What makes my heart go pitter-patter??

The fact that he's finally finishing the downstairs bathroom is just gravy.

And look at these adorable helpers!! They are wonderful sanders for those hard to reach places like behind the toilet, underneath the sink, etc. Sorry for the picture's poor quality. My camera batteries died right after this shot.


What's prompted the renovation of our guest bathroom you ask?

A certain nameless person thought she would surprise her hubby by attempting to remove the ugly wallpaper in the downstairs guest bathroom. Some would call her heroic for attempting such a feat, especially since she's inexperienced.

Others would call her foolish for not discussing this with someone more experienced before proceeding .... especially since it turned out the wallpaper was glued directly onto SHEETROCK and not a finished surface!!

What was supposed to be a simple wallpaper removal job turned into a re-floating job with texturizing and wall prep for painting.

Nameless wife has been banned from further home improvement projects. And that's okay. She's busy picking out new paint colors anyways!!

When Life Hands You Limes .....

**This pitcher WAS FULL but the kids were thirsty! This is our first pitcher of homemade limeade from our own fruit. EXCITING! At the beginning of summer, in their eagerness, the kids picked quite a few limes that were not ready to be picked. And even with 14 limes, we barely made a glass of limeade. They just didn't have any juice!! This time 14 limes gave us an entire gallon!! YIPPEE!!

We still have LOTS of limes left on our tree! YUM!

WHEW!! I'm tired ....

.... but I'm also proud to say that this waking up early routine REALLY works!! I was up and showered BEFORE the girls came down for breakfast. They were fed, brushed their teeth and made up their rooms BEFORE 7:40am!! They have until 8:00 am before they are considered tardy. And now it is 1:30 pm and all school work is done (minus Belle's piano practice). Everyone has read silently and aloud. Anna practiced the piano. Kolbe and Sophia were read to and we still have enough of the day to play (or do laundry ... depends who you are).

But I'm also on my second cup of coffee!! I'm feel tired. But its a good tired!!

What's my secret (besides setting the alarm)? Well, I started thinking back to when I was in the 4th grade. I LOVED my 4th grade teacher, Mr. Tipton. He was such an awesome teacher. We did lots of fun, hands-on learning. He allowed us to whisper to each other in class while doing homework. We had a buddy system where he sat us in groups of three and if we didn't understand, we could ask each other before asking him. He didn't mind our talking AS LONG AS he wasn't teaching.

And he gave us so many incentives to do our best. And so, I've decided to implement a rewards program for our homeschool. Here's how it looks:

Everyday the girls must be at their spots no later than 8am. And they should have a good attitude during their school work. If they do these two things they get a sticker on a chart. For every 5 stickers they get a Smith-Buck.

On Friday's "Mom's Store" is open and they can buy items with their Smith-Bucks. I have my store fully stocked (thanks to Michael's and The Dollar Tree) and the kids can't wait until Friday. They haven't seen what is for sale so the anticipation is killing them.

What I love about this system is that now my job is to catch them being good. If they aren't on time or decide to have a bad attitude, its their problem. Not mine. They don't get the sticker. They don't get to spend as much (or even at all ) on Friday. And I no longer have to scream, nag or threaten to get results.

I really love how St. John Bosco disciplined in such a positive way. And I want to model my parenting and teaching after him.

I didn't feel like the cop today. Rather, I was the loving mother who delighted in their successes. And they had more of a filial fear (rather than servile) of disappointing me.

At my discretion, I told them I can give out Smith-Bucks whenever I "caught" them being extra good.

And so today, when three little girls were sitting in their spots 20 minutes before starting time, my heart melted and I gave out three Smith-Bucks!!

I can't wait until Friday!!

** My dh loves this system too. Because its not bribery. And it has nothing to do with their performance on their school work. I am simply focusing on cheerful dispositions, promptness in starting school in the morning, and little acts of kindness.

Dear God, thank you for giving me a wonderful 4th grade teacher in Mr. Tipton. And thank you for the wonderful example of St. John Bosco.

Little Sister in Training ....

....... as big sisters decide to potty train Catherine.

Anna even imitated how to "poop" for Catherine (facial expressions only !!!).

To which Belle said, "Oh great Anna! Now you've shown her how to hold her breath while pooping. She's going to die on the potty just like the King of Rock n Roll!!"

*** Thank God for grandparents who fill your homeschooled kids' history gaps! At least they don't think Elvis is still alive!

Wisdom from St. John Bosco

I just love St. John Bosco and everything he has to say in the raising of children. Since I don't have much time for blogging this week, I thought I'd leave you with another of his quotes. ENJOY!

"When I looked into the matter calmly and without making a fuss, I had to admit that the fault was not nearly as bad as it seemed at first, and sometimes simply wasn't there at all. For this reason I must say to you with sorrow that we always must bear part of the blame for insubordination. I have often noted that those who demanded silence, handed out punishments, exacted prompt and blind obedience, were invariably those who showed little respect for the useful advice I and other colleagues found it necessary to give, and I became convinced that teachers who never forgive their pupils, are in the habit of forgiving themselves everything. So if we want to know how to command, let us be careful to first learn how to obey, and let us set out first and foremost to make ourselves loved rather than feared." Fr. John Bosco on the Feast of St Francis of Sales 1883

This Year's Curriculum

Since everyone seems to be sharing their home schooling curriculums, I thought I would share some of what we're using:

Kolbe (age 4/ Preschool)
The following Discovery Toys:
Busy Bugs Game (pre-math/colors/sorting/fine motor skills)
Giant Peg Board (pre-math/colors/geometric shapes/fine motor skills)
AB Seas (phonomic awareness/letter recognition/pre-reading)
Playful Patterns (math/patterns/pre-reading)
Big Wooden Blocks
Leap Frog Letter Sounds DVD
Five in a Row

Various Melissa & Doug Puzzles including
Bugs, Dinosaurs, Fire Trucks & Ocean Wonders

* Do you see a theme? LOL! Of course Kolbe will also have access to more "girlish" puzzles but these were bought specifically with him in mind.

He loves to be read to. I'm using the Kindergarten Mother of Divine Grace literature book list. So I will be reading to him and Sophia at the same time. I would share the list but its copyrighted. But there are LOTS and LOTS of reading lists out there like here, here and here!

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Sophia (age 5/ Kindergarten)
Alot of the above plus the Mother of Divine Grace Kindergarten Syllabus which includes
The Golden Children's Bible (Religion)
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons (Phonics/Reading)
Mommy, Its A Renoir Step 1 (Art Appreciation)
Various Illuminated Ink crafts

She will also be using Singapore Math and Handwriting Without Tears.

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Anna (age 7/ 2nd Grade)
Using Mother of Divine Grace 2nd Grade Syllabus which includes
St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (Religion)
Sound Beginnings (Spelling)
Mommy, Its a Renoir Step 3 (Art Appreciation)
Usborne Science with Plants
Various Saint Books
Lots of History Books (especially D'Aulaire books)
Crocheting

She will also be using Singapore Math, Discovering Great Artists (Isabelle will also do this with Anna) and Handwriting Without Tears.

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Isabelle (age 9/ 4th Grade)
Using Mother of Divine Grace 4th Grade Syllabus which includes
St. Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (Religion)
Mommy, Its a Renoir Steps 5-8 (Art Appreciation)
Latina Christiana I (We will use this for 4th AND 5th grade)
Intermediate Language Lessons (English)
States & Capital Flashcards and games
Abeka Science Book
Music from Baroque Period (Bach, Handel, Purcell, Vivaldi, Corelli, Pachelbel, Telemann, etc.)

*I found some awesome books at the Convention last weekend to go along with our Baroque Period Music Study. I picked up books/cd's on Bach and Handel.

History (Early American History)
Our Pioneers and Patriots (We will use this for 4th AND 5th grade)
The Catholic Faith Comes to America
Evangelization of the New World
LOTS and LOTS of supplementary reading
Coloring Books from Dover on California Missions, Exploration, and the Vikings. I also ordered some for the rest of the kids. They love Dover Coloring books.

Isabelle is also using Singapore Math (don't ask!! We switched back from Saxon .......) and Handwriting Without Tears (Cursive), and the Wilson Reading Program.

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And I am also using Catholic Mosaic as well as the Kinder and 2nd Grade MODG Liturgical Book list with all the children.

In December we will take a break from the syllabus (minus math and reading) and do the Tomie De Paola Unit Study.

As for Baby Catherine, we're just happy to keep her out of trouble! LOL! Actually, she loves to be read to so Belle and Anna take turns reading to her. And she plays with whomever is not doing school work.

In addition to school work, we will go to the zoo once a month as well as attend the San Antonio Symphony Young Children's Program. We also love to go to the Witte Museum and Children's Museum.

And Sea World!! I can't forget Sea World!! We like to go there after dinner time. We do a few rides, catch a show and visit different exhibits.

Piano Lessons start at the end of August for Belle and Anna. We finally got in with a Suzuki Piano Teacher. YEAH!!! Never mind she's 30 mins. away. At least I'm not driving to Austin which was Plan B. And Isabelle will start swimming in September.

WHEW!!! I'm tired just seeing all we do. It really doesn't seem as overwhelming as it looks. It helps that I started homeschooling one child at a time. I still remember how I couldn't do Kindergarten and housework over 5 years ago! LOL!

I'll blog another time about how we celebrate the Liturgical Year. Now to go find links for all the resources I mentioned!

Nice Matter's Award

I've just been nominated for my first blog award by Andie and I just have to say,

How NICE of you!

I'm glad my blog makes me seem like a nice person. I don't know that my kids would always agree! LOL!

A quote I really love from Mother Teresa is:

Sometimes it is harder for us to smile at those who live with us, the immediate members of our families, than it is to smile at those who are not so close to us. Let us never forget: love begins at home.

I am really going to try to live today (and this week) in a way that will make me deserving of this award.

According to the rules, I'm supposed to nominate seven bloggers for this award. That's tough because I can think of more than several bloggers but seven it is!! I nominate *drum roll please*

1. Blair, because she wears her smile beautifully and is always ready to share the love of Christ with others. And her voice is always so NICE and bubbly. I can hear Blair right now and it makes me smile! I can hear her laughing too!

2. Emily, because only NICE people drive hours for their milk and butter and meat and cook from scratch to keep their family so healthy. I would nominate Mike, too, but he doesn't have a blog!! ;-)

3. Veronica, because she is just so patient and smiles just as often as Blair!! And because her soft voice is such a NICE quality in a mother!!!

4. Michelle, because only NICE people live out the Gospel as missionaries. And only NICE mommas condone graffiti!!

5. Colleen, because she really is NICE!! Only NICE mommies play restaurant with their kids. Never mind the menu was pre-selected!! LOL!

6. K, because she taught me a lot about my daughter and myself. She'll never know how much her kindness saved our relationship and homeschooling. I'm forever grateful to her!!

This last one is unique because I've never had the pleasure of meeting them. But I love visiting their blog and think they are such NICE newly weds.

7. Devin and Katie (they come as a set), because their blog is such a window into their lives as newly weds and it always makes me smile. It reminds me of when I was a newlywed with all my dreams and energy!! I love reading about their compost, bees, and chickens! They seem like such a NICE couple!!

There are many other NICE people I know. Some without blogs even! But I can only nominate bloggers and seven at that. ........ Awww, whatever!!!

8. Mama Bear, a nice person (not animal) who is really NICE and fun to talk to and who's girls are adored by mine. Here's hoping this award will prompt another post at her blog! ;-)

IF I could nominate non-bloggers, I would hand out honorary "NICE Non-blogger awards" to Selena, Jennifer W., and Beverly. But I can't, so they just need to start their own blogs!!! ;-)

Folding Day

I've declared today to be folding day. And because I NEVER watch t.v. during the day (NEVER) and because I have a lot of clothes to fold and because the children are upstairs playing while the baby sleeps, I'll be in the west wing of the house folding while watching .... WEST WING!!!!

Yep! Season Seven just arrived today!!! And I can't wait to watch it! And we're going out of town soon. So I've declared it folding day and I'm catching up on all my laundry folding (and even washing more clothes). I need enough clothes to fold to get me through as many episodes as possible.

I'm doing the happy dance right now!!

Deep Thoughts

Last night as we were driving to one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, I had this conversation with Kolbe.

Kolbe: Do they have salt?
Me: Yes.

Kolbe: Do they have chips and salsa?
Me: Of course they do.

Kolbe: Does everyone like salsa?
Me: No, I don't think so.

Kolbe: I know who doesn't like salsa. Elephants. Its too spicy for them. It will make them turn red like spider-man. Spider-man likes salsa. I like salsa too.


I LOVE these profound conversations!

TRUST

I won't be blogging much this week because we're heading out to a homeschooling convention. But I did want to write down some things that have been on my mind. Actually, I've been in a VERY anxious mode of late. I no longer resent Belle and her reading difficulties. I love her to death and I'm so darned proud of her!!

But I have NOT come to terms with the ugly D word. It seems like no matter how consistent I am (doing reading, spelling, writing everyday), no matter how much I read to her (LOTS and LOTS), I still get frustrated!! And I just want to scream!! I want to scream to the whole world that I HATE, HATE, HATE dyslexia!!

I hate it so much. Its not fair. My little girl LOVES books! She would listen to me read for hours! But I don't have hours. I get her lots of books on tape. But she prefers me to read to her (smart girl).

She can read but she can't read the books she likes. And she doesn't want the babyish books either.

I had resolved that this year would be different. I would be patient and I wouldn't care where she's at or where everyone else is. And I don't care where everyone else is. No body else knows how hard she's worked.

But last week I lost it during confession. Poor priest!! I was crying and I was explaining what a bad mother/teacher I had been that day because I was pushing her and making her upset. I was like a train who's brakes were broken. I knew I should just stop and put her books away. But I couldn't. I was acting against my own thoughts and INSISTING (despite her tears) that she read to me. And I was powerless to stop myself.

I expected the priest to tell me that I need to stop, be patient, yada, yada, yada.

Instead, he told me that I should just blame God. I should just tell God He made a mistake with Isabelle. He asked me if I could do that. Did I think He made a mistake with Isabelle??

I was dumb founded and replied of course not!! Well, then, if God didn't make a mistake with her and her dyslexia, I had to accept it and trust Him and lay this cross at His feet.

That was very profound for me. And I never realized until last week that I didn't have trust in God. I am always worrying about her future. What will she do when she's older without a solid reading ability?? How will she enjoy all those good books? What about college? I've been praying for her to be miraculously cured. I've spent thousands and thousands on reading programs and reading therapy sessions. And I haven't gotten the results I wanted.

But I've not accepted her dyslexia. I still think I can make it go away. That I MUST make it go away. Because I truly hate it. I would do almost anything to make reading easy for her. When she prays at night to become a better reader, it breaks my heart.

After confession, the priest whispered to me that his younger brother was dyslexic and that he's doing fine. He sells insurance (without a college degree) and EVERYBODY goes to him because they love and trust him. He encouraged me to trust God and to know that God has a plan for her.

The next morning I sat Isabelle down and just apologized for my craziness the day before. We've ditched that reading book that's labeled Grade 4 Reading.

And today I thoroughly enjoyed reading to her. I read 3 chapters from a book. I read a chapter from her history book. I read poems to her. She listened to me read to the little ones (and ran for water for my dry throat).

Isabelle was absorbing it all. She remembers EVERYTHING she hears. Her narrations are wonderful. She remembers minute details. If learning could just be all auditory!!

I'm praying that I start trusting God more. And that I spend less time worrying and even being angry. I am quite the opposite of Job!! I am going to start thanking God for how He's created Isabelle. Start seeing all the wonderful qualities she possesses. Maybe start researching careers that rely heavily on good auditory skills (is that a little too compulsive and ahead of myself??).

Not wanting to leave my other student out, I asked Anna (my super reader) what she thought about the chapters I had read. Anna said, "Huh??"

Welcome Colleen!!

Just wanted to encourage everyone to go visit Colleen at Colleen's Green Grass. She's started a blog! YEAH!! Another fellow Aggie in the blogosphere. Her blog looks to be promising and I can't wait to keep up with her life with little ones.

A big thank you to ERIC for loaning his wife to us. You have NO IDEA how generous you're being! LOL! Welcome Colleen!

Other Fellow Aggies:
Blair
Emily
Michelle
Kristen
Heart of a Mother
Veronica
Devin

Am I missing anyone? Yes, Aggies have a conspiracy plan to take over the earth! LOL! In fact, Michelle just had a baby! See! Go say congratulations to her too!

Did I ever mention that Isabelle knew the words to the Aggie War Hymn when she was 4 yo? She used to love singing it all the time. As good Catholic Aggie parents we felt it vital to start the brainwashing process ASAP!!

Here's the reason for all the little Catholic Aggie's running around!


* Marriage is a valid reason for considering oneself an Aggie. That's my excuse!

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times... You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

I already knew this!! I STILL get nostalgic for Boston in the Fall (isn't that in a Veggietale song???) every year. And its been over 9 years since we lived there. The ONLY thing I don't like about living in TX is the lack of dramatic season changes. I LOVE FALL! I love needing a good sweater in early September for evening strolls. Here, you're likely to get eaten by mosquitoes in December!!!

I love flipping through LL Bean catalogues and get more excited about fall/winter wardrobes than I do about spring/summer. And I always want to change out seasonal clothing before the temperature has actually dropped.

The reason we start school so early is because I love for the kids to play outside once the weather is cooler. HOURS and HOURS of outside playtime. So I try to anticipate this in our school year. What season are you??

Overheard at my house ......

"I can see how Catherine could survive in the wild!"

Isabelle comments when catching Catherine in the act of foraging through our trash can. After all, the lid was left open and there were remains of donuts and oatmeal cookies.

"Yeah, but could the wild survive her??" was all I could think as I shut the lid, put the trashcan back in the pantry, locked the door, and put the key back on its nail. So much for the convenience of having a trashcan conveniently located for the other four kids to throw away their trash.

So Far So Good

.... with our new goal of starting the day early! YEAH!! I bought the girls an alarm clock and am starting them gradually. This week they have been waking up at 7:30am. Next week I'll move them to 7am.

I ALMOST blew it on Monday. I didn't go to bed early Sunday night since I was doing last minute things before the first day of school. So Monday morning, when my alarm went off, I thought I got up. I was dreaming that I got up and was getting ready. Craig must have turned it off.

Well, the girls burst into my room and said, "MOM! You were supposed to be up before us. Remember! Its the first day of school!" I sprung out of bed, LITERALLY! And got ready quickly and school started on time! WHEW!

Starting at 8am was wonderful!! After our morning reflection we had our "first day of school" orientation. Each girl got a new bag with her name embroidered on the front. These bags will hold all their school supplies. And if one girl wants to work in the dining room or living room, she can just take her bag. We just don't all fit in the study/school room comfortably.

Large open top boat and tote bags with normal handles from LL Bean.

Isabelle and Anna started on math (BTW: For those wondering, Isabelle is doing Saxon) while I worked with Sophia. I was finished with Sophia by 9am! Kolbe and Catherine didn't wake up until 9ish so it was really nice having that quiet hour with the girls.

I'm sold on waking up early. I did go to bed early last night and we were able to attend mass this morning.

I'm always amazed how much they mature over the summer. I spend the last month of each school year fretting about not having finished or reached all our goals. This summer was the first time we COMPLETELY took off per the advice of my consultant who strongly encouraged me. I'm so glad we did.

Hope you had a wonderful National Night Out. We just got back from our neighborhood pool where we enjoyed ice cream, root beer floats and lots of swimming!

On the Disciplining of Boys:

"There must be no hostility in our minds, no contempt in our eyes, no insult on our lips. We must use mercy for the present and have hope for the future, as is fitting for true fathers who are eager for real correction and improvement."

-St. John Bosco

Flexibility vs. Schedules

School starts in less than a week.

And this will be the first time I will have a bedtime!

I am, by nature, a night owl. Craig and I used to spend countless late nights in college at the library. The night is still young at 10pm and many a movie has been started at that time. I am VERY productive at midnight and can accomplish so much when the house is quiet and free of little kids running around.

But come morning, I am VERY reluctant to roll out of bed. I would much rather sleep in, have a late breakfast and get school started around 10ish. Which leaves very little time for school unless I want it to drag on into dinner time.

So, with the advice of my consultant AND prompting from several books and people (including my confessor), I will now being going to bed early and rising before the sun is up.

I see the many benefits in starting our school day by 8am so that by noon much schoolwork is behind us, leaving the rest of the day for reading, dinner prep, and play time. But I'm so sad to be having to go to bed early! I think one of the things I LOVED about homeschooling was the flexibility to rise whenever I wanted! LOL!

But what example are my children learning? How will they be prepared for life when they are older if they don't learn to rise early and meet deadlines? It will be a shock!

I know I ALWAYS woke up early growing up, even on Saturdays! My dad would never have allowed me to sleep in when so much needed to get done. When college came I purposefully scheduled classes to begin no earlier than 10am. And it worked wonderfully for me!

Craig and I were talking about this last week and we realized that we are still in college mode!! LOL! Since he works from home he doesn't have to report early (unless he has a flight to catch). And he also likes staying up late.

So, now that I'm going to have to act as an adult, here's the plan:

1. Go to bed early (10:30ish).

2. Wake up (with an alarm) at about 6am!! This will be very hard for me to do everyday. I normally do this for special occasions like early mass, co-op, trip, etc. But EVERYDAY!! :-0

3. Wake kids up (with their own alarm) at 7am.

4. Start school at 8am SHARP!!

5. Refill on CAFFEINATED Coffee from Dunkin Donuts.

6. Follow school schedule (still in progress).

Which makes me ask, when will I blog?? Hmmmmm ...... life as I know it is coming to an end! I guess I had to grow up some time! LOL! But I REALLY want this to work! I need to wake up every morning with a purpose and start it on purpose.

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise!! -Benjamin Franklin

I sure hope so!! LOL!