OK, so I'm posting the "after" picture first...Don't you love before and after pictures?
As a Mom and Teacher, I sure do!
It helps me keep on believing that mountains can be moved:)
Take a lookie at the school room "before" our cleaning project:
*YUCK*
What a MESS!
Embarrassing, right?
It took us all day today to hit it...2 big, black, trash bags and 2 grocery bags full-of-trash-later...
Ahhhh, we ALL feel much better!
Now we can safely hit the books on Monday and be happy in our new, tidy, spaces:)
Dear Dad is working a 4 day stretch, bless his heart, so the rest of us are working too, in his honor. My lesson plans are next on the list, a long with bedroom tidies and getting laundry done. It's always nice to start a new learning period feeling fresh and on top of things, even if it's short lived sometimes!
It was fun to pull out this photo of Princess today on the feast of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.
She worked hard on this project, that fit into the Colonial period that we were studying this past Fall.
*A free packet from the Sisters of Charity is a valuable and fun resource for kids!* She got to present her project to a group of other home schoolers...It was great practice standing up in front of a group and speaking. (Which she doesn't like to do;)
*A free packet from the Sisters of Charity is a valuable and fun resource for kids!* She got to present her project to a group of other home schoolers...It was great practice standing up in front of a group and speaking. (Which she doesn't like to do;)
Moments like this help me to appreciate our home schooling. Being able to weave our faith through our studies is always a main goal...Sharing it with others was an added bonus!
I rarely bring up moments like this in fear of being bragidocious. Did I just make up a word? The point is that we all need inspiration to keep us going. Being called to home school is not always easy for me. Speaking for myself, it's far from easy. For heaven's sakes, being called to motherhood and being open to life certainly isn't a piece of cake. But as most of us know, God doesn't call us to easy. He calls us to things that are challenging, things that will strengthen our souls, things that draw us closer to Him.
No cross, no crown.
Speaking of crosses, I am joining in prayer, with many others, for some Mamas who are bearing theirs right now. I was thinking about what an honor it is to pray for Kelly from the Careless Catholic and Jennifer Fulwiler from The Conversion Diary who are courageously living their faith, the gospel of life, and suffering for it. Jessica has a beautiful prayer posted for both ladies and all pregnant Moms. If you follow Kelly, Barbara is organizing some CARE for her. I don't know either of them in real life but I have gotten to know Kelly from our contributions at Catholic Cuisine, as well as her inspiring blog about her family.
I am storming the heavens!
(Including all of my other expectant friends here in the bloggy world and beyond:)
Speaking of crowns...
We are looking forward to our annual Royal Epiphany Celebration. We will be celebrating on Monday since Rod will be on duty until then. We I am especially looking forward to receiving new patron saints:) It will be a nice way to end our first day back to school!
+Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work I go+
No cross, no crown.
I am storming the heavens!
(Including all of my other expectant friends here in the bloggy world and beyond:)
Speaking of crowns...
+Hi ho, hi ho, it's back to work I go+
Not bragodocious at all! I mean, don't top executives have power points that they use and then when they reach just one of many pinnacles of a distinguished career, they may have some major project themselves that they are awarded for, right? At some major awards banquet or dinner? Well, not sure how "distinguished" home schooling can feel most days, but dog gone it! When we do reach a pinnacle, I say it deserves an award banquet as well! Way to go and Atta girl (and boy) to all of you over there!
ReplyDeleteI love your tidy school room !! and fully understand what a feat it was for you to get there. some days it seems like every room in our house is cluttered and messed and has all the footprints of a five year old. today we're buckling down and digging in to get some cleaning done for the new year!! I love your Feast of the Epiphany crown cake!! lovely with all the "jewels" !
ReplyDeleteVery cool cake for Epiphany Sunday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Christine! Blessed Epiphany to you and your family:)
Deletethanks for keeping it real. no need for embarrassment, i consider it one more thing to offer up. homeschooling tends to offer me many things to offer up. ;)
ReplyDeletedad is working hard downstairs with the kids to clean up after my week of "offer it ups."
may His grace and your family time bless you and sustain you for the remainder of your school year.
Thank you, Lena! It sure helps to know we are not alone:)
DeleteI'm wanting to home school our children as well, but not sure what would be a good curriculum. Do you have any suggestions? My oldest is 3.
ReplyDeleteHi Kari~Wonderful news and How great that you are already being proactive! My 3 favorite curriculum providers are 1- Catholic Heritage. 2- Emmanuel Books. 3- Seton Home Study. They all have pre-school to High School:) I also love Catholic Icing's Catholic Pre-school book. Feel free to e-mail me if I can answer any other questions or help in any way! Tifflynene@aol.com You will be in my prayers!
Deleteand now you are in mine
ReplyDeleteI love the after/before- good work! And what a great saint to do a project on. I hope your epiphany celebration was wonderful!
ReplyDelete