A New Springtime

Homeschool and a Well Balanced Day

 The days around our house are always filled with many activities. It is very important to balance out the day, learning can include many different facets. Keeping our minds, bodies and souls healthy can be a challenge. This requires a well balanced diet of work, prayer, and play. Because I have the duty of making sure everyone else is keeping up with their daily chores, hygeine and school.

 My own needs can be easily left by the wayside but I try not to let that happen. Simple tasks such as brushing my hair can be challenging if I get caught up into the hustle and bustle of the day. Finding nice second hand clothes allows me to have a decent wardrobe and new clothes for spring usually gives me a sense of refreshment. Our community center has a thrift shop and it sells clothes for $1 a bag!!

 We have been using the Core Knowledge Series," What Your 3rd, 4th, and 6th Grader Need to Know", for school this year. In each book there is information for each grade level, divided by subject.

 The kids read a section in history and science, write about it and draw a picture to go with their journal entries. They can look it up on the computer or use another book for more info.

 We always take a break starting at 12:00 for lunch and a bit of play, too. If is nice weather the kiddos always go outside, the older ones play b-ball and the younger ones watch or do their own thing while soakin' up some sun.

 Even though they can get on each others nerves at times, I can usually find one or two siblings taking some time out to do good things together. An older sister or brother will help a a younger one learn how to play a game. We have been into Dr. Suess lately since we went to see the Lorax earlier this month. We were thrilled to get this game free at our community center. The ladies there are so good to us. They usually spoil the kids and get a few hugs in return.

 I am not always so good at getting the meditational prayer part in so that is what I will be focusing on the rest of Lent. I do offer my works, joys and sufferings each day in union with the sacrifice of the Mass.

 Although my efforts are meager these days, I do enjoy decorating. I am not Martha Stewart but I try to put up a few seasonal decorations. It isn't a priority any more but it is enjoyable.

 The main thing I try to do is maintain some kind of order with the toys and have them look neat so they don't take over the house in an unsitely mess. Keeping a balance can be difficult when managing a household, a school, playtime and my own sanity but when I focus on offering it all up to God it all falls into place.

 It is like a vocation of a monk or hermit not doing things for the self. I often have to get back on track and not worry about being praised or appreciated but doing it  as a prayer in union with Jesus for the Father above.

  At the end of the day when the battle has been fought and my will has been submitted, there is always something good to look back on.  A  peace-filled well balanced day between work and play can be the best prayer of all!!

Blessed are They, A Lenten Activity

During Lent, it is time to reflect on the 8 Beatitudes so I decided to make a hands-on poster activity in the shape of a mountain to help us reflect on, The Sermon on the Mount.

Abigail and Hannah tried  to match the beginning parts of the beatitudes with their endings. After they had taken there best shot, I took off the ones that were incorrect. 

After several tries, they finally got them all right.

The last step was to have them copy them onto a paper. I hope this activity will inspire them and help them to remember the Beatitutes during Lent and forevermore.

Good Friday

Last night we prayed the Sorrowful Mysteries in honor of Holy Thursday and today at three o'clock prayed the Divine Mercy and we read " The First Easter Story".

 
We didn't finish ready the whole story because I wantedto save the part of the Ressurectionfor Easter morning. We left the book on the dining room table open tothe page of the guarded tomb.

 
It has been a kind of quite day, not really much going on. Lil' Eliana decided to take a rest in the baby swing. What a silly girl!

 
We said a special prayer for our special lil'boy that the hole in his heart be miraculously closed.

 
He is so precious and peaceful and I thank God he is with us. I thank God for this Good Friday in which He gave His life for us so that we could have eternal life with Him in Heaven.

I hope everyone has a peaceful holy day and knows that God hears their prayers.

Enjoying the Moments

 Yesterday, we had a wonderful day. Hannah's Godmother came over to visit us and see Baby Malcolm. She brought some of her wonderful children one who is eleven and has Down Syndrome. She is a doll and she recited a poem to me that she had memorized. It was so good for me to see her. It gives me so much hope for my precious lil' tiger.

 

DH came home with  this adorable outfit. It is a gift from a friend he works he works with. We have been blessed with so many presents, prayers and support for Malcolm.

 

We are all enjoying taking turns holding him. We just can't get enough! I am truly learning to live in and enjoy each moment. Trying to give all my worries and expectations to our Lord, Jesus Christ.

 
Hannah was given some beads from her Godmother to make a pair of rosaries and that is what she did today. Abbey has been working on brushing her own hair and she has been doing quite well.
 
Eliana has been such a good sport and occupies herself by imitating big sister.

 
 Taking the time out just  to sit and relax can be so challenging but I think it is a much needed activity these days for our family. Lent is almost ended and these last few days are a good time for us to reflect on how much we have been blessed. A time to open our hearts and minds to God's love and mercy.

I am so thankful for my Catholic faith and all it has taught me and I know I have so much more to learn. I want to wish everyone a Holy Thursday and a Good Friday and may God's love be yours on these solemn days before Easter. Just as we see in the Crucifixion may God take all that may seem like a suffering and turn it into something beautiful. Enjoy every moment and know God is with us.

Miracle Bubbles

                                        

 God has given me a great grace this afternoon, it is to be able to focus on the playfulness of my children and His love for me. Sometimes it is so easy to get caught up in the working and the everyday nitty gritty , I forget to take time out to sit back and enjoy my blessings. 

  

I have been stressing due to the pregnancy/upcoming delivery, constant cleaning, etc.I am definitely the Martha, Martha in the bible. It felt so good to just sit outside and bask in God's love that he showered on me through my children and their fun activity.
 
 

 I just got myself out of the way (through everyones prayers) and got lost in the sweetness of the moment. This lil'face takes me to the throne of God and allows me to be in His presence. Sometimes I find it difficult to give myself a break because I don't work outside of the home. I really need to let that go!
 
I need to rejoice  and trust in my vocation without  always thinking I have to prove myself.  I just love seeing my childern explore the wonders of simplicity and become dazzled by something so insigificant as bubbles. I must of spent a couple of hours just enjoying them.

 
 I am going to hold on to this bubble blowin' afternoon tomorrow when I go to the hospital  for my c -section because it is proof that God is with me and he knows my exact needs at the exact time. I find peace and comfort knowing He has everything covered. Every birth experience I always see God conducting an orchestra and over-seeing every aspect of it, gently waiving His baton and  every instrument plays perfectly in sinc.

I am so thankful for this day and I have been blessed with this miracle of bubbles, who would of thought such and ordinary day could turn out to be so extordinary! Thanks to everyone who is praying your prayers are being answered. God bless all of you.

 

 

Carrying Ones Crosses and Being Resurrected with Christ

     
 
 Today is Good Friday, the day our Lord was crucified. As His follower I have also carried some crosses in my life. I came to the Lord because my life was broken and I didn't know how to fix it. Jesus showed me and I am still learning through the Holy Catholic Church how to repair the damage sin has created in my life.

 During the past thirteen years of my life I had to carry some crosses.  At first, I was like one of the apostles in the boat saying, Lord, Lord don't you care if I drowned. I was so frightened of suffering. I had a pretty worldly upbringing and easy access to most of what I wanted in life. I was spoiled so to speak. Most of the time I got my way.

 It wasn't until God started growing me up as a Catholic that I realized how to carry a cross and how it leads to the Resurrection.

Crosses

• a worldly marriage
• Resurrection: having to learn how to become selfless and have a Christian marriage

  

• oldest son rebellion
•    Resurrection:  entrust everything to God through prayer and works

• 3 miscarriages    
• Resurrection: learning the value of life and openness to life, trusting in God

• 4-c sections   
• Resurrection:  learning the flesh becomes less important

• post partum depression  
• Resurrection: God loved me first without having to prove myself

• ectopic pregnancy  
• Resurrection trust in the sacraments of confession and anointing of the sick, trust and be not afraid

I am not afraid of sharing these crosses because I have learned so much from them and I have been given a great privilege to unite them with that of Jesus's to offer up for myself and all of humanity. It is when I have had these crosses that I cry out the most and commit my spirit to God the Father and allow Him to heal and transform me.

This is why we call today Good Friday because if it would not have been for the Cross there would not have been any Resurrection.

Jesus Christ is real, I have experienced His love personally. He is my Savior and my God! Through Your Cross and Resurrection you,Jesus, are the Savior of the World !!

   

Holy Week, Washing Feet and Following Christ

God humbled  Himself and became  a man to save us from sin. He showed us how to serve one another. He washed the feet of his apostles. God became a servant. He loves us so much, he gave His life fully until the point of death. He asked us to follow in His footsteps.

 As a follower of Christ,  I have been enlightened that my path is one of service and by no means am I perfect at this. Through His grace He strengthens me to follow Him by doing my everyday humble duties.  The  Blessed Mother of God was a  humble  servant. She was not a rock star, not a movie star, not a famous athlete, etc. but it was because of her servitude that God exalted her.

God gives us a plan to follow Him in the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

 

 This is how I follow: I ask God everyday for the graces to serve Him. Without Him I can do nothing.

 

After waking I  tidy up the home and do what needs to be done to  get everything in order. Load or unload the dishes depending on how well I had it together the night before.

 
 

Feed the hungry...

 

 Usually, the older kids get their own breakfast and alot of the times they serve baby Eliana. I am finding in our family the kids are becoming self-sufficient when it comes to some of their own needs. Sometimes I can feel guilty because I don't have to do much for them when it comes to breakfast or lunch. I have to let go of my pride and realize their independence can be a good thing. Needing to be needed can be one of my weaknesses at times.

Give drink to the thirsty...

 

Visit the sick..... 

 

I was given the opportunity this week when Raphael was laid up with the stomach bug. I don't even have to leave my home for this one or most of the other Works of Mercy. Again, the other kids always pitch in. Baby even shows her concern.

Clothing the naked.....

Simple little things that are so important.

Instruct the ignorant ( sorry Joe Joe, had to use someone as an example (lol)....

 

of course Joseph is a very bright, intelligent learner but I still lecture him and instruct him about our Catholic faith. He has become very independent in his schooling. I rarely have to explain his lessons any more. He reads his lessons and even in religion carries out his tasks and completes his assignments. My job here has been to correct his work and monitor his progress.

Admonish the sinners...

 

 I have many opportunities for this one since I have alot of people in my care. I don't always approach it in the meekest manner but I am trying to get better at it. I am a quick reactor and I need to step back a bit first. I have confidence in the Lord that he will take even my erroneous ways and use them.  A good examination of conscience and getting the family to confession is the best way to admonish. Myself included.

Counsel the doubtful.....

 Ahhh, this one hits home. As you all know I tend to doubt my vocation. When I first was converting  I  told Jesus, "Get in the back seat, I am the driver. "Oh boy, He could of thrown me in the trunk at that point but He didn't . He showed me how gentle and patient He is. The Good Shepherd opened the car door and got in the back seat. It was at that point, I knew I would give my life to Him because he was so patient and gentle with me.  I should never doubt Him but in my weakness at times I still try to be in the driver's seat.

Comfort the afflicted....

 

 I try to bring peace to myself and my home in many different ways. Keeping an orderly environment physically and spiritually can aid in peace of mind for myself and my family. I also try and use my own life experience with God to help others if God calls me, too. A gentle witness is more effective than my old way of the "splatting tomato effect."  I used to try and tell people what was wrong with them. Now I don't try to pick the speck out when I have a log. Ya know.

Bear wrongs patiently and forgive offenses willingly.....

 
Save the best for last. This is how I look when I am wronged. I pout, I whine and sometimes I even yell, and want to get even. I have to really work on this one. Recently, when I was painting DH pointed out that I needed to get the paint off the floor. Well, I was waiting for that remark because he had gotten alot of paint on the floor that I ended cleaning up in a previous project. I went down one side of him and up the other. How dare he tell me something when he did the same. I'll tell him a thing or two. Opps, love is patient, love is kind.... Confession again.

It was an ugly situation. Later, I prayed to God and asked why I had behaved this way. God allowed me to see my pride. I could of reacted with humility but I didn't. I have been praying  to be forgiving and not vengeful.

I don't have to go very far or seek out much to follow in Christ's footsteps. My everyday life and vocation provides me with daily heroic chances. I have my very own domestic church to become a saint.To wash the feet of those around me and to work on my own impurities is an every day occurrence. 
 

I love my faith and I love my Lord, Jesus Christ,  who is oh so patient with me and continues to wash my feet and so much more! I hope to grow and be able to serve Him better each day!!

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Going into The Desert/ Lenten Reading

 Lent is a time of reflection on Jesus's time spent in the desert and what that means to us in our lives today. A time of sacrifice and giving up of ourselves. Placing ourselves spiritually in the desert with Jesus can be enhanced by the visual aspects of the desert.In the past seasons of Lent, I have tried to highlight the desert as our focus. Since we live in a more moderate climate, I think it may be difficult for the kids to grasp the reality of intense dry, hot, and arid lands. I have been fortunate to come across some great reads on this subject.

The latest book in our collection is, The Book of Desert Horses. It was a surprise when I found it at our local community center. Divine Providence is so exciting. How wonderful it is that God is with us even in the small things in life.

I also like to focus on the beatitudes at this time so I printed out a copy for all of us and laminated them so they  will remain in tact for the 40 days. We will read them at least once a week, hopefully more.

These are the three books that I have been using for my daily readings.

Yesterday, we went over the major deserts of the world:

• Sahara - Africa  (Northern)
• Kalahari - Africa  (SW)
• Turkestan - Central Asia Turkey, Afghanistan)
• The Great Basin- North America ( Nevada, Idaho, Oregon
• Thar - Asia ( China, Mongolia)
• Peruvian -South America (Peru, Chile) 
• Arabian- Saudi Arabia
• Patagonian- South America
• Gobi- Asia -( Indian Sub-continent)
• Atacama- South America
• Namib- Africa- ( Namibia, SW Angolia) 

I hope our Lenten Journey in the desert prepares us and brings us closer to Jesus and I wish the same for all of you!

 

 

Spring = Life

                                     

 Yesterday, I set up our bookcase with some Spring themed books. I didn't get a chance to sit down and write or take pictures because Baby Eliana is sick, possible RSV. We took her to the doctor today and she sent us home with the nubulizer and Albutiral. Please Pray for her. This morning I was able to get on the computer a minute and it was so upsetting to hear the latest Obama news. I was so frustrated but I refuse to let this steal my peace and joy or take the focus off of my beloved Jesus. I was thinking, " How can I post something as simple as a spring bookcase, when something so awful is happening but then I was inspired ...  I want to teach my children about life and about how Jesus conquers sin and death. What better way than to use the analogy of Springtime!!!

                                      

  The title of my blog, " A New Springtime" was chosen because of the words of Pope John Paul 2. In the current times of darkness we must hang on to the words we speak at Holy Mass," Heaven and Earth are full of God's glory." Obama and his party do not have power over Jesus Christ. Just as in the dead of winterr when we think the barren trees, the frozen ground and the ugly landscape have prevailed, something even greater takes place. We begin to see budding trees, bulbs shooting up from the soil, and sprouts popping up! The culture of life begins to appear, A New Springtime, that cannot deny that life has prevailed over death. When we ponder the desert and darkness of lent we know why we deny ourselves. It is because we have a merciful and loving Savior Jesus Christ who gives us new life. We are His buds, His bulbs, His sprouts and we too will wave in the warm spring breeze. We will wave our faith, The CULTURE OF LIFE, high above any clouds of gloom.  We are anti-contraception, anti -abortion and we are open to life in the world today. We are open to life as the Church teaches us to be. We are the New Springtime JP2 was taking about!!!  

                                     

As we wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, The kingdom, the power ad the glory are  His Forever!!

Have A Peace Filled Holy Week