Hodge Podge of Homeshool: Week 2

Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves. ~Abbé Dimnet, Art of Thinking, 1928

I wanted to share a little of how I'm scheduling our day. Often that is the hardest part of this business of homeschool! That and all those papers to organize and file! Good thing I used to file for a living...it helps to know a way to do it that doesn't make mom fall over from frustration. KISS Keep it simple silly...(we don't use the other word around here!)

So here's a taste:

5-6 A.M: Mommy wakes up (yes it's early!!) and does any or all of the following; Workout, Pray, Make Coffee, Eat, Shower and Dress.
6-7 A.M.: Kids wake up (Hopefully closer to 7!!!) and eat breakfast, start morning chores (dress/brush teeth/wash face/brush hair/make bed)
7-8 A.M: Finish getting ready/Free time to play
8:10 A.M.: Leave for Daily Mass
8:30-9:15 A.M.: At Church
9:30-9:50 A.M.: Home and small snack
10 A.M.: START SCHOOL---Opening prayer/bible or saint story and school song (candle lighting always gets their attention)

Daily Practice Work and Core Work FIRST; Sight Words, Days of the Week, Allergy Safety/Safety work, Math, Reading, Writing or Religion (I know it's late, but it works for us and I like taking them to mass...they learn so much there, plus we have music so they get memory work, music, and religion in one nice hour of time).
My son can go "hunting" for objects that start with sounds or pick from a few options for him to play during school time, that way he has something to do while I work with my kindergartener!



Noon: LUNCH BREAK
1 P.M.: Finish any unfinished Core Work, Pick other subjects for the week (Social studies topics or other current subject or do Kindergarten worksheets/Special Project Work/Art).

2 P.M.: CHORES...Laundry/Clean-Up/Make any still unmade beds
2:30 P.M-3:30 P.M.: T.V. Time (if chores are done) and snack
3:30 (on non-Ballet days):

Story time or Religion (Substitute go to library on one Wednesday a month)

4 P.M: Exercise or Nature Walk (as time allows) Otherwise FREE PLAY/Pretend Play/drawing

5 P.M.: Mom starts dinner. Kids help set table, help mom with plates, napkins...etc. Clean-up any toys before Dad gets home.
6 P.M.: Dinnertime
ON FRIDAYS: 6:30 P.M. Once a week drawing lesson with Dad.
FRIDAY FUN! On Fridays we do a tea party, baking, and some games together OR go on a nature walk again (depending on how I feel usually, if I need to get them out, we walk).
School on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday...Wednesdays OFF for Grocery shopping/Library/appointments and field trips. Some Fridays we have Little Flowers and Homeschool Group Electives (We are doing Drama and Crafts for group this year).

PHEW!!! I like this...we are flexible so it is not set in stone...but it is a good outline for us. I can make up any work on Saturday or Wednesday as needed. OR if we travel take Friday off and school on Wednesday instead.
Please Note: Not all of the pics are from Week 2! I took a bunch Week 1 and forgot Week 2 :)

First Week of Kindergarten!

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world" - Albert Einstein

Here we are! Officially homeschooling for Kindergarten...reporting to the state and all that jazz! We are still trucking through our 100 Lessons to Read and our Primer Math-U-See but I've added an official religion curriculum, Art lessons, Kindergarten Brainquest sheets (for fun) and handwriting as well. My son has his own letter and number workbooks we ordered from Catholic Heritage, but is swiping all the mazes from his sister's Brainquest Workbook. :) Most of our social studies and science work will be from the library books of choice. She wants bees and butterflies as we see honeybees after mass in the medians. And he picked insect books and firefighters. So this month that's our subject guide for science/social studies! If it is of interest it is better to capture their little minds' full attention.

We are doing Daily Practice Work as outlined in our CHC planner and I really like adding it to the routine as she can do it on her own while I set up our lessons for the morning and they have a snack. She's doing Days of the Week, Sight Words (ones she's learned in 100 lessons) and her allergy safety booklet at the moment.

We've been attending daily mass as part of our new routine and I think it's a better teaching tool than any other religion curriculum. They are now doing music too so she gets memory work plus music at daily mass. It has been an adjustment trying to figure out how to get chores and workouts into the new schedule, but as long as I'm up early enough it all fits nicely into our day!

Wednesdays we have a day off/catch up day and Friday is "Fun Day" where we do only core work and some games, baking, and outdoor activities/songs and tea parties (as desired). I'm going to school on Saturdays that my hubby works so that I can keep the routine in place as much as possible. If we do more than needed we can take a Friday for just fun stuff and games some weeks.

Daddy is teaching her Drawing Lesson once a week and we do miscellaneous arts/crafts for Religion and throughout as time allows. She's always drawing at her coloring table we have set up for her so I consider that part of her ongoing Art for Kindergarten too!

Here's a little overview of our first week...


Supplies


To Do Jars




Feast of the Assumption Liturgical setup


First Day of School Blessing by Daddy


Working on math problems


G is for GRILL :)


Preschool math is much cooler than regular math...


Teacher and student...we love homeschooling!

I hope your back-to-school is as blessed as ours!

GOAL WEIGHT!!!!!

YAY I did it! After 8 months of staying around the same weight I finally kicked the last 10 lbs...plateaus are frustrating places to hang out! Here is my victory post from beginning to end! :)


BEFORE (After baby #2 June '08 my weight never dropped give or take 10 lbs)


BEFORE (Feb. 2010 1.5 months into my resolution to kick the weight)


AND...after 52 lbs lost...



AFTER (August 2011)



YAY! So happy to have reached my goal! I'm sure I still have a little I could do...but this was my goal! To be 50 pounds lighter! I went from a size 18 jeans/bottoms to a size 8 or 10 (I was a solid 12 pre pregnancy so this is a great step for me). I always blamed my hips for my size, but now I believe I can be a solid 8 or possibly a 6. I used to be XXL top and now I'm a SMALL! Being active and eating right...good foods smaller portions with plenty of intense exercise are definitely the key to getting fit! I think, as I said when I first began this, when it comes to weight loss "Slow and Steady wins the race." NOT stopping during plateaus was huge. I used to just give up and eat again (because I was dieting to lose not eating healthy as a life choice)...I kicked the diet and took up a lifestyle that has empowered me to do more physically than I ever believed I could.

Thanks for all the support and love! I did this...I know that anyone can do it with A LOT of work and discipline! Next...I hope to participate in my first race!

Blessings,
Evie

I Forgot...Again.

She has a friend. I'm so glad. BUT they held hands. AND this time I forgot. I forgot to remind them they all need to wash hands before ballet class. I told them for her last class, but when they started summer session I forgot. She came out scratching. Red welts on her forehead scratch marks on her arms. Scary, red itchy patches on her elbows. I wipe, I remind her, I remind them, I get in the car and bang my head on the steering wheel. I cry.

I. Am. Sorrowful.

It seems every time we are out and about my girl has an allergic reaction. I've been feeling like locking her in a tower and going the way of the evil woman in Rapunzel. Obviously this is not going to pan out well for any of us...especially not me, the extrovert that longs to escape.

I've been saying no to things, being more careful and not letting her run amuck like I used to a while back. Ever since last month's extreme slip on my part I have been putting my fist down and saying "no more". The problem is...when your child has this many allergies plus sensitivities to fragrances and other personal care products; it is nearly impossible to protect her from the forces that surround us from all sides. I mean even if I take every possible precaution and everyone washes their hands...she could still react. To the soap. *SIGH*

I've met some others who deal with this and it seems that there are two responses:

1) It's just the way it is

2) I am so tired of the way it is

I feel like I am one or the other depending on the day. Although, like with anything,I do feel tired of hearing "That is so hard" "how do you do it" "I can't imagine" or "she'll be okay"...some times I just want to hear "We will pray for you" or "I understand".

I know God is the great healer. The divine physician. As much as I know he can heal her of this I also know that it might be spiritually beneficial for us to be right here in the midst of this. I appreciate the encouragement of what a healing service might do for her, but I don't enjoy the confusion such a moment brings for me, for her. God chooses to let us keep this situation because ______...I believe he can heal her but I'm not prepared for setting myself up to hope one way or the other. I just want to be close enough to Him to know it's okay either way. That He is there holding us through it all. That's enough. I am very tired. And I miss getting close to people the way I used to get close to them. Now IF we are able to get together or attend events with the kids it is rare and, often enough, a disaster. I find myself wanting to crawl into a hole and cry after any large activity where I am either trying to prevent a rash and a cough or doing damage control because there's nothing I can do at that point. And then in the process I seem to be building walls between us and others because I have to be rude or pushy about protecting my child from what seems to be inevitable. As I eye a sandwich and have to weigh in my mind if it is worth staying and asking someone I don't know to wash their child's hands or if we should just make a quick exit.

I miss having close, close friends. I hate that I have to beg people to come here, because it is safe here. Because we have allergen-free toys here. I want to enjoy my time out and about, but I CANNOT. I have to be on alert...on duty and if I stop, if I forget for ONE SECOND, she gets sick. And then it is "blame myself time" all over again. It seems there is no time I can be off duty and it is exhausting. People tell moms to get out...but the more we get out the more I face anxiety and high blood pressure. Ack.

I need to draw a giant reminder on my forehead. I can't forget. It is not an option. But I am still just a woman. Trying my best. And I am capable of doing that one thing I really just cannot do...to forget to remember.

GF/DF/EGG Free Banana Bread Recipe!

This banana bread turned out fluffier and better than any egg-free banana bread I've made! I used almost no sugar...only honey and bananas to sweeten it and it was a huge success! My allergic child ate it all and usually she eats it once and then refuses it, but I'm excited at her love of this new recipe!

I used this recipe as a base for my adaptations, but really I ended up with an entirely different recipe since I didn't want to use shortening/sugar and I wanted it GF.

Egg Free Banana Bread recipe

Here's what I did:

GF/DF/EF Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1/4 C + 2 tbsp olive oil (or similar)
1/2 C honey (you can use sugar if you prefer... 3/4 C of sugar)
1 1/2 C Gluten Free Flour Blend (I use Bob's Redmill)
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 + 1/8 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp xanthum gum or guar gum (omit if you use reg. flour)
1 tsp cinnamon (add more if you'd like a stronger cinnamon flavor--optional)
4 medium ripe bananas (if you use sugar reduce this by a banana or use small bananas)
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 degrees fahrenheit. Combine oil, vanilla and honey in a large bowl then combine dry ingredients and add in small amounts to the oil and honey mixture. Mix well. Mash bananas separately and then add to mixture. Mix well and be sure the bananas are fully incorporated before pouring batter into a greased pan. Any 9 or 8 inch rectangular pan or similar works well.

Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a knife comes out clean (check it once it begins to brown on the top).

Allow it too cool completely before cutting.

I think a loaf pan would work too, but I have not tried it yet...it would take longer to cook through in a loaf pan.

So tasty!

Blessings!

Easter treats!

Here's my gumpaste/fondant cake topper for Easter! Of course...there is no cake yet...I am hopeful there will be time to get one made!

I spent my morning baking cookies and making Krispy Treats for my kids' baskets. My daughter's food allergies only allow so many purchased items and it ends up being a nice touch to have homemade goodies!

I also really wanted to make an allergen free Easter Bread this year. Trying to shape it into a ring is difficult so I just poured the dough into a well greased bundt pan.

My daughter can't have eggs so instead of using painted eggs...I painted the bread! :)



I diluted icing colors in vanilla like I do with fondant painting and it worked pretty well!

This is a great alternative for people who still want something festive without eggs!

Blessings for a Holy Easter!

Reusable Easter Calendar

I had ALL of these eggs leftover from my daughter's birthday party. We had a strawberry hunt using all of the pink eggs! I decided to make use of them for Easter too!! Each egg came with tiny holes already in the top. So if you decide to make this calendar be sure to make sure there are little vents at the top of each egg!

I used a black sharpie and wrote the numbers 1-50 for every day of Easter. Be sure to write on the bottom of the egg so you can turn the number around as you count down. Then take some pipe cleaners...any color or size you want...and thread them through the hole.


I twisted mine on the inside of the egg to make a tiny loop at the top. Please note I found it easiest to do this as I attached the egg to the ribbon. Stringing them all on after the fact is a little more complicated as the ribbon is very long and I had no idea how much room I needed until I finished!


The finished product turned out well! If I was YOU I'd use a prettier ribbon, but again I'm trying to work with what I have around the house...hence the black ribbon! Although our Alleluia sign is on the same ribbon, so perhaps it will match nicely!

We plan to fill each egg with a small treat and scripture passage, but you can do anything you want and reuse this idea each year. I can even take it apart and change the ribbon to something prettier next year as each egg is it's own little loop and piece. After opening an egg we will turn the number around to show that day has passed.

Wishing you a Blessed Easter!

Holy Week

Here are some pictures of our Holy Week Activities...

I wanted to make a Holy Week Banner, but decided to work with what I had for this year so we hung them on our decorative wreath.
The bread and cup for Holy Thursday and the black cross and red felt in the middle for Good Friday. On Holy Saturday I covered the wreath with a black piece of felt.

I didn't have any nice purple fabric for Passiontide, but I covered up the statues and images using purple felt and some of my purple shirts...it's my favorite color so I have 3 I found to use. For the Wall Hangings I used dark purple pillowcases.

Nothing like improvising! :)

A Happy and Holy Triduum to you!

Unexpected Places

Lent has been different for us this year.

I had these goals these ideas of how I wanted it to go and with illness and travels things had to change. So now I find (as we are nearing the end of our journey) that I am grateful for Lent being not of my own making but one of a deepening of our prayer life as a family.

Overall I have found a restless peace this Lent. One of hope and waiting mixed in with trust and love. I know God is doing great things and I want to do everything I can to pray and be conformed to HIM..to HIS image. My own struggle to feel worthy of the tasks He asks of me...simple things...is a sign that I am being stretched to more than I could be on my own. God is good at opening our souls to grow beyond our own selfish view. So I hope to allow Him to live in those unfound spaces.

I hope your Lent is going well!

Blessings!

Fat Tuesday Fun!

We normally would do pancakes but I've been saving up all of my gluten free flour blend for a king cake!

Soooo just because I wanted to make something with all the heavy stuff (eggs, milk, fat...) I made this one using the one box of cake mix that remained in our previously well stocked pantry. It was calling to me...especially since I won't be baking during Lent excepting on special feasts (we'll probably do cake on for rose's birthday on a Sunday or Feast day).

Here's a quick recipe...this gives a denser/bar-like texture. Which is what I was going for as it seems more rich and FAT Tuesday-ish to me! :)

1 box of Vanilla or white Cake mix
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
8 tbsp of water
1 egg
Wilton Spring colored sugar sprinkles (or any purple/green/yellow sugars)
Combine and mix well. Spread into a greased pan of your choosing (around 8 to 9 inch pans will work best). Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Usually between 15-30 minutes.

This recipe can also be used to turn a cake mix into cookies...just reduce the water by 2 tbsp...it will be sticky but it bakes into a very soft cookie.

Once it cools flip it onto a plate and brush with a bit of a powdered sugar/milk mixture or with corn syrup. Sprinkle your mardi gras colored sugars onto the cake in sections.


We also decided to make a Mardi Gras mask! Little Rose wanted to "make" something. I've been in a bit of an allergy stupor thanks to the Benadryl I took a double dose of last night. So when she asked this morning...I couldn't remember what my plans for today were...and luckily, I spotted the cake and thought, "Mardi Gras". "Mardi gras means beads, masks..." and I managed to come up with this pretty quick!

We just used what we had around the house:

Green cardstock
Purple crepe paper
Yellow construction paper
Yarn
Gluestick
Scissors

I drew the mask shape on the cardstock and little rose cut it out. Then I helped cut out the eyes and attached the yarn by making a small slit in either end. If you have a hole puncher I'm sure that would be easier! I tied it in a knot on each end making sure it was tight enough to fit over her ears. She cut out construction paper feathers and glued them onto her mask. I cut strips of crepe paper for her to make streamers out of, and she glued them onto the sides.



Hope your Shrove/Fat Tuesday is blessed! Lent is near...Fasting/Praying/Almsgiving here we come!

Gluten Free Crown of Thorns and Alleluia Sign

So we have never, ever made a salt dough crown of thorns because of my little rose's gluten allergy. Never. This year I thought I would do one using Gluten Free flours, salt and water. AND...

SUCCESS!



My son was convinced we had to paint it (actually he wanted to use blue and black...but I explained why brown was more realistic).



We painted it together and ended up with this for our table centerpiece! I decided to use my cake stand since I'm not making cakes (Except for Rose's Birthday) during Lent. Then, on Easter, we'll put a pretty cake on the stand and decorate our crown with flowers. We aren't pulling out the toothpicks as I really prefer the beans in a jar for sacrifices but it is always an option now that I know the gluten free version works! I used a salt dough recipe I found and converted it to this:

2 cups of Rice flour
2 cups of Bob's Gluten Free Flour Blend
1 cup of salt
water
toothpicks
Paint (we used acrylics)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all dry ingredients. Add water until dough forms. Approximately 1 to 2 cups of water depending. Then carefully make 3 snakes and braid them together and shape your crown pinching it off at the ends. Place toothpicks in as desired. Bake about 40 minutes to an hour until it begins to brown. Word of advice...if you do this place it on a heavily greased cookie sheet or use a sheet of parchment paper as ours plastered itself to the cookie sheet and I spent quite a bit of time trying to "unstick" it. Also, gluten free flours make the dough more likely to tear as you work with it so plan on your crown being smaller in diameter and just patch together pieces if they break. I did one small braid and one larger one and pinched them together. Let it cool completely before painting.

ALSO...
We have our first decorative Alleluia sign to hide!

I used the letters suggested by Lacy at Catholic Icing and glued them to scrapbooking paper and cardstock which I then cut out and laced onto a ribbon (the only ribbon I found in my house)! I think it turned out OK. I'm not much for the fancy paper crafts! I'm more of a baker myself! Soooo props for our first time! Hopefully it will last more than one year!

I plan to do a lesson on Tuesday and have the kids sing and shout Alleluia and then we'll put it in a bag and hide it away until Easter.

Wishing you a blessed last few days of ordinary time!!

Baby.

My daughter wants a baby sibling.

Can you tell?



She is so very sweet.
She has been asking since Christmas for a sister for her birthday.

The faith of children is so touching. She got down and prayed for God to send her a baby sister right then when I told her she could always ask.

I am hopeful it will be time soon, but depending on God's grace to carry me through the wait. Perhaps it won't be soon. I really am thankful that I have His grace to pull me through the ups and downs and pangs. I honestly want and hope at times and at others am just thankful to be here, a mother of two. Pained at the pains my friends have endured. Confused and shaken by what I think I should be, and knowing that I am where I am because of His Love.

Babies. Such gifts! Thank you Lord for the gifts you give, have taken, and have yet to give.

Jesus We Trust in Thee. Every step, every breath, every heartbeat is yours. Take us and mold us into You.

Lenten Sacrifice Jar

Many Catholics have a tradition of placing beans in jar whenever a sacrifice is made during Lent. My good friend does this with her children and this year I decided to add it to our list of Lenten activities.

My children will get a bean to put in the jar whenever they do something without being asked or are helpful/sacrificial. I plan to do it too! Then, on Easter Morning...the jar will be full of jelly beans! The fruit of their good works united to the sweetness of the saving grace of Jesus!! :)

I love this activity! I just used an old jelly jar and printed some images from my computer which I cut and pasted onto some crepe paper I wrapped around and glued to the jar. Very EASY but a nice touch. The purple bowl is one we had on hand. I picked up some black beans and pinto beans to use.



Woohoo! One thing ready...everything else to go!

"...do not let your left hand know what your right is doing,
so that your almsgiving may be secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will repay you."

Blessings!

Lent is coming!

So hard to believe it is that time of year again!!!

This year I decided to use a pre-made Lenten Calendar since so many wonderful moms provide them free to print. I used Lacey's from Catholic Icing



I am planning on doing a Eucharist Centered Lent for my kiddos this year. I want to attend Adoration with them weekly (or more if we are able). I'm planning on taking them to daily mass 3x a week and incorporating Lenten Adventures. You can sign up for Lenten Adventures here: Holy Heroes Lenten Adventures

It is a simple way to keep the kids thinking about Lent every single day!

We plan on doing sacrifice beans that turn to jelly beans, stations of the cross, hide the Alleluia, and no treats during the week.

My hubby and I still have to discuss our overall plans for morning and evening prayers, but hopefully we can iron that out ASAP!!! Not much time left!

If there is room in our budget I'd really like to get this or come up with my own:
Passion-Play-Cut-n-Color

What are your plans?

Wishing you a Happy and Holy end to Ordinary Time!!!

Journey Back to Me

I was recently asked by a fellow blogger to do an interview that she would submit to her editor for an online article about healthy living. It got me thinking a lot about my journey and how this process of losing weight and getting stronger has really helped me dig deep into myself to see clearly who I am again.

Here's a piece of my response to her questions...I'll post a link to the article if she is able to have it published, but if not I'd still like to share a quote from what I sent to her:

"I knew that I really had lost myself somewhere I wanted to regain confidence in the person God created me to be. To truly be "me" again. I knew I was loved by my family and friends but I didn't really see myself anymore and struggled to love the person I was since I felt unrecognizable. I felt buried. I wanted to start digging my way out of the hole I created for myself."

I haven't posted much about my weight loss journey on either of my blogs, but it has been a huge part of my life for the last year. I wanted to share the before and after photos that I have because a few people have asked.

Here's a side by side before and after:



And here's the "journey" from the beginning of my tracking and recording to a recent side view shot:


I know the pics aren't taken from the same angles and distances but hopefully you get an idea of where I was and where I am now.

I think anyone can do this. I thought I couldn't for the longest time, but really it's a simple choice. I'm going to exercise and eat right. I don't always do it perfectly...I'm not always on track, but the key is to always get back on track, be kind to yourself and start over.

It reminds me a lot of the journey I make as a Christian. I may not always be the perfect example of how to be holy, but I always ask for God's mercy, allow Him to forgive me and accept His forgiveness while forgiving myself...I start over. Losing weight is a lot like that. I have to accept I'm not perfect but not allow those slip-ups to discourage me from continuing to strive toward a goal I've made. Being healthy, like being holy is a lifelong decision...to work toward and strive for constantly is the part that isn't easy but that is always worth it!!!

Blessings!

2nd Week of Advent!

We purchased a fake tree this year, but I'm already fond of it! All of the Advent boxes are on the tree with the goodies and stickers. The kids opened the St. Nicholas one today with a note telling them to check their stockings!



The kids insist on having the candles lit every time they eat! I just can't say no to that! :) I made this wreath the year we got married to match all of our Advent decor. I love purple and green! See previous year's posts for decorations.



Here's the St. Nicholas puppet who told the story of St. Nicholas and the 3 daughters! The kids just love puppets! They colored some coloring sheets from stnicholascenter.com as well.



These socks were this year's St. Nick gifts! I also gave them some ceramic ornaments to paint which are pictured last in this post.



Here's our "manger" for putting straw in every time you do something kind or make a sacrifice for Our Lord. We are hopefully going to work hard to make a soft baby bed for Jesus!


My kiddos love playing with their little people nativity! Here my daughter arranged them with Baby Jesus as the central figure. So sweet!

Eating a special snack...my kids love honey and rice cake! I added some sprinkles since it is a special feast today!