I don't know what got into them...

For some reason, the Sweet boys were quite profound today. Here are their wise words:

Ethan (for a project on the Fruits of the Spirit): "Love your opponent even if he/she doesn't like you."

Sam (out of the blue): "Mom, getting pregnant is like giving a present to yourself." so true, Sammy, so true:)

The Pope is right---go figure!

I cannot agree more with this comment by Theresa of Ave Maria, FL:

"I learned years ago that whenever I thought that the Catholic Church was wrong on an issue, if I had an open mind and really studied the topic----I was wrong and Christ's Church was beautifully right."

Being a convert, I did have to work my way through some issues that I had picked up in the secular world--abortion, women priests, the death penalty, to name a few. I have also found that the Truth, in its fullness, is contained within the Catholic Church--every time. Not only that, but the Wisdom and Beauty of Christ's teachings are so profound, so compassionate and so respectful of human dignity, that any secular arguments completely dissipate and are blown away like so much chaff.

It is heartening to see others acknowledge the Truth of Pope Benedict's words.

Regarding AIDS and Pope Benedict's recent comments about condoms, please read this excellent article.

Fun in the Mud

The pictures aren't the best, but Isaac is covered in mud. He could've gone around the mud patch, but....why? A 16 year old boy's brain just doesn't work that way.

A Good Night for the Sweet Boys

Good Sportsmanship Award for Sammy
2nd & 3rd Grade team (even though Sam's only in 1st grade)



















Big brother, Ethan, got the "Unsung Hero" award from his 3rd/4th grade basketball team




















Congratulations, boys! We are proud of you!

Small Successes

Faith and Family Live has been inviting us to share our small successes each week. It is a good practice to see even the little things we get right, because they add up to big successes. It keeps us accountable, but it is also very encouraging. Click the 'Small Successes' badge above to visit Faith and Family Live and see what other people are sharing.

1. We finished the Iditarod unit yesterday! It was fun. We used this lapbook from Hands of a Child. The boys checked the Official Website of the Iditarod everyday for their musher's standings. My teenager wanted to choose Jeff King as his musher, unbeknownst to the rest of us, by the way. His littlest brother chose Jeff King. Teen boy made a big fuss. Little brother let him have Jeff King and chose Lance Mackey instead. Lance Mackey crushed Jeff King....poetic justice.

2. Even though it has still been cold, the sun came out yesterday and I took the kids out after lunch and went for a walk. It felt good to move outside. The boys rode their bikes and little girl took out her tricycle, and tried to keep up with her brothers. Hopefully the fresh air will help us all start feeling better. I know it lifted my spirits.

3. This may not count as a success, but it makes me so happy, I am going to include it. I FINALLY caught up with my college girl via Skype this morning. We have been missing each other for days, sometimes by only a few minutes, but at 6:00 this morning, after my alarm had gone off and I was still dozing (I know, not my Heroic Moment) I heard that familiar tune and raced to the computer. She is currently between trips. She spent last weekend in Medugorjge and is leaving tonight for France, London and Ireland. She sounded a little stressed as she needs to fit SCHOOLWORK in there somewhere, but she has been managing well so far. She comes home in a little more than a month. I can't wait!!

4. OK, since, #3 might not count as a success, I will include another one. I am pretty much unbeatable in our NCAA brackets now. Yup, after changing my tactics, I am beating "The Man" at his own game! How "Sweet" it is! (P.S. Love you, honey!)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Click on the picture to visit Peggy and read more daybooks!

FOR TODAY Monday, March 23, 2009 ...
Outside my window... Overcast, but it's still early, and this is New England, things can change!
I am thinking...about friendships, family and faith and what gives life meaning...very deep
I am thankful for...my very best friend whom I married
From the learning rooms...finish up Iditarod lapbook...yay, Lance Mackey won again...he was Sammy's pick, finish Call of the Wild, Lewis and Clark, more IEW's U.S. History based writing lessons, Teaching Textbooks Math
From the kitchen... it's looking like spaghetti tonight, but right now I smell coffee...
I am wearing... PJ's still
I am creating... I'm not really creating much right now, but lots of thoughts and ideas are swirling around in my head
I am going...to our homeschool co-op this morning, where I will teach composition
I am reading... In Conversation with God, The Dolorous Passion, Call of the Wild and The Captain's Dog (to the kids)
I am hoping... This virus leaves us once and for all and we all begin to feel healthy... at the same time!
I am hearing... my own typing and hubby getting ready for work
Around the house...The laundry pile is slowly shrinking. I need to keep plugging away at it, but the mudroom, oh my, needs a major purge!
One of my favorite things...alone time with Our Lord and a cup of coffee
A few plans for the rest of the week: a blessedly quiet week, especially now that teen boy has his license and can drive himself to baseball practice, a little cleaning, a little organizing, recuperating...and laundry, of course...
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

It's maple sugaring time here in New Hampshire, one of my favorite times of the year.

I like to picture God the Father, as He is creating a maple tree, chuckling to himself,
"Wait until they figure this out!"

Small Successes

Faith and Family Live has been inviting us to share our small successes each week. It is a good practice to see even the little things we get right, because they add up to big successes. It keeps us accountable, but it is also very encouraging. Click the 'Small Successes' badge above to visit Faith and Family Live and see what other people are sharing.

1. I am thrilled with the results of the first lesson in IEW's U.S. History based writing lessons!!
What a great program. My 4th grader produced a lovely poem about America with no tears or arguments.He even showed a bit of enthusiasm!! This is no small success...it almost qualifies as miraculous.

2. Despite a return of that nasty virus my family caught a few weeks ago, we managed to dip and decorate some oreos and chocolate chip cookies, have corned beef and cabbage, shamrock shakes and some low-key St. Patrick's fun. Unfortunately, the books I wanted to read to the kids had already been read to them the day previous at our homeschool co-op. How can I complain? The lovely ladies who chose the books lighten my work load and make Sammy's Mondays so happy.

3. Our Crown of Thorns is almost thornless! The kids have taken Lent to their hearts and make sure they count their sacrifices each evening. I stopped pulling thorns out of the crown after the first week, when I saw them really respond to this Lenten devotion. I didn't want to run out of thorns before Easter!! Oh well....job well done, boys!





Here is a gratuitous picture of a statue that has inspired me this Lent.

March Madness

Every March our family fills out our NCAA basketball tournament brackets. We're competing for bragging rights in the Sweet household. We each have our own system for determining our picks...some try to pick the upsets, some pick colleges from states we've visited, I usually try to pick the Catholic colleges (hasn't worked out so well for me, though..), but my dear husband (whose middle initial is W--as in "it's all about the W(in)" usually goes with the top seeds. Now, I have always razzed him about it, since it seems kind of "cheap" to me, but being a serious sports fan and athlete, he does NOT like to lose. And he doesn't lose our family pool very often. Last year, I think he had it sewn up after the first three rounds.
Of course this is all for fun. But since winning is definitely more fun than losing, I decided to change my tactics this year and adopt Mr. "Losing is for sissies'" method. I've got three #1 seeds and one #2 seed in the Final Four. Yes, honestly, I do feel kind of cheap...like I've compromised my standards a little bit...but I'm pretty sure I'll get over it. The Hubster is going down this year!!
Go Tarheels!!

H is for Humility or For the Love of Cheesecake

Well, in order to make the Bailey's Irish Cream Cheesecake I was hoping to prepare for St. Patrick's Day, I needed that very special ingredient....Bailey's Irish Cream. The problem was that I was going to have to bring my three youngest children with me to the liquor store. Unfortunately, I had no alternative, so off we went.
I pulled into the parking lot, took a deep breath, and unloaded the kids from the van.
Feeling very "bad mother-ish", I led my 3 year old by the hand into the store, with my 7 & 10 year old boys tagging along behind. Now, there's a Kodak moment for ya!
I was delighted to spot a display of Bailey's just inside the door. This would be a quick trip into the land of Humility.
My three year old, who is not feeling well and is a bit on the grumpy side, said, in a loud voice upon entering the store, "LET'S GET A CART!"
Oh. my. gosh.
Inside my head: now these people think i always get a CART at the liquor store, oh my gosh..what should I do? What should I say?
"No honey, we don't need a cart. We're only getting one thing" (loud enough for the cashier to hear me) should I add, "for a recipe?".....
This was when the little grumpasaurus began crying...you know....loudly. She wanted to ride in a cart.
By this time, I was dragging her to the checkout where the cashier tried to talk to her, only to be met with more howls. I quickly paid for my booze and the four of us exited the premises, about 2 minutes after we entered it. Oh, what a long 2 minutes!
I should mention that I am not a teetotaler...I enjoy a drink once in a while...I just usually try not to involve my children in my alcohol consumption. I'm funny that way.
I guess this was just another "gift" of mortification from Our Lord this Lent. He has been so generous with me.

A wise priest once told me, "If you pray for humility, expect to be humiliated." Yes, I can say it is quite an effective remedy for pride. And it seems to be a prayer that always gets answered;)

This cheesecake had better be good!

Simple Woman's Daybook

Click the button to the left to visit Peggy's site and read other daybooks.

FOR TODAY March 16, 2009...
Outside my window... There is a bright, shining thing in the sky. I think it is called "the sun". It's still pretty cold, but will hopefully warm up and be beautiful like this weekend was. So very happy spring is on its way...
I am thinking... How difficult teenage boys are...sigh.....
I am thankful for... difficult teenage boys, college girls traveling Europe, little rambunctious boys and a sick little girl...and their daddy!
From the learning rooms...reading and maps about the Louisiana Purchase, Iditarod lapbook, St. Paul lapbook, Teaching Textbook math
Stories about St. Patrick and St. Joseph and more
From the kitchen...Faith & Family's "Bailey's Irish Cream cheesecake" for St. Paddy's Day
I am wearing...PJs still
I am going...to make a doctor appointment for little sick girl
I am reading...In Conversation with God, Magnificat Lenten supplement, The Mystery of Harry Potter by Nancy C. Brown (I want to figure this Potter thing out for myself!)
I am hoping... we all start feeling better soon
I am hearing... just the whirr of the computer, my sick little girl is being very quiet and the others are at co-op
Around the house...UGH. After a very busy weekend, this house is a wreck! Today needs to be a regrouping day...clean house, pay bills, write lesson plans. I have a hard time schooling and being productive when my surroundings are in a shambles.
One of my favorite things...Friday evening stations of the cross with our special candle ceremony
A few plans for the rest of the week: Doctor's appointment with little girl, doctor's appointment with hubby for his rheumatoid arthritis, shamrock shakes, corned beef and cabbage, the above mentioned cheesecake, cleaning, purging and organizing...
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

I miss her so much!!
Can't wait until May 1 when she comes home!

You have GOT to be kidding!!

Please read this and watch the video.
Bill Clinton can NOT be this ignorant about basic biology. Of course an embryo is fertilized!! Can his words be more sinister than stupid? Remember, he is the master of redefining basic terminology (define "is" and "I did not have *** with that woman"). Is he actually trying to make us believe that "implantation" is synonymous with "fertilization"? This is insidious, sinister and just plain evil.

300 Days of Sunshine?

Denver, Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine, on average PER YEAR!

My thoughts on Lent

You know, Lent is a funny thing. I began this Lent with great, concrete plans, which I prayerfully considered before finalizing. And then God laughed....I had made plans. Yes, I had consulted Him and asked for His direction. I still feel those plans are good, well thought out plans, which will produce much fruit, but Our Lord in His Mercy has shown me some other areas that I really need to work on...things I would never have thought of on my own. Almost miraculously, I could suddenly hear the tone with which I speak to my family...and it wasn't tender, gentle or kind. It was tired, impatient and sarcastic. My heart broke. I was horrified. As the mom, I set the tone for the family, after all, the mother is the heart of the family. I have to change this. I have to do better. Self-knowledge can be so painful, but it is always a gift to help us grow.
I did not give up chocolate this year. I was on to "bigger and better" things, I thought. But....I have not been able to eat chocolate this Lent....it seems so frivolous and unnecessary. Now, if you know me, you will know that I NEVER put the words 'chocolate' and 'unnecessary' together! This is truly the Lord's work. ;)
So many times I have opened a book to a certain passage or glanced at an article that spoke directly to my heart. These little nudges are Lenten gifts to me from a loving Father. He wants me with Him, and He is showing me the path.

Short takes -- Lenten style

Since I am trying to limit my on-line time during Lent (with limited success), I am finding it difficult to write a thoughtful blog post in a short amount of time. So, I will share some thoughts bullet style:
* I am very, very sad about President Obama's overturning the ban on embryonic stem cell research funding. Why does it seem to me that the truth about the matter is so clear, so simple, so obvious that I cannot understand why liberals do not see it! There have been NO successes with embryonic stem cells, but MANY with adult or umbilical stem cell treatment....the babies don't have to be killed to "further scientific progress". It amounts to deliberately ignoring the truth in order to further a political goal...which is what I believe is happening.
* I am glad that basketball ends this weekend. The boys have done well...mom needs a break. I think I get a whole 2 weeks before baseball starts.
* I am soooo thrilled that I got to talk to college girl last night via Skype!! It is so very reassuring to be able to see her beautiful face and talk to her when she is so far away. The whole group of students took a 10 day vacation to Rome and Assisi. This weekend she will go to Switzerland (think Chocolate, Lexi!), after that it is off to Medugorgje, then France, England and Ireland, and finally she and a group of friends will spend Easter in Greece. After finals, she comes home on May 1. What an incredible experience for her. I am thrilled for her...and not jealous or envious at all....repeat....I am not jealous or envious at all....repeat....I am not....
* Seven year old son thinks that 16 year old son should be on "America's Got Talent" since he can text and walk at the same time:)
* Hubs just told me that according to the "The Almanac" (If you're from New England, you know which one!) New Hampshire gets 55 to 60 sunny days PER YEAR! I really, really, really need some sun, soon.
*Guess which city gets 300 sunny days per year? I'll let you know tomorrow!

Happy Birthday, Lucien

Happy 12th birthday, Lucien, my impish, spirited, on-the-go nephew with a big heart for his littlest cousin. (I've seen him be concerned and protective of his sisters also, but he may not want word of that to get around!) ;)
May God bless you this year with health, joy, peace and maybe a bicycle kick goal thrown in for good measure!

Sweet Successes

Faith and Family Live has been inviting us to share our small successes each week. It is a good practice to see even the little things we get right, because they add up to big successes. It keeps us accountable, but it is also very encouraging. Click the 'Small Successes' badge above to visit Faith and Family Live and see what other people are sharing.

1. For the first time ever in my house, I heard the words, "Mom, can I go do my math?" And today, he disappeared and went to do his math all by himself! With. No. Prodding...At.All. Now, perhaps these are not really my successes, but I am the one who purchased the new Teaching Textbooks 5 for him. That counts for something, right?

2. After about 5 years of doing Stations of the Cross at home with our special candle ceremony, I finally stained and decorated our homemade candle holder the way I have intended....for 5 years. Here's a pic:
OK a couple of pics. And here's another gratuitous shot of our Lenten Altar, which actually goes with #3 below:

(I need to get a closer picture of the Gethsemane statue. It says "Not my will but yours be done" on the front of the rock that Jesus is leaning on. It is a poignant presence on our altar.)

3. I have been doing very well keeping my Lenten resolutions for prayer, fasting and almsgiving. In fact, everyone has. Having a concrete plan has been so helpful and fruitful.
"Our Easter will only be as good as our Lent."
What are your successes?

A Man of Few Words

Ten year old *sick* boy sitting very quietly at teenage brother's basketball game, watching as teenage brother displays an overabundance of intensity (ahem!) :

"Isaac's not going to get the Sportsmanship Award."

Ummm, noooo, probably not........

Simple Woman's Daybook

Click on the Simple Woman's Daybook button to the left to see other daybooks .

FOR TODAY March 2, 2009...
Outside my window...very light snow
I am thinking... it will be a quiet day. Not only do we have a snow day, but Ethan and Sam are not feeling well.
I am thankful for...warm slippers and a day without basketball (shhh...don't tell the boys!)
From the learning rooms...Co-op is cancelled today and I don't have other schoolwork planned, so we will get caught up on some housework and paperwork.
From the kitchen...Coffee? I smell coffee...hope he brings me some!
I am wearing...pajamas and warm slippers
I am creating...a Lenten atmosphere in my home
I am going...to keep my Lenten sacrifices
I am reading...The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord by Anne Catherine Emmerich and The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand
I am hoping...the boys haven't caught anything more sinister than a common cold. One of my confirmation students has mono! Yikes!
I am hearing...hubby prowling about the house
Around the house...things are pretty tidy, but definitely could use vacuuming and dusting One of my favorite things...an empty laundry basket, and I am almost there!!!
A few plans for the rest of the week:basketball practice, basketball games, doctor's appointments for those boys' coughs, prayer, fasting, almsgiving...
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Ethan's 3/4th grade basketball team won the Cabin Fever Tournament!! Way to go, boys!! Now on to the next tournament:)

Snow day?

I awoke before 6am this morning to check on the snow situation. It wasn't doing much. I logged onto our local news website and every school and function to the north, south, east and west of us was canceled today...over 500 cancellations. So, I decided it would be prudent to cancel our homeschool co-op meeting today. I sent out a quick email and snuggled back into bed.
It was a given, right? Places that don't get snow were getting snow, and lots of it. New England was going to get hit hard....and it did....except right here in southwest New Hampshire. We got one inch of snow!!!! About 20 miles to the south of us, it was a mess. We just happened to be in some happy convergence of weather ingredients and the storm slid right past us. God has been merciful to me, a complainer about the snow. I am unworthy, but so grateful.