For The Birds

I enjoy hanging laundry out on the line to dry. In the summer, when it's bright, and there's a bit of a breeze, it breaks me up to put sheets in the dryer.

Last week, I tapped my inner Ma Ingalls and stung a line between two trees. (Since we're still settling into our home here, Nate hasn't had a chance to put up some clothes lines.)

Yesterday, when the boys sheets were washed, I trotted outside with my crisp white sheets to dry in the fresh summer air.

They we outside for the better part of the day and, after Nate came home, he volunteered to take them inside.

Upon returning inside he announced that the bird had gotten the better of my sheets and they would need to be rewashed.

If Ma Ingalls were here she would say, "Clotheslines under trees only double the work!" I guess I need to live a bit longer in Wisconsin before touting my pioneer spirit. Either that, or read some more Little House.

Youngest First

We have a simple family rule when waiting for food, drinks, stories, baths, etc.--youngest first.

Here's how it plays out. One hot summer day, we are traveling back from a local park. After playing hard in the sun, the three boys are all thirsty (Jerzy is still nursing, so he doesn't count =). As we loaded them up in the van, each one began to squabble over the one large water bottle we had along. At this point, all I need to do is look at them and say, "youngest first." They usually quiet down with the realization that they will get their turn. After all, a boy can argue that his sibling, "always gets the water first and now it's my turn," but he can't argue about birth order!

It is a simple saying but I hope that it ingrains an important lesson in them as they all grow; the bigger boys need to be sure the needs of their younger siblings are met first. Our hope is to instill the instinct to look after each other and then they will naturally do this as potential priests or husbands or fathers.

Decor

Yesterday, as I was driving by a neighbor's house, I peeked over for just a second and noticed a beautiful little lamp on an end table in their living room. I really like quaint, cottage decorations. And, the warm glow little lamps give off is always inviting to me.

My thoughts then turned to my ineptitude for decorating. And how much I'd enjoy having ornate lamps and small tables decorated just so. Maybe someday...

Then I thought about Marcel. Earlier that day, he climbed up to the only lamp I have in the entire house. He then removed the light bulb and threw it, crashing onto the floor. I was alarmed to it by a yell from Kolbe, "Moooommm!! It's something dangerous!!"

Oh yes, my little lamp will have to wait. For now I can enjoy a warm, inviting little boy who loves to laugh, cuddle and be chased around.

An Ah-Ha Moment or Why I Use Montessori for our Homeschool

Kolbe read for the first time today. This single act has reaffirmed my decision to use the Montessori Method for our homeschool. Thank you, Jesus!

What is the Montessori Method? Allowing a child to learn in an educational setting where the environment is engineered towards him (low shelves, desks, chairs, easy access to materials, etc.). The learning is child-led. There are no workbooks or tests. Rather, Maria Montessori developed materials that, once introduced by the teacher, the child can use to correct themselves as they master each skill. A phrase to sum up a Montessori classroom would be: "Freedom within limits." "Would you like to work on math or spelling?" Not, "Would you like to do work today?"

Why is it successful? Children are naturally curious and have an insatiable appetite for knowledge. As they grow, they each pass through what Montessori coined "Sensitive Periods,"where learning (letters, numbers, math, reading, etc.) comes easy and almost naturally.

Does it work at home? Yes. But it is difficult. There is no curriculum a Mom can simply turn to for guidance as to the week's activities. Materials can be expensive or, can be made, but take time to do so. Most importantly, Mom needs to be sure she isn't pushing or pulling her child through the material. Rather, materials should be available for the child when he is ready to learn. Patience and observation are the key. That and a belief in child-led learning.

Our struggles: In the past, I would work with Kolbe on the letter sounds and he would often give up or ask to quit. Each piece of work I would offer him would end the same way--he'd work on it and complete it, but rarely return to it due to lack of interest. Often, I questioned whether I was doing the right thing. Doubt is easily the homeschooler's initial reaction to anything that sniffs of failure.

The Montessori Method, if I can draw an analogy, is like breast-feeding. You never know how much the child is "getting". Often, women are leery of nursing their babies because you cannot measure how much the child is getting at a time. However, you can observe signs that he is thriving on your milk--baby is growing, not overly fussy, etc. Montessori is the same. There are no filled workbook pages to ease a Mother's mind for metrics of learning. There are no tests. There is no visible way to measure if your child is "getting" the material. Rather, observation of your child's interests and where he is going will tell you if he's progressing. Then, one day, you see the "Ah-ha moment".

Today was that day. I am thankful, for it reignites my passion for Montessori. And my belief that when we follow the child, and allow him freedom within limits, he will show us where he needs to go.

What's In A Name?

Tonight as we were working on some coloring book activities, Kolbe and I were discussing a name for our homeschool.

Mom: I was thinking of naming our school "Holy Spirit Homeschool" because we want God's Spirit to guide us in our learning and how we treat one another.

Kolbe: Oh, that's a good idea!


Mom: Okay.


Kolbe: [still pondering the idea] Or, how about "Holy Homeschoolers"?

I think someone is putting the proverbial cart before the horse.

Oh Barry!

Oh-ba-ma you're breakin' my heart.

You're shakin my confidence daily.

Whoa Oh-ba-ma we're down on our knees

We're beggin' you please to ease up

Ease on up (repeat).

Makin' po-li-cy with Oh-ba-ma

in the Oval Room

I got up to wash my face

And when I login there's more policy placed.

Oh-ba-ma you're breakin' my heart.

You're shakin my confidence daily.

Whoa Oh-ba-ma we're down on our knees

We're beggin' you please to ease up

Ease on up (repeat).

Oh frustration! He's at it again

I fall on the floor and I'm praying

Oh frustration! He's at it again

Please God help him to see, we're not laughing.

Obama :: The gov't will now extend health care benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers.

Unfortunately, this is one more policy that is not helpful to extending a Christian view in our nation. Also, this is not helpful for those of us that are against "gay marriage". For a wonderfully done, brief explanation on why gay marriage (and homosexually) is against the Church's teaching, visit Catholic Answers.

Photos from the Box

Marcel Skywalker engaged in a sword fight.

Finally napping after a no-napper afternoon.

Jozef--all smiles.

Daddy on duty.

Happy Birthday, Mommy

Said as Marcel was waking up today, between stretches and a yawn:

Mom? When we gonna eat that cake?

A man of sentiments, no. But he sure is a man of priorities.

All Work & No Play

This afternoon, I was talking with the boys about the busyness of our week:

Mom:  ...and on Thursday we're going to get together with other homeschooling families at a park in Green Bay.

Kolbe:  Oh!  What are we going to do there?

Mom:  Well, we'll bring a picnic lunch and play at the park.  Then, we can meet some other kids that are homeschooled.

Kolbe:  Aw, that's boring.  I thought we were gonna do school work.

Something tells me he wouldn't be receptive to the term "summer vacation".

The Ordination of a Priest

This weekend, Jen and I hauled the boys around on a wirlwind tour, traveling to Iron Mountain on Thursday night, then up to Marquette on Friday afternoon to witness the ordination of Father Ben Hasse, then to a Friday night surprise birthday party for my mom in Ishpeming, then to a Saturday filled with cousins and aunts and uncles and food, and finally a Saturday night First Mass for Father Ben. It was all worth it!

Saint Peter's Cathedral was filled to standing room only, and the ordination mass took close to two hours, but the ceremony was awe-inspiring. It was great to be part of the 'People of God" present there, as the bishop termed it, and witness the laying on of hands as Ben and another deacon were ordained as priests. It a lot of ways it was like a wedding, with a festive atmosphere, and there was a sense of great joy for the men being ordained. On a theological level, there are some obvious differences, but the sense of excitment for a chosen vocation in life was the same. Ben chose his vocation, but has also been chosen for it. There is something special and natural and right in that.

On a personel level, witnessing Father Ben's first mass was powerful. Amid the nervousness and the crowd (packed again), I thought to myself that here is a good friend who I grew up with and spent so much time with, and here he is consecrating the bread and wine into Jesus Christ. I'm not sure there is much more I can say that would top that. Here he is in a literal way bringing Jesus Christ to others, to the world.

Amidst all this, on the rating system of good behavior for my boys, they all managed to be in the 8 to 10 range (out of ten), including 7 month old Jerzy. It must have been the Holy Spirit, who had a busy weekend here in the UP.

Pizza Making

Our good friend, Deacon Ben Hasse, stopped by the other day to make some pizzas with us. Throughout college and seminary, I think he's truly perfected his receipe for pizza crust.

Click here to view some photos of our pizza night (they're uploaded on Facebook).

We feel truly blessed to know Ben and are excited to attend his ordination this weekend! What a great role model for our children (and us!) of a young man answering God's call to the priestly vocation. Our prayers are with you today and every day!

Little Acts

Our family has a practice that the boys very much enjoy engaging in.  Whenever we see an ambulance go by on the street or pass an accident, we say a Hail Mary and an Our Father for the workers as well as the people in their care.  Sometimes, Kolbe or Jozef may even ad lib a prayer asking God to "please keep the people safe".

Today we enjoyed some quiet, as I was working away at my laptop, Marcel was coloring scribbling on a notebook of mine.   Our patio door was open to it's screen and we could hear lawn mowers as well as birds chirping.  I noticed a siren sounding in the distance outside but did not call attention to it.  After a few moments, Marcel said:

"Hail Mary...full 'a grace... Mama!  Pray!"

So, I did.  I joined in with my toddler who reminded me that first things need to come first and my work could wait.  What a joy to see my child reminding me to pray for those in need!

Toddler Mania

Marcel: Mom, I have dirty hands.

Mom: Ok, you can go into the bathroom and wash them yourself.

Two minutes later, Mom started to wonder why the water was still running in some far off corner of her world.

Three minutes later (due to a stratigically placed whole roll of TP by the favorite 2 year old):

Marcel got clean hands, and Mom got a clean bathroom floor. Oh well, maybe we'll just move floor washing day to Thursdays.

Daddy's Grocery Getter

Dad & Kolbe & Jozef decided to go on a little adventure on Monday. We loaded up the bike trailer with groceries from Mom's list at the local Pig. It was a stunning success!







I told Mom we should consider getting a three seat bike trailer in order to allow Joe a little more room.

Super Gap

A bit ago I posted a picture of Kolbe (since fondly referred to as "Gappy") after he lost a prominent baby tooth.  Things have steadily digressed for him.  Corn on the cob is a bit of a problem these days...

Fulfilled Dreams

Life. Is. Busy.  

Between meals and laundry and dishes and a trip to Michigan and unpacking, the blog has been sitting here. 

Languishing.  

Sorry.  

Now, on to the good stuff.

The truly wonderful thing about dreams is, one person's are completely different another's. While simply thinking about and imagining a dream of mine helps me to feel excited about life, you may think my dream is crazy, irrelevant or silly.  That's the beauty of God's creation, we all have different dreams. Sometimes, drastically different.

One dream that Nate and I have for our family is to work to incorporate exercise as a part of our lives.  Without good health, life is difficult. We want exercise to be a natural part of their lives.

To enjoy some activity together we decided to undertake a family bike ride!  As i mentioned in my previous post, this dream cost us money, but also time (in searching for the products that were right for us).  The rewards, however, are sheer fun!  

After a bike tuneup for me, an upgrade for Kolbe, and a purchase for Nate, we're up and mobile!  With our current setup, we can only tow 2 of the 3 riders that we need to.  But, we're looking to get another trailer to pull Jerzy as well.  

Another dream that we had, as a family, was a project that Nate and Kolbe had begun in Nebraska.  Kolbe really wanted a loft in his bedroom.  Upon arriving in Wisconsin, Nate and I really made finishing that loft a priority.  Now, he's dreaming his dreams, up in his loft.

I'll be sure to post a "finished project" picture up soon.

On The Importance of Achieving Dreams

For the last few months, Nate and I have been working on our Dream Book.  It's a small notebook where we write a dream on each page.  We share a book so that our dreams become shared as well.

Matthew Kelly is the author that has really spurred us on our dream quest, if you will.  His premise is that the Author of life has put these dreams in our hearts.  By achieving our dreams, we are truly living out His will--to become the-best-version-of-ourselves.

The thing about dreams is, they don't achieve themselves.  Let's face it, how many of us have a dream that we'd love to achieve, and only need to walk into the next room to do so.  Dreams take work, attention, and planning.  We have to move to achieve them (see prior post on "motivation").

This week, we've brought to fulfillment two of our dreams (pictures will follow in a separate post).  Life feels full and fulfilled when we work together to achieve our dreams.  We are better individuals, a better couple, better parents, and (I pray) better followers of God's will.