tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71681868871976110512024-03-14T04:15:23.168-07:00Veils and VocationsJennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.comBlogger310125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-19336963406009375542020-01-11T04:32:00.000-08:002020-01-12T18:38:12.407-08:00Prayer to Preserve Religious Freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjWJg7mxNb7JJ_WcS-4vTZkjyR1Q74_McutK2CTLbeqtamiqniNVpL3IxekH2eM688pCR7SiYOpKEzPuef7Qp9Ok91tV9Q7LFhR08A-XtoAJPlncQMt0IyXfKBZ_OyIjb0o6IyNA3ZGc/s1600/Untitled_1+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjWJg7mxNb7JJ_WcS-4vTZkjyR1Q74_McutK2CTLbeqtamiqniNVpL3IxekH2eM688pCR7SiYOpKEzPuef7Qp9Ok91tV9Q7LFhR08A-XtoAJPlncQMt0IyXfKBZ_OyIjb0o6IyNA3ZGc/s400/Untitled_1+%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Singing in the Face of Evil</h2>
In <a href="https://youtu.be/_t6wTW-_VVI" target="_blank">New Jersey</a>, there is a battle raging to preserve religious freedom. Recent legislation is not only threatening our parental rights but making it clear that if we want to continue to <a href="https://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2019/12/5-reasons-to-have-sacred-art-in-our.html" target="_blank">live our faith</a>, we must fight. Top officials have said openly that faith has no place in matters of "public good" and "science." We are not alone, this battle is playing out across the country. How do you live your faith, if you cannot live it at every moment in every place?<br />
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<br />Where Two or More are Gathered</h2>
Protests have been ongoing since December. Mothers, fathers, children, elderly...some from states away. All descending on the capitol square to have their voices heard. There are people from every background and faith. We do not all see the issue in the same light, but we do all see how it erodes our freedom. Once freedom is abandoned, it is seldom, or at least not easily, brought back.<br />
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Gathering is a way to show support and distress. We need to come together and fight for what is right. Although we are called to be peacemakers, we are never called to be doormats. Jesus himself turned over the tables in the Temple and disrupted the status quo. He did not accept the will of the government when it interfered with the will of God. To preserve religious freedom, we must come together. We must drop everything, everything that seems important in the moment but has no value in Our Master's Plan, and come together to stand up for what is right. Evil waits for no man. Plowing your field--or cleaning your home, or completing your work--is of temporary importance. The big picture requires action that is swift and focused.<br />
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Catechism in Action</h2>
We are called to preserve and promote the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. Our lamps are meant to be where all can see to shed light on a very dark world. Does that mean that our lamps will protect us from discomfort and criticism? Absolutely, not! Some will try to blow out our lamps. Others will be offended and come against us to put out our lamps. And still others will call us crazy for having a lamp in the first place. Shining our lights makes us vulnerable.<br />
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Jesus admonishes us to not deny Him before men. When we hide and "fly under the radar," we are denying Him who gave us the light to shine! Peter denied Jesus with his lips three times. He wanted to fit in. Perhaps he was too tired to handle the jeers and arguments that would follow. Or maybe, he felt that if he just kept his head down this would all blow over and His Savior would be set free!<br />
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Will You Be Silent?</h2>
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This past Thursday, <a href="https://www.churchmilitant.com/news/article/nj-rosary-rally-storming-heaven-to-stop-2-extreme-state-bills" target="_blank">a small but mighty group</a> of Catholics gathered in Trenton to pray and sing. We processed up the block across from the statehouse, sprinkled holy water, and blessed salts on the path to the statehouse door, and prayed for over two hours for each senator, the governor, and the preservation of religious freedom. When organizing this event, I had a much different idea of how it would go. My family left early in the morning for the long, and slow-moving drive to Trenton. My boys have been wanting to see Washington's crossing and several landmarks, but this was not a time for sightseeing. This was an opportunity to put our faith, and civics lessons, into practice. </div>
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My youngest was having a day, a three-year-old day to be exact. Her usually delightful personality was not a happy camper from the moment she woke up. Time in the cold with loud noises from the protesters did not help. As the crowd continued to shout and bang drums, our little band of faithful continued to pray even though it was hard to even hear the person right next to you. And Lovie Lu began to cry. I bounced, I rocked, I rubbed her back and feet...nothing would settle her down. </div>
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So there I sat on a cold, concrete curb, with my back aching and rocked her until she slept briefly. For a moment I was just there with my child and the screams of her agony staring me in the face. As I began to question my parenting capabilities and wonder if really I should have stayed home like a "good mom," a sign caught the corner of my eye.</div>
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SO I CAN TELL MY CHILDREN I WAS NOT SILENT!</h2>
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Uncomfortable with Being Uncomfortable</h2>
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That was it. Emotion caught in my throat. I could not be silent. What would I tell my children if I were and their freedom is stripped away? How could I answer for a future where faith and personal autonomy are banned? How could I be silent? </div>
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My child's momentary distress, which was quickly remedied with a bag of gluten-free pretzels, her favorite doll, and a warm van, was just a distraction. We have grown so accustomed to comfort, we are unwilling to allow ourselves to be uncomfortable. Our parochial vicar recounted his experience walking El Camino this summer, "I realized how uncomfortable I have become with being uncomfortable."</div>
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This was what had to be done. Her tears and frustration are but a blink of an eye that she will likely never remember. Living in a world devoid of freedom, she would never forget. Our discomfort was necessary. Clinging to comfort is how the world has gotten where it is. As Matthew Kelly said in The Best Advent Ever, the world is the way it is because too many people have chosen not to do their "small bit." </div>
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No One is Shirking</h2>
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The prayer, the march, the protest all brought to mind a Dr. Seuss classic, "Horton Hears a Who." With pro-life undertones, the story tell of Horton who discovers a microscopic world that the powers that be wish to destroy. He pleads and pleads but they will not listen, they do not believe the world exists and are not interested in investigating any further.</div>
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So, Horton turns his pleas to his miniature friends, the Whos. He asks them to make as much noise as possible so he can show it is true. A cacophony arises, that the officials cannot hear. Once again, Horton pleas to increase the noise, make sure everyone is making as much noise as possible. Still nothing. Finally, he asks if there is anyone "shirking" their duty. The Whos discover one small Who in a tiny apartment who is just sitting quietly. Through some prompting, this shirker lets out a small "yip" and suddenly the officials' ears can hear. The Whos and their world are saved by one small voice. </div>
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What You Can Do to Preserve Religious Freedom</h2>
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If all who professed Christ as their Savior, and all who enjoy liberty stood up, there would be no room for legislation that goes against the principles of our faith and our constitution! The first thing to do is to make your position known. Sign petitions, attend rallies, share the message that we will not go quietly into the darkness--do not be silent!</div>
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Next, you must pray. Gather and pray. Pray and sing. Process and pray. Fast and pray. Prayer is powerful, it is our greatest weapon against the schemes of the devil. We must realize that this all comes down to the battle Christ has already won. Every moment, every incident is a battle for our soul. Will we side with Our Savior or fall victim to the empty promises of the world.</div>
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Pray the litanies, the full rosary, a <a href="https://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2015/04/a-flying-novena.html" target="_blank">flying novena</a>, or the Divine Office. Commit to praying in a way that is uncomfortable and requires sacrifice. Then sing! Sing in the face of evil. Songs are prayers prayed twice. God's angels sing hymns of praise every moment of eternity. The enemy hates joy and praise. Be a beacon in a very cold and dark world! </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><i><b>That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light: and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><i><b>Matthew 10:27</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;"><i><b>Linking up with <a href="https://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-my-family-tree-stomach-bug-free-and-kids-with-greed/" target="_blank">Kelly </a>for some #7QT!</b></i></span></div>
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<br />Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-1940793211197312532019-12-31T07:52:00.000-08:002019-12-31T08:01:11.647-08:005 Reasons to Have Sacred Art in Our Homes<br />
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The <a href="https://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-empty-box.html" target="_blank">domestic church</a> is the backbone of society. It is where children learn to pray and follow God. Our homes are spots of everyday worship. Establishing domestic churches rich in sacred art and prayer is critical to our future. St John Paul the Great once said,<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">“As the family goes, </span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: large;">so goes the nation</span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> and so goes the whole world</span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> in which we live.”</span></h1>
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This is why building our domestic churches is something we must take seriously. Our children are only ours for a short time. Where do you want to raise your children? In the Church or in the world? Here are 5 reasons to have sacred art in our homes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPjiJyC6iT_Xv8qfj5qNW5rYV22b9DZJKNyOt_6tP3j1aNJ7SgUVnh08IeOwd-fh6jLFcCozGSK1n-BhGxmPSyiceXGj8AaZA1kcg47KE0GeEAcCRKolwDWTRw8eC7Ig9_qc1Zt0mYiE/s1600/How+to+Decorate+Your+Domestic+Church.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Catholic Church with ornate stained glass windows" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPjiJyC6iT_Xv8qfj5qNW5rYV22b9DZJKNyOt_6tP3j1aNJ7SgUVnh08IeOwd-fh6jLFcCozGSK1n-BhGxmPSyiceXGj8AaZA1kcg47KE0GeEAcCRKolwDWTRw8eC7Ig9_qc1Zt0mYiE/s400/How+to+Decorate+Your+Domestic+Church.png" title="sacred-art-in-the-home" width="266" /></a></div>
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Fill Our Homes with Beauty</h2>
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Our culture is obsessed with how things look. We are glued to our social media and continually staging life so that we appear better, brighter, and happier than we are. The quest for outward beauty drives multi-million dollar industries and leads many to despair. I recently saw that millennials overwhelmingly prefer Italian food, not because they like it but because it photographs well!<br />
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This is superficial beauty. It is fleeting and lost. Those Instagram pictures of the lasagna will be buried in hours. True beauty comes from the soul and the Truth. In a quest for social beauty, we have created a very ugly world. However, when children are exposed to true beauty, to the Truth and the Light, it inspires the soul. Medieval cathedrals still captivate us because of their beautiful construction and trappings stir something within us. Our God is one who <a href="https://www.holyart.com/religious-items/paintings-printings-illuminated-manuscripts/table-picture-saint-damians-cross" target="_blank">loves beauty</a>, how else can you explain the intricate wonder of nature?<br />
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Sacred Art in Our Homes Brings Hope</h2>
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Bringing the sacred home gives us hope. When we return from a long cold day, we can recharge beneath the joy of our Faith. A print of Our Lady gently cradling the infant LORD reminds us of the great hope we have in Jesus. An inspiring statue of our favorite saint inspires hope that the Church at Rest is still at work in our lives.<br />
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We find true hope in our hearts and our homes when they are filled with peace and joy. If we want more hope for our family, we must turn our thoughts often, and be inspired by the Holy Family. Sacred art is the balm to a very weary soul.<br />
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Inspire Prayer</h2>
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Why do artists create works of faith? How did the art we cling to in our parishes and museums even begin? Far from graven images of the old testament, faith-filled art is meant to inspire prayer. When an artist has no words for the glories of God, he paints a piece that lifts the soul. We all should pray more. We all promise we will <a href="https://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2015/09/praying-us-home.html" target="_blank">pray more</a>. However, how often does that happen?<br />
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It is so easy to get distracted by the busyness of life. We rush through our days and fall into bed realizing our prayers went unsaid. <a href="https://www.holyart.com/religious-items/statues/fiberglass-statues/virigin-mary-and-infant-jesus-fiberglass-statue-60-cm" target="_blank">Sacred art </a>helps us in this journey. It reminds us of our true goals and home. We are prompted to think beyond our little life and contemplate the wonders of Heaven. If you want to pray more, decorate your home so you meet God and His servants face to face throughout your day.<br />
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Focus on God</h2>
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<i>Lay not up to yourselves treasures on earth: where the rust, and moth consume, and where theives break through and steal. But lay up to yourselves treasures in heaven: where neither the rust nor moth doth consume. For where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also.</i></div>
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<i>Matthew 6:19-21</i><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">What are our treasures? What do we strive to provide for our homes? The consumerism of our modern age is consuming. It is so easy to get caught up in the race to have the latest and greatest. We are no longer keeping up with the Joneses, but keeping up with the Kardashians. </span></div>
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Where should our focus be? While the world seeks to distract us, our sole focus, for the health of our soul, should always be God in the Trinity. How can we serve Him? How can we listen more intently to His voice? What is He asking of us this day?</div>
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Our treasures of today will surely attract moths and rust away. All we will bring with us at the end of this life is our soul and our faith. Decorating our homes as domestic churches keep our hearts focused on our true mission. As Father Newcomb said on the Sunday before All Saints Day, "If we do not become saints, our lives are a failure."</div>
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This is not to depress us, but to inspire us. No treasure can ever outweigh what awaits us after a good and faithful life. Let us raise our families surrounded by reminders of God's Promise and Love.<br />
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Make Our Faith Our Life</h2>
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Our faith is not just something we do. It is who we are. It is the sole reason for our existence. Being Catholic should never end at the parish door. We need to bring it home with us and carry it throughout every moment of the day. Do our lives radiate the Light of Christ? Are we set apart not through isolation, but because of how and who we serve? Our homes should reflect this conviction and faith, as well.</div>
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Living in a domestic church fortifies our faith. Our homes need to look Catholic. This does not mean spending extortionate amounts of money on every Catholic toy, gadget, and piece of clothing. All of these are good, but consumerism is never justified simply because we are buying Catholic goods. Instead, it should be obvious to outsiders that ours are Catholic homes. Instead of hiding our faith beneath a bushel basket of modern decorating, we should be letting it shine for all the world to see.</div>
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Sacred art for your home and family is an investment. Perhaps you can only afford one focal piece, or maybe you can clothe every room in a religious splendor. It is not about how much, but in how intentional you are. Fill your home with beauty, truth, prayer, hope, and God---these are the true treasures we should always seek.</div>
Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-46105997526792001832018-05-25T09:36:00.002-07:002018-06-01T05:04:19.533-07:00#7QT How to Get Stated with HomeschoolingIt's Friday, and it is beau-ti-ful <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2018/04/7qt-seven-reasons-to-take-adventure.html">outside my window</a>!! Thank you, Jesus, the sun is shining! How is your day going? Have any great Memorial Day plans?<br />
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Before I take a bit of a computer break for the long weekend, I thought I would jump on here to share a litle #7QT post about making the decision to homeschool. Linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-life-changing-reads-and-counting-down-the-days-to-camp/">Kelly</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So You Are Thinking of Homeschooling!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you considering homeschooling? Have you thought of the benefits of having your children home more, having control over their education, and a more manageable family schedule? Are you overwhelmed and don't know where to start?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Don't worry, you are not alone. Truth be told it took me six years to make the leap! Hubby and I began discussing homeschool the day Cowgirl was born. When she turned five I still wasn't ready to commit and had so many reservations. I enrolled her in preschool for three full days a week to stall the process a bit. She had made the kindergarten birthday cut off by mere hours, everyone was okay with that response so that is where we were for a year!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">When Cowgirl was coming up on turning 6, Hubby told me that preschool for another year was no longer an option, I needed to make a decision! I jumped in with both feet and 9 years later, we are still going!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where to Start with Homeschooling</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The best place to start is with your "why." Why do you want to do this? Why do you think your family needs this? Write it down. Say it out loud. Paint it on your wall if you want! Knowing your why will solidify your decision because now you gave a vision.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You could do a pros and cons analysis--that is a favorite exercise of mine, but your why is the biggest piece to this decision making process. A homeschooling friend once said, "Write down why you are doing this in August and then take it out in January and remind yourself when you forget!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dealing with The "What About...?" Resistance</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the first questions you will probably be asked when you <a href="http://www.setonmagazine.com/latest-articles/when-family-doesnt-support-your-homeschooling">announce your decision</a> to homeschool will be, "What about Algebra and Chemistry?" </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The second will be, "What about socialization?"</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">What about them?? If you child is starting kindergarten, the truth is that you don't need to know what you will do about anything beyond kindergarten. No one is asking public school kindergarten parents, "What about AP Spanish?" </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">That is years away. The years go quickly but you really only need to tackle this year. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">On to the socialization question...ask them to define socialization, and then proceed. Homeschooling is not some back woods, underground movement. Today, it is as mainstream as charter schools and abounding with opportunities. In fact, most homeschool families struggle with actually being home!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, even if you are not on the road every day for co-op, classes, meet-ups, and field trips; socialization is the skill of being able to relate to others, form relationships, and interact with those beyond your immediate family. Homeschooling provides more opportunities to interact with people from all age groups and demographics than any other schooling option. Homeschool activities are not segregated by class or geographic neighborhood, there are children from all grades and often several towns, counties, even states in one place, learning together!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is Homeschooling Even Legal?<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, yes it is! Honeschooling is legal in all 50 states of the USA, Canada, and most countries around the world. There are exceptions, however, and you can see a break down of homeschooling <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homeschooling_international_status_and_statistics">laws for the world here</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each state does have it's own regualtions and requirements. Some are more homeschool friendly than others. If you are considering homeschooling, your first stop should be HSLDA to see what your state requires of homeschool families and how to proceed. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Even in the most rigid states, homeschooling is still a completely viable option. Do not fear that you will have to hide in your basement and use code names to survive. I promise you, no laws are being broken by teaching your child to read!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Are You Qualified to Teach?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Some states do have stipulations on home teacher requirements that need to be met. That said, parents teach their children every day! You taught your child how to dress, how to speak, how to safely go up and down the stairs, how to ride a bike, how to write his name....the list goes on and on. Lesson abound at home. Also, homework turns parents into teachers whether they like it or not. If you are spending hours each night reviewing multiplication, working through essay writing, helping a child match shapes and colors, etc, guess what, you are already homeschooling!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you do come across a subject that you just can't or won't teach to your children, there are numerous options for online, video, and self guided courses. Being a homeschool parent does not mean you are the only one allowed to teach your child, it just means you are the one in charge of overseeing his complete education.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">In fact, <a href="http://hechingerreport.org/two-studies-point-to-the-power-of-teacher-student-relationships-to-boost-learning/">recent studies</a> have show that the biggest factor in successful learning is student/teacher relationship! Teachers are being encouraged to get to know students better, and many schools are adopting a "looping" system so students stay with one teacher longer. That just begs for an increase in homeschooling. Who knows a child better than his parents? </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where Do You Find Homeschool Curriculum?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you have a library card? I know that seems over simplified, but back in the day, before textbook companies existed, there were books! <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/search/label/Let%27s%20Get%20Planning">Just books</a>! That is how Abe Lincoln learned, and it seems to have worked pretty well.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of course, you may want more structure, more accountability, more support. In that case, there are an overwhelming amount of homeschool curriculum options out there. Honestly, there are too many! Instead of worrying if options exist, prepare yourself to be overwhelmed with the programs and texts available for homeschooling today! I will be publishing a guide to finding homeschool materials this July!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">What If I Fail at Homeschooling My Child?</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, that is a possibility, but so is your house being struck by lightening, you live there anyway, though. The fear of failure holds back the best of ventures. You will never know until you try. Playing the "what if" game is not beneficial to any decision making process.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You are making this decision to the best of your ability today for this year. Take it one year at a time. get through kindergarten without worrying about 4th grade! You are free to change your mind at any time. Children change schools all the time due to moves or school choice options. Don't let the fear of failing hold you back. YOU CAN DO THIS!! </span> </span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is your biggest question about beginning to homeschool? </span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drop it below or send me a message. I would love to help you out! </span> </span></span></span></div>
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Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-1575538408640629112018-05-04T01:37:00.000-07:002018-05-04T01:37:55.182-07:00Serving the Least With The Most Love<i>Today I have something a little different for you--a guest blogger! I am busy working on some big things over here---BIG THINGS!!! I promise to share more when I can. I am so excited, I can hardly wait.</i><br />
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<i>Sheila M. Hupp is a lovely virtual assistant and mommy to some beautiful little ladies. I am so happy to have her here today! Thank you Sheila, this is a treat for me, too. Please show Sheila so me love and leave an encouraging comment! I'm linking up with Kelly who has an excellent series going on the apparitions of Mary for May! Have a blessed weekend!</i><br />
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I have three little girls at home with me every day. Life is never dull with these gals and one (or two or three) almost always needs something. I spend my days hopping like a monkey on fire from one need to the next. As soon as one nose is wiped, another has a booboo in dire need of kissing.</div>
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With the best of intentions I will start my day with a fresh attitude and a determination to be a patient and loving mama; but, end up so grumpy I could give Cruella de Vil a good fright. The service that I am called to now as a mama of little people is not easy but these gals are not going to raise themselves.</div>
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How I approach this calling can make all the difference in my experience as their mother and their experiences as my daughters. The diapers will be changed, the meals will be cooked, the laundry will be done; but, I have the choice on how I show up to serve my family. Each day I have the choice to show up with love or with contempt.</div>
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Mother Teresa once said, "It is not how much you give, but how much you love you put into giving."<br />
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Dang. She can throw down some truth that can snap my eyes back into focus. I've been blessed with the three little ladies and it should be a joy to spend my days with them. They need me to teach them, to guide them, feed them, and nurture them. This time I get with them is a blessing and although it doesn't always feel that way, I need the reminder that what I am doing is showing my girls a glimpse of the love Jesus gives to us.<br />
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In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells a story that gives indisputable guidance on how and who we should serve. In this parable, he said that the King will divide people like sheep and goats, putting the sheep to his right and the goats to his left.</div>
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To the sheep on the right, he will praise them for how well they cared for him. He says that they now have an inheritance prepared by the kingdom long before the creation of the world. The King goes on to say how they satiated his hunger, quenched his thirst, welcomed him into their homes, clothed him, nursed him to health, and visited him in prison.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Confused, the sheep asked him when did they do those things because they had no recollection of being in the King's presence and serving him. The the King told them, "Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matt. 25:40).</span></div>
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Could it be that our job each day is to simply open our eyes to see the needs in front of us? Should our prayer be that God would give us the guidance to use our unique skills and gifts to serve others as if we were serving Him? Is it possible to make a difference serving where we are right now?</div>
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Yes! Yes! Yes!<br />
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One June evening a friend of mine showed up in the best display of love and service. She arrived at my house unannounced with a pot roast in he crockpot. When we were surprised she wanted to bring us dinner and hug our necks.<br />
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The day before I called her asking for prayers as my little girl and I were in a bad car accident. The events of the previous day threw my life into a whirlwind and my thoughts were all over the place. That day was spent mostly on the phone recounting the accident multiple times to insurance representatives and police officers, each time reliving the horrific details.<br />
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As my friend stood there with an amazing dinner in her hands, my heart burst. What an incredibly beautiful surprise. I had not thought once about how I was going to feed my family, but she did. To her, she was delivering a meal, but to us, she was nourishing our spirits. Completely drained from the chaos, a warm, delicious dinner allowed our family to sit together and be fed.</div>
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Our friend Mother Teresa hit the nail on the head when she said, "When Christ said, 'I was hungry and you fed me,' he didn't mean only hunger of bread and for food; he also meant hunger to be loved."</div>
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Sisters, we aren't called to the glamorous life but rather to the life that honors God by loving like He loves us.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My prayer is that we have eyes to see where we can be used and open hands willing to do the work. The people we serve may never be able to return the favor and what we do may seem insignificant to us, but to those being served and loved, it could be a front row seat to heaven on earth.</span><br />
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<i>Sheila is a wife, mama,
homeschooler, and believer. She and her husband love raising their three
girls in the woods and taking each day as slowly as possible. You can follow her on Instagram @sheilahupp.</i></div>
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Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-5074921979401828332018-04-27T06:48:00.007-07:002018-04-27T07:11:49.625-07:00#7QT Seven Reasons to Take An Adventure with Your KidsWe are just back from our third annual Road Trip with Mom. Well, it's been <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2016/09/seven-super-quick-takes-first-week-of.html">five days</a> but I'm still catching up. Have you taken any adventures with your kids? Here's seven good reasons to try!<br />
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Linking up with rockstar mom<a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/dusting-off-my-top-hat-and-cane/"> Kelly</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Time Goes by Too Quickly</b></span></div>
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Remember Ferris Bueller? Bueller...Bueller...anyone? (I know, I'm dating myself, so I won't even tell you how old I was when I saw that movie for the first time!) "Life comes at you pretty fast. If you don't stop and smell the roses once in awhile you will miss it." </div>
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I may have butchered that quote but taking an adventure causes you to slow down, unplug, and just spend some time with the kids.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There's More to Life than Laundry And Dishes</b></span></div>
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I borrowed that from my friend, Theresa! Yes, I am still catching up on laundry, cleaning, and reorganizing after our adventure, but for four days I had no cooking or housework. Working and teaching at home is a never ending to-do list. Even when business and school tasks are complete, there's the housework, yard work, and hungry kids to feed.</div>
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On our adventure, for four days none of that had to be done. Sure there was driving and child wrangling, but it was a break from the endless busyness that takes up so much valuable time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV7j1n790YTQ34axBrW-EqbLvN6d8dliV6ZGcn2WLJIAE_F867rEyoMBZRXwaVao1Rr94pzkv2B6k1RIICi32kFTzpaTmSrhyphenhyphenn9erYlThJKgNlHCE8waR4lGBa5jWwwtN9-NuShmQYfI/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtV7j1n790YTQ34axBrW-EqbLvN6d8dliV6ZGcn2WLJIAE_F867rEyoMBZRXwaVao1Rr94pzkv2B6k1RIICi32kFTzpaTmSrhyphenhyphenn9erYlThJKgNlHCE8waR4lGBa5jWwwtN9-NuShmQYfI/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Kids Are Growing So Quickly</b></span></div>
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Like the time flying by, the kids are growing by leaps and bounds. In high school, Hubby and I were in a production of <u>Fiddler on the Roo</u>f (He was Tevya, I was third Jewish girl from the right.) All the parents cried during "Sunrise, Sunset."</div>
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<i>Is this the little girl I carried?<br />Is this the little boy at play?<br />I don't remember growing older<br />When, did, they?<br />When did she get to be a beauty?<br />When did he grow to be so tall?<br />Wasn't it yesterday when they, were, small? </i></div>
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<i>Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset<br />Swiftly flow the days<br />Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers<br />Blossoming even as we gaze<br />Sunrise, sunset, Sunrise, sunset<br />Swiftly fly the years<br />One season following another<br />Laden with happiness and tears</i></div>
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At the time, it seemed ridiculous. It had taken a lifetime to become a teen and days seemed to stretch forever. Now that I am, ahem, official the same age as my mom was, I see how quickly it goes. Blink once and it's eight months later, twice and five years have passed.<i> </i>Get out and have an adventure before they are all grown up and fly away!<i></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Who Needs More Stuff???</b></span></div>
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We have always valued experiences over tangible gifts. Birthdays have always been celebrated with family time and gathering with friends, not presents from Mom and Dad. It used to be that each child picked a "birthday trip" for the family to share. However, as the kids have grown, and multiplied, planning a trip for each individual child where all the family is available is near impossible, especially with 3 fall birthdays!</div>
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Christmas is pretty simple around here, too. I always enjoy the photos of presents stacked high beneath the tree that circulate the blogosphere each December, but it just isn't our style. Instead we take adventures. Our annual road trip with mom is my big gift to all of them!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sometimes You Just Need to Be Mom</b></span></div>
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Raising a family is a monumental task! Homeschooling only ups the ante a hundred fold. There are times the responsibility overwhelms me. It is just SO much!</div>
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When running a household and ensuring multiple children are fed, clothed, comforted, AND educated, it is hard to let loose and just be a "fun mom." I struggle with this because I want to be the kind of mom my kids need and want, I'd love to be one who just sits and plays all day, but there is just too much to accomplish. My days are packed every second with tasks, if I fall behind, I may never catch up--or at least that's how it feels.</div>
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Breaking routine and getting out of the house, gives homeschool moms the chance to remove a whole stack of hats, leave the checklists behind, and just focus on being mom.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There Are Too Many Places We Haven't Seen in This World </b></span></div>
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There are so many adventures to be had! We are already planning our next road trip. Originally, the kids almost had me convinced on a 19 hour away destination! Part way through our recent trip, I came to my senses. </div>
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So, while we want to travel across country, I think we will hit some new destinations within the five hours drive vicinity. However, I know we will get there. We started out just taking day adventure trips, and have built up from there. I hope to do a one weeker, in the future, but right now it is nice to dream!</div>
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I have always had a dream of owning an RV and taking amazing trips, since I was a kid. Now, my kids share that dream. We would love to do a "roadschooling" extravaganza, take our books and hit the open road. We even have planned out exactly which amenities our RV needs to have for this. Some day, some day!</div>
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Even if you don't travel far afield, or even for more than a few hours, there is much to explore related to history, nature, culture, and just plain fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ie6mjjQSlxBPNm9dqWifbu_OuRi2eklYc0CPF3f_bwfc-AcCNleDcOshTbWX6aPqS7onBvLsGO3h2GbqJ0y5OzU5dpAppCvefAwFGuQ0j93Xsx_v4Kmyyv6EH5sDSlMyOV_pYBT1gHQ/s1600/Untitled+design%252820%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ie6mjjQSlxBPNm9dqWifbu_OuRi2eklYc0CPF3f_bwfc-AcCNleDcOshTbWX6aPqS7onBvLsGO3h2GbqJ0y5OzU5dpAppCvefAwFGuQ0j93Xsx_v4Kmyyv6EH5sDSlMyOV_pYBT1gHQ/s640/Untitled+design%252820%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Learn to Do Hard Things</b></span></div>
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It's important for children to see their parents take risks, calculated risks but risks none the less! When I set out with our vans chock full of kids, snacks, and plans, I realize what an awesome undertaking it is. There are definitely bumps along the way. None of our trips are Travel Channel material. We get lost. We sometimes have meltdowns. There are lost souvenirs and destinations that we never find. There's chocolate for lunch and cookies for dinner when the traveling gets tough. There are mistakes, missteps, and dashed dreams. However, that's what memories are made of!</div>
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When we slosh through the traffic, missing road signs, and undoubtedly wrong Google directions, my kids get to see that even adventures have their downsides and that their mom can handle more than she thinks she can.<b></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What adventure would you love to take with your kids?</span></b></div>
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Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-43124755670743309522018-04-06T06:14:00.002-07:002018-04-06T06:16:23.805-07:00Please Pray For Her RescueDear Friends,<br />
This is the quickest take there is! I am hopping on and linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-five-seven-five/">Kelly</a> to ask for some fervent prayers for a special little girl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw5CN54LF0AsjCGEMJbvT2KO6XtB-BNoADrYODUwqRtcpEV0a9An_3k3h6G-B4PlKUW-vFkQhj1pFcFyoyislfhQD5aEykXHAt7OD8L4Zp498-JNm2NdrVVUHS8rh3FHF_xJz1ylbxII/s1600/pray+for+lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUw5CN54LF0AsjCGEMJbvT2KO6XtB-BNoADrYODUwqRtcpEV0a9An_3k3h6G-B4PlKUW-vFkQhj1pFcFyoyislfhQD5aEykXHAt7OD8L4Zp498-JNm2NdrVVUHS8rh3FHF_xJz1ylbxII/s400/pray+for+lily.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lily, who is named for Our Lady, is desperately ill and in so much pain.<br />
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Her mother explains the situation here:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">"Lily
was just diagnosed with Macrophage Activation Syndrome. A serious
complication of SJIA. Her immune system is attacking her blood cells. We
are trying an aggressive treatment at
home but may need hospitalization. MAS gets bad FAST and its deadly.
It's also heartbreaking because only 3% of kids with SJIA get MAS the
fact that she did so soon after diagnosis is not a good sign. It means
her case is more complicated than we hoped. She has a more serious case.
Lily is hurting." </span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Lauren, her mother, says the steroids seem to be helping but this
poor baby is still suffering and far from out of the woods.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Lauren and her husband, Erik, have asked for this request to be shared on as many prayer chains as possible. Please pray and share!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">The photo above is Lily's twin praying for her! Thank you! </span></span></span><br />
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<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">My heart is so heavy for my friend and her baby, thank you for caring!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g"><i>Dear Father in Heaven, hear our plea and delivery baby Lily from her suffering! </i></span></span></span><br />
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<span class=" UFICommentActorAndBody"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody _1n4g">Do you have an intention in need of prayer? Please comment below so we can pray for each other. </span></span></span>Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-4919032130534959652018-03-23T06:41:00.000-07:002018-03-28T13:22:55.504-07:00Walk Through Holy Week with Jesus<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-14a071b0-496a-93b8-dd88-0440a460298a" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2017/04/holy-week-in-7qt.html" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Holy Week</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> is a busy time in the Church, it is also the best time to live the faith and experience</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the catechism first hand. The eight days of Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter are </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">packed with opportunities to follow Jesus on His journey to Jerusalem, Passion, and </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">miraculous resurrection. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">This is my favorite week of the year. It can also be exhausting with so many trips to church</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> to participate in the liturgy. However, I have found that the experience of walking WITH Jesus</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> through Holy Week, is exhilarating and makes the miracle of Easter that much sweeter.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Each day, walk through the gospels and grow in your relationship with Our LORD, the Christ.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">[Linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-so-just-how-is-school-going-anyway/">Kelly!</a>] </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ioIQOj8SUyEYfrKDQ36HGJA5EssRaSisYhYexMov57PXZCHX6DP8y_S4GJBUe6vCjUnCQXmfxRm8U_IgFRVpe1KFRTnmQTtjuSHC7mQ2GWg5JqATFPBdUiAtcF1VZzojtFo6SA0NDU/s1600/Untitled+design%252812%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15ioIQOj8SUyEYfrKDQ36HGJA5EssRaSisYhYexMov57PXZCHX6DP8y_S4GJBUe6vCjUnCQXmfxRm8U_IgFRVpe1KFRTnmQTtjuSHC7mQ2GWg5JqATFPBdUiAtcF1VZzojtFo6SA0NDU/s640/Untitled+design%252812%2529.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Palm Sunday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">--Welcome Jesus to Jerusalem and, with the crowds, celebrate our amazing </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Savior. Take an active role in the reading of the Passion. Try to imagine what it was like </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">amid the crowds of bystanders waving palms and shouting “Hosanna.” When you get home</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> from Mass, place your palms in a special vase for decoration for Holy Week and have a </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">special meal as a family. This is a joyous day because the prophecies have been fulfilled, </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the new king of Israel has come to Jerusalem.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Holy Monday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">-- The day after Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to the sound of crowds cheering Him,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> He went up to the temple. However, He did not go to teach and pray. He came to overturn the</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> money changers tables and sweep clean those who offended God.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">On Monday,clear out your temple. Our diocese has Reconciliation Monday this day and every</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> church is open from 4pm to 8pm for confession. This is a great blessing for sure. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Not everyone will have that opportunity, but if you can, </span><a href="http://www.setonmagazine.com/catholic/spirituality/5-ways-to-make-your-kids-love-confession" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">go to confession</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">. Even if you can’t get</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">to confession, there is cleaning that can be done. Get your home in order for the great season</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">of Easter. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Purge the clutter. Do away with useless distractions. Find ways to come into Easter cleaner,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">lighter, and more open so you can be filled with the grace of His Resurrection.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Holy Tuesday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">-- Before Jesus cleaned the Temple, he cursed the fig tree. On Tuesday, while</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> heading back into the city, Peter saw how the tree had died and marveled at the authority and</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> power of Christ. Through mere words, He could give and take life. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jesus replies, “Have faith in God. Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">‘Arise, and hurl thyself into the sea.’ and does not waiver in his heart, but believes that</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">whatever he says will be done, it shall be done for him.”</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Today, read Mark 11:12-14, 20-26 with your children. Eat dried figs as a snack, too.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">What are the mountains in your life? Set aside a time for intense prayer for what seems</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">impossible. For nothing is impossible with God! If you have the opportunity, attend the</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Chrism Mass with your family and thank God for our priests and the sacraments.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Holy Wednesday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">-- Halfway through Holy Week! This is called a day of silence because there</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> is nothing in scripture about what Jesus did this day. We do know that He went to Bethany to</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">spend time with </span><a href="http://www.setonmagazine.com/latest-articles/mary-vs-martha-what-kind-of-mom-are-you" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mary and Martha</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">. The night before, Mary anointed Him with perfumed oil. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">This is a perfect day to read all the parables that Jesus preached on His last visit to the</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Temple. (You can find them in Mark 12). Then take some time to write out Easter cards for</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">family and friends. Or send out those emails to loved ones that you keep meaning to write.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Invite over a friend or relative for tea and a chat. Take the time to remember those important</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">to you in prayerful love.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Holy Thursday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">-- My beautiful friend, </span><a href="http://showerofroses.blogspot.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jessica</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">, who writes at Shower of Roses, introduced me</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> to liturgical teas. So, for several years, on Holy Thursday my children and I have read</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">through Mark 14. Then, we eat special foods that connect with the story. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Below is a list of what we usually have on the table for our tea:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Palms on the road-- In years past, I have made heart of Palm salad, and eaten the</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> whole thing myself. In an effort to economize and simplify, I now just put the palms</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> from Palm Sunday in a pretty vase as a centerpiece.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Costly Oil--I fill a shallow bowl with olive oil and flavor it with Italian seasoning, garlic,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> and a little onion powder. As a child, this is what we put on bread, never butter,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> of course that was only if there was no tomato sauce left to sop up.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Unleavened bread blessed and broken-- We are use broken pieces of Matzo crackers,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> but have also used pitas cut into wedges.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The Blessing Cup--I make a special wine spritzer that is mostly grape juice and water</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> with a very little bit of red wine. The wine and water represent the blood and water</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> that flowed from Christ's side.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mount of Olives--A pile of olives. Any kind will do. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Garden of Gethsemane-- Dried figs</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Sleepy Apostles--Sleepytime © tea</span></span></span></span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Thirty Pieces of Silver-- A bowl with thirty dimes that will then be donated to</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="http://marysmeals.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mary's Meals.</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> We have also used rice crackers, slices of carrots, and slices of string</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> cheese.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Judas' kiss--Strawberries</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The Cock Crowed Twice--We have used rotisserie chicken, chicken salad,</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> and mini chicken pot pies.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Peter's Tears--Salted sunflower seeds. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cloud of Heaven--Garlic mashed potatoes, and yes, I use instant potatoes.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> I simply sauteed some garlic in oil and mix it in. The key is simplicity.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Holy Thursday Mass is a beautiful celebration of the creation of not only the Mass but the</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">priesthood. If you are able, attend Mass. Even better, volunteer to have your feet washed.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Then stay after Mass to pray in silence as Jesus prayed in the garden.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Good Friday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">-- This is the day that</span><a href="http://www.setonmagazine.com/dad/john-clark/the-fathers-role/canonized-from-the-cross-how-st-dismas-shows-its-never-too-late-to-be-a-great-saint" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Jesus suffered</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> and died. The earth quaked and the veil of</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> the Temple was torn in two. Take the time to walk the</span><a href="http://www.setonmagazine.com/latest-articles/living-stations-bring-children-to-the-foot-of-the-cross" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Stations of the Cross</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> at your parish or</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> an outdoor station garden. Physically walking from station to station changes the experience</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> and takes you on the journey that redeemed the world.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> This is a day of fasting and prayer. Keep meals simple and try to avoid unnecessary activity.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Spend time before the empty tabernacle. The emptiness and extinguished flame is striking.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Stop and contemplate what would have happened if that were the end. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">What would life be like without Our Risen LORD?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> It is easy to take the Eucharist for granted, today is the day to remember that it is a great gift.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Holy Saturday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">--This is a day of waiting, expectancy, and ordinary life continuing. Just as the</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> apostles kept the Sabbath as they did every Saturday, we continue with our lives. There are</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> preparations to be done, but today is not Easter. Keep Easter decorations away until AFTER</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> vigil Mass. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">You could also make </span><a href="http://www.catholicicing.com/how-to-make-resurrection-rolls-aka/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Resurrection Rolls</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> or </span><a href="http://www.catholicicing.com/how-to-make-easter-story-cookies-with-a-printable-recipe/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Easter Story Cookies</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">, but don’t eat them until</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> Easter! Resurrection Rolls are a favorite Easter brunch treat in my house.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Easter Sunday</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">--Alleluia! He is Risen! Sing and rejoice. Belt out the Alleluia at Mass or sing it</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> together as a family if you assisted at Vigil Mass. Remember to thank God for our Risen </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Savior. Amid the egg hunts and jelly beans, remember to tell everyone the Good News. He is</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> risen! He is risen, indeed!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 2.4; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Oh, and don’t forget, Easter lasts 50 days! While the rest of the world is packing away all</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> the pink bunnies, we are just getting started celebrating.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do </span>you have any Holy Week traditions to share?</span></span></span></div>
Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-52540928045437409132018-02-27T08:38:00.002-08:002018-03-02T04:55:20.537-08:00A Day in the Life: Homeschooling with a 13, 9, 4, and 1 year oldI have been following <a href="http://simplehomeschool.net/homeschoolday/">these posts</a> and enjoying a glimpse into what it really means to homeschool. It's relieving that most don't look like the polished books and pamphlets but more life real life. When an opportunity came up to share my own, I decided to jump at the chance.<br />
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It may not be #7QT but I am linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-part-2-of-the-florida-adventure-coming-soon-to-a-quick-takes-near-you/">Kelly </a>anyway because I know she's cool with that! <br />
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Here is a day in our life, of course it is not according to plan but, it works anyway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgol1WXXw_7rFYzV5kNtWjRkb5mNfQ8W1pmBr1x4euhCAsk0opgTuldbuPjbucfBKnMY1wng-Vn7J6yVpJd9rmuEkgYaXK0zdQ2EuqhhJhWGn80e_v7J7Nekw0lP7p4GpAN0sh7-QfEzSE/s1600/A+Day+in+Our+Homeschool+Life.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgol1WXXw_7rFYzV5kNtWjRkb5mNfQ8W1pmBr1x4euhCAsk0opgTuldbuPjbucfBKnMY1wng-Vn7J6yVpJd9rmuEkgYaXK0zdQ2EuqhhJhWGn80e_v7J7Nekw0lP7p4GpAN0sh7-QfEzSE/s640/A+Day+in+Our+Homeschool+Life.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's 4AM, Lovie Lu is up to nurse yet again. At 14 months old, her night time nursing has only decreased slightly since we was an infant. I enjoy the snuggles but I am tired and this new love for waking up to nurse at 4 AM is wearing me out. I know that by the time I get her settled again and start to drift back to sleep, my alarm will go off. Still I try to cherish the moments because she is growing so quickly and try not to think about the long day ahead.<br />
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As predicted, I am barely asleep and the 5:15 alarm goes off. I attempt to stretch a bit to wake my fuzzy head and sleepy body but this starts to disturb the little miss, so I continue on with my morning routine.<br />
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I say a decade of the rosary, almost silently, but know that God can hear. It's my little time to focus. I take a deep breath and reach over for my tablet that I stash next to my bed. I had been actually getting up at 5:15 and working in our classroom, but Lovie Lu soon caught onto me and has devised ways to keep me from getting up. If I don't start working by 6 AM, there is no hope it getting the rest of the day done, so my tablet with her cuddled in the crook of one arm is how I get the first part of my work done.<br />
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I am making progress despite only having one hand to type and copy links for my social media work, when she demands more of my attention. In a classic Lovie Lu move, she drapes herself fully across my chest and falls to sleep as I pat her back with one hand and scour the Feedly feed for more articles to share. Its about 6:20AM and the light is filtering through the windows as I hear the high school bus roll by.<br />
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I make a mental note that both World Book Day and Read Across America day are this week, have to plan something special for my preschoolers at co-op on Wednesday! <br />
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7:06 AM and I am still trapped but almost done with what I can do on my tablet. Little Man starts crying and Hubby gets up to see what the problem is. He gets him settled back down then gets himself up for the day. At 7:20, the nursing begins again. She has woken up crying, realizing that she is no long fully attached to me. I nurse her down and finally can slip out.<br />
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I quickly get dressed, fill out the kids work notebooks with today's assignments, get together a plan for breakfast and grab a handful of sunflower seeds. I pour a shot of apple cider vinegar into my water glass and top with some cayenne, ginger, and turmeric. It's my drink to get me going. Everyone is up now except for the baby. I entrust Cowgirl to making up the breakfast cookies and head downstairs to finish working.<br />
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On my way down, I start a load of cloth diapers in the washing machine. I get down to the classroom/playroom, which of course is a mess although the kids "cleaned" it last night. I sigh and move on, I can't do it all. I'll have a talk with them later.<br />
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Two minutes later, Little Man arrives to hang out. I love him but want to get my stuff done, thankfully he goes back up with Hubby who brings me some tea. I can finally work with two hands. Better getting moving before the next interruption--it's 8:15. Yikes, I still have a lot to do!<br />
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It's 8:49 and Little Man is back telling me endless stories. I don't want to miss them but have to get my work done, especially since I have 3 deadlines to meet today and I am still wrapping up social media. It's a constant balancing act.<br />
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At 8:53, I finally log out of social media and try out Little Man's "night vision goggles" (broken sunglasses). I head onto deadline number 1. There is a flurry of activity in the kitchen above me then I hear everyone walking to their various work stations for independent work--I hope.<br />
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Today is Hubby's day "off." Since we both work our own businesses that term is very relative. We had a meeting of the minds and calendars last night. He has been out of the house working his business for the past 5 days. He promised me the morning to let me catch up on my own work. I have until lunch at noon.<br />
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I keep working. Cowgirl shows up at 9:06 looking for one of her textbooks. She offers to bring me a breakfast cookie--I eagerly say yes and remember that I haven't really eaten yet. At least I know the kids are working.<br />
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It's 9:27, Buddy joins me downstairs. He tells me that Lovie Lu is up. My time is ticking--let the games begin! Little Man is not far behind. Buddy gets him set up on "school work." Buddy had taken up the challenge of being Little Man's tutor. He's doing a pretty good job. I need to make sure that Buddy doesn't get lost in teaching and forget about his own work though. I hear Lovie Lu singing in the kitchen.<br />
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By 9:52, Buddy has brought a crying Lovie Lu downstairs. She happily plays with her dollhouse and the boys keep up their school work. This may be a very good day!<br />
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I finish up my work for the morning, and then do a quick math lesson with Buddy. I leave him to do his homework and pick up the baby. Little Man is building a marble run as I leave to go upstairs to change Lovie Lu's diaper and get her dressed for the day.<br />
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I suddenly realize I have no wipes and a very poopy diaper. I can overhear Little Man having a very animated discussion with himself in the living room. I call to him to bring me a new pack of wipes, his response, "How do you know I am here?"<br />
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Cowgirl overhears my plea for help and gets me the wipes. I get the baby all dressed and then touch base with Cowgirl. Her one book is still missing (I do have systems for books and school supplies but they only work when the kids actually use them.) I head off on a frantic mission to find the lost book. I can't find it and realize that it is getting later.<br />
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Today I have the very rare treat of sneaking out for a little bit to get some work done. I've been juggling working/homeschooling/caring for the kids simultaneously for weeks. I have a deadline I have to meet and Hubby is available so I gather my laptop, notes, and jacket to head out the door.<br />
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On my way through the kitchen, I straighten up the counters and clear off the table. Hubby takes the little ones downstairs to get them interested in a few toys before he begins morning read alouds at 11. He first goes over Algebra with Cowgirl. It's 10:35, I have to be back by noon for lunch. If I don't leave soon, it just won't happen and the last time I had any time without kids was in October when I volunteered at the book sale.<br />
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I work amidst the hum of a local diner. I could have gone to the the library but the prospect of an egg over easy and gluten free toast is too appealing....until my laptop battery dies and there is no outlet to use. (Better be more prepared next time!)<br />
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I take out my trusty notebook and pen to write up my article for today's deadline. It's almost noon, so soon, but the break has done me good and I got a lot done. When I arrive back home, the two youngest are playing in the living room while the older kids are busy working at their desks. I nurse the baby then take her for a diaper change.<br />
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We sit down for a quick lunch of leftover rice, collard greens, beans, and ham. I catch up with the kids and then get up to wash the dishes from the morning and the lunch dishes as they trickle in. At 1PM, we all get on our shoes and jackets to head up to adoration. Hubby sits down and starts his work.<br />
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Our parish has added extra hours for Lent and it is a tradition of ours to spend some time each week at adoration for Lent. I wish I could do it more often but I tell myself at least we get there a handful of times each year.<br />
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It's a 20 minute drive to church. The kids bring along a bit of their unfinished work, I also have them each narrate what they each read for the day. Little Man plays on the flash pad to keep from falling asleep and Lovie Lu takes her first nap of the day. We spend as much time as we can in church praying and the little ones are as quiet as an be expected. We get back to the car a little before 2PM. On the way home, we drop Cowgirl for her weekly sewing lesson.<br />
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On the way back, the carschooling is over and the boys chatter in the back seat. As we wind through the wildlife refuge near our house to get home, they are entranced by the vernal ponds, waterfalls, and streams. It's a February thaw and I am trying hard not to get my heart set on spring being here because I know there is still plenty of winter to get through. We get home at 2:30.<br />
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The boys want to play basketball and I can't blame them after being cooped up so much the past few months. Buddy will go out in any weather, but my summer baby, Little Man, just can't handle the cold and it has been a cold winter. I tell them they can play for awhile but Buddy still has some work to complete. I sit down to check emails and address a few work related items. I consider calling them back in, but it really is just too nice out. I grab my bowl and scissors instead and head to the garden with Lovie Lu. I had set up low tunnels in the Fall and am dying to know what survived and if there are any fresh veggies I can use for dinner.<br />
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As Lovie Lu gets her first taste of "running' around the back yard, I discover that there is a nice stand of rainbow chard (one of my favorite vegetables). I cut a bowlful and snip off some lemon thyme, too. I'm pleased that despite the super cold winter, a few small head of lettuce survived, along with four Brussels sprout plants. My garlic is coming up...I again remind myself that it isn't spring yet!<br />
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After heading inside with my bounty, I check in with Hubby who is still working. I open the back door and keep an eye on the kids, Buddy is carrying Lovie Lu around to show her all the amazing "creature adventures" our big yard holds. I get a bit of typing done on the article I hand wrote. It's now almost 4PM, the boys show up with the mail and I tell them it is time to come in.<br />
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Little Man heads downstairs for his requisite daily dose of Wild Kratts and I put Lovie Lu in her seat for a snack. Buddy and I begin researching the Kratt brothers, ironically, for his 4H presentation. He has never done this big of a research project (a 5-7 minute presentation) and it is slow going teaching him how. We research and he writes up notes. About a half hour later, Little Man appears to practice his knife skills on a rice cake and have a snack. Lovie Lu wants down and toddles into the living room to continue playing with her Green Toys bouquet set. Buddy and I wrap up a note taking session around 5 PM.<br />
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I scour the pantry for dinner ideas, chiding myself that I didn't complete the weekly meal plan yet. I sit down to get a bit more work done and then head out the door at 5:30 to pick up Cowgirl from her sewing. She is working on a 19th century dress for her little sister for an upcoming living history day. I can't wait to see how it turns out. She finished her own dress last week and it is beautiful.<br />
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At 5:56, I pull up the drive to my friend's house who is a retired seamstress and now gives lessons. The dress is mostly done, I can't wait to see Lovie Lu in it. We chat a couple minutes then head back home. At 6:30, I walk through the door and start pulling dinner together. Cowgirl has swapped her regular chores for cooking dinner. Once I have her set on what we are making, I start to straighten up but Lovie Lu is losing it and wants to nurse for the sixth time today. I sit on the sofa and continue to talk Cowgirl through cooking. Buddy finishes his chores and gets his basketball uniform ready.<br />
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Little Man starts to melt down and Hubby picks him up. Lovie Lu is falling asleep. The quick nurse has turned into a deep nap after a day of hard playing and fresh air. Little Man collapses asleep on Hubby's shoulder. Buddy is practicing guitar in his room. We are now both sitting in the living room with sleeping little ones, it's the first time either of us has stopped all day. I tell Cowgirl she is going to have to make the chard as well, and start giving her directions.<br />
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At 7:26, dinner is finally ready. Hubby puts Little Man in his bed snoring. Cowgirl and Buddy set the table. We say Grace (with me praying from the living room) and they sit down to eat. It's only 9 minutes until the guys need to leave for basketball practice and Lovie Lu is nursing again.<br />
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She is finally done, as I get to the table, the guys leave. The girls and I continue with dinner. After dinner, the girls go to play in the living room, I put on congee in the slow cooker. I start washing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, but Lovie Lu is getting restless and I know my time is short. I decide to focus on putting away the food and leave the last couple of dishes for the morning, along with the soaking fry pan.<br />
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I get myself changed for bed, pick out clothes for tomorrow, change the baby into pajamas and head to the bathroom to brush my teeth, toddler on my hip. Hubby already had his wardrobe laid out in there and I add mine. It's nearly 9PM and Little Man wakes up and has a meltdown because he is all out of sorts. I am trying to figure out what his problem is but he is just whining and not really saying anything. Lovie Lu, who was settling down and nursing is now fully awake. As I cradle a writhing preschooler, she goes to play with her flowers, again.<br />
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I finally convince him to lie down in my bed until Hubby gets back--I will not miss these late night practices. Lovie Lu is not interested in bed now thanks to a very late nap and too much excitement. I remember the article I have to finish and wish I had charged my laptop so I didn't have to write it up twice. I decide to knock it out while everyone is distracted. That lasts about 2.5 seconds. Little Man realized that he didn't eat dinner and is looking for a snack. He asks for a carrot which I wash and give to him. He cuts it into bite sized pieces and starts snacking.<br />
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A few minutes later, Hubby comes home with Buddy from practice. We begin the task of getting everyone ready for bed and in their rooms. Soon, it is 9:45 and Hubby begins making the rounds to pray with each child and tuck them in. Lovie Lu is fighting between wanting to sleep and wanting to be by the other kids, she squirms and flips all over my bed.<br />
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Hubby shows up in our room about 10PM, we read through the daily readings and do our prayers together. Lovie Lu still isn't settled down and I am out of steam. We decide to watch a quick episode of a favorite show on my tablet. I set the alarm and fall asleep around 11 PM, before the show is over.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by and reading through this. It was so much fun to actually chronicle a typical, but unusual at the same time, day in our homeschool journey.<br />
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What is a day like at your homeschool?<br />
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<br />Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-9152479640931799822018-01-19T05:56:00.001-08:002018-01-19T05:56:34.985-08:00How the Homeschool Year is Going So Far! #SQT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Friday, a cold day with snow everywhere. My two oldest are on their way down to DC for the March for Life. They left at 5AM from Cowgirl's godmother's home (a hour south of us where they spent the night to be there first thing in the morning) and will arrive back there after midnight. My two littles are still asleep.<br />
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So, I thought I would offer a little update on how the <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2017/09/lets-get-planning-read-alouds.html">school year </a>is going. I'll try for <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/state-o-the-bloggo/">7 Quick Takes</a>, it might only be 4, but here we go...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>#1 Free Video Classes are Amazing! </b><span style="font-size: small;">If <a href="http://www.virtualhomeschoolgroup.org/">Virtual Homeschool Group</a> offered affilitate programs, I could be their biggest endorser. I tell everyone about it. I am here to tell you, after using it for half our school year it really is wonderful. I highly recommend using their classes and if you have the time, why not teach one, too!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#2 Geography Coloring Book is Working!</span></b> I really, really like geography. I would spend hours just looking through my atlas and spinning my globe, then returning to my atlas to learn more about my globe discovery. I have had a hard time getting my kids that excited about it, though.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was determined that this would be the year we made significant strides in geography. Now, they all have very good map skills and can name a few dozen animals that live on every continent. However, putting those two together was fuzzy at best.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spent months researching THE BEST geography curriculum. I didn't like what I found or was overwhelmed by the price. Then my friend, Emily, suggested we just draw and color maps. Why didn't I think of that? Since she was schooled in Europe for a number of years, I went with her advice. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I purchased a second hand book of blank geo-political maps. We have been very slowly working through first coloring each of the continents, labeling them, and discussing boundaries. Now we are getting down to color coding individual countries on the continents. I hope to do a map for each country, too, but don't think we will make it there this year at this pace. I am just so happy they are learning and have gotten very interested in maps and globes!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#3 We Have Not Tamed the Pen and Pencil Eating Monster!</span></b> I don't know about your house, but our writing implements are ALWAYS missing!! We switched to only pen, as suggested by <a href="http://iew.com/help-support/podcast/episode-45-pen-and-paper-what-research-says-part-1">Andrew Pudewa</a>. I thought that might solve it, nope, I am still asked at least 54,863,925 times a week, "Do you know where my pen is?"</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you have advice, please share it! I have tried every system known to man, short of tying them down like in the bank! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#4 Latin is So Much Fun!! </b></span>Who knew! My boys long to do Latin and are enjoying it so much. They walk through the house chanting conjugations and quotes by famous philosophers. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#5 I Should Have Been Using Saxon All Along!</b></span> I fought the tide of every recommendation to use Saxon Math. We tried all the rest. I wanted color and depth. I wanted fancy with drills and fancy workbooks. Then I wanted simple and easy. Then I wanted manipulatives upon manipulatives. Then I switched back to easy. In the end, all I really wanted was for them to learn math.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Math always my least favorite subject. I thought I needed to make it something spectacular for my kids to overcome that. As it happens, they just need a solid textbook and a bit of guidance. We are now a Saxon family! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>#6 Having a School Calendar Makes Me Happy!</b></span> Our old way of running the school was start after Labor Day and finish at Memorial Day. We took no breaks other than minimal time for Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. Typically we logged over 200 days even though we finished "a month early."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am getting older and I realized that this amount of work load was not doing anyone good. So we are now on a trimester plan. We have 11 weeks on and then a "reading week." We also took off a week for Thanksgiving (kind of a reading week--I think), one for Christmas, and we will have off time for Easter. In February is our next reading week. Then we will finish by June 1st.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having a plan, makes everything run smoother. I divided our workload by three semesters and now we can see exactly what needs to get done when. No more realizing in April we have miles to go before we sleep!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">#7 School Doesn't Need a Room! </span></b> I was bound and determined to make our school more efficient and official by having it in the "school room" every day with everyone working around our big table and a clock to govern our time. It worked for the first 6 weeks, mostly.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">However, Cowgirl needs her peace and solitude to work well. Even with everyone else working/playing and engaged, she was too distracted. In the end having her work in her room worked for everyone.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Having the boys downstairs and out of the kitchen, though, has led to far fewer snack breaks. I get much more accomplished for my job, life, etc. when I take whatever I need to get done and bring it down as well. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The little ones play instead of climbing on me and whining for my attention every 30 seconds and Buddy works on his school work. We have fallen a bit off this wagon with the allure of the living room fire on the cold winter days. I need to just push Buddy to light a fire downstairs and that would solve it. I just haven't wanted to have to keep two fires burning while I work.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Perhaps, February will change my mind. February is the hardest homeschool month. We need a little prodding to keep going. Fire and tea just might be it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I made it through all seven!! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How is your homeschool year going? Have any tips or tricks to share?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span>Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-41963272819549141392017-12-19T07:13:00.000-08:002017-12-19T07:20:43.894-08:00In Celebration of Perfection and Lovie Lu's BirthdayTime is flying, isn't it? September quickly becomes February. October melts into April. Blink and a whole year has passed!<br />
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I have been wanting to post about Advent and Christmas preparations, but the time has just slipped through my fingers. Speaking of time--can you believe my new baby girl turned 1??? I can't either. How could a whole year have passed?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Party Planning</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although I tried so hard to make this day not show up, to keep her little and let the months stretch out forever, time has a way of marching on and babies have a way of growing. Even though I didn't want to think about her birthday, I couldn't help planning her party.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Before she was born, I had picked up a child sized tea cup for Lovie Lu. It is a precious little thing of white china with pink roses and a gold rim. From that little trinket, I planned a whole party--a very first, very frilly tea party!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">There were nights that I lay awake planning which tea cups would go on which table, how the tables would be arranged, which linens and laces I could use. I rifled through my draws of tableclothes and runners. Gently leafed through the linens that I had taken from my grandmother's home and the doilies my great grandmother made. I searched through my china cabinet and the cedar chest that hold my mother and grandmother's china set for my girls.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">With all these little treasures, I planned a party fit for a very special princess. I didn't have much to spend in the way of money, but I made up for that with hard work and creativity--and a little crystal, too!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovie Lu had a tea party shower complete with china and silver, why not do the same for her birthday? In my humble opinion, it was magical, it was beautiful, it was perfect!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">EXCEPT</span> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Except that perfection doesn't exist this side of heaven. A sweet little baby all wrapped in hope and heavenly scents is about as close as we come, but even there, perfection aludes us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">In my desire to have the perfect party, I could not wait to share the beauty of the day. I longed to pour over the photos as my little girl poured over her cards, examining each one and squealing with delight. I dreamt of my magazine worthy prints, my fabulous post, my awe inspiring Facebook share.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I could see in my mind how all would look. How everyone would ooh and aah over my special celebration. My baby girl is priceless, her party and photos would show the world just that!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I lost the forest for the trees!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">More Than That and So Much More</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just as each of my children are more than a number, more than just moments or victories or social media likes--the true celebration of my daughter's birth was more than a collection of photos to rival the pages of Martha Stewart's magazine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The celebration was a treasury of memories. An opportunity to thank God for all we had been blessed to have, all those prayers and wishes come true...all those moments that linger in my heart! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You see...those perfect pictures, the ones I saw in my mind as drool worthy...that was all pride! And God made sure I didn't get puffed up!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Every photo came blurry. Vignettes that I worked hard to create were missed by my resident, family photographer. I felt such disappointment...such melancoly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I gave up on the custom outfit. I gave up on the perfect cake and the Pinterest decorations. We used e-vites instead of engraved invitations. There were so many little touches and treats that I sacrificed for the good of the family, for our meager budget's sake---now even the photos were offered up!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sharing the Good News, Not the Perfect</span></b></div>
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How could I share these? How could I scrapbook them and have my grandchildren enjoy this little fruit of my labor from long ago? Why could something just not be perfect after so much planning?</div>
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Because, my child, this world is broken!</div>
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Only I AM perfect, only with Me are things whole!</div>
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--God</div>
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You see I was chasing an allusion! I wanted the support of man to cover the multitude of sins that are my life. Facebook likes and blog shares don't equal perfection. This blog is not about making people think I am better--or at least that was never it's intent--it is my little apostolate to spread His good news, not mine!</div>
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The photos weren't out of focus--I was! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>JOY, JOY, JOY....and St Philip Neri</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">When I became pregnant with Lovie Lu, I had a strong pull to St Philip Neri. In prayer, his name was laid on my heart several times. Little coincidences--or God-incences--put his story before me, when I had never even thought of this good saint before.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I began to believe that we must be having a boy who was meant to be named Philip....but baby was a girl! I dug into St Philip's story, wondering why he was the one God kept pointing out to me. You know what one of St Philip Neri's patronages is? JOY! Yes, joy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those of you who know me in real life, know how joy filled Lovie Lu is. She is the most lighted filled child I have ever known. Everywhere we go, people comment on how happy she is, how her smiles lights up the room. Everyone she meets is touched by her love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">These photos would never capture who she really is or the wonder of her year with us. They could never really show how her face beamed and lip quivered when everyone sang to her. How she was overcome with emotion at seeing all her loved ones gathered just for her. A photograph would never tell the story of how she took each card and "read" it, sliding her finger under the words, pointing out each design and print or how she hugged those cards to her heart and smiled at each family member who had given it to her. That, my dear readers, is pure joy!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">And She Pondered All These in Her Heart</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't have the words for how amazing of an experience this little party was, and it isn't because of anything that I could have captured in a perfect photoshoot. My Lovie Lu has lived up to her nickname, and patron, she was love and joy!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The heirloom china, the perfectly pink tablecloth, the miniature cakes and artfully set tables...those were nice, but it would have been just a grim gathering had it not been for the gift of my sweet child.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I don't know what God has planned for her, but I believe it is something great! In my heart there are memories that will warm me all my days...no matter how imperfect the party and pictures were.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We aren't called to be perfect, we are called to love. That I learned from a little child...the Christ child, Our Savior whose birthday is just days away, who came not into a picture perfect palace but a humble, lowly stable. That Christ child is my LORD and I will never be able to thank Him enough for that precious gift, but it took another child, my precious girl, to remind me just what life and Christmas are all about!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks for stopping by! </span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b> </b></span>Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-23121156130920909692017-12-06T06:40:00.004-08:002017-12-12T09:04:03.760-08:00Saint Nicholas Sparkly Party, Fundraiser, and Giveaway!<div style="text-align: left;">
It's Saint Nicholas Day! Did you leave out your shoes? The good saint came to the Veils and Vocations homestead and left a pile of fruit, candies, and a small treat for each child. The kids are contentedly enjoying the treasures...sugar will be kicking in soon.</div>
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I jumped on here to share an <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/148625372574261/148913035878828/?notif_t=admin_plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1512566384752213">amazing opportunity</a> to give, shop, and maybe even receive! My beautiful friend, <a href="https://www.premierdesigns.com/anitamorin">Anita, is a Premier Designs Consultant</a>. My children are Mary's Meals Ambassadors. Wat do those two have in common?? A St Nicholas party of giving with lots of bling.<br />
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Anita and I are teaming up to help spread the word of <a href="http://bfranklin.edu/marys-meals/">Mary's Meals</a>, help you wrap up that Christmas shopping, and feed children most in need around the world.<br />
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Mary's Meals is a charity near and dear to my heart. For this fundraiser, every dollar raised will go directly to feeding the neediest children. Every dollar will feed 20 children--20 children!!! Not only will their bellies be filled but they will get to go to school.<br />
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Food + School = Hope</div>
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Hope is what it is all about. There is no greater gift that hope, after all that is what the Christ Child brought. Hope for redemption. Hope for peace. Hope for a future. Hope for all people--Hope!!</div>
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What are you giving this Christmas? how about a stunning necklace, all wrapped up in hope?</div>
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To join our event visit our page here, it is open to everyone on Facebook or not! Please hop over and share away!! This event wraps up on December 11th and all orders will be delivered in time for Christmas.<br />
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Excited yet??? Well, there is more, much more. One blessed reader is going to be chosen as the mystery hostess at the end of the event. That means, one of you will walk away with sleigh full of jewelry for FREE!!! Yes, FREE! Oh, don't you love Christmas time giveaways. </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/148625372574261/148913035878828/?notif_t=admin_plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1512566384752213">So share and shop</a>! Every dollar earned will help provide hope through Mary's Meals and a little more bling for our lovely hostess. Will it be you??<br />
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<a class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/20761a0a1/" rel="nofollow" data-raflid="20761a0a1" data-theme="classic" data-template="" id="rcwidget_fjw17fb0">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.co
Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-7917340724869056512017-12-02T18:27:00.002-08:002017-12-02T18:27:52.718-08:00From the archives: But, LORD, I homeschooled him!!From the archives:<br />
It has been a few years since I wrote this for a beautiful friend who was worried she would fail her children even though she homeschooled. Another beautiful friend lost her son, tragically, this week and my mind came back to this post. <br />
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Our children are ours for such a brief time...if they are even ours at all. In reality, they belong to the LORD. The older my children get, the hard I realize it is to let go and the more I pray for their clear heads and steadfast hearts.<br />
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No matter where you are on the path of parenthood, this is a reminder that they are His!<br />
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Well, school has begun. After months of researching, planning,
charts, lists, and book shopping--we are here in our school, which looks
an awful lot like our kitchen. While others are posting about first
day victory dances at the bus stops, champagne toasts, and kid-free
afternoon celebrations; us homeschoolers are breathing deep, girting our
loins and plowing ahead. Parenthood is life's toughest job,
homeschooling takes it to an entirely different level. Like my friends,
and most homeschoolers, spend the bulk of our energy trying to plan the
best curriculum, pick the best supplies, pinch every penny to do all we
can to give our children what we believe is what they need and
deserve. Homeschooling certainly is a vocation. But what do we do when
our efforts don't pan out as we planned, or worse our children don't
grow to be men and women grounded in faith and love set to rock the
Catholic world?<br />
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I
am continually reading about homeschooling philosophy, curriculum, and
teaching methods. I seek out articles, blog, books, and magalogs to
fill my head with all that is good and encourage me for the long journey
ahead. However, the reading that has had the most influence on me are
the many, many pages I read in the 5 years that we debated homeschooling
back and forth--when I was searching for something to tell me point
blank this was my mission, or steer me clear from such foolish notions.
The title of one lingers in my memory and gives me hope on the worst of
homeschool days--"But LORD I Homeschooled Him" I don't remember which
book this article was in, only that it was the last section of the
book. <br />
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The essence of the article is that
homeschooling is not the perfect recipe for perfect children.
Homeschooling no matter how superior your curriculum, time spent in
family prayer, and devotion to good Catholic teaching, guarantees a
saint. As mothers, our primary duty is to lead our children to Heaven.
The operative word is lead. We can only lead, we can only present
opportunity, we can fill their minds with all that is good but that is
it. Each of us is born with the blessing and fault of free will. God
designed us to seek Him, He loves each of us, but we must make the
decision to follow. We are not robots, we are not slaves. Freedom to
choose is how God intended us to live and yet it is exactly what led to
our separation from Him.<br />
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In the beginning, man and
woman walked with God. Imagine that, they literally walked with Him in
the garden, just as we do with our children or husband. They spoke to
Him face to face, and held conversations. They had everything and more,
including free will. How did the first couple who had God's breath
with in their lungs, were formed by His Divine Hands, were intimate
friends and follower of the Almighty and saw first hand the awesome
power He possessed respond to all the LORD had given and shown them?
They defied His commands and followed their own desires. They turned
their back on God and walked away to pursue more, then hid in an attempt
to evade His just punishment.<br />
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The Fall brought
brokenness in to the world. It separated us from Heaven and made our
journey to and with God an act of faith and trust instead of privilege.
The Gates of Heaven are never locked, however the only way to open them
is by our own hand; professing our faith, begging forgiveness for our
sins, and opening the door to Christ. Despite the great saving power of
Jesus, He has no dominion over our thoughts, feelings, nor actions. He
will speak to us, if we listen and seek His voice. He will lead us, if
we follow and outstretch our hands. He will guard our hearts and heal
our hurts, if we but fall at His feet. But, none of this is possible
unless we use exactly what separated us from abiding in His garden of
Love in the first place--free will.<br />
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As mothers,
particularly homeschooling mothers, we must remember that we hold our
child's hand for such a short time. Our "long journey" is but a blink
of an eye in reality. Our children quickly grow and fly away to live
their own lives. We who gave them life and roots, must also give them
wings; and it is those wings that can take them far from the warmth of
Our LORD. Those wings can make them soar, but they can also make them
crash. In the end, it is their will that will decide their fate, not
ours. Perhaps this is why the feasts of St Monica and St Augustine are
right before the start of the school year, to remind us of the power of
both free will and prayer. St Monica was a truly devoted and loving
Christian wife, despite abuse and hardship, she kept her faith and
taught it to her son. She dedicated her life to following God and
teaching her son to do the same. However, his free willed wings flew him
to the furthest point from her hopes and dreams. He became the
antithesis of all she had tried to accomplish. "But LORD, I
homeschooled him!"<br />
<br />
She never wavered in praying for her
son--an example that I have to try harder to follow. For decades,
despite every terrible decision and wrong action, she loved her
Augustine and prayed for his conversion. Then one day, it happened and
that lost, broken, sinful man became one of the greatest theologian and
followers of Christ. Do you think St Monica ever even imagined her son a
prized theologian and canonized saint? But there he was!<br />
<br />
There
are no guarantees in this world--especially when parenting--but we are
promised salvation if we take up our cross, trust, obey, and believe.
It is a personal action that each must do for themselves. So, pray for
your children, love them, fill their hearts and minds with all that is
beautiful, hope in their faith, and lead them down the narrow road; but
remember it is not your will that will save them, only their own. And
even when they stumble and fall no matter how deep, there is always more
redemption than fall. The most broken can become the greatest of
saints, the last shall be first in the Kingdom of GodJennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-43525422874309809662017-11-28T04:16:00.000-08:002017-11-28T04:16:04.039-08:00Book Review: Secrets Kids KnowI promised a few book reviews, where does the time go???<br />
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I received a copy of <u>Secrets Kids Know... That Adults Ought to Learn </u>by Allen Klein for free in exchange for a honest review of the book. It is always a pleasure to receive a new book. Review books get special priority in my limited reading alone time, so I enjoy the privilege of doing so!<br />
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<a href="http://www.allenklein.com/secrets.html">Allen Klein</a> is a self-professed "Joyologist" whose mission is to spread joy and teach others to do the same. I can honestly say, his genuine happiness, and love for making others smile can be felt as one reads the book.<br />
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This simple to read, though thought provoking book, will touch your heart and inspire you to examine your own life. Remember the <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2017/10/first-ever-joke-coloring-book-review-in.html">joke book giveaway</a>? How many times does a 4 year old laugh in a day? 400 times is the answer. On the other hand, 40 year olds laugh about 4--maybe!<br />
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There are strains and responsibilities, for sure. However, we are called to be like little children. To view God's world with innocent joy and wonder. How sad it is that we lose that so readily!<br />
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Klein's book is part information, part inspiration, and part how to get your childlike mindset back. In the seriousness of living in the "real world" we adult forget that it is the same world that wowed us as children and left us rolling on the floor in laughter.<br />
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This book was a pleasure to read and is so nicely laid out. The format aids us busy, serious adults with too many "important tasks' on our docket to easily read a chapter here and there and learn from a master of joy, Allen Klein. At the end of each chapter is a section of tips and tricks so the reader can learn to "Grow Down." Tired of trying to grow up? Wish you hadn't been in such a rush to be a "grown up"? This book is for you!<br />
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I am thankful to have been given this book and fully intend to read it a second time! When life is seemingly difficult and the carefree days of childhood too distant of a vague memory, this book was a breath of fresh air! I needed this and truly need to sit down and try Mr. Klein's method to recapture my joy! Thank you, Allen Klein, for the privilege of discovering this sweet and honest little book.<br />
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Need a nice little stocking stuffer that will keep giving through out the year? Pick up a copy of <a href="http://www.allenklein.com/secrets.html"><u>Secrets Kids Know--the Adults Ought to Learn</u></a> by Allen Klein! {Speaking of Christmas shopping, please remember to check out the <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2017/11/mom-shop-hop-holiday-shopping-guide.html">Mom Shop Hop </a>and buy from some hard working moms this year!}<br />
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How do you keep your childlike ways?Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-77013027478922822352017-11-03T04:07:00.000-07:002017-11-03T04:38:09.507-07:00Mom Shop Hop--A Holiday Shopping Guide<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f387308173407b"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Welcome to the first ever Mom Shop Hop. Each of these shops is run by a hard working mom. Please check out some very special gift ideas and share this post with your friends. Remember, sharing is caring. So give these special mamas some love! Linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/leftover-candy-not-just-for-eating-in-secret-anymore/">Kelly</a>, another hard working mama for Seven Quick Take Friday--There are kind of #7QT here! :) </span></span><br />
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f387308173407b" style="font-size: large;"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ad.with.amanda.and.meleah/">Agnes & Dora with Amanda and Meleah</a></span></span></div>
<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f387308173407b"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"> "Agnes & Dora is clothing for everyBody. It's clothing for wives and moms, sisters and daughters, for the woman that's constantly busy running from one thing to the next, for the woman that wants to be comfortable in her clothes - and who would like to look cute, too.
We fell in love with Agnes & Dora. We love the styles, we love the fit, we love the prints, and we love the quality. These are clothes we actually get excited about! We took the plunge to become reps so we could share these clothes with you.
We're here for you! Just let us know what you need."</span></span><br />
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f1c0f64f19b73a" style="font-size: large;"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/madebymichelleco">Made by Michelle </a></span></span></div>
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f1c0f64f19b73a"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">It's a struggle any mom of boys is familiar with-- walking into a clothing store and being surrounded by adorable prints, fashionable colors, and a variety of textures, themes, and styles. Then walking across the store to the single aisle dedicated to boy clothes in an assortment of neutrals and the same repeated themes. <br /><br />Determined that her son could look cute and masculine, Michelle began making her own clothes for her toddler, and made by michelle was born.<br /><br />Any of these unique, quality designs are suitable for little boys or girls--classy enough for family or holiday photos, yet comfortable and durable enough for playing outdoors. <br /><br />Now featuring Thanksgiving and Christmas shirts, as well as our popular sibling shirts!</span></span><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f1c0f64f19b73a"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">For the month of November, use coupon code GOBBLEGOBBLE for free shipping on any order!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.mydoterra.com/karriemarie"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f1c0f64f19b73a"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">doTERRA Essential Oils by Karrie Marie, Wellness Advocate</span></span></a></span></div>
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f1c0f64f19b73a"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f1c0f64f19b73a"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="_3058 _ui9 _hh7 _s1- _52mr _3oh-" data-hover="tooltip" data-tooltip-content="Thursday 10:28am" data-tooltip-position="left">
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<span class="_3oh- _58nk">Hi! I am Karrie, a wife, a homeschooling mom of 3 kiddos, and a mompreneur running my own essential oils business. Are you looking for natural alternatives for your family? Cleaning supplies without toxic chemicals? Would you like to sleep soundly and have lots of energy? I do and that is how I came to doTERRA. Since having kids, 2 with nut and environmental allergies, I have been working on creating a healthier household. After reading and learning about all the things that have caused the increase of allergies in our children, I am convinced that getting back to the basics of food and cleaning products are just a part of what we can do to protect our kids from the variety of things they are bombarded with on a daily basis, not to mention all the germs! Plus with the rising costs of healthcare I am confident when I go to my medicine cabinet that I am getting top quality essential oils than can help my family naturally rather than the antibiotics and drugs doctors hand out like candy. I would love to help you discover all the wonderful benefits of essential oils. They have done wonders for my family and I am sure you will love them too. You can visit my website at <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oils.karriemarie.com%2F&h=ATN4x86KOFgQdGxbn8MRSyiaFGJToz1h-yR-tf7j6c6yKE54DcsmHA8M-w_dAZZHisz4gln0DGcc-cbrPTQNROCPlCjXjbe7NmbLwMuS6EVUxBrC_AADO-fVsd_0vLMU3KzRvdozfXby" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.oils.karriemarie.com</a> for the latest specials and blog posts. </span></div>
<div class="_aok">
<span class="_3oh- _58nk"><br />As holiday season approaches, doTERRA offers some unique gifts for everyone on your holiday list. doTERRA introduces 2 holiday blends sure to purify the air and tantilize your senses with the inviting fragrances of the season. A slim and sophisticated clutch with the Beautiful Captivating Blend rollerball touch for yourself when you want to feel BE-YOU-TIFUL. For the new mom this holiday season, an adorable Whale diffuser for the baby's room or the new Kumo diffuser for any women who wants to relax and unwind during the hectic holiday season. There's something for everyone. To shop, go directly to <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mydoterra.com%2Fkarriemarie&h=ATN4x86KOFgQdGxbn8MRSyiaFGJToz1h-yR-tf7j6c6yKE54DcsmHA8M-w_dAZZHisz4gln0DGcc-cbrPTQNROCPlCjXjbe7NmbLwMuS6EVUxBrC_AADO-fVsd_0vLMU3KzRvdozfXby" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.mydoterra.com/karriemarie</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kidderbugkreations.com/"><b>Kidderbug Kreations</b></a></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am Anne from Kidderbug Kreations where I sew and embroider gifts for
all ages. All of my items are handcrafted with love so you can give the
perfect gift for your loved one. My goal is to provide people quality
items that are useful and beautiful at the same time and make gift
giving easy and fun. You can find helpful information on healthy
living, happy gifting at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.facebook.com/kidderbugkreations/&source=gmail&ust=1509537216436000&usg=AFQjCNFdrenrzyg382VIW_n7Bq-c8X7PrA" href="http://www.facebook.com/kidderbugkreations/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/kidderbugkrea<wbr></wbr>tions/</span></a> or <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.instagram.com/kidderbugkreations/&source=gmail&ust=1509537216436000&usg=AFQjCNGArCiTtX45U1Nj5f2mO5mPH-Zx8w" href="http://www.instagram.com/kidderbugkreations/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">www.instagram.com/kidderbugkre<wbr></wbr>ations/</span></a> and join my Facebook group at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/129339737402286/&source=gmail&ust=1509537216436000&usg=AFQjCNGpKWCBDxCUo23_jm3hFwhB2mcNxw" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/129339737402286/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/group<wbr></wbr>s/129339737402286/</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.ashleighsimonsdesigns.com/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ashleigh Simons Designs</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ashleigh Simons Designs provides high-quality, reusable planner stencils. In recent years, planners have become a trendy way of both organizing your appointments, events and to-do lists and a creative way to document your everyday life. Stencils offered by Ashleigh Simons Designs are an affordable way to add embellishments or productivity elements to almost any planner. More information can be found at <a href="http://www.ashleighsimonsdesigns.com/">www.ashleighsimonsdesigns.com</a></span></div>
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/annunciationdesigns">Annunciation Designs</a></b></span> </span></span></div>
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Elayne at Annunciation Designs creates Catholic cards and goods with hand-lettered designs. Find beautiful greeting cards for Sacraments and sweet notes, Catholic baby swaddles, toddler graphic t-shirts, necklaces, and more! </span></span><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><a href="http://annunciationdesigns.etsy.com/">annunciationdesigns.etsy.com</a>, <a href="http://annunciationdesigns.peterssquare.com/">annunciationdesigns.peterssquare.com</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/annunciationdesigns" target="_blank">facebook.com/annunciationdesigns</a>, and <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Finstagram.com%2Fannunciationdesigns&h=ATPtVjLnh2r-KXxYN95sA2oUqKoapbgy1BEYo6bpnbZ8WM-r4oSpaMGuyz64NX0ohe6zoAezTmDMoOXPn3Bjr3ytWd91nskmcmcRVaRECHrQrbRQ_hHAFxRvEXZ0fpC89B_5ltdjzpuJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">instagram.com/annunciationdesigns</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.premierdesigns.com/anitamorin">Anita Morin Premier Designs</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">Hi! My name is Anita and I'm a Premier Designs Accessory Stylist. Premier Designs is a christian company and people are the heart of what we do. The jewelry is handmade made in the USA and all backed by an incredible golden guarantee. Support of my business supports my family, specifically my 10 month old baby boy. I can thank you enough for taking a look at my website. Please let me know how I can serve you! Contact me and mention Mom Shop Hop for a special, secret discount!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe" style="font-size: large;"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/saongjai">SaongJai</a></span></span></div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">My name is Aleesa and there is this sweet little shop called SaongJai {sounds like= song jeye} that I run. It means two hearts in Thai and called that name for the two hearts of Jesus and Mary also because my sister and I love to make rosaries together and that is how this handmade Catholic goods shop all started out. I love to illustrate super cute little saints and make printables and rosaries with the images. The cute custom saint rosary sets can be ordered for ANY saint! Use </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helveticaneue"; font-size: 12px;"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe"><span class="_3oh- _58nk"><span class="_mh6 _wsc" id="cch_f2b8d3d7ea42fe"><span class="_3oh- _58nk">discount code SAVE20 for 20% off.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aureliuscabrini/">Aurelius Cabrini</a></span></div>
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Aurelius Cabrini is the little gift shop connected to Veils and Vocations blog. A Catholic shop for faith and fun, our goal is to provide high quality, reasonably priced, handcrafted items to enrich your life and home. Aurelius Cabrini specializes in vocation peg dolls, vintage handkerchief baby bonnets, baby corsages and boutonnieres, printable stationary, and handmade rosaries. We are currently growing our chapel veil collection, specializing in starter veils as well as veils for toddlers and young girls. Custom orders are always welcome. We have shops on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aureliuscabrini/">Facebook,</a> <a href="https://peterssquare.com/members/aureliuscabrini/products/">Peter's Square</a>, <a href="https://www.catholicmommyblogs.com/vendors/aurelius-cabrini/">Catholic Mommy Blogs</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AureliusCabrini?ref=hdr_shop_menu">Etsy</a>. Please join our brand new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/138653640222215/">VIP customer group</a> for discounts, updates, and secret sales. Use coupon code: MOMHOP17 for 15% off your order.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="https://telosartshop.com/">Telos Art</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Telos Art is a mix of art and design inspired by truth, beauty, and
goodness. Here you can find liturgical calendars, hand painted jewelry,
art, and design. Right now there is a BOGO offer good through <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_931740362" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">December 1</span></span>, buy one liturgical calendar poster get one
free. Follow @telosart on Instagram or sign up for the newsletter for information on new products!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Do you have a "mom shop"? Leave the link to you shop in the comments and then share this post! Thanks.</span></div>
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<br />Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-71834265822350034942017-10-11T19:55:00.003-07:002017-10-11T19:55:40.504-07:00Book Review: Jesus Loves YouDo you like book reviews? I hope so because I have recently been blessed by a bevy of authors sending me books to review. I guess word has gotten out that I am an unapologetic book addict!<br />
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One of those recent, and very patient, authors is Christine Topjian. She sent me a copy of her first book <u>Jesus Loves You</u> for free in exchange for my honest review.<br />
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I was very excited to receive my copy so quickly. Christine was a joy to work with and I can tell she is a very loving Christian. The book is written from her heart. Her faith and love is evident from cover to cover. It features colorful pictures that appear to be water colored, which is a nice change from the computer generated graphics in so many books these days. I appreciate true illustration.<br />
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<u>Jesus Loves You</u> traces all the ways that God walks through life with you and how He demonstrates His love for His children. Beginning with the love God lavishes on new babies and walking through later life and ultimately Heaven.<br />
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This book is a sweet message of God's undying and abiding love. It demonstrates how He holds your entire life in His Hands. There is nothing that is unimportant to God, and nothing that will make Him love you less.<br />
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I originally thought of gifting my review copy to my nephew who is also my godson, but then I realized it dealt with topics of life that were not pertinent to a five year old. While the bright illustrations my lead you to believe this is a children's book, it is really more suited for adults.<br />
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The story is very short and simple. Sometimes there is beauty in brevity. I think that this would make a lovely companion to a present for a birthday, retirement, or just to cheer someone up. It is not what I would call a gift book, but would be a lovely substitution for a greeting card--which are so overpriced, anyway.<br />
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It has been a pleasure working with Christine and I wish her great success. May God bless you and your writing career! Thank you for allowing me to review this book.Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-11294994864389433812017-10-05T19:18:00.000-07:002017-10-06T05:32:18.317-07:00First Ever Joke Coloring Book: A Review in #7QT"What is the chicken's favorite day of the week?"<br />
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"Fry-Day...that's a funny one, Mom" ---Little Man, age 4 (attempting a joke he heard at the fair)<br />
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1</div>
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Have you ever been to 1st grade? No, not as a student, as an adult. What you will quickly notice is the unique sense of humor that 1st graders have. It's like their own private language--or inside joke! They can turn anything into a joke. They laugh at jokes that aren't even funny and don't make sense. Does that matter? No, because they are having fun.<br />
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Do you know the average number of times a day a 40 year old laughs? FOUR</div>
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Just four. I get it. We are serious. We are adults. We have responsibility. We also need to laugh.</div>
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3</div>
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"Why did the cow cross the road?"</div>
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"Because he wanted to be a dirty dinger! hahahahaha"</div>
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Another joke by Little Man, he is making jokes on a 1st grade level already.</div>
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4</div>
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I was offered a copy of <a href="https://hahakidsjokes.com/">HaHa Color-Me Joke Book </a>for free in exchange for my honest review. This innovative book will be released October 17th to great applause.</div>
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5</div>
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This book is a great little take along for long car rides, visits to DMV, or for a little peace and quiet during the day. It is nicely set up and allows for plenty of creativity with the pages to color and pages at the end of the book to record your own jokes. The only thing I would change is the "Party Pooper" joke--we don't allow potty humor in our home, although I know it is popular. Nothing scandalous, just not my taste. Otherwise, this seems like a book my boys would thoroughly enjoy!<br />
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<img alt="Screen Shot 2017-09-25 at 5.49.48 PM.png" height="574" id="docs-internal-guid-47b84e84-ef6b-29bb-d2f7-1b81c0bcadc8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ERJuZ-LB9SPNefq6Jo7xXXLyulMmB4atxzRAz00Hids9LluJ_yAoi54Bnf9fCcwZZgLWBfaCw9FkT1rs_ZlHGXudSMexB24D-mM72jL-ScZqj-bmE24eXAWOsyR1-4a2b-eMxdM0" style="border: medium none; transform: rotate(0rad);" width="481" /></div>
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6</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Enjoy! And, oh, did I mention, for every PRINT book this <a href="https://hahakidsjokes.com/">author sells</a>, she will be sending one to a child in need who can’t afford one. So when your child laughs, you know you’re sharing the laughs with another child. <— I love this! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If you want to buy the book and use it for your own fundraising or in your kid-friendly business, or give in goody bags or as birthday gifts (instead of those junky plastic toys that kill the environment and don’t add any value to kids). You can sign up for the #gigglegiver program and get a bulk buying discount. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Imagine this: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kid thinks you’re funny. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Leaves you alone to work. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">You get to help kids in need laugh too. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What’s not to love about the world’s first social joke-coloring book? Cheaper than wine, this is the <a href="https://hahakidsjokes.com/">best $10</a> you can spend on your mom-sanity today. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">7</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Now for the bonus surprise!!! One reader is going to receive a copy of this new book for free. How do you win? Answer this question in the comments:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>How many times a day does a 4 year old laugh?</b></i></span> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> One winner will be chosen at random. Best wishes!!!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Linking up with<a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-piano-bars-and-additional-ramps/"> Kelly</a> who always knows how to laugh!</span></div>
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Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-19640607916459087652017-09-20T09:04:00.000-07:002017-09-20T09:04:51.179-07:00Let's Get Planning: Read Alouds Whew! It's September 20th already!! Where does the time go? I really want to get up the rest of our plans. I have really tried to simplify this year and so far it seems to be working. I still have to add in a few small study items but otherwise our schedule seems to be moving along swimmingly.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Religion:</b></span><br />
Term 1:<br />
See How She Loves Us by Joan Carroll Cruz<br />
Illustrated Catechism by Inos Biffi <br />
<br />
Term 2:<br />
Advent and Christmas with Fulton Sheen<br />
Saints and Heroes for Boys and Girls by Doris Burton<br />
<br />
Term 3:<br />
Our Holy Father, the Pope by Ignatius<br />
the Life of Christ by American Bible Society<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>History:</b></span><br />
Challenge of Freedom by Neumann Press<br />
<br />
Term 1:<br />
Time for Battle by Susan Martins Miller<br />
Children of the Civil War by Candice F Ransom<br />
<br />
Term 2:<br />
The Rebel Spy by Norma Jean Lutz<br />
My Brother's Keeper by My America<br />
The Story of the Gettysburg Address by Kenneth Richards<br />
<br />
Term 3:<br />
The War Ends by Norma Jean Lutz<br />
Children of the Emancipation by Wilma King<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Literature:</span></b><br />
<br />
Term 1:<br />
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams<br />
When We Were Very Young by AA Milne<br />
The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde<br />
<br />
Term 2:<br />
Pollyanna<br />
<br />
Term 3:<br />
Swallows and Amazons<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Audiobook :</span></b><br />
Heidi<br />
Shakespeare Audio Dramas<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Miscellaneous:</span></b><br />
Term 1:<br />
The Shed that Fed a Million Children<br />
<br />
Term 2:<br />
Life is Precious Unit Study<br />
Come Look with Me Exploring Landscape Art with Children<br />
<br />
Term 3:<br />
Handel at the Court of Kings by Opal Wheeler<br />
G is for Googol A Math Alphabet Book<br />
<br />
What are you reading this year?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-66482370583774131522017-09-06T10:41:00.001-07:002017-09-06T10:41:14.458-07:00Prayer Vigil to Stop Irma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When the going gets tough, the tough get praying. Irma is a monster
of a storm. The strongest and largest ever recorded. We need to pray
not just for those in her path but to stop her all together. Please
pray with me!<br />
<br />
At 8 pm your local time, pray a flying
novena followed by the Stella Maris Prayer. Please light a candle while
you pray so that a wave of light and prayer can sweep across the earth.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Flying Novena</b></span></div>
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Memorare (pray nine times)</div>
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Remember o most gracious Virhin Mary </div>
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that never was it known</div>
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that anyone who fled to thy protection,</div>
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implored thy help,</div>
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or sought thy intercession</div>
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was left unaided</div>
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inspired by this confidence</div>
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I fly to thee, O virgin of virgins, my mother</div>
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to thee do I come, before thee I stand,</div>
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sinful and sorrowful.</div>
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O Mother of the Word Incarnate,</div>
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despise not my petitions,</div>
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but in thy mercy, hear and answer me.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer to Our Lady, Star of the Sea</b></span></div>
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O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel,</div>
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Fruit of the Vine, splendorous of Heaven.</div>
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Blessed Mother of the Son of God,</div>
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Immaculate Virgin,</div>
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assist me in this my necessity.</div>
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O, Star of the Sea, help me</div>
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and show herein you are my mother.</div>
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O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth,</div>
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I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart</div>
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to succor me in my necessity.</div>
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There are none that can withstand your power,</div>
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O, show me here you are my mother.</div>
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O, Mary, conceived without sin,</div>
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pray for us who have recourse to Thee.</div>
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Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.</div>
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Amen.</div>
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I offer three of each: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be</div>
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And for each of your twelve stars, on twelve beads, I pray:</div>
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Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Help and Protect us! Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>courtesy of Holy League</i></span> </div>
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<i>Thank you so much. May God have mercy on us and save those in peril from the affliction of this storm! Please share! </i>Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-25225141013788530262017-08-25T04:53:00.001-07:002017-08-25T04:54:08.922-07:00Let's Get Planning: 4th GradeSummer is rapidly coming to a close and I am still working on planning! Here is my plan for Buddy who will be in 4th grade next year. It is mostly based on <a href="http://materamabilis.org/ma/">Mater Amabilis</a> but I have adapted and added as I saw fit. Hope you are having a great week. Linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/a-week-off/">Kelly</a>, again, this Friday.<br />
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1 </div>
<br />
Religion:<br />
<a href="https://www.catholiccompany.com/faith-and-life-series-c1087/?utm_source=yahoo&network=s&device=c&aid=4376&matchtype=e&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=Books&utm_term=faith+and+life">Faith and Life 4</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Seven-Stories-Saints-Eileen-Heffernan/dp/0819826758">57 Saints</a>-- This is a family favorite!<br />
<span id="goog_245989584"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_245989585"></span><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Christians-Acts-Apostles-Children/dp/1928832326/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503652668&sr=1-1&keywords=the+first+christians+the+acts+of+the+apostles+for+children">The First Christians: Acts of the Apostles for Children</a><br />
<a href="https://www.alibris.com/Stories-of-the-Child-Jesus-From-Many-Lands-A-Fowler-Lutz/book/8016348">Stories of the Child Jesus from Many Lands</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/My-Path-Heaven-Young-Persons/dp/0918477484">My Path to Heaven</a><br />
<a href="http://www.autom.com/product/saint-francis-of-assisi-27363/gifts-baby-and-children-books">St Francis of Assisi</a><br />
<a href="http://www.patheos.com/blogs/catholicbookblogger/2013/06/17/karol-from-poland-the-life-of-john-paul-ii-for-children/">Karol from Poland</a><br />
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2</div>
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I am adding a book to supplement Life of Fred this year. It is a very boring workbook, but it reviews all the basic concepts in mathematics. I am feeling that Buddy needs more practice in mechanics because he has sped along so quickly in concepts. It is an old workbook that I picked up second hand but is solid in practice. </div>
<br />
Math:<br />
<a href="http://www.lifeoffred.uniquemath.com/">Life of Fred Jellybeans and Kidneys</a><br />
Basic Math Concepts Level E for supplement<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Math-Works-Carol-Vorderman/dp/0895778505">How Math Works</a><br />
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3</div>
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I know this looks like an awful lot but we are not doing every book, every day Also, many of these books we will not necessarily do every page. I followed MA's guide and pulled in a couple of more items to round it out. The four language arts are speaking, listening, reading, and writing. I wanted to have a full curriculum that addresses each of these well. The books marked (I) are for independent reading. A (N) means it is for narration. I have marked read aloud books with (RA). We will be doing copy work, dictation, and narration, along with poetry memorization. I have a schedule worked out if anyone would like to see how we rotate among them.</div>
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<br /></div>
Language Arts:<br />
<a href="https://www.forgottenbooks.com/en/books/TheIdealCatholicReadersFourthReader_10147413">The Ideal Catholic Fourth Reader (I) OOP</a><br />
The Catholic Youth Fourth Reader (I) OOP<br />
<a href="https://www.christianbook.com/the-harp-and-laurel-wreath/9780898707168/pd/07162?dv=%7Bdevice%7D&en=bing-pla&event=SHOP&kw=homeschool-0-20%7C07162&p=1179517&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping%20Main&utm_term=1100502010844&utm_content=s-homeschool">The Harp and Laurel Wreath</a>-- this is a supplement for days when copy work or dictation is scheduled but not in the lesson plan for Intermediate Language Lessons. It also has poems to memorize.<br />
<a href="http://www.intermediatelanguagelessons.com/">Intermediate Language Lessons</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jennyphillips.com/">The Good and Beautiful Creative Writing</a><br />
Shakespeare Audio Dramas from Library<br />
<a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Classics/The-Childrens-Homer-Audiobook/B002V8NB2S">The Children's Homer </a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Aeneid-Boys-Girls-Alfred-Church/dp/160386590X">The Aeneid for Boys and Girls (N)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pollyanna-Eleanor-H-Porter/dp/1439297290">Pollyanna (RA)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/93.Heidi">Heidi (audio book) (RA)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Swallows%20And%20Amazons?st=SEM&sid=BNB_DRS_S+6_00000000&2sid=Bing_e&sourceId=SEBiS70538578&k_clickid=409x70538578">Swallows and Amazons (RA)</a><br />
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3</div>
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We always do a family history study as part of read alouds, however, my children really enjoy history so they each do some private history study as well. Buddy enjoyed the Story of Civilization so much last year, I decided to continue with the series. <u>Our Island Story</u> is also available as a free download through Librivox. </div>
<br />
History:<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Our-Island-Story-H-Marshall/dp/1604594926">Our Island Story (audio book)</a> <br />
<a href="https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/the-story-of-civilization-vol-2-the-medieval-world.html">Story of Civilization: The Medievel World</a> (audio) <br />
<a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/classical-studies/famous-men-greece/">Famous Men of Greece (RA)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Herodotus-Road-History-Jeanne-Bendick/dp/1932350209">Herodotus and the Road to History (I)</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
4</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We are going to do some map work and basic geography as part of our read aloud time each day. In addition, Buddy will be reading/listening to the literature listed to give him a better understanding of the Americas and the people who live there.</div>
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<br /></div>
Geography:<br />
Map Work<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0395292034?tag=geminipcstand-20&ref=pd_sl_1hxe8b7tkv_e">Paddle to the Sea</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seabird-Holling-C/dp/0395266815">Seabird</a><br />
<a href="https://www.homeschoolingdownunder.com/shop/charlotte-mason-geography-ebook/">Elementary Geography (RA)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-America-Antarctica-Continents-Close-up/dp/1842344595">An Illustrated Atlas of South America and Antarctica </a><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I liked this books so much, I bought it 3 times!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Atlas-America-Continents-Close-up/dp/1842344587"><span style="font-size: small;">An Illustrated Atlas of North America</span></a> </span><br />
<a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/maya-quest-interactive-expedition_dan-buettner/1677148/#isbn=0964033429">Maya Quest: Interactive Expedition (I)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Andes-Puffin-Nolan-Clark/dp/0140309268">Secret of the Andes (I)</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chucaro-Wild-Pampa-Newbery-Honor/dp/0802773877">Chucaro: Wild Pony of the Pampas (I)</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
5</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last year, Buddy enjoyed <a href="https://www.apologia.com/zoology-2/153-zoology-2-exploring-creation-with.html?search_query=swimming+creatures&results=4">Swimming Creatures</a> from the Apologia series so much, he can't wait to do Land Creatures this year. Having the audio book to go along with the program made it so much easier to get through, however it will only play on our computer. We will still get the audio, even though it wasn't convenient.</div>
<br />
Science:<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Archimedes-Door-Science-Jeanne-Bendick-ebook/dp/B0064SUUUM">Archimedes and the Door to Science</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Librarian-Who-Measured-Earth/dp/0316515264">The Librarian Who Measure the Earth</a><br />
<a href="https://www.apologia.com/zoology-3/177-zoology-3-exploring-creation-with.html">Apologia: Exploring Creation Land Animals </a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
6</div>
As I mentioned previously, Buddy will be helping Little Man with his nature study while doing his own. I am very loose on nature study requirements, mostly because my children are so intrigued by nature they need very little prompting. I am filling a basket with nature guides, including ones for younger children and some supplies. The boys are already excited.<br />
<br />
In addition, I purchased two Thinking Tree journals as supplements to the general curriculum.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.teachyourselftodraw.com/order-here?lightbox=i31s7k">Teach Yourself to Draw Forest Animals</a><br />
<a href="https://training6hearts4him.blogspot.com/2016/10/all-about-animals-by-thinking-tree.html">Thinking Tree All About Animals</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
7</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lastly, we have "electives" if you will to round out his education. </div>
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<a href="http://www.setonbooks.com/viewone.php?ToView=P-AR04-11">Seton Art 4</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://classicalacademicpress.com/series/Latin-for-Children/">Latin for Children</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://kano.me/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=USA%20|%20Search%20|%20Brand&utm_term=kano%20computer%20kit&utm">Computer Science with Kano computer kit</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=108553">Abeka Developing Good Health</a><br />
<br />
Guitar instruction at fine arts school<br />
<br />
Drama class at fine arts school<br />
<br />
Chimes choir at fine arts school<br />
<br />
Irish Step Dancing at dance school<br />
<br />
Soccer at our parish school<br />
<br />
Basketball through local Christian intramural league <br />
<br />
This seems like a lot of books, and in some ways it is. I have managed to get all of them by shopping <a href="https://www.thriftbooks.com/share/?code=eiHT4i0hL%252fRDHuY2B8Qsaw%253d%253d">Thriftbooks</a> and using our local library. It was fairly affordable and still so mcuh cheaper than private school.<br />
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How is your planning going?Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-48376819408618199102017-08-11T03:35:00.003-07:002017-08-11T04:06:56.492-07:007QT: Let's Get Planning PreschoolLinking up with<a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/keeping-a-clean-house-while-homeschooling-the-13th-herculean-task/"> Kelly</a> to share my plans for next year. Be sure to check out my <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2017/08/7qt-lets-get-planning-tips-and.html">curriculum sale</a> post if you haven't.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBV_a7xtymocrnLOZ9FCTCXnW9ZUnA_q4zyGNV_7idS1H7UE5Eqigqij2vN2uhA5lEQUwr3cUJaL3YeM-eHnzxl6fq_hdGx6VME1etY1PWSleml8FH3nI5JM42A4rl9Ilx7WAG2m_7ik/s1600/HOLD+ON%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBV_a7xtymocrnLOZ9FCTCXnW9ZUnA_q4zyGNV_7idS1H7UE5Eqigqij2vN2uhA5lEQUwr3cUJaL3YeM-eHnzxl6fq_hdGx6VME1etY1PWSleml8FH3nI5JM42A4rl9Ilx7WAG2m_7ik/s640/HOLD+ON%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last year, I shared my <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2016/09/great-books-preschool-story-time.html">Great Books Preschool</a> program for Little Man. We did enjoy it but never made it through all the books with the new baby and all. This year we will be continuing with the program, and soon I will be sharing the new additions to make up for the books we have already read 20,000 times. Little Man surely had some favorites.</div>
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My new 4 year old want some school work like the big kids, so I have also chosen some fun workbooks for him to use.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Numbers-1-30-Kumon-Workbooks/dp/4774307033/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502401474&sr=8-3&keywords=kumon+preschool">Kumon My Book of Numbers 1-30</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Easy-Mazes-Kumon-Workbooks/dp/1933241241/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1502401474&sr=8-8&keywords=kumon+preschool">Kumon My Book of Easy Mazes</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Book-Drawing-Kumon-Workbooks/dp/1934968021/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502401725&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=kumon+preschool+drawing">Kumon My First Book of Drawing</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Book-Drawing-Kumon-Workbooks/dp/1934968021/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502401725&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=kumon+preschool+drawing"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Book-Drawing-Kumon-Workbooks/dp/1934968021/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502401725&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=kumon+preschool+drawing">Fun Schooling for Beginners: Do It Myself Journal</a></div>
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We are also going to add a time for play dough, painting, and other hands on projects. I hope to create a rotation to keep him occupied while I work with the older kids. Some ideas to include in this time:</div>
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<li>play dough</li>
<li>watercolors</li>
<li>wiki sticks</li>
<li>tangrams</li>
<li>beading</li>
<li>Popsicle sticks and glue creations</li>
<li>scissor projects</li>
<li>stamp work</li>
<li>coloring</li>
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I am still finalizing a schedule but one thing that will definitely be included is slots for Cowgirl and Buddy to work with Little Man one on one. This will free up time for me to get one on one time with each of the older children while still giving Little Man the attention he needs.</div>
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Time with Cowgirl will be spent on simple handicrafts. She really enjoys crafting so this will be a diversion for both of them. I plan on focusing on the following handicraft skills:</div>
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<li>loom knitting</li>
<li>potholder weaving</li>
<li>basic sewing--this is per Little Man's request</li>
<li>cooking</li>
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All of these will require some guidance and supervision. I believe Cowgirl is up to the task.<br />
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Since I have adopted <a href="http://materamabilis.org/ma/">Mater Amabilis</a> curriculum for Buddy, I hope to school the two younger ones in the Charlotte Mason style as well. A large part of Charlotte Mason for the early years is Nature Study. Mason advocates long hours spent outside in any weather and guided nature study.</div>
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This is where Buddy comes in. He is a bit obsessed with nature. So it is perfect for the boys to explore outside together. My plan is to get each boy a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/0307590917/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I1OZ3NHC1J77JI&colid=1C6QBZBEU14FP">nature journal </a>to complete. I have a small block of time planned each week for me to provide some nature study guidance and feedback. I wish it could be every day but there are only so many hours.</div>
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When the weather is inhospitable to going out, as happens here in the northeast, there will be a basket of age appropriate nature books for the Buddy to read/explore with his brother. I will share the basket's contents soon. </div>
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The last part of preschool for Little Man is going to consist of learning to play games. My older children and Hubby really enjoy board games. Little Man really wants to play along but is still learning how to participate. So, there will be a time each week to play a simple game that we can then play as a family once he has gained understanding of how it works. </div>
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So, not too many bells and whistles, but there it is. How do you do preschool?</div>
Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-39833576296660929792017-08-10T07:32:00.004-07:002017-09-07T03:46:25.845-07:00Feature Thursday: Carmelite ScapularsUPDATE: Aurelius Cabrini is changing platforms. We are in the process of moving the store to our Facebook page. If you would like to order a scapular, please contact me. They should be listed in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aureliuscabrini/">Facebook shop</a> very soon. Thank you. <br />
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I have closely been considering what my shop needs and why it exists. It is part of my business plan to further its development through careful planning. In the end, it's mission is the same as this blog, to further God's Kingdom through promotion of vocations and service to the LORD. This shop is for Jesus, more than for me. I have fully given it over to Him. Yes, the profit benefit my family, but I want it to benefit my soul more.<br />
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That is why I am so happy to feature our Carmelite nun made <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/536421801/catholic-carmelite-handsewn-brown">brown scapulars</a> today. These scapulars are lovingly made by hand by the sisters. They are selling the scapulars to earn money and build a special project.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidymfCnlbCIE4sMoGuW7pwK5oU-Ixv2Ck5avUwFCLLOJ6HDi1gOyqMCrBeHrwWAJ2RVrWMfOH_EMuz3pFTlC8qm2pndPWWI_RqNf0SaVShEgX7dPqWFKsRuQtsfm6NfG2DmkkUZRBcvHA/s1600/20771991_10213562791483499_1097058144_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidymfCnlbCIE4sMoGuW7pwK5oU-Ixv2Ck5avUwFCLLOJ6HDi1gOyqMCrBeHrwWAJ2RVrWMfOH_EMuz3pFTlC8qm2pndPWWI_RqNf0SaVShEgX7dPqWFKsRuQtsfm6NfG2DmkkUZRBcvHA/s320/20771991_10213562791483499_1097058144_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/536421801/catholic-carmelite-handsewn-brown?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/536421801/catholic-carmelite-handsewn-brown?ref=shop_home_active_3" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1hSE3fWTefnsvst2rX0f6rPBRvhtF05uE2bYhGTNpBedblD0yZz_HidB5ZOE-BhVuO2BqGKH7MOt858BanobbFkK8FMZYQqzVfJKMe5dYQ15SHHhhywbrd0rs9X_fVacenf4Xrmfvls/s320/IMG_4727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The sisters are seeking to raise funds in order to build a modern convalescence home for patients with dementia. The home will also provide palliative care, rehabilitation, and assisted living. This home will serve 133 seniors.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidar47IHTNYD5lvu0gIYcW7g3LZbmC7us9IDGGBFI1xBMNhmmgThOgXBnfZpXLTGnXXl-_zdxvTjZpBH5A0TQyQWeU2RDtCPrVf1VvIlCimo1VWWH4HkcVfjxT5bPQuntABjVbJDrSIdA/s320/IMG_4728.JPG" width="320" /><span id="goog_1674228860"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1674228861"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8pTtm97JaGiVmrlyXhaogZCUE_PpTjQ1z6chX96Qb4dFI9356U0w6KCffEKoeGK2QzTCJY8L5LjQ02y_CbLDMse5U8jH7Go2UqcOqN4XOXLVQ8lF5F8sfNZ1OrhVCGPB_pQQADthNo0/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8pTtm97JaGiVmrlyXhaogZCUE_PpTjQ1z6chX96Qb4dFI9356U0w6KCffEKoeGK2QzTCJY8L5LjQ02y_CbLDMse5U8jH7Go2UqcOqN4XOXLVQ8lF5F8sfNZ1OrhVCGPB_pQQADthNo0/s320/IMG_4729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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At present, the sisters are in desperate need of funds to keep their current mother house open as well as to pursue this initiative. All profits from the scapulars will be disbursed to the sisters. I am donating all etsy fees incurred to give the sisters a bit more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg2V0o_OmfvEiQKp8uzfUOLUoTj8lBfVFtUL_kFxRlEY-CuLXKRR9nxf1hEhpAjYtcAS3st0cDR5_boI1GapeOkyTzzekKXkEngOCRrmMe0xg1CAnkiGsjjSDbjoH7Q7WbjHLSnDgxrw/s1600/IMG_4730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihg2V0o_OmfvEiQKp8uzfUOLUoTj8lBfVFtUL_kFxRlEY-CuLXKRR9nxf1hEhpAjYtcAS3st0cDR5_boI1GapeOkyTzzekKXkEngOCRrmMe0xg1CAnkiGsjjSDbjoH7Q7WbjHLSnDgxrw/s320/IMG_4730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ask you to please consider purchasing a scapular and supporting these beautiful brides of Christ.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/536421801/catholic-carmelite-handsewn-brown?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/536421801/catholic-carmelite-handsewn-brown?ref=shop_home_active_3" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWufpQ7i7o1xbzoUiu5-ug-stMlD0yz1OzJKe73rHzQLwQ5zR7f0CSjm0e64eZtvLMe3QH1sDfuzMNtuYFJuzHlu7vBHoQQdLQRW4vpItRinwBHuVb48Sz7jfQyQ40wZDQR3Nc5RVTUg/s320/IMG_4731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each scapular is hand made with reinforced stitching and pure wool backing. Each scapular has a St Bendict medal sewn safely inside. We will include instructions of enrollment as well.<br />
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If anyone has any questions or would like to place a bulk order, please contact me for more information.<br />
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Thank you so much for supporting this effort and may God bless you!<br />
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<br />Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-31737868552396563102017-08-04T07:47:00.002-07:002017-08-14T20:07:55.373-07:00#7QT: Let's Get Planning Tips and Curriculum SaleLinking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/preparing-for-a-new-school-year/">Kelly</a> for some more getting started tips.<br />
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If you are discerning homeschooling or just getting started, you have no doubt seen the big catalogs full of curriculum and asked friends which curriculum you should choose. Are you experiencing sticker shock?</div>
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Homeschooling can seem overwhelming enough, the the cost of a box curriculum can turn many away. I am here to tell you that you don't need a fancy, expensive boxed curriculum. If that is what works for your family, then that is fine. However if money is an issue keep reading for some tips on saving money.</div>
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First, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. You don't need textbooks to teach. Gasp! It's true. Historical fiction, quality literature, well done non-fiction, and a good poetry book can give you excellent spines for your school. Textbooks have their place, but if money is tight, especially if you are teaching 6th grade and below, opting for good books instead of textbooks is the way to go.</div>
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If you need help assembling your books into a year's curriculum, I am happy to answer questions.</div>
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Invest in good, hard covered books and texts that can be used multiple times with all your children. This may be a little more expensive in the beginning but in the long run will save you so much money, especially since these can usually be bought used and resold. Workbooks are expensive and consumable. You will need to repurchase them every year for every child. While I do use some workbooks, my main focus is durable books.</div>
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Check out your library! Your library may already have a number of books you can use. If you don't see what you need, request an interlibrary loan. I have even hear of libraries specially ordering books that have been requested. While that is not a given, it never hurts to ask. I have found at least 10 books that Buddy is using for next year available at the local library. That is saving my close to $100!</div>
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Find printables, downloads, ebooks, and audiobooks online. I'm not a fan of ebooks, but there are some desirable ones available, often for free. Public domain books are available as ebooks and audiobooks on several websites. For example Grammar Land by Nesbit, a vintage grammar books that is on Buddy's school list this year, is available free via <a href="http://www.ebooksdownloads.xyz/search/grammar-land">ebook</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/grammar-land-by-m-l-nesbitt/">audiobook</a>, and I found <a href="http://dontneednoeducation.blogspot.com/search?q=Grammar+Land&x=0&y=0">worksheets </a>to compliment the book which I had printed for less than $1.</div>
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Do a little searching and you will be amazed at what you find.</div>
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I have written before about the importance of a community. Find a homeschool buddy or two and split the cost of some bigger curriculum purchases. For instance, my friend, Mary, and I have built a library of Apologia Exploring Creation books. By buying them a little at a time and taking turns, we now own all of the books. We are currently working on purchasing the audio versions. These have and will continue to be used by all of our children. A little joint investment can go a long way!</div>
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Shop used curriculum sales, such as the one that <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/globallearnday/pins/">Jessica </a>sponsors every year. Her sale is actually what got me blogging so this is an anniversary of sorts for Veils and Vocations. Below are my items for sale. Please comment if you would like to purchase one or more. Shipping is $4 the first book, $1 each additional. Any questions, please ask. Thank you for looking and helping to support my homeschool. Be sure to check out all the other books available on Jessica's <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/globallearnday/pins/">bloghop</a>!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wii game, like new, used twice. $3</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Homemade recipes from Amish country, new $2 shipped</span></div>
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Seton readers, good condition, shelf wear, $3 each</div>
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These Are Our Horizons--Sold </div>
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Mysteries of Ancient America, HC, DJ, some wear, GC $2</div>
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How People Lived in the Middle Ages, HC, GC, $1</div>
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Problem Solving, sc, gc, no writing $1</div>
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Mental Math, sc, gc, $1 </div>
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Easy Grammar, Like New, no writing, EC, retails $23, asking $10--Sold</div>
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Set of New Cathedral Readers, from 1950s. </div>
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Bindings are worn, some more than others. A couple of books have writing on the covers, and a couple of the title pages are damaged. I tried to show this in the pictures. However, all of the story pages are in excellent condition. I went through every book, no marks or damage to actual reading pages. These were in a friend's family for 3 generations, she has decided to pass them on.</div>
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Asking $65 for entire set, some of these sell for $20 each!</div>
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New Arabian Nights, SC, GC, $1</div>
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Lenten Adventure workbook from Holy Heroes, SC, LN, no writing, $3</div>
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BJU Spelling grade 1, LN, no writing. Text and workbook. Given to us but we aren't going to use it. Asking $3 for set</div>
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Concepts and Challenges set, 2nd edition, EC, minimal shelf wear, asking $20 for set --Sold</div>
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Thanks and God bless!</div>
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Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-59836021434387623112017-08-03T07:26:00.002-07:002017-08-03T07:30:36.370-07:00Feature Thursday: Printable StationeryDid you miss <a href="http://veilsandvocations.blogspot.com/2017/08/beauty-tuesday-children-in-church.html">Beauty Tuesday</a>? If so, please check it out.<br />
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Today is another Feature Thursday where I tell you more about the items in our etsy shop. Have you seen our new line of printable stationery? These were designed by Cowgirl. She has been taking graphic design classes and so enjoying them.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545627679/printable-stained-glass-cross-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545627679/printable-stained-glass-cross-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_3" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkqCoRVFXd2Ae7cyUxMG0f0d-HHnGVXMRavkCsq8NRUNCeRtpueI0yhASDFS9Tigb6GFtpeL7Ww-Y2hVBpqYeLg4qjM3JpENM1WbHvsGihO3lRPz09zjrZFDsv0_HgfZwqbVwOOloYss/s320/Untitled+design%252812%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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A few months ago, she asked if she could design something for the shop. After a bit of brainstorming and so intense computer time, she showed me her first set of designs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545497561/printable-st-patrick-irish-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545497561/printable-st-patrick-irish-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_2" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGj7c97cer_aqt3HJXEti_Z7FQk-ya81YhDnbmaU-bMx75kQVSg5oRC3ZCKLSyC0DSe-DzRN9Zh4dH7LONqD9qIQ376hrXWREZABRD6-imAALKTn5K2myhjC2QsLrIkOV1jUaGN-QHJg/s320/Untitled+design%252811%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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These are currently available at the shop and I will soon be adding another batch that she just finished.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545497561/printable-st-patrick-irish-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545497561/printable-st-patrick-irish-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_2" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTADF6y-aK6ypHqvDNa2gvdDt-8QS13mryBvLx17PhDMKlvma2g2v5Lj6KvCVqexu2rAbsBq7dWFa0X4h9PIGkUmkkSKkwhjDPTSU-9SgIYMpFo_PebSbndhPhaI1zT-fdvzbjL4n2oyg/s320/Untitled+design%25288%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Single design downloads are $2.99. Muli-design packs are $5.99.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545492767/printable-our-lady-of-guadalupe-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_4"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545492767/printable-our-lady-of-guadalupe-catholic?ref=shop_home_active_4" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxxaSKSHeUkEERVT547x1G66ghFOGqtl5WFZqX1asxmuM92dRkivIY0haa_whcfFDfJw54rPIe2fvhbYoNYKZht78zkse0rVtDRI9QaxVsFyLgGql94Mfl8MdHtN_WKUnHUTauC_6a9k/s320/Untitled+design%25284%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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If you have not joined our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aureliuscabrini/">Facebook page</a>, please do. We post secret sales, coupon codes, and more. In a couple of weeks we will be hosting a giveaway package of several of the stationery downloads. Please join in on the fun!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545493781/printable-floral-catholic-stationery?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img alt="https://www.etsy.com/listing/545493781/printable-floral-catholic-stationery?ref=shop_home_active_3" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB5TzWpVeVjsBQIh_n45kv_Q1pxxvTtovFVACGsdm_mX3kIE7GBfFNidoAGUhIJqk74565odtTh-q-dKnG8IdNY-J5czMusZJMxwMITFc8_fR5Tq0XedUfE8TgcjQbp3RfiEBQBUI4VM/s320/Untitled+design%25286%2529.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Also, we really enjoy custom orders and the opportunity to serve our customers in that way. If there is a particular design you would like for stationery, please just drop us a line. For only $1 more, you can have a personalized download of your very own. Thank you so much.Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-8410928303902978872017-08-01T14:05:00.000-07:002017-08-01T14:05:35.051-07:00Beauty Tuesday: Children in ChurchI'm pretty late getting this up. To be honest I have been a bit discouraged with the blog. My time is so short all the time and the whispers of doubt keep making me toy with quitting. Is there anyone out there that wants me to continue? If you do, please comment so I know these words are reaching somebody.<br />
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Sunday is a workout. Getting everyone up, dressed, and out the door is a Herculean effort every week. It shouldn't be, we get dressed every day. Why is it so hard to even just find socks and underwear on Sunday? Why are the same dress shoes that you have tripped over three times during the week now no where to be found? Why? Why is it so hard?<br />
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Then there is making it through Mass. I regret to say that as much as I love the Mass and thrive on its nourishment, I am often just surviving it until the final blessing. Sweaty and tired, I silently rejoice when the priest extols us to "go in peace." Alleluia, no more wrangling little ones in the pew praying no one sees the antics that are going on. How it would hurt my heart to think my little ones are disrupting others' Mass prayers as well. Gospel? I think there was one. Homily? Oh, did I miss it. Consecration? There must have been, it's a Mass, but honestly for me it's just a blur.<br />
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This Sunday was particularly rough. We got to the van and the gas light was on, I promise you there had been a quarter tank the night before or I would have stopped. Little Man was irritable and uncooperative. Lovie-Lu was clingy and easily upset. I was tired going in, praying for a good soul quenching Mass. I needed it so badly. I think I heard the Second Reading, the Gospel I apparently missed because when the Homily began and our priest began to preach on the Gospel I had to figure out which one he was even referencing.<br />
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Then Lovie-Lu lost it. She cried and screamed. I attempted to nurse her but she couldn't settle and Little Man was suddenly so intrigued by my nursing cover that I use practically every day! I quickly exited just before consecration. Discouraged that I am not better at managing this. Fatigued by the lack of quiet in my life. Standing just outside the baptistry where there are windows to look in on the altar. I swayed and rocked the baby for the rest of Mass. At the final blessing, I sighed a breath of resignation and relief at the same time.<br />
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That is when it happened. Our priest hushed the choir from beginning the recessional and spoke to the parish. He acknowledged that there were a lot of children who had not been happy and had been very noisy through Mass. (Oh dear, the screaming had been one of mine.) He invited all the children who had struggled through Mass to come up to the altar for a minute. <br />
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Fr R proceeded to grant them a special blessing. He turned to the full church and praised the beautiful sounds of the vocal children. He thanked God for the blessings of each little one who had come to Mass, and he asked all the parishioners to pray for the parents who had brought them because they were working so hard to just be there each week. Fr R said, "Parents, please, bring your children to church. This is your home. Do not ever be ashamed to be here with these little ones. You belong here and we welcome you always. Jesus said, 'Let the children come to me!' You are bringing your children to Jesus and you deserve our deep appreciate and love. Always bring your children to church. We want them here and so does God."<br />
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Thunderous applause arose throughout the church. Those few moments were such balm to my soul, I don't know that Fr R will ever know just how much. After the Mass, I approached Father and thanked him. I admitted that my little girl was the screamer and he blessed her so tenderly. He looked at me, said he loved hearing her beautiful voice and thanked me for coming.<br />
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Children are beautiful. They are little snips of heaven. Each is a gift, a glorious gift from our LORD. They are His, and we owe it to them to bring them to Jesus at every opportunity. I will most likely miss a good portion of Mass this week again due to distraction and the need to discipline a very active little boy. However, I know that my fellow parishioners, my brothers and sisters in Christ, love me and applaud my effort. How sad it must be to have a church with no children. They are our future and our primary mission in this life to is lead the little one to heaven. How can we do that apart from the Mass? Let the little children come to Me....<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Today is Beauty Tuesday as we have been doing this summer
on Veils and Vocations. If you have a blog post you would like to
share, please add it in the comments. Thanks.</i></span>Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7168186887197611051.post-69508463323317860332017-07-28T03:54:00.001-07:002017-07-28T03:54:15.119-07:00#7QT: Let's Get Planning--the First StepsThe summer is passing more quickly than I care to admit. Today, I am actually at an IHM conference. If any of you plan on stopping by, please find me and say hello. Linking up with <a href="http://thisaintthelyceum.org/sqt-fall-fashion-forecast-for-homeschoolers/">Kelly</a> who I wish were going to be at the conference, too! We need to find another conference to meet up at, Kelly!<br />
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Wherever you are in your homeschooling journey there are always those nagging questions and worries. Admit it! I have them, too. I wanted to write this post to give you a little boost as you plan, particularly if you are a new homeschooler or still discerning.<br />
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Homeschooling is a year by year commitment. Although I never stop planning and often think ahead to get the whole picture, I never commit to more than one year. If you begin homeschooling kindergarten, you will invariably be met with numerous people asking you how you expect to teach Algebra, Calculus, and Chemistry.</div>
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The answer is simple, you don't, because what kind of a kindergarten curriculum would that be? </div>
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Referring back to number 1, homeschooling does not mean that you have to be the only teacher your child ever has for every subject. I don't know a single homeschooler who operates that way. Your child will encounter other teachers/adult leaders in activities, camps, enrichment classes, and co-ops. Do not feel that you must take it all on.</div>
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Likewise, do not be afraid to outsource teaching when you need to and it would serve your family better. There is a bevy of resources out there including courses on the Internet, recorded on DVD or CD, and through your local library or homeschool co-op. Do what works for you and your students.</div>
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3</div>
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Make sure to build a community. Homeschooling never means having to go it alone! This is much easier now with Facebook groups. When I began homeschooling, having an email loop was a novel idea. Finding those email loops to find your community was very hard.</div>
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Having a local community is optimum, but not always possible. If you don't know anyone who homeschools, find like minded parents online and start asking questions. Share your frustrations and triumphs, believe me, your struggles are not as unique as you think. None of us have super powers, we are all just moms doing the best we can. Seek the support you need! If you want some guidance, email me and I can point you to some very good groups that have helped in the past. and continue to help me in this journey.</div>
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4</div>
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Socialization is always the number one concern of every naysayer you will meet. The irony is that these same people want traditionally schooled children to have less downtime and shorter recess, so how are they socializing?</div>
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Anyway, socialization is very important, I will not lie. You need socialization, and so do your children. However, school is not the only way to achieve this, in fact it is probably the worse way to do so. As you build your community, you will find homeschool friends and opportunities to get out and be with others. Please understand that unless you are locking your family into a bomb shelter and never seeing the light of day, you are socializing. Even if you were to be locked underground for decades, it would not be ideal, but your children would have each other to play and converse. Siblings and parents are a part of social networks, and that is a good thing!</div>
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5</div>
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You do not need a very fancy, very expensive boxed curriculum to homeschool. If that is what you want, have at it by all means, but don't cave to pressure. You can do this without experts picking every book for you. Even if you chose to use a box curriculum, feel free to change it up for a subject or two. Homeschooling puts you in charge. The flip side to not having to teach every class is that homeschooling means you make the decisions for your child. History too boring? Try something different. Math book not working? Try something different.</div>
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Also, do not be afraid to just follow your gut and make courses up yourself--or steal some of mine! Call it unschooling, call it fun-schooling, call it whatever you want. Take a semester or a year and discover what your family needs and what you want to give them. I promise you, their lives will not be ruined and they will still learn something.</div>
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As a piggy back to number 5, never be afraid to give up on a program that isn't working. Perhaps it is December and you realize this super-amazing-must-have-everyone-loves curriculum just isn't working for your family. You didn't fail, you just are choosing a different path.</div>
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Do your homework, research, and review; but ultimately the proof is in the pudding. Do not bang your head against the wall lamenting that you can't make it work like the reviews said, or feeling defeated because a blogger has lovely pictures and all her children are smiling. I assure you that bloggers are not experts and those pictures are only a snapshot in time. Every homeschool family has struggles and is working so very hard.</div>
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The real expert is you! You are the expert in your children and in your family needs. You can do this!</div>
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7</div>
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Write down your plans and formulate a "Why" for your homeschool. You will need a solid reason when the days get long and the dreariness of winter sets in. Even unschoolers need a bit of a road map. Having plans written down is not a binding contract but it will go a long way in getting you to where you want to be.</div>
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I really struggle with daily lesson plans, however as the children are getting older, I realize that I need them. I will be doing a post about planning very soon. Particularly planning when you cannot afford the fancy, pricey planners.</div>
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Is there anything you would add? Any questions you have? Drop me a line, any time! God bless.</div>
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<br />Jennifer Eliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12033913521471100028noreply@blogger.com0