Stuffing, Swimming and Science!

Happy Thanksgiving!    Happy Advent season!   This year, we had a change of pace from from our usual long weekend lounging and Black Friday shopping.  We were blessed to stay at Fort Rapids Indoor Waterpark in Columbus.   It was nice to skip town and escape to a cozy, fun, family destination. The kids were thrilled.  It ended up being a very effective incentive for the boys and our homeschooling over the past few weeks.  Big smiles and lots of swimming!

On our trip to Columbus, we also spent a day at COSI.

It was a ball for all!  Garrett loved the giant Clifford.

 A highlight for Jim and me was the "Progress" exhibit.  It was a walk through time, starting from the 1800's.  Playing checkers outside a General Store. 

Of course we had to get a pic of the cool radio DJ's (both of them)! ;)  Lol.

You know you are getting old when______ you show your kids things you used growing up,  that are totally obsolete today (i.e. this pay phone)!   The boys had never seen anything like it.   Eek!

I could easily post a dozen more pictures, but that is the basic idea.  As much as we enjoyed the visit, also made me appreciate the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland.  COSI was rated the #1 science center in the country, but I think ours is nearly as good.   Bottom line:  Ohio is blessed with some amazing, high-level facilities to get kids excited about learning!    It was especially rewarding because I could reiterate some concepts we have been studying in Science class.    Now we are home and ready to kick off the Christmas season.   The Advent wreath is out and the tree goes up tomorrow.  Here we go!:)

Odds and Ends

Today we received the Hammacher Schlemmer Christmas catalog in the mail.   The boys promptly picked it up and started marveling at the potential purchases.    Gabe took the magazine up to his room to circle gifts he wanted.  I have not stopped smiling since.   In what he pegged as   "TOTALLY #1 BEST EVER PRESENT,"   this has taken first place on his list.    A  real-life
flying car.


For $350,000 you could park this puppy in your garage with a bow on it for Christmas morning!    
He also highlighted "Golf Ball Locating Glasses" and heated socks.   What happened to a Nintendo game?!    Anyway, if you want to check out all the unique items too, click here for the online catalog.

I also wanted to post an article I ran across that takes a positive look at large families.   Refreshing.  

Heavenly Homeschooling

It has been two weeks since we started homeschooling, and I think I am hitting my stride.  It seems like we all are.     I realize that this is very much the "honeymoon" phase and things could take a rough turn, but so far it has been a welcomed change.   It's hard to imagine what I was so afraid of.     Our curriculum is quite challenging and I like that, but the boys are behind since they started in the beginning of the book (and all others are a quarter of the way through).   The boys are learning at warp speed and seem to be absorbing it all, I just want to make sure they actually retain the information.  
One of the more gratifying aspects,  has been to see their eyes light up after learning a new concept or fact. I love it because I am learning so much with them!  The topics are varied and we've discovered everything from Arctic Hares (so cute):

To important information about Alzheimer's Disease;  what biomarkers are, and things like tangles and plaques.    I've been able to rediscover facts about the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Ages.  It's even been a blessing to crack open old classics like "The Golden Goose" and "Robinson Crusoe" together.    Science hasn't been so hot, as I bombed out on two experiments.  Let's just say, Jim will be taking over that area.  

Socially we are actually busier than ever but thankfully, that hasn't been stressful.    We already took a field trip, with another planned this week.  The boys are still taking their music lessons, chess club and morning mass.   All in all, homeschooling has been better than I expected with a lot of extra bonus blessings weaved in.    The biggest challenge has been Garrett.  I don't how families do it with babies!   I am sure you adapt (like with anything else) but we are still figuring that out.  Poor Gare Bear is feeling left out and letting me know it.     We'll get there.     I still nervous about them being where they should be, but I imagine more confidence will come, in time.   The important thing is the boys are really learning with enthusiasm,  and that was my prayer.       So far, so good. :) 

Field Trip!

  Scholastic is taking you back in time to the first Thanksgiving.     Click here for the virtual trip, as well as many printables, facts, games, etc.  Lots of goodies.

Beautiful

Recently, as I was listening to Fr. Leo Clifford's "Reflections", he shared a poem by Irish poet Joseph Mary Plunkett.   Titled:  "I See His Blood Upon the Rose,"  it is a stunning reminder of God's presence in all that is around us.       

I see his blood upon the rose

And in the stars the glory of his eyes,

His body gleams amid eternal snows,

His tears fall from the skies.

I see his face in every flower;

The thunder and the singing of the birds

Are but his voice—and carven by his power

Rocks are his written words.

All pathways by his feet are worn,

His strong heart stirs the ever-beating sea,

His crown of thorns is twined with every thorn,

His cross is every tree.

After hearing it, I felt I needed to print it out.  It's not just something nice to read, but rather a prayer to meditate on.   It also made me think of a song the echos that sentiment. The words are strikingly similar actually.    Here is Phil Wickham "You're Beautiful".   God's creation can certainly stir up powerful sentiments, and I am grateful for those who can articulate it in such a moving way.

Special Sunday

Can you believe we are working our way through November already?!   This is our first full week of homeschooling for us.     The giant Calvert boxes arrived on Friday.   I will admit, I was completely overwhelmed as I sifted through the lesson books.    After getting acclimated with the curriculum and understanding the layout, I am feeling much better though.   Being challenged is a good thing.

Speaking of good things, yesterday we took a trip to Slavic Village in Cleveland and attended mass at St. Stanislaus.  The church is breathtaking!   It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It certainly makes it easy to worship when you are surrounded by such awe-inspiring work, and reminders of God's majesty.   Every inch of the building is covered in breathtaking art.   

This is a mitre, donated by Pope John Paul II to the church

Our Lady of Czestochowa

After that, it was off to the Cleveland Museum of Art.  They were hosting a  family day of "Medeivel Relvery" with crafts,  re-enactments, etc.   The boys made knight helmets

Inspecting a real helmet from the 15th century!

This is a breastplate from a child's armor set. 

Good Things

We made it through our first day of homeschooling!   I was surprised and impressed by how focused the boys were.    We had some great discussions and I am looking forward to learning along with them.  It's also been a blessing to connect with other moms in the same boat.   It promises to be a great adventure ahead!

On another note, I have been loving a few new items lately and wanted to share.  About a month ago, we got an an iPad after our home computer died on us .  Don't you love those unexpected "surprises".    Instead of  purchasing a big desktop computer, we opted for a laptop and iPad.   It is amazing!!   The entire family uses it, although it's primarily for my work purposes.  A few weeks ago, I did an entire show's worth of prep for our morning program while I was getting my hair done.   It was wonderful to free up all that time, knowing I had content already set to go!   Jim loves the calendars, news, and all the fun apps.  The boys love playing games and reading books.  Here is one example:

We also learned that it will be useful tool while we are in Poland.  It has it's own phone number and we can utilize Sype to keep in touch at home.     I am still navigating through the world of apps but it has already been a good investment.  We are hooked on Apple!

The other item I am excited about is the new Tide with Febreze.  We have tried every laundry detergent out there (usually whatever is cheapest or on sale) and they all work fine.  This is the first time I have every really been blown away by the fragrance, our entire laundry room smells sweet when I'm doing the wash...and that is a difficult feat!  Love this.

Lastly, my other new fave is Swiffer Dust & Shine.  My mom used Pledge, so I was a loyal Pledge purchaser and have always been happy with that brand.   However,Swiffter has stolen my heart with their new furniture polish!   Cleaning is a joy when there are so many neat products.   Grandma would've loved this.:)

A Three Hour Tour

(Cue the Gilligan's Island theme).     I recorded a video of our homeschool classroom and it feels a little like a shipwreck. It's a bit laborious to watch. I suppose it comes with the territory, in the world of homeschooling, there is so much to digest and share. Anyway, I received some e-mail questions about our decision so I thought I would try to answer some of those in this video, as well as offer an inside look at our family setup. This is our basement that Jim finished a few years ago. It's a little rough, but perfect for our needs and I am grateful we have the designated space for this purpose. I'm sorry I'm not a better communicator, I think I say "we are really excited" about 5 times.



Today was the last day of traditional school for the boys. Although I am still apprehensive about the unknowns, my heart is happy because the boys are so excited. Tonight as I was writing this blog entry, Gabe came down and gave me this note.

It says:   " Thank You! For all the work, time, and effort for homeschooling."

Just the encouragement I needed.  Thanks Gabe.