Sonlight Garden

Seven Quick Takes

1. How is it that my 3 year old sees a pair of scissors and thinks "ooooo a haircut".  When is she going to grow out of this??? I am going to have to give her a trim to fix it. Again. 

2. Am I the only one who doesn't like the term tweenager? I feel like we are pushing our kids to grow up to fast.  When I was a "tweenager" I was just considered a kid and all of the awkward growing up issues were just a part of growing up. It didn't have a label. A couple of girls in my daughters ballet class have started wearing make-up( 10 and 11yr olds). And then a 10 year old neighbor girl came over wearing make up. She told my girls she wouldn't last a day in middle school without it. WHAT???? Is this what is happening? My daughter Julia said "Mom, they are wearing make-up and they look ridiculous because they don't even need it! They are still kids!" 

3. I signed up for the Disney half -marathon for next January. 13.1 miles. I want to run a marathon someday, but figured I would start smaller. I have heard the Disney marathon weekend is awesome and if you are going to run one, Disney is it. I signed up already because the spots fill up fast. I have a year to train. I will start to seriously train in September. 

4. Our homeschool is doing well. Thankfully. Truth be told I had a very rough October and November. I was ready to pack it in and then Advent peacefully descended on us. I learned a couple of valuable lessons as I look back. We stopped all activities. (Scouts, sports, ballet was on winter break) We had quiet non crazy days at home. Children started to pitch in around the house more than they were. I started praying, really hard. Things are better. Let me ask you. What is the difference between burn out and realizing that your homeschooling lifestyle  is coming to an end? That is the question I wrestled with. I am assuming I had a bad case of burn out, because I am still here.

5. John Paul is standing up on his own now. He stands there and looks at you and laughs! The other children are encouraging this. I keep telling them to stop. I just heard squeals that he took a step! Where did this year go? How is it that he is going to be walking soon?

6. I am presently obsessed with gardening. Two more garden beds to be made. Terry is making them and they are turning out awesome. I am trying to plot out the beds in my head trying to decide what we are going to grow. The garden beds near the house need to be weeded. These beds are going to be my kitchen garden. I am thinking lettuce, fresh greens, herbs....

7. LAUNDRY. I give up.

for more quick takes visit Jennifer at Conversion Diary

Everyday Blessings

I wanted to do a "Wordless Wednesday" post yesterday. However the day was just to full and we took to many photos and I couldn't decide which ones to post. So, our day yesterday:

7:15 Woke up (late!!) I try to  sneak out of bed without waking up John Paul. No luck. Grab John Paul, throw on a pair of jeans and head out to kitchen for a cup of coffee. I sit and drink my coffee and nurse John Paul. I yell out to the rest of the house "Wake UP!!" The only noise I hear are the cows outside mooing. The calves are getting louder and louder as the minutes pass. They want their mamas. I grab the milking bucket and John Paul and head out. I bring the bucket to the barn and go to fill up the cows water. John Paul is happy to see the cows at first and then he starts to cry because the non-stop mooing is freaking him out. I say to him "I know how you feel buddy`they annoy me also."  I tell the cows to be quiet but they don't listen. I shut off the water, grab the washing bucket and we head inside. I walk in the door and all is still quiet inside. "Wake up" I yell again. I finally hear footsteps above me. Mary Jane makes her way to the kitchen. I set John Paul up in his highchair and put some bananas and cheerios on the tray. I give Mary Jane a hug and ask her to watch John Paul. I grab another cup of coffee, the Surge Belly (milking machine tank) and head outside. I get to the barn, pour alfalfa cubes into the cows buckets and fill the buckets up with water to soak the cubes. I then realize I forgot the water bucket to wash the cows with. I walk back inside, wash out the bucket fill it with hot water and rags. As I am walking out I see my Ipod and think  "Hey I can say the rosary while I am milking. Cool." I make my way back to the barn and get Rosie situated. I get the machine on her and I start praying out loud with the rosary. Rosie keeps looking back at me and swats me with her tail a couple of times. I am usually quiet when I am out there. After three minutes there is no more milk coming but her udder is still full on top. She is holding her milk up on me. (not good for the cream line on the milk) I unhook her and notice the bucket feels light. Oh well. I then get Daisy situated and milk her. She did fine and did not mind me praying. Good girl. I let the calves back over. They finally stop mooing. The poor neighbors. 

9:30 I walk back in the house to strain the milk. Mary Jane said "Aunt Susie called" (my prayer partner) The rest of the kids are eating and getting dressed. John Paul is starting to get fussy. I call Sussette for our morning prayers and strain the milk. I get the milk put away and wash the milking equipment.(Rosie gave 3/4 gallon and Daisy gave 1 1/4 gallon. That's a switch) By this time John Paul has really had it. I get him out of the highchair and he has smashed bananas all over his face and hands and in his hair. A washcloth is not going to cut it. I tell the kids to start their schoolwork while I jump in the shower with John Paul. We get out of the shower, get dressed. I dry my hair. Put on some make up and feel much better. Back to the kitchen to get everyone back on track and finish schoolwork. 

1:00 We get schoolwork done. I show the girls a dessert I want to make for after lunch and get them set up to start making them while I make ham and cheese sandwiches. The little kids are upstairs playing a math game on the computer. We get the table set for lunch and call everyone. The "littles" eyes light up when they see dessert. I explain the significance of candles for St. Blaise whose feast day it was and the feast of Candlemas. We say a little prayer and eat. 

 

2:00 We finish lunch and dessert. I pack up uneaten sandwiches and cookies and  get everyone loaded up in the van. We head out to Blue Springs to see the manatees. I had to stop twice, once to get gas and another time to get money. (I forgot there was an admission fee) On the way there we listen to Jim Weiss read Celtic Treasures.

3:00 we finally get there.  It is beautiful and cold, a lot colder than where we came from. I start to dig through the van to look for jackets and sweatshirts. I am able to dig up a few and am also thankful I hadn't recently cleaned out the van. Here are pictures. A LOT of pictures, forgive me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, I think that is all the pictures for now. This place was beyond beautiful and peaceful. I so enjoyed exploring with my children. These are the best days, hanging out with them. I enjoy them and I like the people they are becoming. Anyway we stayed there until....

6:00pm- I passed out the leftover sandwiches and cookies for the ride home because everyone was "starving". We listened to Jim Weiss read Greek Myths for the ride home. At 6:30 Terry got home and I called him and asked him to put two chickens in the oven. We got home at  7pm, we ate way late. After dinner kids put on jammies, brushed teeth, and we tucked them into bed. Last night bed was a huge fort that the kids constructed in the loft using every single blanket in the house. I smiled and tried not to let the disarray bother me as I kissed them goodnight. They just picked it all up and I feel much better now. 

11:00 I wanted to post all of this but I was plain worn out and John Paul wanted to lay down and go to sleep for real. My head hit the pillow and I was out.

A full day, a good day, one of the best days. We were together, the children were learning and happy. It was messy and crazy. It was a day I will treasure forever because I can look back and recognize the blessings and beauty in the ordinary. If only I could remember to do this every day!

 
 

The Feast of Candlemas

CANDLEMAS DAY PRAYER

 

Lord Jesus Christ, You are the true Light enlightening every soul born into this world. Today we celebrate the feast of Candlemas. Before Holy Mass, the priest blesses the candles, whose wax is the humming summer's work of countless bees. The flames of these candles will shed their light upon the altar at the Holy Sacrifice. Help us to realize, this day and every day, that our own humdrum daily work, if it is done for love of You, and in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, will be a supernatural work, and will shine brightly before You for all eternity. Help us realize, too, each time we see the blessed candles at Holy Mass, or at the bedside of the sick, that they are a symbol of Yourself, the Light shining in the darkness of this world. Help us to live in that Light, to make it our own, and to kindle it in the souls of others, increasing the area Of light and lessening the darkness in the World This, dear Lord, help us do, through the merits of Your own dear mother, Mary, who did everything for love of You, from the moment she brought You into this world till the day she joined You in the realms of light at her death. Then we, too, working for You, shall be light-bearers who will help to spread Your kingdom on earth, and increase the number of those who dwell in heaven, the city of eternal light.  Amen.

 

h/t Sussette

testing out the scanner to see if it works. I thought this was appropriate for today.

It's fun to be one!

To my sweet baby boy, You were my reminder that life is so very precious. After a couple of years of grief and sorrow you brought us tremendous joy. You bring out the little nurturing mommy in your sisters and you bring out the tenderness in your brothers. You bring out the best in all of us, really. Your smile and giggles are infectious. You are pure joy.  Thank you God for this year of Joy!

Happy Birthday John Paul!!

 

 

 
 
 

Our Catholic Faith~Week 1

I am taking a Catholic Faith study at my Church. There are twelve women and we each take a topic and study it using the Holy Bible and the Catechism and then we present it to the other women in the group. We met for the first time this past week. I enjoyed it so much and learned so much. Not just from what was presented but from these other women. There is a nice mix of older women, younger women, and middle of the road women (like me). We come from different backgrounds and life experiences, but we all have a love for the Lord and His Church. 

 I would like to write down some things about this study each week. Things that really made me think or touched me in a certain way.

 This weeks presentation was The Canonization of Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Some things that had me thinking this week.

Did you know that the Bible that we have today has been around since the 300’s AD? The councils of Hippo (393), Carthage1 (397), and Carthage II (419) listed the current 27 books of the New Testament and the 46 books of the Old Testament as Sacred Scripture.

 In 382 St Jerome translated the Bible into Latin due to Latin being the common language spoken at that time. This translation became known as The Vulgate and it is still the official canon of the Church.

 The Mass that we celebrate today is so similar to how the early Christians worshipped God. St Justin Martyr around the year 155 wrote to pagan emporor Antoninus Pius explaining what Christians did. I love this.

On the day we call the day of the sun, all who dwell in the city or country gather in the same place.

The memoirs of the apostles and the writings of the prophets are read, as much as time permits.

When the reader has finished, he who presides over those gathered admonishes and challenges them to imitate these beautiful things.

Then we all rise together and offer prayers* for ourselves . . .and for all others, wherever they may be, so that we may be found righteous by our life and actions, and faithful to the commandments, so as to obtain eternal salvation.

When the prayers are concluded we exchange the kiss.

Then someone brings bread and a cup of water and wine mixed together to him who presides over the brethren.

He takes them and offers praise and glory to the Father of the universe, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and for a considerable time he gives thanks (in Greek: eucharistian) that we have been judged worthy of these gifts.

When he has concluded the prayers and thanksgivings, all present give voice to an acclamation by saying: 'Amen.'

When he who presides has given thanks and the people have responded, those whom we call deacons give to those present the "eucharisted" bread, wine and water and take them to those who are absent.¹⁷¹

^(ccc1345)

For my Catholic readers, doesn't that sound familiar? The Mass that we attend every Sunday (everyday for that matter), follows this same order which has been carefully preserved throughout the centuries right down to today. That is a beautiful thing and for me very comforting. 

 

 

For Julia

 God always knew I wanted a little girl. Oh the joy I felt when I first held you in my arms.  “A little girl” I sighed. God knew what he was doing when he made you the big   sister to many younger ones, especially those little sisters.  And oh, how those younger ones look up to you. I don’t think you realize how much of an impact you have on them.  You have a generous spirit and a kind soul.  And my dear daughter, not only are you beautiful on the outside you are beautiful on the inside, and that is what matters most.

 This year, right before my eyes you grew into a young lady.  And you are doing so with grace.  You are so diligent in your studies. It is very impressive.  You are the happiest when you have a new book to read. This was the year you lost yourself in great books. You “met” Anne of Green Gables and the March sisters and they have become treasured friends.  

 I feel so blessed to have the privilege of raising you, my first daughter. Daddy and I love you. We all love you so very much. Happy Birthday as you turn eleven.

 

 
 

I knew I liked this guy

We are big Seminole fans in this house. (go noles!) But Tim Tebow you rock! And so does your dear mom. Hats off to Focus on the Family. I can't wait to see this Super Bowl commercial.

Daybook ~ January 18, 2010

Outside my window......Absolutely beautiful. It is cool and sunny. We finally turned off the heat in the house. My electric bill was the highest it has ever been this past month.

 I am listening to..... children talking, laughing, playing. The usual.

I am thankful for.... everything in my life. I really truly am.

I am reading...... a couple of things. St Philomena, The Wonder Worker by Father Paul O'Sullivan  What a powerful intercessor she is. I am loving this book. Happy Are You Poor; The Simple Life and Spiritual Freedom by Thomas Dubay I just started this. Doesn't it sound like the perfect "New Years" book? Still reading these, and “A Philadelphia Catholic in King James Court” (linked on the side) this is our Book of the Month club book and I am reading it out loud to the older kids.

From the kitchen..... good question. Maybe meatloaf for tonight.

I am thinking about.... Haiti. I will be praying Is 62: 1-5 for them everyday.

I am creating..... nothing right now. I am sure it won’t be long until I pick up some project. I want to learn how to knit. I really, really want to. I want a pair of homemade wool socks. I am gonna do it. Eventually.

From the learning room…We are learning about the human body, using The Body Book by Donald Silver and we are learning about China right now. I am making up a continents, countries and cultures study. Any suggestions?

From the farm.... Milking two cows. It is going well. I need more jars though for all of the milk. We are going through about a gallon and a half of milk per day. I have found that if we don’t move the calves early enough in the day there is not enough milk in the evening. I really need to wean Howey off of Daisy altogether, because there is just no extra milk at all, ever. I just need to figure out where to put everyone.  Oh and we added another cow to our farm. She is a Herford/Angus cross. Her name is Filet. And that is all I am going to say about that.

From the garden.... The freeze wiped everything out. We are putting in four more raised beds in the back. Terry made two of them this weekend. Two more to go. We have a lot of work to do in this area. I have big hopes for this project. I would love to grow enough to put up for the year, or at least really see a difference in our grocery bill.

Around the House....I am slowly making progress in getting rid of stuff and reorganizing. It takes so much time. I am going to keep at it though. I did a little corner in my room and I love it. I found an old bookshelf at the flea market and put it in our room. I put some of the books that I have in baskets on the floor on there. It is less cluttered looking. I am going to do the 40 bag challenge starting in February to help motivate the purge.

I am hoping.... for a good productive work week, for all of us.

A picture thought: a happy little corner. I still need to move the picture above the shelf a little higher. And the bottom shelf contains lots and lots of binders. Terry is studying for his GC. So those won’t be there forever. :0)  Over all, I love it.

  picture with flash

Haiti

I stayed home from Mass today with John Paul and the little girls. Poor John Paul was hot all night and had a very restless night. Poor baby. I am thankful for Tylenol, and a comfy bed and roof over our head.

 

I can not stop thinking about and praying for the people of Haiti. It really puts  perspective on my life. Thinking about the whole situation truly makes you thankful for all that you have. (every single little thing.) The devastation is so tremendous. How are they going to rebuild? They are such a poor country. Who will pay for it? Where are they going to discard all of the rubble? Surely Lord you have a plan. I was reading the Mass readings for today and couldn’t help but think of Haiti when I read the first reading.

 

you shall be called by a new name


pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.


You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,


a royal diadem held by your God.


No more shall people call you “Forsaken,

“
or your land “Desolate, “
but you shall be called “My Delight, “


and your land “Espoused.”


For the LORD delights in you


and makes your land his spouse.


As a young man marries a virgin,


your Builder shall marry you;


and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride


so shall your God rejoice in you.

Is 62: 1-5

 

This is going to be such a long, sorrowful process for them. Healing. Rebuilding.

Surely Lord, you Divine Physician, you Divine Builder, have a plan.

Jesus, we trust in you.