A New Springtime

Homeschool Portfolios, Homestretch

 I am done with the three younger kidsportfolios. I am still working on the 10th graders; I should be finished tomorrow. It is a task trying to limit what I put into these. I try to give samples of beginning, middle and end in each subject. It always amazes me at the end of the year how much we have actually accomplished. Because I am artsy crafty I always add a decorative touch, for me, it makes the task a bit more pleasurable. We are a hands-on type of family so it shows our personality which I want to portray. I don't like to focus on grades or testing because it has never been a standard that I feel shows character or the true work ethics of a person. Some who are good testers don't want to put forth a great effort when it comes to performance but they can come up with a fantastic test grade. I am a firm believer in the dignity of each individual and their gifts and unique talents.

 Here are the three completed portfolios. I used the paper and chip board pieces from, The Green Stack by . The reason I picked these is because we are into nature and on the paper are cute lil' squirrels, bears,owls, etc. The paper also had sayings like, blue skies, happy days, blessings, etc. On the front I made tags with the kids names, grades and school year.

                                

I divide each subject and place the papers into plastic sheet protectors. I try to include a variety of the concepts we learn in each without going overboard. Five pages per subject at the most.

                                

                                

Above: A planet report

                                 

Above: samples from our science workbook on plants

                                 

                                  

Above: an exercise on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit

                                  

Above: a history page divider

I don't get as fancy with the high school portfolio. I don't think my 16 year old would appreciate cutsie woodsie creatures.I will post the pictures of his soon.

Natural Wonders

 The more pictures I take of nature the more I am intrigued. There are just so many possibilities of what we may stumble across each time we go on one of our nature hikes. The kids and I are never disappointed when we stumble upon hidden treasures that we wouldn't normally see if we didn't take the time to slow down.

 Last week we were on one of our walks and Raphael discovered this:

                                  

 This hive was built on the bottom of a plant that wasn't even a foot high. It was so well hidden, it must have been divine providence for him to have seen it. It was in a bunch of overgrown grass. Thank God no one stepped on it. When the kiddos walked off I noticed some wasps swarming around the bottom. Yikes.

Isn't this the cutest little mushroom?

                                   

A puffball nestled amongst a bed of moss.

                                   

  This busy bee looks like it is having a splendid time! Oh, such wonders of nature and each time we are drawn into a new mystery as we gaze upon the unique creations of God. I always think of St. Francis and his love for the natural world. What a gifts we have around us.

                                    

                                     

 At the end of the walk I had to get a picture of one of the most beautiful creations of all, Baby Eliana. The human baby, what an awesome image of God.  Their sweet innocence and love is so natural and wonderful!

                                     

Make Your Own Calendar Coloring Book

Today, we found a little gem at the thrift store.

 This will be a good motivator and reminder for me to do a monthly nature and book shelf. I love each of the adorable illustrations which spurned me to make a list of miniature things I can use to decorate our shelves with. I think I will start a clear bin for these items. I will put them in a Ziploc and label them January through December, then all I will have to do is get them out when needed.

• January - a sled, hats, mittens, snowflakes
• February - doves, angels, hearts
• March -  figurines of kids flying kites, daffodils
• April - ducks,bunnies, tulips
• May - insects, grasshoppers, butterflies, various flowers
• June - daisies, birds, mushrooms
• July - patriotic items, flags, shells, ocean animals
• August - farm items, veggies, fruits, farm animals
• September - pumpkins, apples, leaves
• October - spiders, moon, stars
• November - turkey, corn, indian and pilgrims
• December - snowman, pine trees

Summer Nature

 I have been bringing my oldest son to his summer job he got at the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. It has been a great way to start off the day. There are always plenty of birds, plants and other wildlife to observe. Today, we were blessed to see an abundance of God's wonderful creation.  I just love these little guys. I never tire of their soft blue and peachy colors.

 

These furry little ones were  out hopping and nibbling on their morning snack.

 

The woodpecker was winding up getting ready to start his day working on a tree.

 

The biggest and grandest sight of all was this sight:

 

Not only the birds were showing their fancies but the flowers were in their splendor, too. These orange ones looked like dangling jewels. Wouldn't these be a gorgeous pair of earrings, a bit smaller of course.

 

I also had a sense of peace while gazing upon these purple delights. They add such a sense of softness to the landscape.

 

What an awesome way to start the day! Summer nature, It's a God (good) thing.

Playing the Game of Life, Caritas Veritate

 How appropriate that the kiddos got the game of life today. It is a great game showing how we go through life and have many challenges and decisions to make. Hopefully they will be charitable and ones made with Jesus, who is charity itself, as our guide.

 I say this because I just found out the Holy Father has put out a new encyclical called,

"Caritas in Veritate" which means Charity in Truth. This letter addresses the issues we are all facing at this time concerning life issues, economics, environment, etc. according to our Catholic faith.  

 Today, I was pondering what the most important thing in life to me is and undoubtedly it is my children. They are my jewels, my wealth, and as a Catholic I know this is what the church tries to teach me in being open to life. The human person is the most precious creation on Earth. Having a family and following my Catholic Faith teaches me and shows me how to put life and others before myself in Christ Jesus. How could I truly experience joy if I wasn't willing to putting God and others first. A contraceptive( anti-life) and disposable mentality is what creates crisis. When we cheapen the value of life it creates debt.  God first,  and true charity towards neighbor always prospers.

 The encyclical also defends the fact that no one can claim to be charitable and do the opposite when it comes to  protecting the most vulnerable of society, the unborn or elderly. Children are assets not burdens and  the older people who have worked beforee us and raised families need to be honored and taken care of in their older years in return.

 I haven't read the whole encyclical yet but I am going to add it to the top of my list for this week.

I love the Holy Father and his message of Jesus:The Way, The Truth and The LIFE!

God Bless America, Our 4th of July

"While the storm clouds gather across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that is free,

 

Let us all be greatful to a land so fair,

 

As we raise our voices in solemn prayer."

 

God bless America,

 

land that I love,

 

stand beside her,

 

and guide her,

 

through the night with the light from above.

 

From the mountains,

 

to the prairies, to the oceans, white with foam

 

God bless America.

 

My home sweet home.

Summer Soccer

 Our son is playing on a summer soccer league this year. It a good opportunity to kick offmy shoes and sit back and relax. We usually spread out a blanket, nibble on a few snacks and enjoy the game.

                               

Baby Eliana even gets in on the fun clapping and shouting, "Go, Go!"

                                

After work, Joe went to his game and gave it his all.

                                 

After the game was over big brothers helped lil' sis walk to the van. Doesn't this just warm your heart? I just love these great family moments.