Classically Catholic

Wouldn't it be fabulous if home educators could receive the same tax payer funding as the public school system? With that kind of money per child, we could go to Egypt, Greece, and Rome while studying Ancient Civilizations. Since it was always more of a daydream than a possibility, we visited those places in our imagination with the help of living books (lots and lots of books) and internet resources. It definitely spurred a wanderlust in all of my children. I think they also an inherited the travel gene from my Dad's side of the family.  As a teenager, his father took an unexpected journey as a stowaway on a slow boat to China (literally), which in a VERY roundabout way led to a career in Aruba, where my father was born.  As an adult, my dad joined the military and raised his family across the USA, with 4 year stint in Okinawa. Last count I had attended 16 different schools before finishing high school. Don't ask me to recreate that count. My memory isn't what it u...

Yes, I have a bucket list. And the number one adventure on it now has a big fat check mark next to it! Last year my middle child (and mini-me) invited me to join her on a pilgrimage to Lourdes AND the Camino to Santiago.  Dear Husband was on board (after a pep talk from the kiddos) and my Mom offered to help with the boys.  Can't get any better than that!  We left the end of April and returned the beginning of May. Fifteen days of heaven on earth! Drinking the water was far more enjoyable than bathing in it. Teeth chattering experience.  Shell for my Shelz  Irish girl on the far right, carrying my sleeping bag- long story and inside joke, but it was her "penance" for sending her gear ahead on a taxi. (She wrestled it out of my hands at our last cafe stop). Santiago de Compostela Cathedral Compostela in hand!  So hold onto it, mama!  I'm such a clutz.

Reposting this from ages ago. Because I felt like it. You must be Catholic or madly in love,” said the gas station attendant as I escorted 7 sleepy children past the candy isle to the restroom. It was 2:00 am and we were only halfway to our destination. “Both,” I replied with a wink and a grin. It was a pleasant change from the stale comments I usually get from strangers in public places: “Don’t you know what causes that?”             Duh- yeah, I think we’ve perfected it. “Haven’t you got a TV?”             Yes, we have a TV. But we have an even better marriage. But this nameless gentleman at the Quick Stop was right on the money. I am very much enamoured with my husband and my Catholic faith, because both are teaching me how to live richly in the fullness of love. How I wish those lessons had been well received earlier in life!  You see, at the rebel...

For those who have been asking about the fairly recent turn around in my attitude and my physical appearance, here it is in a nutshell: Yes, I had the surgery.  No, I would NOT do it over again if given the opportunity.  Yes, I dropped a good bit of weight.  No, it was not on purpose.  Yes, it  is  a healthier weight (same that I weighed at age 24- if it was a healthy weight then, it is certainly a healthy weight for me now).  No, it was not due to the treatment protocol (which, by the way, I declined).  Yes, I am eating a plant based diet (85-95%). No, I haven't totally given up animal protein. (You could call me a "flexitarian") Yes, I am working out more often. No, still not as often as I should. Yes, Medishare paid for everything once I met the deducible.  No, I am not seeing an oncologist anymore.  Yes, I am planning to have a doctor monitor my health. *I just need to find one who will order the tests I need, without ...

A new undertaking has taken over much of my time. Join me at Family Promise  to see what we've been up to, in lieu of blogging. Jennifer and I with Archbishop Gregory Aymond  at the Family Promise Launch and Press Conference. Constructing cubicles inside the Youth Center,  for families in need of  temporary lodging  until they can transition back into permanent affordable housing. I am really not sure why the inside of these  blackout curtains vary so much in color.  It is a small matter, unless the family is as OCD as I am. Putting on the final touches before meeting our 13 guests  who will join us for a week of good food and fellowship. Visit the Facebook Page to see the pics of the Day Center. We have a rocking executive director who not only works with the family to address their specific needs, but also finds alternate accommodations for those who cannot benefit from this particular apostolate. ...

The grandtwins are hanging out with us this week, to see what preschool would be like at Mia's house.  Since it was Monday, we decided to begin with the letter M. The boys went on a scavenger hunt to find mustard, maps, markers, make-up, music makers, and money (which somehow ended up in someone's wallet instead of on the "M Museum"  table). Then we practiced writing Mm and colored pictures of Monkeys and Mummies. After an early lunch we went to Mass and talked about Mother Mary. Naptime was followed by Matching Mini Madonna Masterpieces. Science consisted of a quick look through astronomy books focussing on the phases of the Moon.  We ended with a cooking lesson. Mall Pretzels  (Ok, I know that one was a stretch- but it was a nice lenten snack).  Better enjoy it now. They grow up so quickly.