Proud of my college Son!

My oldest son attends University of Mount Union and our next oldest, our daughter will be attending there next year.  We have been so pleased with home schooling through high school in a classical mode and then continuing with a challenging liberal arts college - this is one college that accepts home schooled students with no glitches.  We were so pleased our son was recently one of the featured students on the website.  Click on the link and take a visit.

LINK to featured student

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Frivilous Friday - More of my Favorite Things

Being a home school family brings with it both joy and serious responsbility, exhaustion and frustration, usually rolled all into one, and alot of  "in home" time.  How do I manage to stay sane you ask?  How do I organize, take care of the education, the needs of the household in general and still find time for myself?  One thing that tends to turn interested moms off from home school is the idea of having their children with them for such an enormous time throughout the days and weeks, with no "mom" time of their own.  Everyone needs a break - true.  It does help to relieve the stress and refresh one's self.  In my corner of the world, it is hard to get away.  There are reasons I am not able to stray too far from home at this point in my life, so I make "happy moments" in the abode I call home.  This amounts to small things that delight me daily and that I use in my daily round.

There are items I use such as my Acer Aspire Netbook  that keep me mobile and happy and in touch with what's out there.  It sits comfortably on my lap and sits nicely by the phone for safe keeping.  Mine is Teal colored - and I love that color. 

Coffee.  Need I say more?!  ha ha :)  I need a cup in the morning for sure - and a cup in the afternoon when I take a much needed break.  My favorite coffee is Main Street Blend from Giant Eagle's line Market District.  It's a lovely perfect blend.   Try it!  You'll like it too -- if you are a coffee drinker like me!

Coffee Maker with a Timer: my lastest one is a small Mr. Coffee with a timer; I find the timer to be so helpful.  I can wake up and drag myself downstairs and find my already made pot waiting for me.  Ahhh....well, I could you a new one - I'm eyeing the KitchenAid one.…a little pricey……Mother’s Day?

A Debit Card.  Yes, it is a perk I enjoy because it is fast and helpful when I am generally in a hurry and/or with children.  I spend so much time in "writing" mode, it's nice to "swipe" instead.  The debit card also helps keep our budget in check.

Beauty staples; I don't have time to fuss or experiment, and with really sensitive skin and eyes, I stick to what works and doesn't cause allergic problems - especially for my eyes that have grown more sensitive with my thryroid difficulties:

Covergirl Advanced Radiance foundation in Buff Beige - now you know my anti-aging secret - this foundation is absolutely perfect and indespensible for my skin - the color is exact.  And I can afford it.  Sorry Estee :)

Clinique Brush-On Cream liner in Smokey Gray (it's waterproof, and although it takes a little more effort to apply it, it NEVER runs, smears or irritates my eyes - will last all day without irritation)

Clinique Mascara in High Impact or High Definition - gentle on my eyes, last all day and while it costs more than drugstore brands it's worth it because I avoid the flare-ups I get using something irritating. 

Lipstick:  when I use a tube to pop in my purse, I use my favorite Clinique Bamboo Pink -- it's the perfect shade - pretty much universal for everyone - for everyday use.

Philosophy Supernatural Coloring Book Palette - a few great colors for eyes, cheeks, and lips in one little compact -- helps add some color to my otherwise very fair skin, and doesn't irritate my skin or eyes.

Philosophy Amazing Grace and Pure Grace for both bathing and just smelling good (I like the soaps) and wow, do they ever refresh and revive my senses whether an early morning shower or a late at night bath -- I love good smells - they are very therapeutic for me -- but I have some allergy problems with perfumes, and these scents do not bother me.  If anything, they improve me!  And that's saying a lot - some days I need a lot of improvement!

Mood:
I usually listen to the classical music station all day - but every now and then I have to listen to John Fogerty, whether it's vintage CCR or his own solo work.  Have you Ever Seen the Rain?, or Change in the Weather, do my heart good.  Have you ever noticed how many weather or in particular "rain" songs John wrote?  Hmm....??

So, there you have it ~ I hope some of my favorites can become some of your favorites too!

Walking on Sunshine

Remember that old song from the 80s: Walking on Sunshine..?  Yeh, that’s what I hope to be doing soon!  I don’t think I’ve encountered a longer winter, darker days or such difficulty in the transition from winter to “real” spring.  Even so, I still am sticking to my goals for education, family and remodeling here….I’m still dreaming of brighter days and planning, planning, planning. 

This year, I’ve hoped to end our school in late April.  It does seem early…but exactly what I’ve hoped for and planned, and it is starting to look like it will happen.  My 1st grader is pretty much done.  He’s had a long rigorous year with good milestones reached and skills achieved.  His diagnosis with high functioning autism and the options suggested for him have greatly helped me put into place his own personal student education plan (SEP) and I’m still fine-tuning it for the next education season…although some of it will continue through the summer (his speech therapy).  And my sixth grader is beginning to finish up some subjects as well and seeing “last chapters” in many of his textbooks.  Our high school senior daughter has polished off two courses with excellent grades and is steadying growing closer to the end – and her courses are deep, tough and college preparatory, which is what we want out of high school home schooling.  Whether they are going to college or not, it’s just my heartfelt opinion they should receive a college preparatory course of studies in their home school; it will either give them the best at the end of their educational years, or give them the best start and advantage as they enter college level work. 

So, we finish off school, enjoy the Easter season ahead while beginning to remodel our attic and get ready to celebrate the graduation of our daughter, and the marriage of a nephew and many other graduations and confirmations and first communions in this season ahead!  Amen to that! 

 

The 17-Day Diet: pros and cons of the latest weight-loss craze - Healthy Living on Shine

 

The 17-Day Diet: pros and cons of the latest weight-loss craze - Healthy Living on Shine

 

It’s time for me to get serious about losing this extra thyroid-gone-bad weight – I like the sound of this diet.

Poetry Friday

Let's Go Fly A Kite!

Written by Robert B. Sherman


With tuppence for paper and strings,
you can have your own set of wings.
With your feet on the ground,
you're a bird in flight!
With your fist holding tight,
to the string of your kite!


Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite
And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!


When you send it flying up there,
all at once your lighter than air!
You can dance on the breeze,
over 'ouses and trees!
With your fist 'olding tight,
to the string your kite!

Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite
And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

In Memory of my father, Edward, May 27, 1933 - May 24, 2004. One of the fondest childhood memories I have of him are those of our family flying kites. I hope his is flying high.....May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, by the mercy of God rest in peace.

James Taylor | Carolina In My Mind Lyrics

 

In my mind I'm goin' to Carolina
Can't you see the sunshine
Can't you just feel the moonshine
Ain't it just like a friend of mine
It hit me from behind
Yes I'm gone to Carolina in my mind
Karen she's a silver sun
You best walk her way and watch it shinin'
Watch her watch the mornin' come
A silver tear appearing now
I'm cryin' ain't I
Gone to Carolina in my mind

James Taylor | Carolina In My Mind Lyrics

Wow!  It blogged it – awesome

All in a day’s work

 

This is a test message to see what it is like to type my blog from my live writer program.  It’s very interesting!  I’m not sure I like the format yet, but I’ll work on it.

Fearfully & Wonderfully Made



For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.


My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139: 13 - 16)

Dear Sisters,

This week part of my family once again headed to Washington DC to be part of the March for Life. I am grateful to God for a country that allows us the freedom to participate in a peaceful demonstration of our principles and beliefs in the sanctity of life. I am grateful that our country does not impose a forced abortion law to control population. We join countless others in prayer that someday all life will be guarded from conception to natural death. After all, isn’t our God all about Life? …Creation?.. We have a beautiful hymn we sing at our church titled, Isaiah 49 (or I will never forget you my people), perhaps you have heard it:

I will never forget you my people,
I have carved you on the palm of My hand,
I will never forget you,
I will not leave you orphaned,
I will never forget my own…

Does a mother forget her baby,
Or a woman the child within her womb,
Yet even if these forget,
Yes even if these forget,
I will never forget my own.
(Rev. Carey Landry)

This week my thoughts have been focused on the life that God has given us and given through us: our children. Children are a blessing – the scriptures fully attest to that….”.4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. 5 Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court.” (Psalm 127)

I know many of us have special needs children that God has blessed us with and we have chosen to continue to home school them in a safe and loving atmosphere. Recently I was informed after several lengthy tests and evaluations, that my youngest son has high-functioning Autism; while this didn’t come as a surprise as we suspected something, it does come with the challenges of meeting educational goals and therapies for him. I have another son that suffers from an anxiety disorder (OCD) and while his educational goals are easier to navigate we still have appointments and therapy sessions for him -- 24 hours in a day sometimes doesn’t seem to be quite enough time! To say the least, these two children make life very interesting in the Laubacher household. :) They have certainly reinvigorated my personal goals as a home educating parent and recharged me with new life after 15 years of home schooling ~ perhaps God really does know what’s best! And so it is, I look to you Sisters for support and hope to encourage and support you on your journey.

I have selected several scripture passages in this letter that help us reflect on the blessing of life itself as well as children. Perhaps we can take some time to meditate on the words of “life” scriptures and praise our Lord for the blessings He has given us and the guidance we need to always make life giving choices.

 

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deut. 30: 19)

May the Lord’s face shine upon you!
Your Sister in Christ,

Denise Laubacher

Do Not Be Anxious.....

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Phil 4:6-8)

January 20, 2011

Dear Sisters,

Welcome back, dear moms, to a new year! I hope this letter finds you refreshed and recharged after having a lovely Christmas season break. I hope you enjoyed a beautiful holiday with family and friends and will be blessed abundantly throughout this new year. Some of the highlights of our holiday season were spending the evening listening to the Checcs Christmas Choir Concert (and how beautiful it was!) and getting together with friends and family and our church community throughout the weeks; enjoying the company of our college aged son who happily had some time off to connect and rest up a bit….along with a lot of baking and eating ... Praising God all the while for His abundant blessings.

Perhaps it is at this time in the beginning of a new year you take inventory once again noting where you are in your courses and look to adjust and continue along the path that will lead you to satisfaction in completing the school year in the months ahead. Maybe you have very young children and the school year ends for you earlier in the spring (be grateful!); perhaps you have a large variety of ages you are working with but know the end will be in sight as it is every year bringing satisfaction, relief and reward (be grateful!). Maybe you have welcomed a new child into your home and things are a little topsy-turvy…(be grateful!)…or maybe you have some challenges, children who need more care and attention, perhaps they have some learning challenges or difficulty of some kind that makes it a little harder to complete a smooth year (nonetheless a smooth day)…be even more grateful! Maybe you and I are more alike than you think…While the responsibilities of home and family and education can make us somewhat “anxious”, above all, give thanks to Our Lord in all things, and “do not be anxious about anything…..” What sweet words to reflect upon.

~ ~ ~

…but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God…

As I return our home and studies to “normal”...I attempt to focus on how much we have accomplished so far – not: how much still needs to be done, although I know that is a reality, especially with a senior preparing to graduate. I ease back into our daily courses until we are once again moving full steam ahead. More deeply, I focus on how far we have come through the years, (the big picture!) and how the dynamics of my home have changed over those years and how once again the next school season will bring further changes. There are some years I wish I could have held onto forever….and some years I definitely wanted to pass quickly. I’m sure I’m not alone!

And so often I find that “anxious” feeling creeping in and sneaking up on me. It seems reasonable that home schoolers should sometimes feel anxious as we are doing “something different” than society dictates. And so this letter opens with the bible passage that speaks clearly about being anxious. Read the passage carefully! “DO NOT be anxious…about anything”, those are words for weary hearts. At times it may also seem like a tall order… However, I find great peace and strength in this scripture and I want you to also. No matter your place in life, no matter how joyful or desperate, alone or surrounded by people you may be….read this passage and allow it to enter your heart and live there.

While overall, home schooling is a joyful choice yielding many rewards, it can be at the same time a challenging and exhausting endeavor. We can become anxious in every sense of the word. Still, the benefits of home schooling are great. I hope and pray for you as this new year unfolds “peace” above all things. Peace in your hearts and homes and home schools. I am ever so grateful God led our family down the path of home education and to like-minded families; all of you mothers that strive to do the Will of God in your lives, pouring over into the lives of your families building in your children a Christian value system, one that focuses on the second part of the bible passage….: “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Know that even with challenges that arise, He is always with you. He will continue to guide and lead you. He that is full of love and integrity and trust….He who is worthy of all thanksgiving and praise!

If you make any resolutions this year, make it part of your resolution to tell yourself daily: …do not be anxious…make Philippians 4: 6-8 part of a great year ahead.

Blessings to you and your families!
Your Sister in Christ,
Denise Laubacher


…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…

Memorial Jan.4, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Born into a wealthy and influential Episcopalian family, the daughter of a Dr Richard Bayley, Elizabeth was raised in the New York high society of the late 18th century. Her mother died when Elizabeth was three years old, her baby sister a year later. She married the wealthy businessman William Magee Seton in 1794 at age 19, and was the mother of five.

About ten years into the marriage, William's business failed, and soon after he died of tuberculosis, leaving Elizabeth an impoverished widow with five small children. For years Elizabeth had felt drawn to Catholicism, believing in the Real Presence in the Eucharist and in the lineage of the Church going back to Christ and the Apostles. She converted to Catholicism, entering the Church on 14 March 1805, alienating many of her strict Episcopalian family in the process.

To support her family, and insure the proper education of her children, she opened a school in Boston. Though a private and secular institution, from the beginning she ran it along the lines of a religious community. At the invitation of the archbishop, she established a Catholic girl's school in Baltimore, Maryland which initiated the parochial school system in America. To run the system she founded the Sisters of Charity in 1809, the first native American religious community for women.

For more on Elizabeth Ann Seton, follow this LINK to Patron Saint Index, courtesy of Catholic-Forum.


Prayer by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
Lord Jesus, Who was born for us in a stable, lived for us a life of pain and sorrow, and died for us upon a cross; say for us in the hour of death, Father, forgive, and to Your Mother, Behold your child. Say to us, This day you shall be with Me in paradise. Dear Savior, leave us not, forsake us not. We thirst for You, Fountain of Living Water. Our days pass quickly along, soon all will be consummated for us. To Your hands we commend our spirits, now and forever. Amen.

For Everything There is A Season

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”…(Eccl. 3:1)

“I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves. He has made everything beautiful in its time; also He has put eternity into man’s mind, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; also that it is God’s gift to man that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil.” (Eccl. 3:10-13)

 Dear Sisters,

I hope you enjoyed a very beautiful and blessed Thanksgiving with your families. The holiday seasons give us many opportunities to create memorable experiences for our families while focusing on our faith. Family traditions are rich in warmth and joy and forge long lasting happy memories for those that experience them time and time again. In fact, I recently heard that gifts involved in experiences will not be as memorable as the experience itself; the smells, the atmosphere, the social aspect, the feeling. Creating positive joy filled moments for our children to recall in later years will cause them more happiness than “things”. Relationships with other people, family and friends, will be the most meaningful inventory they can own and love.

One tradition on my husband’s side of the family that we have enjoyed for many years, is going out to eat at a buffet with his father, sister and brothers and their families a certain Sunday in December for our Christmas gathering. The children look forward to it more than any item they could receive; it seems the togetherness (and food!) trumps the materialistic aspect. It’s the sharing, the story-telling and joy in joining together in a meal with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins; in a word: atmosphere. This makes Ecclesiastes all the more meaningful; how wonderful it is written into God’s plan for man to enjoy life and be happy, “also that it is God’s gift to man that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil.” Smile here :)

Charlotte Mason, one educator that I am particularly fond of, said that education is “..an Atmosphere, a Discipline, a Life.” Atmosphere is something we can change to our advantage. With home schooling, we can sometimes grow tired or frustrated…changing things up on occasion can be refreshing and just what we or the children need. We can tap into “atmospheres” of learning all around for our children (such as that at our Checcs co-op weekly), as well as “create atmospheres” in our homes. These learning environments are safe havens in which we can supply our children with learning materials and tools to help tap into our children’s God-given potentials. I think there is a great connection between creating atmosphere and our children’s potentials….atmosphere being another way to bring out potentials. While looking through the recent Apologia 2010 Catalog, there was an ad for the book: 7 Tools for Cultivating your Child’s Potential by Zan Tyler. The Christianbook.com description reads like this: “Educating children and developing their potential are inextricably linked. In Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential, Zan Tyler helps parents recognize signs of each child's potential that may be easy to overlook and emphasizes the importance of family and home in the lives of children. This book will help you discover more ways to help your kids develop a godly identity, discover their purpose, and build leadership skills.” Naturally I am intrigued by this book! As a home educator I am always looking for ways to develop potentials in our children. We are not given a map or instruction guide with each child, but we know that God has gifted each child with wonderful abilities and talents and I know I feel a duty to help cultivate those hidden treasures in my children, for only God knows where He is leading each child, we can not see what special place, career or vocation God has planned for each individual, because of this, I feel I must stay open to possibilities and be broad thinking in terms of education – giving and guiding my children as much as possible and letting them also go off on rabbit trails of learning where they seem most interested.

Atmosphere…Potential….it’s a little bit of a rabbit trail of its own, isn’t it? It would make for a good side-study for mom during the long winter months ahead.

In this season of awaiting the celebration of Christ’s birth perhaps you can adjust the atmosphere just a bit in your own small corner of the world.  You might not be the person in charge of climate control, but you have more control over the climate in your own home and school than you think! You can make pleasant changes that can lead to better focus and joy in your household.  Give up your anxieties to God; don’t panic at the big Christmas countdown….that’s a secular pressure that Christians really need no part of. Decide right now to give it all to God.  Ask God to guide you through the busy days ahead that you can feel peace of heart and mind.  Then, receive the gift of Christ with all your heart and mind and soul and know that this is a gift that will never die or go away….it won’t only be a good memory, or feeling, it will be eternal happiness.  When we keep our sights on eternity our atmosphere changes …..we bring a little bit of heaven to earth.



May God bless you and your families with Peace, Joy and Love this beautiful season ahead!

Your Sister in Christ,

Denise