7 Quick Takes: The "Getting-Back-On-My-Horse" Edition

--- 1 ---

I have just about abandoned my blog, and that makes me unhappy.  Writing helps me to process my thoughts, and not writing means that my thoughts swirl around in my head, around and around, until I must expel them by yakking my husband's (or nearest unfortunate friend's) ear off.  It's better for all if I take some time to write.

--- 2 ---

I have many thoughs swirling in my head (see #1 above) about the experience of going from homeschooling mom, to full-time teaching-in-a-school mom, back to homeschooling mom.  Working outside the home provided a certain regularity in our schedule.  There was no question that we needed to be at school by 8:30 every morning, and my three youngest children and I were washed, dressed, fed, packed, and out the door every morning.  There is a certain satisfying feeling of accomplishment in that.  I like routine, and I felt "on top of things" and productive.  I liked that. A lot.

--- 3 ---

Coming back home has been an adjustment.  One of the biggest frustrations is my/our lack of ability to stick to a similar morning schedule.  Life seeps in and I make choices that throw off my "schedule" every. stinkin. day. When I knew I had to be out of the house every morning, I would see something that needed to be done and ignore it.  I didn't have time to deal with it at that moment.  I made a mental note, however, that if I was homeschooling, I knew I would make the decision to deal with that issue and thus, we would start school later.  I could clearly see how these constant small choices would sabotage my best laid plans. Oh what a learning experience for me! I had such clarity!  I could see those small details that make such a difference!  I will never again fall victim to this insidiousness! Yet, here I am living it out, beautifully organized plans in tatters, day by sabotaged day. 

--- 4 ---

Working outside the home meant that I was, time-wise,  just less available. Period. I was less available to run errands, make phone calls, appointments, and connect with people other than those I saw everyday.  I tried to come up with a word to describe the difference I felt.  I felt more productive, but less....recollected.  It was not a thoughtful, recollected life.  There was no time for introspection and little time for nurturing relationships.   I spent most evenings grading papers and planning, while my family went about its business without me.  My house stayed clean, since there was no one home all day to mess it up. Which was good, since I had little time to clean. Despite its cleanliness, however, the house did not feel like a home, but a pitstop where we kept our "stuff."

--- 5 ---

Returning home to homeschooling means that my house gets dirty.  Really messy.  But, I have more time to clean (and helpers who are not too busy with homework in the evenings:).  Our life, in general, is messier.  There is less a sense of productivity; of being able to start a project and see it through to its orderly completion.  My life is a series of interrupted half sentences, a mish-mash of thoughts and ideas tumbling over and crashing into one another, lessons interrupted by "important" phone calls, phone calls interrupted by arguing children, arguing children interrupted by an angry mom.  It's a messy life.  At first, I fretted and worried (which also interrupted lessons).  "Have I made a mistake?"  "Am I doing a disservice to my children?" I was a train wreck. 

--- 6 ---

Then, I began to notice things. The kids were happy. There was a lot of laughter (which also interrupted lessons, but, still it was laughter). The house felt like a home. I was having time for the little things that make "home:" baking, lighting candles, reading books, prayer, special touches that say to my husband at the end of the day, "Welcome home!  We've missed you." Special moments sprinkled through the day that make my kids feel loved, that build relationship.    Best of all, a new friendship was blossoming between my two youngest boys that was a joy to see.  The opportunity to share the Faith with my children is a huge blessing.  Even though this life feels less "productive" and quite disjointed, it is a much more meaningful life.  This messy life is frustrating, but beautiful.

--- 7 ---

To prove how "unproductive" my days are, we are taking today off from school!  We will be preparing for my parent's 60th Wedding Anniversary party, which is tonight.  Nope, not productive at all, but definitely meaningful.  We will just have to buckle down next week and stick to our plans...well, mostly...

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7 Quick Takes Friday

Well, another week has come and gone with very little blogging, so I'll be doing another '7 Quick Takes' to rectify the situation.  Visit Jen at Conversion Diary for more quick takes.

1.

Middle Age.  My sarcastic curious, future son-in-law asked me on my birthday to describe middle age to him. (Isn't he cute?...yeah, I didn't think so either)  In my attempt to answer him, I realized it's not such a bad place to be.  I am more confident and self-assured than at any other point in my life.  I have a perspective that can only come from extended life experience.  I am able to see situations more clearly, with more wisdom and insight.  It's a pretty good deal.

I just wish middle age didn't hurt so much.  Seriously.... Ouch.....

2.

We had a lovely visit with my college roommate and her family this week -- at the beach, no less!  It was wonderful to catch up with her and spend time with her darling little girls.  My kids enjoyed them very much.  It was a great day spent with a truly lovely family.  Also, I realized that my roommate reads my blog!  It was kind of strange, since she knew pretty much everything that was going on in my life, but I was in the dark about hers.  But we caught up the old-fashioned way -- we talked:)  It was actually quite a time-saver!  I didn't need to yack on and on about my life (lucky for her!!) and could be more gracious by listening and asking questions about her life.   They were hospitable as all get out--offering us food, drink, showers, and medicine for sun-induced headaches.  Thank you T,S,B,&T for a lovely day.  Also, Mr. and Mrs. R. thank you for your hospitality.  It was great to see you all.

3.

We are having a HEAT WAVE here in New Hampshire.  Temps in the 90s and even up in the low 100s!!!  High humidity. Ugh.  Not just uncomfortable, but dangerous.  My husband works outside in it, with heavy equipment which generates its own heat.  Because he is so stubborn dedicated, he doesn't really slow down or make many accommodations for the intense heat besides drinking more water, despite my nagging loving concern.    I feel a bit guilty during the day, that I am so comfortable here at home in our central A/C while he is slaving away in the heat, but I am so glad he has the A/C to come home to.  Also, we can sleep during these heat waves, when most of our family and friends are having a hard time sleeping. I remember those days (umm..just last year..and the 44 years before that!)  Sticky, sweaty sheets, hair clinging to the back of my neck, hot pillow, trying to aim the fan to that it hits both of us...until someone rolls over onto his side and blocks it!  Oh boy...I hope the heat breaks soon.

4.

Sammy has been without his tonsils and adenoids for 24 hours now.  What a trooper!  He was pretty scared yesterday morning, but the doctor and nurses were so kind and wonderful to him, it brought tears to my eyes.  Ok, well, there were already tears in my eyes thinking of my little guy "under the knife", but still.  He was kind of agitated upon waking up from the anesthesia--the doctor described him as a "grizzly bear cub rolling around" in his confusion (actually a pretty accurate description of Sammy)--but he's been an excellent patient for the most part.  He even slept great all through the night.  Thank you, Vicodin.  (would it really be wrong to give all the kids a dose at, say 8pm every night???  OK, OK, I know...I was just kidding...mostly)  He's hungry, though, and ice cream and popsicles aren't cutting it anymore...

5.

It's funny...every year, just about 2 weeks after I finish homeschooling for the year, all of a sudden, I am caught up on laundry, the house looks neater and my "to-do list" is dwindling.  It's uncanny.  What could be the connection?????  I have a bigger "to-do list" this summer, due to the move and starting a new job in August, but I am slowly knocking it down. It feels good.

6.

My kids have discovered and fallen in love with the show "Full House."  Remember, the show with the Tanners: Danny, DJ, Stephanie and Michelle (played by the Olsen twins)?  What a sweet, wholesome family show.  Very strong family values.  I am happy that my kids love it.  The problem?  It is run on Teen Nick, which means the commercials are so completely inappropriate, disgusting even, that I have to wonder if there is an agenda behind it all.  Why run such a family-oriented show, knowing the audience it will draw, and then show sexually graphic commercials promoting their disgusting show, Degrassi (I refuse to link it).  It is highly frustrating.

7.

My children have a "new cousin" for the next two weeks.  My sister-in-law's family is hosting a Fresh Air Kid this year.  He is originally from Tibet and India, and lives in NYC now.  He asked my nephew how many languages he spoke (answer: one! with a little Latin vocab thrown in) as this boy, K., speaks five languages!  He is polite, curious, courteous and engaging.  We will enjoy getting to know him better!

7 Quick Takes Friday

Wow, it's been a long time since I have posted. On the flip side, I've been quite productive here at home.  I am not going to spend a lot of time ruminating about the inverse relationship between internet time and my productivity. Blah, blah, blah...I can't hear you.....
Anyway, to catch up, I thought I would do a "7 Quick Takes" post.  Here goes:

1.

Because of our move in January, we are behind in schooling.  Normally, we try to finish up before Memorial Day.  This year, however, finds us finishing up our CAT testing at the end of June.  Wow, I do not like to homeschool in June.  The weather is too nice, the kids are too restless, I am too tired.  This year threw us a curve with the World Cup Soccer tournament happening.  Here is s typical morning conversation:

Me:  Ok, Soccer Freak #1 (name has been changed to protect the innocent) you need to do a CAT test, this morning.
SF#1:  But MOM....Portugal is playing.  I REALLY want to watch this game.  It is going to be a good game and Cristiano Ronaldo is playing.... (Insert various whining noises here)
Me: (realizing I really want to watch Ronaldo play also) OK, you can watch the first half of the game and at halftime we will do the CAT test; then you can finish watching the game.

I know! I know! This is sooooo lame!  What a bad parent/homeschooler/disciplinarian!  I know!  Perhaps it is the annoying hypnotic effect of the vuvuzelas that has muddled my brain.
Can't wait to get THOSE test scores:(

2.

Celebrating 23 years of married life is wonderful, disconcerting, thought-provoking.  We married at 22 years old, so we have been married more than half our life.  It is wonderful and keeps getting better. 

But, I am at a weird stage of life right now. I am the age my mother-in-law was when hubby and I got married.  When I go to work in the fall, I will be one of the oldest staff members in the school!  I will be working with people (wonderful people) who were born the SAME YEAR I GOT MARRIED!!!  I turn 45 on July 4.  I don't have a problem with turning 45--to halt the aging process means to die, and that is not an option I am interested in at the moment. If I keep my gray hair colored, I can pretty much deal with the aging thing. Also, I am loving the wisdom and confidence I now possess.  I feel like I am "at the top of my game" -- perhaps not physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. Since I don't view myself as middle-aged, it kind of surprises me when someone treats me like I am!  I guess I am having a difficult time adjusting to my place in society.  I am not the young mom with the little kids and babies anymore.  My youngest will turn 5 a week after I turn 45, and there are no babies on the horizon for us.  I guess I need more time to transition to this new phase in my life.  But, I thank God that I have passed through the phases of my adult life with my wonderful husband.  Happy 23rd Anniversary, honey!

3.

We went to the wedding of Scott's goddaughter this weekend.  It was lovely. Father gave a great, personalized homily.  The bride and groom added their own personal, meaningful touches to the celebration.  We were enjoying ourselves and the festivities very much...until the father/daughter dance.  I started to weep and couldn't stop, my mind flashing forward to our daughter's future wedding (next October).  There is no way I will be able to be in the room when hubby dances with our daughter. But, I don't want to miss it...what shall I do?

4.

Despite the World Cup games, we finally finished the testing for the younger boys. The tests were mailed back for grading the very day the last test was taken.   Isaac, however, needs a diploma this year (yay!) and that requires a lot of paperwork from me.  *Sigh*  Homeschooling high school is really tough--paperwork-wise.  I haven't yet been brave enough NOT to use a school to keep the transcripts. I hope to finish the paperwork in the next couple of days.

5.

In order to give me time to get a handle on the above-mentioned paperwork, my oldest daughter and her fiance took the three littlest children to breakfast, swimming, and ice cream...for. the. whole. day!  It was lovely and peaceful, and I got a lot done!  Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lexi and Anthony.

6.

We had a working day in the basement today...well a working hour and a half.  All kids, plus me, were down there straightening up video games, toys, and the laundry space.  It went well!!!  Until, I started going through a basket of clothes and came upon a ginormous spider!!  With its legs it was bigger than a silver dollar.  Black, hairy and very scary!  Right there, I thanked God that 17 years ago he gave me son who would grow up to kill that spider for me.  Otherwise, I might still be down there, mouth open, trembling in fear.

7. 

I am finally caught up on my laundry!!  Did you hear the angels sing?  I did.

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7 Quick Takes -- Concrete and apples edition

**1**

House progress is moving along quite nicely, I think. We have concrete in the ground!! It's just the footings, right now, but next week we should have the foundation walls poured. We are having a walk-out basement, so the cellar hole and footings look strange to me now, but I am certain it will turn out right, since my hubby is the "site guy" and he is very good (read: picky) at what he does. He's also getting impatient trying to explain to me why the foundation looks like it does and where the retaining walls are going to be, etc. He does this every day....I'm a newbie. Just because I have been married to an excavating contractor for 22 years, doesn't mean that I know how to do his job. Although, disturbingly enough, I do know a great deal about septic systems...
**2**

We have been inspired by so many great homeschooling blogs to try new art media. This week and last week we tried our hand at watercolors using real watercolor paper (what a difference that makes!!) and watercolor pencils, along with our regular crayola watercolors. I did look at "high end" watercolors, but wasn't sure how to use them and was reluctant to spend the money and then mess it all up. The kids pictures turned out great!! Here are the watercolors:

Ethan's version of the Annunciation

Sam's version of the Annunciation

**3**

And here is a great new medium we were excited to try: wool roving on flannel board. I purchased the wool roving in several (beautiful!) colors and all we do is pull off pieces and arrange them on the flannel board in a picture. I then took photos for them to cut out and glue into their main lesson books. It is a really neat medium and requires some "out of the box" type thinking. Here is Ethan's picture of a coyote chasing a prairie dog for his history narration:)

This is Sam's depiction of a dog chasing the Town Mouse and the Country Mouse (Aesop's fable)

**4**
Summer was exceedingly short here in New Hampshire. It showed up late and left early. I would say we are probably 2 weeks ahead of schedule, as far as the fall foliage goes. It is more spotty this year than I remember it being. Some spots are almost at peak, while others have plenty of green left. Fall is a glorious time of year, especially in New England. The colors and scenery are phenomenal. I just wish winter didn't follow autumn.

**5**
One of the best things about Fall is Apple picking time!! We made a "spur of the moment" trip to the apple orchard with a couple of friends on Monday. It is always great. I love, love, love that first bite of a crisp, juicy McIntosh seconds after it has been plucked from the tree. Mmmmmm.... It was rather windy and stormy the day we chose to go, but we managed to pick a bushel and a half of apples before the rain came. The kids even got to visit the petting zoo for a few minutes. We look forward to this time of year and our annual apple picking outing.

**6**We took these lovely, healthy snacks and look what we did with them!! For Shame!!!

**7**

When college girl goes off to Ohio and gets busy with studies and theatre and, of course, her social life, we tend to not hear from her much. I have devised a clever way to stay connected with her. Since she was a little girl, she has been able to memorize, almost word for word, any movie she has seen. She even was able to tell us, as a young girl, what the characters were doing in the movie during the instrumental pieces. She would listen to the sound track and say, "Oh, this part (of the instrumental piece!!) is when Uncle Scar did such and such." It was obvious, from a young age, that her gifts were for music and theatre. And, that is just what she is studying. Anyway, I have begun sending her a movie quote and asking her what movie it is from and who said it. It's been fun so far, and I have even stumped her!! I think I might institute it here, also. Feel free to leave your answers in the comment box. Here's your quote:

"Stop crying. There's no crying in baseball!"
What movie? What character?

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7 Quick Takes Friday

1.
Soccer has begun in earnest now. All three boys are playing. My senior is the captain for the varsity squad at the local high school (not bad for a homeschooler!), my 10 year old and 7 year old play on teams for the local Catholic school (which has been very welcoming towards us homeschoolers). It's fun, exciting, rewarding and exhausting. I try to bring work with me, as I sit through practices on the sidelines, but it's pretty difficult to balance my checkbook while I'm visiting with the other moms:P

2.
The 4 year old princess will be starting ballet classes next week. She has been talking about it all summer. Apparently last spring, I told her that I would sign her up for ballet in the fall. Now she tells everyone that she is going to take "ballet in the fall". I think she thinks the class is called "ballet in the fall":)

3.

My 17 year old son, though homeschooled, is taking 2 classes this semester at the local high school, where his classmates think he is brilliant! Now, being his mom and teacher (and completely impartial:), I know he is bright, but brilliant?? I am gathering, from what my son tells me, that the education these kids have received in the public school, is quite narrow. So narrow, in fact, that no one but my son got the answer to an extra credit trivia question: "Who is the New Jersey-born singer who had a single called, "Born to Run"? Come on! These teens don't know "The Boss"??

From my son's anecdotes, it seems to me that these kids, who are good, smart kids, some even at the top of their class, have had very limited (or no) exposure to classic literature, art or music or really anything outside of their "teen culture". Apparently, Bruce Springsteen was part of my teen culture, not theirs. Too bad for them.
My goal in homeschooling has always been to teach my kids to think. I do not want them to regurgitate facts back at me. Facts can be found in books or on the internet. I want them to be able to think about what they see, hear or read, and be able to discern properly if they agree or disagree with the opinions or actions presented in movies, literature, or in real life (!) in light of the moral instruction they have been (hopefully) grounded in. This means they need a broad understanding of the world, what has gone before, the cause and effect of events, what others have said about it and most importantly, what God says about it, and what they think they will do in light of their understanding.
I think we do a grave injustice to our children if we do not prepare them to be able to think, understand and discern what is going on around them--socially, politically, religiously and personally.
During the last presidential election our local high school had both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama visit. Many of these kids had NO IDEA there was a republican candidate! Just from my own observations it appears that our schools have taken the approach of telling kids what to believe (or leading them in one direction), but not giving them the tools to think and make informed decisions of their own. Not only does this handicap these kids, who deserve better, but this will handicap our society in the long term.

4.
What is the responsible, humane thing to do with a 13 year old cat who is extremely skittish, perhaps emotionally unbalanced, and who has NEVER (never in 13 years!) consistently used the litter box? When we moved to this house 3 years ago, this cat was so nervous and freaked out that it escaped and lived "in the wild" for 6 weeks before we could finally coax him into the house. I thought he was a goner then. We have an almost 2 year old dog who torments our cats. She has not calmed down in her harrassing of them as I had hoped she would as she got older, so I think the best thing to do for the cats is to find new homes for them when we move to our new house in a couple of months. I should be able to find a home for one cat, who is fine and healthy and uses the litter box correctly. But, who is going to want an old nervous cat who poops all over the house? I am not sure he will even survive the move, if he freaks out like he did last time. What to do?

5.
College girl is feeling overwhelmed with her studies. She's taking a very heavy load right now and is trying to decide whether to drop a class, but she doesn't want to be a "quitter". She is handling it maturely and responsibly, though, and I am proud of her. She is staying close to God in the sacraments and praying for His guidance. She could use a prayer or two, though.

6.
College girl will turn 20 next week. At college. Without me or the rest of her family. Sigh. On a positive note, eveytime lately that I tell someone my oldest is 20, they look at me in surprise and say I don't look old enough to have children that age. Perhaps it is the 4 year old I have in tow that gives the illusion of youth. Perhaps it is the extra weight I am carrying that "plumps" up the wrinkles. Another sigh.
I am torn between being flattered and wanting to explain that I was 24 when I had her and not 15, which I expect they may be thinking. My foolish pride will nt allow me to enjoy a compliment. One more sigh....

7.
The house project is coming along, slowly but steadily. Hubby has been working on the driveway and it looks great. I got "laid off" from working at the site just in time for soccer season to start. I won't be needed up there for a while, since it is mostly machine work now. Although he may need me to offer suggestions about how I would like the lot to look.
Strangely enough, hubby doesn't agree:)

For more Quick Takes, visit Jen at Conversion Diary

7 Quick Takes -- End of Summer Edition

1
Wow, is my life in a different place than it was last year at this time! A year ago, I was in the throes of organizing and planning for a homeschool co-op with 10 families. I was the "reluctant leader" since I was the one with the big mouth who made that first phone call. It was a good experience and much good came from it. Unfortunately, or fortunately, however you look at it, I am unable to participate this year since I am busy building a house...not all by myself, mind you, but we are putting a lot of time and energy into the process. I could never have guessed last year at this time the changes that we would be experiencing this year!! God has his own plans that he does not give advance warning of!! I am strictly on a "need-to-know" basis with Him--he lets me know the plan when I need to know, and not a minute before!! That's OK, He's the Boss and I trust him.

2.
I have spent 3 mornings (and into the afternoon) this week making phone calls and doing paperwork for the house. Ugh! I know it has to be done, but it still leaves me feeling very unsatisfied...like I haven't accomplished much, when the dishes and laundry go undone. BUT, I finally got our new address, figured out who our new electric company is going to be (there was confusion--we even sent a deposit to the wrong company!), arranged for the correct electric company to meet us at the property, placed a work order with the phone company for a new pole, got the septic system approved by the selectmen, received the driveway permit approval, filled out the building permit and a real estate questionnaire required by the state, and completed a few other household tasks. Phew! Cutting trees is almost easier than this stuff.

3.
No, that's ridiculous! Cutting trees is much harder than the paperwork!! But it is more rewarding, since you can actually see your progress. But, it is hard, sweaty, dirty work, and it makes me hurt...and tired...so tired. I count it as grace, though. We are blessed with this beautiful land, and this type of physical work is very good for me. I am hoping it will be the start of a whole new me! Plus, we are all sleeping very well!

4.
The nice man at the deli asked me yesterday if I was glad the kids were back in school. So did just about everyone I met at the grocery store. When I replied that we homeschool, I normally got a response something like, "Oh, you don't get a break, do you?" I tried to be positive and cheerful and send the message that I don't feel I need a break from my kids, that I enjoy being around them. I'm not sure how successful I was. I was more concerned with the message my kids were receiving, as all these comments were made right in front of them! Do people really think children don't feel the sting of these words?

5.
We start school Monday, the first time I have ever started before Labor Day (since I am pretty sure we will be taking some weeks off this fall to move) and my kids are excited! Well, the younger ones, anyway. My almost 17 year old son started a couple of classes at the local high school yesterday. He's not as thrilled:)

6.
The weather has cooled off and I am so happy. It is still warm and beautiful, but not humid. I like it!

7.
We miss our College girl, but she is having a great time back at Franciscan University, so I'll try not to fret too much. I am hoping she reads my blog and sees this and at least sends me an email!! Love you, sweetie!

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7 Quick Takes Friday

***1***
Well, first and foremost, we got approved for our construction loan yesterday. It looks like we will be building that house after all! I am excited to have our own home again, after renting for 3 years, but I also know the amount of work we have before us and am feeling a little overwhelmed. I have great plans for school, but don't quite know how I will implement them while painting, packing, moving, etc. As with all things, it will be by the Grace of God.

***2***
Next year, I think I am going to hire a babysitter/nanny/someone to watch the kids for as many days as it takes to complete the end of year paperwork/portfolio "stuff". And I am going to do it the week after we complete schooling. I have spent the entire summer doing paperwork, with the construction loan, student loan, and insurance. Now I am trying to summarize the entire year for 3 kids, the oldest being a high school junior, which requires much more record keeping than the youngers. It also means asking that high school junior to find "lost" assignments for me or to re-do the ones he is missing....that goes over really well, as you can imagine!
I feel like this has been a "lost" summer as I haven't been able to relax or give my kids my undivided attention. I am feeling guilty about that. I will do things differently next year.

***3***
On the other hand, I have all of my school planning done and even have a schedule fleshed out. I just need to fill in page numbers and particular assignments and voila! we can begin. Planning is always more fun than recording. I just have a couple more books to order.

***4***
Sigh, I need to come up with a new disciplinary plan for my 10 year old. He was born with a very intense personality...truly it was present the day he was born. His inability to "roll with the punches" and deal with change or frustration, causes big time problems to our family's peace. There is the flip side to his personality also. He is very smart, funny and can be quite compassionate....until something (anything!) sets him off. He has begun punching walls (not people!) when he is upset. Disciplining him normally involves me physically restraining him or moving him bodily to a time-out space. He is getting bigger and it is difficult. We need to help him control his anger, but I am fresh out of ideas. His behaviors need to be modified and I recognize that sooner rather than later is necessary. I don't want his lashing out and punching to escalate. I am open to suggestions...and prayer!

***5***
College girl leaves in 8 days...not that I'm counting:(

***6***
Hubby and I have joined the ranks of the uninsured. Being self-employed, we were purchasing our own health insurance...at a whopping $1400 per month WITH a $4,000 deductible, which meant that we paid every medical bill that came through the house. We reached the deductible last October. In all we spent $20,000 out-of-pocket for premiums and medical bills.
It. was. killing. us. financially.
The premium was going up to $1800. After researching all of our options, we decided to cancel our health coverage altogether. In six months we can apply for our state health care coverage for children -- NH Healthy kids. We will be able to pay $100 per month for all 4 of the younger kids to have really good coverage (as long as we qualify), but they have to be uninsured for 6 months! College girl will be insured through her college's insurance plan. Hubs and I will have no insurance. We are not happy with it, but we really have no choice.
And now, I read that President Obama wants to levy a tax... A TAX!... on people who do not have sufficient health insurance coverage, as part of his health care reform!! What, like we are just doing it to spite him and not because we are desperate?!!? No one wants to be without coverage, but sometimes it is just plain out of reach. Taxing us is not going to change that for the better. Who could possibly think it a viable solution to tax someone who already can't afford something? Ridiculous!

***7***
Ummmm, sorry about the negative tone of #6, umm and #4.

***8***
I'll add a #8 to make up for my negativity. We also received confirmation that college girl's loan was approved. We received a great surprise when we logged on to her account at Franciscan University and saw that she had, in addition to the Pell grant she was awarded months ago, an institutional grant and a couple of Stafford loans, that we knew nothing about!! Yay! It cut her alternative loan amount in half. Happy day!

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7 Quick Takes

Since it has been crazy here, I thought it might be easier if I condensed several blog posts into one "Quick takes" post. (Visit other Quick Takes here.) Here goes:

1.

This weekend marks the Solemnities of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday) and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Saturday). Friday is also the beginning of the Year of the Priest instituted by Pope Benedict XVI. What a great Pope we have! Please note the prayer for priests on my sidebar. I know they can use all the prayer we can offer up for them! Since I love this icon so much, I am going to use it here and on my sidebar:)2.

College girl was surprised at seeing a group of fellow Franciscan University Students gathered in the Subway shop where she works -- in New Hampshire!!! Turns out they were here to attend a mutual friend's wedding this weekend. She was able to speak to the brother of a good friend of hers. Unexpected meetings can be so much fun.

3.

Isaac received the Offensive Award at his baseball banquet this week. No, he wasn't being rude...he had the best batting average on the team (.407 !!) He also made 2nd team All State! Way to go, Isaac!

4.

Annemarie had her very first dentist appointment today. It was soooo cute. Despite her brothers telling her how awful the dentist is, she was excited and quite a trooper. She got to wear sunglasses to protect her eyes from the light and she got to hold the "vacuum cleaner." She giggled all through the polishing of the upper teeth near the roof of her mouth...it tickled! She had us in stitches and perhaps she served as a good example for her brothers;)

5.

My sister-in-law and I managed to finalize plans for our children's First Holy Communion Notebooks for next year. We also hashed out rough plans for our 2nd graders' science curriculum - Magic School Bus Science! It looks like fun...and I REALLY don't like science (at least the way I learned it) I will post the science plans when they are complete.

6.

We will be really busy this weekend: two soccer practices, 2 graduation parties and a soccer game on Saturday; Holy Mass, another soccer game and another graduation party on Sunday! Unfortunately, we will need to split up on Sunday, meaning we won't all get to spend the day telling Daddy how great he is and how much we love him. I must admit that I am disappointed about that. We will have to make it up to him.

7.

Last, but certainly NOT least...Saturday, June 20, 2009 will be our 22nd wedding anniversary. Since we were 22 years old when we got married (I was 2 weeks shy of 22), we have now been married half our lives!! If you have read #6 above, you will see that there is not a lot of room for celebrating this weekend, but, we will. I think we both feel the depth of our love and commitment as a tangible, palpable entity. Love is never stagnant..if it is, it dies. Love does not get old. It keeps growing and changing, but, after 22 years, it grows and changes differently. There is a solidity that grounds, yet inspires the changing. There is history between us now, and we have touched the future. The very fact that we have joined together in marriage, produced children (two already in Heaven), baptized, catechized and educated them, means we have impacted the future. This is a very sobering thought. Marriage is serious business. Serious, difficult, frustrating, exhilarating, exhausting, joyful, sorrowful, luminous and glorious!! And soooo worth fighting for. It is worth working your way through the ridiculous fights and the serious misunderstandings. It is worth biting your tongue when you pick up yet another dirty sock from the floor. In fact, it is worth NOT biting your tongue, but offering up thanksgiving to God for the man who left that dirty sock on the floor in his rush to get to work to support the family you have created together. Christian marriage is worth the sacrifice and we feel so very blessed to have been partners in Christian Marriage for 22 years. Happy Anniversary, my dear, with all my love.

Forever, I do.