Daybook -- First Day of School Edition

FOR TODAY August 31, 2009
Outside my window...
Right now, it is dark. This is the evening edition of my "daybook":) It was a lovely sunny day with temps in the 70's to low 80's...perfect, in my book!
I am thinking...
about my friends who are undergoing medical issues, and another friend who is leaving the area for good:(

I am thankful for...
my faith, my family, life itself

From the learning rooms...
It was our first day of school!! We hit some glitches (Teaching Textbooks needed to be reinstalled) but had a decent day. I am realizing that I need to capitalize on my sons' enthusiasm and make the first day of school something special each year...either with paper cones (from Cay?), a special breakfast or lunch, or a fun activity. After 15 years at this homeschooling gig, I still have my own lessons to learn!!

From the kitchen...
It was grilled chicken, broccoli and garlic and olive oil noodles for dinner. Tomorrow night will be quick and easy since we have a soccer game to attend! (Fierce rivalry...should be a good one!)

I am creating...
stronger muscles through my new exercise program appropriately named, "Clearing the land for our new house." Catchy title, doncha think?

I am going...
To bed really soon. I'm tired!

I am reading...
Lord of the Rings with my high schooler, You Can Become a Saint with my high schooler and not much else!

I am hoping...
To get the boys' room cleaned and packed...soon, very soon

I am hearing...
gentle snoring coming from the boys' room and not-so-gentle snoring coming from my room!

Around the house...
Boxes...lots!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Two soccer games, more tree cutting, more schooling, insurance meeting

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Finally, a picture of the whole family including hubby and me.
Some friends have been asking for it...you know who you are!

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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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What a day!

What an experience today was! We spent a good share of the day at our land cutting trees. Hmmmm, mud, sweat (lots!), blood (a little), bugs and trees (lots)....who would've thought these could be the ingredients for such a wonderful day. Well, I didn't mention the family, and that is the most important ingredient of all.
First, working with my husband on our land, to prepare it for our new house....that is a pretty special feeling. My husband is an excavating contractor. Working with the land, preparing it for building, utilities, septic, etc...that's what he does...and he's good at it (if I do say so myself!) It was very sweet working side by side with him doing what he does best. Watching him in his element, toiling for our family was priceless.
I loved watching our sons working with their dad and grandfathers. If I turned quickly or caught them out of the corner of my eye, I had a hard time distinguishing my oldest son from his father and Scott's dad! They all have the same curve to their shoulders and arms and they move and carry themselves similarly. Our middle son was so cute. He was excited to have his own pair of work gloves and did an excellent job picking up brush and logs. I have to say I got a lump in my throat watching him help carry a log with a grandpa on each end. OK, so I'm a sap (pun intended:)
Scott and I were both very moved by the fact that both our fathers volunteered to help, and seemed quite adamant and even eager to do so!! It is hard, back-breaking work, but they strained and sweated right alongside us, and it was very meaningful and so much appreciated by Scott and me. "How do I love thee, let me count the trees...."
We love you, too, Bubba S. and Bubba T.!!
We made quite a bit of progress. You will notice in the pix a big open space where the excavator is sitting. That was all trees this morning! I always feel closer to God when I am working in nature, whether gardening or hiking or cutting trees. God is magnificent in his creation, and He has blessed us abundantly, not only with the opportunity to build a house on this beautiful land, but with loving family willing to labor to help us get there.

And So It Begins...

Even though it was almost the hottest day of the year, yesterday afternoon, my dear hubby decided to head over to our new land and begin cutting trees. God bless him! He opened up the beginning of the driveway and it is much easier to picture how it will curve up and around to where the house will be. I hope to keep a photo journal of the progress of the building of our new house. Here are some pics.

Daybook - Hottest day of the year edition

FOR TODAY August 17, 2009

Outside my window...
It is hazy and foggy. The weatherman said on the news last night that tomorrow is going to be the hottest day of the year. After all the cool weather and rain, we are now having a heat wave. Hazy, hot and humid until Thursday. It was a HHH weekend also. Thank goodness for generous friends with pools they are willing to share with the hot, sweaty masses!
I am thinking...
How much I miss college girl already, and how different my schedule and days are going to be without her. She and hubby and our oldest son left Saturday morning to bring her back to Franciscan University. This is her junior year. It doesn't get easier. I don't worry about her so much anymore, but the missing is the same...she leaves a hole in our hearts and our lives.
I am thankful for...
A College girl who is thriving and blossoming and becoming the delightful young lady Our Lord created her to be
For the safe return of my husband and son from Ohio
For the successful purchase of the land and the opportunity to build a house this fall--oh, it will be nice to be homeowners again. Renting, even temporarily, is weird when you are used to owning.
Generous friends who welcome my children and me into their pools in hot, sticky weather.
For another friend who called to invite my children and me to go swimming at her house, and greeted me with a margarita!
From the learning rooms...
We are all set and ready to go! I mentioned my joy at finishing up the portfolios. The lesson plans are complete, books purchased (not all received yet), supplies organized and replenished (due to a Staples run with College girl on Friday evening). We are all set! We will begin school on August 31....two weeks....
From the kitchen...
Need to do some serious grocery shopping today...not much is coming from the kitchen until then! But who wants to eat in this heat?! I wonder what folks in the south eat in the hot summers? I could use some new recipes.
I am creating...
Order from chaos. My goal is to clean, organize and pack certain areas of the house (I have a list!) every day for the next two weeks until school starts. College girl's stuff is all packed. When we were packing her room for college, I packed everything else up for the move, so she's all done! Once school starts, I want to keep working a couple of hours each weekend on the cleaning, purging and packing detail, so that when the time comes to move, the load will be lightened a bit. Especially because I am going to have to be painting and working on the house in the meantime.
I am going...
Swimming with the kids this afternoon (after the abovementioned cleaning and packing project, ummm and the grocery shopping...I'd better get moving!)
I am reading...
Not much right now except my teenage son's school books, home decorating catalogs and a few blogs.
I am hoping...
For an enriching and grace-filled school year for all of my children, homeschooled or college.
I am hearing...
Hubby getting ready for work. I am also thankful for a hardworking husband who keeps plugging on whether it is the hottest day of the year or the coldest.
Around the house...
All is quiet, and smelly....a skunk sprayed outside last night. The dog got caught in the crossfire, not a direct hit, but she still got an impromptu bath on the back porch at 9:30pm.
One of my favorite things...
Watching my children blossom. My 10 year old had his soccer jamboree championship on Friday evening. His skills have improved so much! He truly dominated the games with 9 goals on the night (out of 13 total for the team) and some beautiful passes and assists. He received many comments from other parents and spectators. Even big brother's varsity coach wanted to sign him up:) and offered him big brother's spot as striker!:) (Just a little fuel for the sibling rivalries--thanks coach!) This is the boy who only started playing the game 2 years ago, and spent most of his first ever game crying in the car!!! I used to worry if he, with his "intense" personality, would be able to function in organized sports or group settings. Silly me. He works hard at this sport he loves and it has given him confidence and discipline. I am so proud of him!
Oh, his team won the championship, btw!
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Cleaning, packing, purging and swimming

Sweet successes

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that. Click on the image above to visit Faith and Family Live! for more Small Successes.

1.
I must list this as my number 1 success this week. It is not a small success, either...I've been working on it for so long. And, I did sleep well last night and woke up with such a satisfied feeling, knowing that that portfolio is complete.

2.
I have kept up with the laundry for a couple of weeks now...ever since my big trip to the laundromat to catch up and give my poor old machines a needed break. I love the look of empty hampers. And not having to hear, "Mom (or worse "Honey"), I can't find....." or "Did you wash....." or " I need clean...." shudder

3.
The local Catholic school is changing hands, and they have purged the old library. The books they decided they didn't want to keep were up for grabs. Our pastor decided to invite homeschoolers to come and take their pick!!! Free books!! Yeah I was there, bright and early. There were several classics I was thrilled to pick up, plus some early reader books. I also nabbed 3 area rugs they were discarding (in good shape, only needing cleaning)!!! I will use them in the basement of our new house! Woo hoo!

Phew!!

I will sleep well tonight! I have just completed the portfolios for all three boys!! The 1st and 4th graders were a snap--probably 20 minutes each. BUT, my 11th grader's portfolio was SO MUCH MORE COMPLEX (high school always is)!! It took me days to complete all the paperwork. I only need 2 signatures, 1 certificate and then I will bring it to the dear, dear ladies at the UPS store to photocopy (so glad I don't have to do this) and mail out. Oh, how happy I am!! I could sing and dance, but I think I'll just go to bed....ah, peaceful slumber. Good night!

Signs of Readiness

My boys are sending me mixed messages, but thankfully, after 20 years of parenting, I am able to decipher their signals.

Yesterday, my 7 year old made the statement, "I want to do school." Using my keen mothering skills, I have decoded his subtly worded message. He really means, "I want to do school in September." It takes years of motherhood to achieve this level of intuitive understanding.

For instance, when both 10 and 7 year old boys picked up notebooks and pencils yesterday and began writing in their journals, I knew better than to jump to the conclusion that they are desiring some structure and stimulation. I'm not that naive! It's still summer for goodness sakes!!Still, they almost had me today when my 10 year old, after spending some quiet time on the computer, started pulling out pans, mirrors, paper and other items. He was trying to make a rainbow according to the instructions on the Magic School Bus website. Now, this is very tricky, but I know it was just subliminal suggestion causing him to do this. You see, I told him that we would be studying Magic School Bus books in our science curriculum this year, and that I had won a big lot of them on ebay last night. It's really not that he's excited and eager.

Really.

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!

Visit Jen for more quick takes!

I love this idea!!

I got this link from Elizabeth Foss's blog. What a great idea! If you are concerned about the socialization of our health care system, go read this!

Patron Saint of Priests in the Year for Priests

"Show me the way to Ars, and I'll show you the way to Heaven"

As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Cure's entrance into Heaven, check out this link for more information on indulgences granted on St. John Vianney's feast day and a story about him.

Daybook - Evening edition

FOR TODAY August 3, 2009...
Outside my window...
It was a beautiful day...blue skies, sun, not too warm or too humid, although I did get kind of warm sitting watching my son's soccer game with the sun beating down on me, but, in general, it wasn't that hot, humid, thunderstormy stuff we have been having...in between the rain...it's been a strange summer, weather-wise.
I am thinking...
Of all the things I need to accomplish before school starts again, and before college girl goes back to Ohio, *sigh*. She leaves in 2 weeks. It seems like she just got here. The missing doesn't get easier, really. I'm not so worried about her anymore, but I still miss her alot when she's gone. Even before she leaves. So does her brother, Sammy.
I am thankful for...
a conditionally pre-approved student loan, finally!
From the learning rooms...
Oh my, still wrapping up last year, pulling together portfolios, and all the paperwork involved with my high schooler's transcripts. Ugh.
On the bright side, all my planning is done for next year. Planning is much more fun than recording!
From the kitchen...
Not too inspired lately. Still trying to keep up the fruits and veggies. I'll cut up a canteloupe for breakfast tomorrow. It will probably be grilled lemon, pepper and garlic chicken for dinner, with potato salad and zucchini and summer squash with onions.
I am going...
To work with college girl tomorrow in her room to weed out old clothes and the "stuff" in her room that she needs to pack for college or throw out. We usually have differing opinions about what needs to be thrown out or kept. It should be exciting.
I am reading...
"Bless me Father for I have Kids" by Susie Lloyd. She's very funny. Sometimes it's like she's looking in my windows...a little eerie.
I am hoping...
For more good news on the loan front...all in accordance with God's Holy Will.
I am hearing...
Sammy's sweet snoring...or should that be Sammy Sweet's snoring???
Around the house...
So many things need organizing, purging and maybe, packing...it's a little overwhelming. I think I need to do the Flylady thing...just one hour per day and soon the "stuff" will be under control. Right?
One of my favorite things...
The little brown bodies of my children, that prove to me that they have been enjoying summer activities, even though I feel I have been tied down with construction loans, student loans, health insurance, portfolios, lesson plans and paperwork.
A few plans for the rest of the week:
Portfolios, purging, packing and paperwork
...and a little soccer....always soccer...
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
He is going to miss her. We all are.

Visit Peggy for more daybooks.

Guess what we did today!!

We went to the ocean!! Unfortunately, our oldest son couldn't join us, as he had a prior commitment, but we packed the rest of us up and went to York Beach, Maine for the day. We realized that college girl is leaving in two weeks, so we decided to do something fun with her before she goes. We had a great day.When I was growing up, we spent time every summer in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, as my mom had family there. I LOVE the ocean! The briny smell of the sea, the salty air, the squawks of the seagulls and crashing of the waves...I don't know...it rejuvenates me somehow. It is so easy to feel the presence of God at the ocean and to see and feel His majesty and power.
We first visited the Nubble Lighthouse. It is so charming and picturesque. The tide was out and all the big rocks were exposed. We climbed on the rocks and found little tide pools. Even though it was beautiful, the kids were itching to get to the beach...so off we went.After driving around for an hour (no kidding!) we finally found an open, legal spot and pulled in. Apparently, the car behind us (after we pulled out at an intersection) thought that the space should've been hers, and shouted out her window as she passed us, "You're welcome!" We just looked at each other and shrugged. We understood her frustration. Finding parking was a BEAR! Anyway, the kids dumped their stuff on the sand and raced towards the water. It was as cold as I remember it being, but oh, so fun! Sammy did not want to go to the ocean at first. Apparently, his brother has been telling him shark stories... hmmmmm...But Sam sure conquered his fear! He is definitely a water-lover and is always the last one out of the pool. It was the same at the ocean. He couldn't stay out of the water.Surprisingly, Ethan's soccer pal, Kelsey, and her family were at the same beach. What are the chances of them being in the same part of the beach at the same time we were there--2.5 hours from home! It was fun to see them.
Since the tide was out, there was a large tide pool on the beach that Annemarie thoroughly enjoyed playing in!! We found shells, barnacles, snails and little crabs. The tide pool was much warmer than the frigid Atlantic, so Annie hung out in the tide pool much of the time.In the late afternoon the tide started to come in and the tidal pool disappeared, but we enjoyed the big waves. Well, most of us did. Annie kept running away from them.
On our way home, we stopped at the restaurant I used to stop at as a little girl. It was great! Fresh seafood and lots of ice cream! The perfect ending to our day.
It was the type of day where we could forget all about construction loans, student loans, health insurance and work, and just enjoy God's beautiful creation and each other. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of this day.

Hottie on the beach!

Ethan in silhouette and sand

Our Little Mermaid -- not!

Ummm, what is he looking at!?!