The Joys of Homeschooling

Quote of the Day, courtesy of my 8 year old son, today during a drill of the states and capitals: "I put new batteries in my thinking cap, but it's still not working!"

I love it when I hear or see my kids say or do something of note during the day, be it funny, clever, surprising, or even annoying. It makes me realize how very blessed I am to have them here all day where the things they say and do, good and bad, fall on the ears of one that loves them more than the best, most well-meaning teacher ever could.

If they are funny or smart, cute or clever, it's a moment to write down on Facebook where Grandma, 2000+ miles away, can appreciate the moment like only Grandma can, or I can text it to my husband and brighten his workday a bit. At the same time, if it's an annoying or naughty moment, well, I'm here for that too. I can deal with it immediately and directly and it won't get swept under the rug and forgotten, or the behavior perpetuated by the lack of due consequence that only Mom or Dad should mete out. Oh the moments I would miss if we didn't homeschool!

Today's funny little quote gives me pause to realize that not the least of my reasons for loving to homeschool is simply being able to be here with and for them, daily. In the midst of the hard work that educating our boys at home is, I realize how blessed we are with the freedom and ability to do so.

New Blog Recommendation!

Here's a brand-new blog I would like to recommend: Daily Chocolate Bar. Its author is a bright, enthusiastic young woman of 20 who, after graduating from homeschool, went on to Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, where she graduated with honors. Oh, and she just happens to be my niece!

In her blog she'll give us a taste of what she's doing in her kitchen, whether at home or work, and she'll serve it up with engaging style. Check it out!

An Epiphany Gift!

It was a dark and cold evening with the threat of snow in the air as we entered the church. We were expecting the Novus Ordo in Latin on this Feast of the Epiphany, but it was apparent as Mass began that this was a low Traditional Latin Mass. There were only a handful of faithful, perhaps 3-4 families, assisting at the Mass.

As Father Lockwood began the prayers at the Altar, his voice, alternating with two young altarboys, was barely audible. All was quiet and still, the lighting was dim but for the Altar; I can imagine it was not unlike the evening the three kings arrived at the stable to adore and present their gifts to the Newborn King.

It was a beautiful Mass, as the TLM always is. But what made it a special gift on this Feast of the Epiphany, was the fact that it was the first Traditional Latin Mass celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in over 40 years! How blessed we were to be there ... we pray it is only the first of many to come!

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St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Pray for Us!