Small Successes - Advent edition

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph.

1.
I managed to plow my way through a BIG stack of paperwork yesterday. I have been trying to take care of this stuff for more than 2 weeks, but could not manage to get the uninterrupted time I needed to finish it! I finally made the time yesterday (no schoolwork got done, but not much was on the schedule for yesterday anyway.) It took most of the day, but the bills, filing, phone calls and miscellaneous "stuff" that needed to be dealt with, got dealt with. Phew, what a relief! And the checkbook balanced! Maybe that should be its own entry.

2.
Went to the library and with my Christmas Mosaic in my hands, got several sweet Christmas books for read alouds....the first week of Advent!! With all that is going on in our lives right now (we are building a house and I am trying to prepare for Christmas, homeschool, pack, sort, purge, paint and MOVE) our Advent is going to be a bit lacking in the usual crafting and baking activities, but we can keep sweetness and meaning in the season by reading these books.
BTW, we loved "Welcome Comfort" by Patricia Polacco last night. Sweetness and meaning, oh yes.

3.
Another huge success is that together with my sons, we purged, sorted, and packed up their room. It was awful! The three boys have shared a room in this rental house for 3 years. The combination of 3 boys together in a room and the lack of space for storage led to a disaster of epic proportions! Not to mention their tendency to NOT bring their dirty clothes into the laundry room, but to leave them on their floor and whine, "I don't have any clothes to wear." We purged their closet and managed to give away two boxes of clothes to friends whose sons can wear them, and I have one garbage bag for Planet Aid (with more to follow).

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Small Successes - Nov. 5, 2009

Well, I am not feeling very successful these days, but I will try to come up with something...here goes:

1.
Soccer season for all three boys has ended (until this weekend, of course, when indoor soccer begins:P) BUT, I am starting to get caught back up on laundry and other housework. I am beginning to feel like I am treading water now, instead of drowning!

2.
As far as house-building goes, I managed to get myself and the three youngest up to the site last Friday morning before they set the first section of house, so I was able to get pics right from the beginning. I also picked a shingle color in less than 5 minutes, and realized I could scale down kitchen renovations A LOT, saving $$.

3.
I nursed a sick teenager back to health and am currently tending a 4 year old with a nasty virus (different from teen's virus, but neither is swine flu--I don't think)

That's as good as it's going to get here this week!! Visit Faith & Family Live for more Small Successes.

Small successes-October 8

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph."

1.
I hate science. OK, maybe hate is a strong word, but I never liked science in school and have not been very good about teaching it to my kids. (Yikes, what a terrible admission coming from a veteran homeschooler!) Anyway, this year I got inspired and, with the help of my sister-in-law, wrote our own science curricula based on the Magic School Bus books. They are so informative and make learning effortless. Well, I am really pleased with how the lessons are turning out! We are studying weather right now, and today we made a homemade barometer! I am so proud of the kids (and myself!) Nature (read:God) even cooperated by giving us some changeable weather and we saw the barometer rise steadily throughout the day. Here's a pic:



UPDATE!!
Our barometer really works!! Here are some pictures of it this morning (I wrote the original post last night). Can you see the line we made where the stick was pointing yesterday? Definitely higher pressure today and better weather. How cool is this?!?!

2.
Also along the school theme, the boys (10 & 7) had to write in their science notebooks about an experiment we had done. It wasn't a formal science "lab" report, but I wanted them to describe what they had done and learned. Well, since morphing my curriculum 3 years ago to a more Charlotte Mason-based, art-based, and literature-based learning style, my kids' self-expression has improved dramatically. I was surprised to see in both their notebooks, not only a description of what we did and what they learned, but both of them drew a diagram of the experiment!! I never asked them for artwork, but this is now part of the learning process for them, which has benefited them so much!!! I have to thank the ladies at Serendipity for the inspiration and ideas for the 4 squares and narrations!

3.
I researched and ordered my appliances for the new house, and got the best deals I could find. I was kind of surprised at the differences in prices for the same appliance at different stores. In the end, Sears turned out to have the cheapest prices, although I did not order one Kenmore appliance. I am still smoldering about a problem I had with a brand new Kenmore refrigerator a few years ago, that involved a very rude customer service rep. So, I avoided the Kenmore brand, but got a Whirlpool dishwasher, a GE gas range and a Maytag front loading washer and matching dryer all at very good prices. The washer and dryer set was 36% off!!!!

4.
OK this isn't a success, but it was so cute I am gratuitously adding it! My 4 year old daughter kept asking me all morning to watch a movie. She couldn't quite get the name right, and when I figured it out, I laughed out loud. She kept calling it, "Elvis and the Chicken monks." :)


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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!

Sweet Successes Midsummer edition

"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."

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1.
I am selling old textbooks on Ebay and have already made a LOT of money, and that was just the first stack of books I posted!! I loaded up the rest of the books for sale this week. It is a bit addictive to log onto ebay and watch the balance climb! Who would've guessed that selling old textbooks is almost as fun as buying new ones!!! Especially when selling the old means I have more money to buy the new!!

2.
The curriculum for my 2nd and 5th grade boys is all planned out for next year. And the books are ordered. Plus, my sister-in-law and I have finalized our co-op plans and completed a month's worth of lesson plans (I am totally impressed with us--thanks, Serena!). My high school senior, however, has changed things up on me. The good, no...great news is that he has decided what he wants to study in college. Yay! The bad news is that we were gearing his high school curriculum towards the medical field, but his new chosen field of study is the technical field. So, I need to swap things around a bit to make sure he has the classes he needs. Back to the drawing board for me.

3.
Well, I was able to heave a huge sigh of relief when I turned in all the construction loan papers to the bank. I know I haven't blogged about this at all. It seemed so up in the air that I have been reluctant to mention it. A couple of months ago, a friend of ours who sells modular homes, and with whom hubby has a good working relationship, was hired to tear down a modular house that was located on a nearby lake. It seems the new owners wanted to get rid of the 5 BR 3BA Colonial and put up a new $4 million house. So, our friend had this huge house available at a really reasonable price and offered it to us! The house is perfectly sized for us. It was like manna from heaven. Still, I didn't want to get too excited. So, we went on a hunt for some land, all the while just praying for God's guidance and His will to be accomplished. Years ago, my cousin bought my grandparents property and has sold a couple of lots, so I asked her if she had any more lots for sale. She didn't. That was OK, as I am not thrilled at the thought of my grandparents' property being divided up anyway. We continued our novena to St. Joseph and the following week, a parcel of land came up for sale, on the same road! We made an offer, which was accepted and then we began the construction loan process, which is lengthy. Well, the papers are at the bank now, and a million things can go wrong between now and closing, so I am still trying not to get my hopes up. But if anyone wanted to ask St. Joseph (or your own favorite saint) to guide this process for us, we would really appreciate the prayers!

Small Successes

I read Elizabeth's post today and completely understood where she was coming from. Things have not been going so great around here either, nothing major, but nothing to write home on the blog about. I don't like the idea of posting negative stuff, but at the same time want to be 'real'. It's a balancing act, and lately I have chosen to be quiet rather than share anything unpleasant. Again, it's nothing serious, just the normal messes and stresses that happen in life--all at once, while it's been raining for 14 days straight. SoI will try to look at the positives and count my small successes:

1. In between rain showers, we picked a full flat of strawberries, even though it is NOT a good year for strawberries in this area. We worked hard for those sweet, juicy berries this year. Plus those berries are cleaned, hulled and in the freezer waiting to be made into yummy strawberry/orange/banana smoothies tomorrow morning!

2. My daughter's beau (her word) told me yesterday how much our family had affected him in a positive way. His words were very sweet and a soothing balm for this mom, who has had a rough couple of weeks.

3. I will turn 44 on the 4th of July. Is getting older a success? Well, the way I see it, yes! The antidote for getting older is dying! No thanks, I'd rather grow old. Plus, if we are truly "working out our salvation with fear and trembling" as St. Paul says, we must grow and change with each passing year. I consider the personal and spiritual growth that comes with increased age a success! And I wouldn't trade it for wrinkle-free skin or my former (non-gray) hair color!

Well, I do feel better now. Visit Faith and Family Live for more success stories!

Small Successes

1.
Saw the bottom of my laundry hamper...for a couple of hours. My boys cleaned up their room and, voila!...full hamper again. That, plus some beach towels means Mt. Neverrest is living in my laundry room again. But I was caught up for a short time. Also, cleaned little girl's room and the boys' room. These successes tend to be like the laundry...fleeting. But a fleeting success is still a success, right?


2.
Had some success overcoming procrastination. I made some phone calls and did some paperwork as soon as I became aware they needed to be done--instead of waiting for a "better" time, which never seems to come. In fact, in one case, hubby called and told me we needed a letter from the bank. I was on my way out anyway, so I stopped at the bank (with three children in tow) and half an hour later, I had the letter in hand, which I then immediately delivered to the person who needed it. It was a bit exhilarating to text hubby and tell him it was all taken care of--within an hour of his requesting it!

3.
Got the results of the standardized testing the boys took a couple of weeks ago. They did great!! This is their success, but I like to think I had a little to do with it;) Now, I need to copy them, and mail them to the school district with my letter of intent to homeschool next year...no procrastinating!!

It’s important for us moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph.Go to Faith and Family Live to view more successes.

Small Successes - Busy week edition

Oh my, it has been a busy week! Things are winding down around here school-wise, but picking up sports-wise, planning-wise, deep cleaning and organizing-wise. It will be good to take a breather and remember those things that went right. Here goes:

1.
With much...ummm...encouragement from his grandpa, Sammy overcame his nervousness and tummyache to play in his Rookie baseball game today!! Yay, Sammy! (and grandpa!) We are so proud of you. I actually took some pix, but I have to figure out how to get them off my new phone.

2.
Hubby and I had the opportunity to help out friends in need. It was a great feeling. And they so needed and deserved it. Please pray for Blaine Savage and his family, if you get a chance. Whenever you get a chance.

3.
Hmmm...let's see....I finished Harry Potter, but do not want to discuss it yet, until other friends who are reading it with me finish it.

4.
OK, I have to add #4. My dad's biopsies of his bladder came back negative for cancer!!!!
Thanks be to God!

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Small Successes

1. I have been working diligently at staying on top of the laundry, and am happy to say that, even though my hamper is not (ever!) empty, the laundry is under control. Everyone has clean, folded clothes, clean uniforms on game days, and most of the clothes actually get put away in drawers!!

2. This week, for our homeschool co-op's production of Shakespeare's The Tempest, I had programs printed, baked 2 pans of treats, put together one raffle item, helped set up, tear down
and generally assisted our director in whatever she needed. The performance was tonight and it was wonderful!!! This is a success for the student actors, as well. They did a fantastic job!

3. I phoned my governor's office and requested that he veto the same-sex marriage bill that passed both the NH house and senate this week.

Visit Faith and Family Live to share your successes!!

Small successes - Holy Week edition

1. The kids and I made a grotto for our altar--in time for Holy Week, according to my original plans!! I think it came out nice, but it sure was a mess in the making!
2. I purged the mudroom yesterday. Oh boy, did it need it. Packed up two bags of garbage and 1 bag of clothes and shoes for the PlanetAid box. Also got college girl's room picked up in preparation for her returning home on May 1!!!

3. My plan for the NCAA brackets was successful! I soundly defeated the members of my household for the first time...of course, it was mainly my hubby that I was gunning for, though...;)

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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!)

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.

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?

Small Successes

Danielle Bean, at Faith and Family live has asked what our small successes have been recently, recognizing that our small successes, added together, can mean one big triumph! So here goes:

1. I made it to a 7:30 a.m. Mass this week that was offered as part of a Novena of Masses for the Unborn. (This includes, shower, make up, hair and even a dress!)

2. Managed to maintain a patriotic frame of mind even as Barack Hussein Obama was inaugurated. This is something I was unable to do during the Clinton years.

3. Remembered to take pix at my sons' basketball games. Some of them came out really well!
I even got them downloaded into the computer already.

Wow, this is nice. I am pretty proud of myself! Thanks Danielle!