I am listening to:
My Baby Girl sing along to “Let the Children Come to Me” cd playing. Yes, I squeeze school into every moment I can.

I am reading:
Sonlight Catalog and CHC catalog. I am gearing up for the new school year. I also enjoy Mothering and The Old Schoolhouse magazine.

I am pondering:
The crucifixion

I am wearing:
Pajamas, it there anything else I wear? I think not -once I am home from errands, I dash like it’s a marathon race to my much loved pjs.

In my kitchen:
Hard Boiled eggs cooling off so the kids can color them for Easter tomorrow.

I am creating:
Mary cards for learning the Rosary for Baby Girl.

I am thankful for:
Firecracker is taking a nap and he is sleeping longer then forty minutes. I have to add I am thankful for my laptop! How did I live without one all these time?

In my garden:
Thinking it’s time to find a place to put our garden this year. Hubby has plans to build raised beds.

House work:
Need to make a chore chart so I don’t have to say 100 times what should get done around here. I also need to get these boxes un- packed since we have been here since Christmas.

Hopes and prayers:
for sleep and grace

Living the Liturgy:
Reflecting and focusing on this Holy week.

Rhyme and Beauty:
Doing less TV. I just find it depressing and a huge distraction.

Living Education:
Working on my new lesson plans and ideas for the new school year. We are leaving Seton this year and implementing move CM and real learning into our curriculum.

I am thinking:
About St Tressea of Lisieux Prayer

O Father in Heaven, Who through St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face, dost desire to remind the world of the Merciful Love that fills Thy Heart, and the childlike trust we should have in Thee, humbly we thank Thee for having crowned with so great glory Thine ever faithful child, and for giving her wondrous power to bring unto Thee, day by day, innumerable souls who will praise Thee eternally.
St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face, remember thy promise to do good upon earth, shower down thy roses on those who invoke thee and obtain for us from God the graces we hope for from His infinite goodness.
( mention your requests)

My Plans for the new week:
I will be working on test and book reports with the boys for Seton. I hope on having one afternoon tea with the kids. I really miss this time with them. I also would like to do one science and one craft activity this week as well.

Sharing my photo thoughts:


Okay I have two this week. C got to hold his neice for the first time since her birth. Either he was sick or baby Tay was to fussy and in moms arms until now. The love he has for her makes me tear up.