Put On Your Oxygen Mask Before Securing Your Child's...

Ok, in the shower today I was thinking more about planning.

I thought about how it is hard to give what you don't have. Be that love, faith or knowledge. I grew up in the public schools and though had an idyllic childhood after school and on weekends, I spent a lot of my day under flourecent lights with dull worksheets. I didn't find out about delightful books or the love of learning until I began homeschooling my sweet then-young boys.

What a treasure trove I discovered! All the wonderful stories and books... oh coming to mind are such friends as Charlotte's Web, Elmer and the Dragon, The Cabin Faced West, Beatrice Potter, Goodnight Moon, Tarzan, Around the World in 80 Days, Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Cheaper By The Dozen.. Oh, I could go on and on.

When I started homeschooling and specifcially when I began to understand Charlotte Mason and others' philosophy of great ideas (through literature and other things) I knew I was at a disavantage. I knew nothing of it, so how could I teach it?

I also remember a fellow mom of small ones asking how she could teach her son the faith when she knew so little of it and felt so little of it.

I knew I had to learn to be able to teach, learn to be able share and lead.

So, I began to learn. I learned about literature by looking up booklists and reading aloud to the boys. I developed my philsophy of learning by reading books on homeschooling and learning and discussing it with friends. And to this day I continue to learn alongside as well as independently from my sons.

What a wonderful job description- learning is my job. :)

And the adventure has been nothing short of delighful and marvelous!

So, how does this relate to planning?

I realized that much of the 'planning' I do is not sitting down with pad and paper or with my fingers poised at my keyboard. It is done in everyday life. It is done as I listen to a Peter Kreeft audio about Thomas Aquinas' view of angels. It is done as I read Lord of the Rings and savor the wonders of the language JRRT puts on paper for us to enjoy. It is done as I skim through the Scientific American magaziene and see relations to the science DVD we are watching this week.

It is done as I ponder life and learn. Some of my best planning is done in prayer when I ask my Creator just *what* it is I am supposed to do with these boys? I love to ask this question in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, because the answers are usually loud and clear!

I am finding that the education I am giving myself, securing that my oxygen flow is cool and abundant enables me to share with my boys, thus ensuring they recieve fresh air and room to think and grow. When I am out of gas, I can't share. But, those out of gas days (such as yesterday) seem to give them time, too. We all have down days, as Luke Westenburg once wisely remarked.

But, if I take the time for prayer and beauty then I can help my boys find it, too. That is my favorite planning I think, because it also allows the Holy Spirit to get a word in the plan, too.

A Little More on Planning...

Well, since Leonie asked in the comments of my previous post, I thought I'd share a little about planning, at least atm at my house.

I want to preface this with a post a wrote a while back about trusting God and my kids. I am trying not to over plan and/or plan without knowing why. So a lot of this is balance, just trying to do things I feel are important for us, leave room for lots of serendipity and find that neat book or website I heard about when I want it!


Here's that old post...

My planning in a nutshell:

- I have list of things I want my boys to know or be exposed to. Mostly (great and noble) ideas, basic literacy in math, science, etc and connections with the world.
These change. But I keep a running mental and written list. That goes in my main notebook. I have a tab for that and named it 'VISION'. :-)

- We meet periodically and talk about what they are up to. I see what is happening in life and jot notes in my spiral notebook. I keep that out all the time where I will see it and hopefully write in it.

- I will read through it and if I see areas they do not cover as naturally, will be on the lookout for ideas. I need a place to keep these ideas. I put notes/brochures in my idea box which sits on my desk. Also I keep a favorites section on the computer and an email folder with ideas I find online. I also have a section for Ideas in my main notebook and even tab the pages by subject.

I also have 2 fat 4x6 inch notebooks. I keep one in my purse and one by the phone and when I think of ideas, or get recommendations when out with a friend for coffee, I jot it down.

-Now that I am armed with ideas, we just live for a while. If they express and interest in an area, I will look in my idea places above or start a new search, mostly through Google or the local library search engine. I also have a Netflix account where I can find some awesome DVDs.

-For the things I suggest to the boys I have a bit more structure. This requires more planning, but not too much.

-I will often ask for time together- to share things I don't have time to during the day. These could be articles or books, lectures, etc. Most are things I find interesting and think they will, too.

-Sometimes I will strew, but more often I will just share neat things I find. For example today it was an articlein today's paper about how scientists say you can read a dog's mood by which direction (right or left) he wags his tail. Yes, they measured the angle and I assume used the scientific method....lol

-I have a white board in my office that is a great visual for me. I think the boys use it, too. On there, I jot down what we are currently doing, that is ongoing. If we start a lot of study in one area, I will write it down and some of the resources I have so the boys will know what I have available. But, mostly it is for me to remember either things we are doing or plan to do.

-I keep a place for 'project piles' books/notebooks we are currently working on and with for various areas. An example is the science DVDs. I watch them first and take notes or jot down ideas. I like to keep that all together with the DVDs and the outline guide, as well as other science resources.

-I have lists for books read and service hours performed that I keep in the main notebook.

-I have a bin of things we did- articles, notes, etc that will go in our scrapbook one day when I get around to it.

-Every few months I take the spiral notebook and type into a word document things they did and group by subject. Then we will turn them into credits.

Besides all this, I will research new things... look for audio books, lectures, local events, DVDs on Netflix, etc and weave it in.

Mostly the planning above is helping me to find things when I want them and to have a sense of where we are.

Hope this is helpful!

Planning With a Light Touch

We had a JLC meeting last night and got on the topic of planning and organizing. We laughed when we all agreed none of us have found a set workable system. I think we were all relieved that we were not the only one who can't keep a schedule working for more than 2 weeks!

We talked a bit about pegs, about letting go of what we don't need and how often it is we (moms) who need more structure than the kids.

I realized that I feel ok about how I do the backend of the system here. I have a place to journal and like the quarterly summaries and credits that fall out of our daily life. But I still have trouble with the 'front end'. Arranging all the ideas I come across. I will research and scour up neat ideas, but then they fall into some black abyss and I forget about them. I will make up a binder of 'Ideas', then forget where I laid it.

So, tonight I am rethinking this whole area, just to get a loose structure for myself on how to organize my ideas and introduce the to my dc.

Willa has some nice posts on how she plans. She is very thourough and has a lovely knowledge of classics and literature and I enjoy her classical bent so much. I laughed to myself this week as I see she posted a cartoon I put up on my blog. She gives me classics, and I give her cartoons! Pretty good trade from my end! Seriously, though I love the ideas she brings to the table.

Here is something she wrote about planning:

"I realize that I plan a bit differently every year. Last year a lot of my planning was oriented around resource-finding for the childrens' interests and for finding spaces in my day for the leisurely conversations that reveal so much about their hearts and minds. The rest of my planning energy went towards looking for things to strew. I also used a lot of planning energy to develop some(better, not great) household routines and prayer habits. These things are still helping me a lot and I don't want to let go of them. "

I like how she recognizes where she puts her energy. I think that is important. I find I often waste my energy if I am not somewhat organized, at least with a general flow.

That is what I am looking at now. A lot of things *are* working.... just to fine tune what could use some grease. More later

Birthday Weekend

This weekend we traveled up to rural East Texas to help my dad celebrate his 78th birthday. The cake was a lushcious carrot cake made my my friend's talented 11 yo daughter. It was a memorable day.

Pick up a Broom

I am reading Prayer for Beginners by Dr. Peter Kreeft. In it he talks about work, the beauty of work, the little things, simple things. He quotes Mother Teresa, she is making incredible sense, as usual.

Mother Teresa said,

Some theologians talk too much. They should pick up a broom and sweep the room. That says enough.

Sound familiar to anyone else?

(Click on cartoon for larger image)

Just replace the word 'work' with 'homeschooling plans'. It hit home with me! And I think it IS my purpose.

As the sign says... It's all About the Journey...! lol

My Lighthouse Buddy

While uploading my camera's pictures, I found this one. A bit fuzzy, but this was the night Bryan helped me put together our first Lighthouse stand, for a local parish. He also took the picture. (I think I had the camera on the wrong setting.)

Nice looking stand, I must say!

It is Official

I am the shortest one in the family.

Hope and joy amidst despair

In light of the tragedy at Virginia Tech and our sorrow for the world, my friend Beate reminded me of the worlds of our beloved John Paul II.

Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people
and hallelujah is our song. ~ JPII

Confirmation, all learning together

Confirmation is that sacrament I kinda got for a freebie. When I came into the fullness of the Church ten years ago, I recieved my First Holy Communion and had my first Confession. But although I was confirmed, I not much was said about it and I never really knew how to explain it to my sons.

So.. again.. the beauty of homeschooling! Because I am not relying on outside teachers I am having to learn this to then pass on. My oldest is 16 and according our our dioceese, he is the 'age' for Confirmation.

Well, in my research (much of it done by surveying other Catholic moms) and by reading and checking Church sources, I find that there is no specific age for Confirmation. There also is no requirement other than the desire and having been baptised. However, every parish has its requirements, and I am hoping our pastor will accept our home catechisis, since their program is very long with lots of classes, social functions and retreats.

But, as with all the aspects of our faith, I want to know the graces Jesus had in store for us when he conferred this sacrement. So, I am learning.. and then sharing.

This is perfect timing too, because in our liturgical year, we are coming upon Pentacost, which is when the Apostles were all confirmed with the Holy Spirit.

Some resources we are using and enjoying are:

- The Bible- We are going to try really hard to do scripture reading every day, and follow the Acts of the Apostles. I have never read them through, but parts and I love it when Peter takes charge! Go St. Peter!

Also:



Growth by Oath

In his usual energetic style Scott Hahn goes into what an oath is, what a convenant is and how it all plays into the sacramental life we enjoy as Catholics. I believe him when he postulates that America is the least sacramental civilization on earth. The whole first cassette is about was a sacrament is, and it ties in beautifully to history and current life.
Then, he has specific talks on each sacrament.

The other book I found is:

I am really enjoying this because it is good teaching (St. Ignatius Press), but is not overwhelming. I read a bit aloud, then we all read some on our own and just talk about it. It also has the lists of those things I want us to know: The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Effects of Baptism, and a page of 'Prayers and Teaching Every Catholic Should Know", such as Meal Prayers, Act of Hope, Order of Mass, etc. This will be a great brush up and chance to learn something new.

Also, of course the CCC is a great resource on Confirmation and I think I might pull that out after we read and listen to these other things for a few weeks.

I find since I have begun this 'focus' that chances to talk about Confirmation come up all the time. It is kind of 'percolating'. We are planning to attend a friend's confirmation next month, and setting our sites on both my sons being confirmed together next spring. At least that is my thought now providing the Holy Spirit and my pastor agree.

Inner Work- Alison McKee

I liked this quote by Allison McKee about the 'inner work' teens do. We don't always see the growth that is happening. I also liked how her litmus test of how they were 'doing' was if they were in 'active states of mind.'

Just before our son entered his teens, and for a year or so more, his life
seemed non-productive. I was comforted by my knowledge that teen and pre-teen developmental changes take significant "inner" work. If you are willing, simply be sure that your teens are actively involved in activities which motivate them when they are in active states of mind. This meaningful work or study is important because, in the future, it will help keep interests in learning alive.

Standardized curriculum, at this stage of the game, may squash any learning interests.

Trusting Myself (and God and my dc...)

A wise friend has been describing her philsophy of homeschooling to me. Really we have just been chatting and sharing but it comes through so beautifully. She never really embraced labels, but learned early on to trust her heart, not rely overly on experts and take advantage of whatever opportunities were placed in front of her and her family. She relies on discovery for her dc to learn.

Something else she said that stuck with me was how she related to all the different homeschoolers with varying styles. She is one of those warm and welcoming people and never seems threatened by others. She said that she meets new people and learns from them, sometimes learning what does not fit her family and knows not to travel that road. But often also learns things that do fit and she does try that path.

I really like that.

Overall, she has taught me about trust. I really am my own dc's best expert, and I know the Holy Spirit is right behind me, guiding me as well.

This led me to some pondering, about how we learn, and what we do. Recently as I posted, I have enjoyed some audios and books by Peter Kreeft and am reminicing about what drew me to Charlotte Mason (and some Classical) years ago. I love great ideas. I realized how that is something I can trust, because it is always something I am drawn back to. I felt a desire to return to more of that.


Also, taking my friend's cue, I began to think about some homeschoolers I know well and respect. Sometimes I (still) will see someone doing something differently than me and feel a twinge. I am wrong? Am I missing something?

To turn this to a positive I did two things:

1) Realized there is not one right way. You could take my set of kids and two differnt paths and they would be just fine either way. Much of why things will succeed is if it is a match for the mom as she is the heart of the home.

2) Decided to think out what I like about other styles and families I have seen and cull the best for myself. The 'best' being what fits us. My list would probably not fit any one other family. But this way I am freeing myself to improve in areas I see, but not feel I am just not measuring up.

I had to draw this all on paper. That is *my* learning style!

I also realized in this, that moms play a very important part. One friend I have is a lot more traditional in her teaching. But she is so kind and loving, self-giving and humble that it works beautifully in her home. She also is very comfortable with curriculum. As much as I love to see all she is doing, I realized it does not fit me, or not to the level the structure fits her and her children. But I can revel in her success and glean ideas from her.

God made us all different, so life is as it should be.

I thought I would share some of the values/ideas I ended up with on my list... things I felt in my heart were at the heart of my home. Some I am doing pretty well on.. some I hope to put more time into. Some may fit your homes, others may make you feel the need to yell 'HOO-EY!' really loud. :) But, I will bet you recognize many of these, as you all are some of my inspiration.


Oh, one more quote I found in my journal from a wise homeschool mom of five kids, four of which are grown and gone.

She once told me:
"Plan on messing up 5 times a week. Then when you mess up 4 times, you will have had a great week!" :-)

Ok, here are the notes of my heart.

Parenting:
- 'Mindful' parenting
- Tell dc: "Please God and not me."
-Understand temperments and styles
-Discipline (disciple) through all aspects of life.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to lead me

Educational Ideals:
-Virtues throughout life
- Help dc find their path to knowing Christ and his Church
- Learning is simply exploring God's creation
- Great ideas- find the good and noble
- Learn to learn, think, ponder, discern
- All of life is learning even the fun- just because it is enjoyable, doesn't mean it isn't learning.
- Effort pays off, but we also need time to think and be to gain real understanding.
-Always seek God and truth on whatever path you are on.
-Love conquers all.

Educational Methods:
- Ask the Holy Spirit to lead me at each turn
- Trust dc to learn
-Discovery, interest-led
-Take advantage of opportunities in life to explore and learn
-Grow from strengths, build skill through interests. help dc stretch in areas they will succeed. Strenghts will support weaknesses. Help dc be their best.
-Limit the negative (defining negative a seperate issue and ever-changing)
-Bring in new ideas (noble and good), beyond just 'daily life' , that stretches dc as well as myself.
-Model enthusiam and techniques of learning.
-Be earnest and real.
-Humility- get out of the way and let go of control... let God work.
-Provide a rich atmosphere in the home
-Empower dc to take the lead in their educational journey
-Choose carefully what I require and know why. (skill building, new experience, or just a trial.. but have a sense)
-Conversation--- the building block of learning is exchanging ideas.
-Formal learning- build confidence so the know they *can*
-Respect and trust- give to dc and expect in return. Respect is much more effective than manipulation and contrivance.
-Help dc know their talents and gifts, and who they are.
-Give children something to do, love and think about.

We Love You John Paul the Great!

The second anniverary of the death of Pope John Paul II.
What a gift he was to the world.

(Thank you, Maria for the picture!

Willa also had a wonderful post and some awesome links about our beloved pope.

John Paul's Last Words

Willa's whole post

Peter Kreeft, a Goldmine of Intellect and Spirituality

I have recently stumbled upon and in essence re-discovered Dr. Peter Kreeft.

He is also helping me re-discover noble ideas and philosophy. It takes me back to when I began homeschooling and through Charlotte Mason began to love the search for great ideas and the literature and other resources that brought it to me.

I found him through my LCM Cds, as they have one talk of his, Seven Reasons to be Catholic. In it he was intertwining Plato, Socrates and Christ as well as C.S. Lewis and Tolkien. From there I went to Google (my old friend) and found this goldmine of a site of Dr. Kreeft's writings and audios.

Peter Kreeft dotcom

On it are a sample of his writings and lots of talks you can download for free. I am actually considering getting an ipod now (new technology I have resisted just to keep from having to deal with more new technology). With an ipod I could download this and they would be all nice and neat and tracked.

He is witty, articulate, intellectual, and througougly steeped in our Catholic faith. What a combo!

Below is an excerpt on prayer from the article linked here.
I also listened to the audio Prayer for Beginners and found it wonderful, just what I needed to help me put prayer first and really try and listen for the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life. I am a Martha. I knew it, he confirmed it. I want to be a Mary. :)

Here are some of his insights on prayer-

The major obstacle in most of our lives to just saying yes to prayer, the most
popular and powerful excuse we give for not praying, or not praying more, or not
praying regularly, is that we have no time.

The only effective answer to
that excuse, I find, is a kind of murder. You have to kill something, you have
to say no to something else, in order to make time to pray. Of course, you will
never find time to pray, you have to make time to pray. And that means unmaking
something else. The only way to install the tenant of prayer in the apartment
building of your life is to evict some other tenant from those premises that
prayer will occupy. Few of us have any empty rooms available.

Deciding
to do that is the first thing. And you probably won't decide to do it, only wish
to do it, unless you see prayer for what it is: a matter of life or death, your
lifeline to God, to life itself.