The Cabbage Patch

Memorial Day

Monday is Memorial Day.  Most people associate it with BBQs and picnics, but we must remember that it's the day to honor the men and women who died for this country.  In Washington DC, at the Korean War Memorial, there is a quote and I'm not sure who said it, but it rings so true.  "Freedom is not free."  So, this Memorial Day, let's remember all our military men and women who died fighting for what our country stands for.  Freedom.  I will be remembering my friend, Edward Murphy, Jr.  He was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan in April of last year.  His widow, and her children will be foremost in my mind as we honor the memory of Major Edward Murphy, Jr.  We miss you, Ed.

Catholic Mosaic--It Finally Arrived!!

I got it!!!  I was so happy to see it in my mailbox.  It was wrapped oh, so carefully.  I had been worried too.  We are going out of town and the postal carrier and the UPS man tend to leave packages on my front porch.  When it rains, the whole porch gets wet.  If there's a package, then so does the package.  I've had book deliveries ruined because of this.  But, I needn't have worried.  If it had happened with this delivery, the book would have been safe--Catholic Mosaic was wrapped in plastic.  Thank you, Hillside for that and the book.

I haven't had a chance to really browse the book, but what I have read is wonderful.  What a resource, Cay.  Congratulations.  And, thank you for the answers.  I am a literature challenged person--English classes in high school were my worst ones although I always made an A. 

Anyway, if there's anyone who doesn't even know about this book.  You should order it.  Check it out.

I Can Only Sigh

I don't normally use this unless someone's been deliberately hurt, but this was the 3rd time.  I thought it was time for the 3 strikes and you're out.

This was the third time she touched these things.  The first time she broke something.  The second time she got it all over her face, but it washed off quickly.  This time we weren't so lucky.

Honey loves all things girly so she has been in my makeup.  I hardly ever wear this stuff, but with Sister's recital I had things out.  I even purchased mascara (see pictures of Honey).  It's waterproof. 

I'm a "How To" Mother

According to a quiz I took, I am a "How To" Mother.

“We’re the mothers you like to carpool with. Not only are we on time, we organize the driving schedule for everyone.”

Organized and comfortable being in charge, the ESTJ mother knows “how to” get things done, make things happen, and accomplish much on behalf of her children. Whether she is encouraging them to get involved in organized activities or talking with them about their personal concerns, children of the ESTJ mother learn “how to” succeed in life.

Upbeat and matter-of-fact, the ESTJ mother is intent on her children having the best. She puts her skills and talents to work to this end, from planning trips that supplement their studies to raising funds for new playground equipment. She is happiest when her efforts produce concrete results — children who try out for teams, participate in academic competitions, or are leaders among their peers.

The ESTJ mother runs a tight household. She is apt to have predictable expectations, consistent routines, standard procedures, and well-defined boundaries, all of which help her children feel protected and secure.

Check out this website to take the quiz.

HT:  Melissa Wiley and Elizabeth Foss.

Family Firsts

It's always bittersweet for me when my children reach certain milestones in their lives.  I'm so happy for them because they've accomplished things yet I would love for them to stay this little.  I know there's so much more enjoyment, albeit of a different variety, to come with each stage in life, but I love the baby/toddler stage so much.  Their joy, their absolute love--there is no lukewarmness about them.  My baby loves me and shows it.  She's such a joy to have around.  She also has a temper and has no problems showing it.  My toddler loves Jesus and sings "Alleluia" at the top of her lungs.  My 4 year old does not.  She's a bit more reserved, but she used to sing.  Pumpkin is one.  I just can't stand it!!

This was not supposed to be about toddlers and babies.  I wanted to write about Sister.  She is performing in her first ballet recital.  I love the school she attends.  It's quite a serious school.  Her Pre-Ballet class of 4 and 5 year olds will be performing as flowers in a production called A Bug's Life written by a local woman, choreographed by Sister's ballet instructor.  Take a look at her pictures.  Isn't she beautiful?  Of course, I am totally unbiased. :)

Look Who is 1 Today

My baby is one today.  It seems just like yesterday that I was in the hospital recovering from my Csection.  Oh, baby, Happy Birthday.

I'm a Rambler

I've realized that I'm a rambler.  I just tend to ramble on and on.  Bear with me while I get my writing legs underneath me.  I'm not a natural writer.  Give me a math problem and that's when I am the happiest or better yet a sudoku puzzle.  Although, who has time to finish one?  There's one that's sitting unfinished in a book I bought months and months ago.  See?  Stream of consciousness.

Autism

Recently, Time magazine wrote a couple of articles about the causes of autism.  I thought the articles would explore more in depth what goes on in the minds of autistic children, but it just barely touched the surface.  I am constantly looking for books that can tell me what is going on in my son's mind.  How does he think.  Some days are so difficult and I sometimes can't separate whether he's just having a bad day or his autism is getting in the way.  I will be the first to admit that I don't always handle him very well.  I try very hard to accommodate his needs, but it's so exhausting to always remember that he is the one who has to open the car door and stop the music.  Some days he can just let it go, but there are others where it just sends him into a tailspin.  On those days, it's easy to just turn the car back on and let the music start up again. 

We made the decision to homeschool to give Brother the best opportunity possible.  Is it hard?  Yes.  Is it worth it?  A resounding yes.  He is flourishing.  We take it slow.  There are some days when he has worked hard at therapy and we do no formal schoolwork that day.  I will read to them.  I do know that he is learning.  At times it seems he is not paying any attention to what I am saying or reading.  It has brought me no amount of frustration to think he does not retain a single thing I read or tell him, and then he does this:

This is his version of Jesus and the 12 disciples.  I don't recall reading or telling him there were 12.  He may have heard it at church.  The point is that he is learning and I don't think he would have been able to at school.  There would be too much stimulation. 

I adore his drawings especially because until about a year ago he would refuse to draw anything.  This is a masterpiece.

Catholic Mosaic

One of the ladies from the Real Learning messageboard has put together a wonderful book that called Catholic Mosaic, Living the Liturgical Year with Children.  You can preorder the book and receive free shipping before May 17th.  I can't wait to receive my copy.

Pegs and Stuff

I read an interesting blog entry by Melissa Wiley wrote of a system of pegging.  She would attach a simple learning item to an everyday task that is accomplished anyway.  For instance, during breakfast, which everyone eats, she would play a piece of music.  When I read this, I felt I was actually doing something.  There are so many times when I feel we're not getting enough done in our day, but when I read Melissa's post, I realized that we are. 

I'm still in the newbie stages of the learning method of Charlotte Mason.  Her basic philosophy is learning through living literature.  Of course, this is a very simplistic explanation.  I have not read her books (yet), but have read books written by other people who have put her methods into practice.  Most notably, I read and thoroughly enjoyed Real Learning written by Elizabeth Foss.  She has been living this lifestyle and explains it all so well.  The best part is that it's from a Catholic perspective.  Oh, how I wish I had discovered this from the very beginning.  The point I'm trying to make here is that we don't follow a set curriculum.  We grab a bit from here and there.  However, we try very hard to be flexible and follow the flow of children where they interests may lead.  Right now, Brother is very interested in dinosaurs (he comes back to this often).  We have been discussing carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores.  Elizabeth calls these runs through an interest a rabbit trail and it is a very apt name.  We chase the rabbit and we have no idea where it may lead us.

I have met through her message boards some wonderful, talented women (and man--I must mention the NetSmith) whose ideas are such an inspiration.  Alice has been doing many Marian activities such as May baskets that have inspired other to do the same.  The best part of this group is their strength through prayer.  If someone needs a prayer so many of these ladies are there to pray and pray.  I have been strengthened considerably through these generous, sweet, wonderful ladies.  Thank you to all.