These Homeschoolers Rock!

Okay, seldom, but they are very musically enjoyable. West Suburban Homeschool Band is one of two homeschool bands that I know of in the country,and last Saturday, they marched in 30 degree cold in the dark to bring Santa to his Wheaton, IL home. The band boasts between 150 and 185 members between all of its groups. My daughter is in her second year and is a member of the junior band (ie, can carry a tune this year).

The coolest thing about this band is it is open to any Christian homeschooler. We have had a chance to share our Catholic faith with many of our non-Catholic Brethren who may have been raised to be weary of Catholics. Many priests and brothers come to our concerts, as do some local pastors of other churches. They see our holy lives and genuine love, we see their enthusiasm for evangelizing and great knowledge of scripture. Everyone is kind and loves one another. It is a great experience for the kids.

I'll post band performances here regularly, if you live near by, it is a great chance to see the band. I am always impressed at the caliber of their performances. This week they, like Tiffany before them, played the mall. Yorktown to be precise.

The Simple Joy of Playsilks

I mentioned a few weeks ago I was getting my kids playsilks for Christmas. They arrived yesterday, and because I had run a co-op for them, my kids saw all of them. They know they are for Christmas, from Mom and Dad, but being kids, they could not wait. I was as excited as they were to play with them, so they each got one, as an early Christmas gift.

For the past 24 hours, my kids have been in one fantasy after another, all involving the silks. They have been pirates, knights, super kids, mountain climbers, the Nativity scene, and ghosts. The silks have also been pools of water for toy boats, lava, parachutes, and canopies. Basically, you can do anything with a silk.

What is a silk? Well, a 36x 36 inch of colored silk. It is soft, and the colors are beautiful. The lady who I bought these from hand-dyes hers, so there are variations of the color in each silk, the blues look like flowing water. The silk is from China, but dyed by hand in the US. I just regret I did not buy these 8 years ago when my oldest was little, but even at 9, she has been having a blast. The boys are having more fun than I thought they would. My husband thought the silks might be too girly, but he has decided not, once the boys tied him up in the silks so they could shoot him better with imaginary guns.

We also got these cool things called "ribbon wands". They have become the new wand of choice in the Harry Potter plays that occur daily (they are too young for most of Harry, but can make up hours of his adventures). The combination of the silks and the wands should bring hours and hours of fun this winter.

The lady who made the ones I bought is a small home based business, and she really did a great job. Just another way to support small business, encourage creativity, and live a life of beauty.

RIP Henry Hyde

I was sad to hear the news this morning that Henry Hyde had passed away. I am not one for politics, frankly, I hate politics, but I really admired Henry Hyde. I was privileged to meet him a few times over the years at Pro-life functions, and have many friends who live in his district. Henry Hyde was a man of class.

No politician is perfect, but I really felt like Henry Hyde tried to be a man of honor and dignity, which is rare in this age (and especially this state). He was elected to the House the year I was born and I remember hearing my parents speak of him growing up, as a good man, who cared about life. As a young adult, I remember telling my friends who lived in his district to vote for him. My opinion then of politicians and the whole political system was very typical for a 19 year old in the mid 90's, jaded, and lazy. There was just something about this grandfatherly man that made me like him.

Listening to the news, I think I must have been correct in my feeling, fellow politicians are giving story after story of his kindness and integrity. They are speaking of his ability to forgive and his genuine desire to do good through his work. We can only hope for more leaders like Mr. Hyde in the future.

The Catholic Priest Today

I just had the privilege of viewing a new DVD from the Midwest Theological Forum called The Catholic Priest Today. This little DVD was designed to compliment the USCCB's Fishers of Men. I am sad to say, I have not seen Fishers of Men, but his DVD can stand on its own as well.

It is hard to believe so much can be packed into a mere 30 minutes, but The Catholic Priest Today speaks with several Bishops, seminarians and active priests about their vocations and daily life as a priest. It also has a brief appearance by Scott Hahn. All of those spoken with come back to the same thing, the desire to restore the sacred and to serve the church. How they each serve the church is varied, but all of these holy men rely on prayer.

This film would be a great gift for young men considering the priesthood or for parents, looking for ways to fuel their son's vocation. My boys are young, but I personally enjoyed watching this; it makes me very excited to see so many great young men becoming priests. Teenage and college young men would benefit most from viewing this, but younger boys may enjoy seeing and hearing some of the priests speak about their vocation.

The DVD can be ordered or viewed on the internet for free, but if you are able, please consider making a donation to the project, MTF produces very high quality material, and I'm sure would appreciate any donations. Also, when visiting the site, take time to read the letter from Cardinal George, he gives a much better review and suggestions for use of this film than I ever could.

Fasting and Advent

After a day of excessive eating, I am thinking about Advent and particularly fasting. This is the first year in many I am not nursing or pregnant, and can really give thought to it. In my early days as an adult Catholic (ie high school), I fasted often, and grew in faith greatly, but old age (ie 30), has made me lazy. Sure, I can fast from coffee, and sweets, but I know there is more to be gained from a greater sacrifice.

Fasting is not for everyone, but if you are able, there was a great story on NPR (yes, I listen to NPR!) on All Things Considered about fasting and the health benefits. Sometimes, just hearing that it is not just good for your soul, but your body is that extra motivation to do it. Advent is a great time to make lots of little sacrifices, fasting is just one way to do this.

More on Advent is the days to come.....

A Short Prayer Request

So many reasons to be Thankful! I had a very nice Thanksgiving. The best part of the day was when my Sister-in-Law, who has struggled with infertility for many years, told be she is on a waiting list to adopt! I am SO happy! But, I need your help, please pray for Beth, that by the grace of God, the process be short. Ask St. Nicholas, as his feast is just around the corner, to pray for her, to bring her the gift of a child. Ask Our Lady, our Mother, to help Beth become a mother quickly. Ask any saint in Heaven you have a devotion to, please, for me? Children are a great gift, we all know that, and not a privilege. There are so many babies that need good mommies, and, I know Beth will be an excellent mommy. I'm just so excited for her and her husband, I love babies, and my husband's family needs more!

Just in Time for Advent, Chesterton!

I'm getting this tomorrow as a gift, it is supposed to be a surprise, but I saw it at my In-Laws a few weeks ago. Yes, I know it is for me, because I saw my mother-in-law wrapping 7 copies today (for her 7 kids and their spouses).

I'm very excited, I get more Chesterton and my agnostic sister in law has to endure Chesterton because my daughter has a big mouth. I overheard a conversation between the two of them a few weeks ago. Daughter was going on and on about Nancy Brown's Father Brown to my mother-in-law, my MIL told her she liked Father Brown Stories, but had not read much else by Chesterton, daughter responded, "Well, MY mom is a member of the Chesterton Society" Honestly, does she look through my mail? The kid does not miss a beat.

I skimmed through the book elsewhere. It is very nice. There are quotes, Scriptures and Meditations for all the days of Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas. Day one is the Gift of Hope. It will be a great introduction to Chesterton for my in-laws, and great fuel for Christmas discussion, until we get Chesterton added to the "list" of banned conversations! He'd be in familiar company, at least, religion, politics, the enviroment, social issues, music, movies, education, Nestle, immigration, games, each year, Harry Potter, Michael O'Brien, parental rights, the list grows each holiday.

There is one thing about this book I find moderately humorous, it is compiled by the Center for Study of CS Lewis. Poor Gilbert, doesn't even get his own Center for Study!

What are you getting your kids for Christmas?

'Cause I need suggestions for a 6 1/2 year old boy. Seriously, I'm stumped. He is not really into anything I want to encourage (ie he likes video games). He likes nature, but I got him a boat load to exploring type toys last year. This year we are only giving 3 gifts per kid, 1 big 2 small ( Jesus only got three gifts, why do we need more?) The only thing he has asked for is a violin, which is probably not in the budget this year. I asked my brothers, and they replied "Guns?", that's not happening, either. AND to top it off, we are trying to avoid Chinese made toys, I have spent more money sending back toys this year than on new ones!

My kids are getting several "group" toys from Santa, like playsilks, a nice chess set and a new copy of Monsters, inc. to replace the one destroyed accidentally. I usually throw a few books into their stockings, we try not to go overboard, but usually end up doing so. It seems this year they already have everything worth having! We are getting rid of a bunch of toys before Christmas (FREE DUPLOS, anyone?). I want to give them nice, budget friendly items, that are useful, and moderately educational, do these toys exist?

Please Pray for the Respose His Soul

I only know this family from an email list for Chicago area Catholic Homeschoolers, but I have witnessed the journey of Patti and her son Christopher. Below is an Email she posted today.

It is with a bittersweet tone that I write to you today. Christopher passed away in his sleep this morning. We believe it was related to his airway issues. We have the autopsy results in a couple of hours.Please pray for our family as we need lots of grace from God to weather this storm. Amanda reminded me this morning that God never makes a mistake. We know that Christopher is in the company of the angels and saints and has seen God face-to-face this morning. He is in a better place without pain or breathing difficulties or feeling hungry.We are all surprised by his death. He had been doing so well. In fact, yesterday I took him to drum-making workshop and he had a wonderful time. He slept with his drum last night.As you can imagine the kids are pretty broken up, so please pray that they may find peace and acceptance. We haven't made any arrangements yet. I will try to pass along another email when we know. At the earliest, I think, the funeral will be Monday late afternoon or early evening.Thanks in advance for your prayers!

Today we honor our Veterans

November 11, Veterans day. A day that seems to be slowly fading from view, at a time when we need to honor those who serve our country more than ever. My local school district does not take Veteran's day off, and many others are following suit. This year even our president could not give honor to them by attending the traditional ceremonies.

Honestly, this is the first year in my adult life that I have taken great the notice due to this day. My dad is a Vet, and so is my younger brother, my sister's husband will very likely be heading off to Afghanistan next spring. They deserve more than a Sale at Sears! I've taken more notice this year because I've seem both my dad and brother suffer the long term effects of having fought in a war. My dad still has nightmares, he cannot go in a MRI machine, he is losing his hearing, and he has diabetes due to agent orange. But, I'm sure he would do it all again, if he were able. My brother is a changed person, most of his unit was lost in , yet he just reenlisted for another 3 years. I cannot pretend I understand, I lack the patriotism then have.

There are so many dads, brothers and friends around us that have been willing to die in duty to their country. Once a year, we honor them?! They deserve our thanks and appreciation every day. This has nothing to do with how we feel about any given war, but with the honor that is deserved by those who are faithful to duty and are willing to give their lives for our country, even with its flaws. Again, I cannot pretend to understand, but I can say thanks, and listen to them, even when it is hard. We can let our elected officials know more needs to be done to support these people, both now, after they are done serving. Our country has always had valued in its Armed forces, and the honor they bring us, but has not always appreciated them. Today we can do that. Our kids can do that. Just take a minute to say thanks today, and say a prayer for them, that God protect them, not and always.

Funny dinner conversation

My three year old has an answer for everything.

3 year old: Yippie Skippy (in response to yes, you can have bread)
Mom: Where DID you learn that?
3 year old:God.
Mom: God?
3 year old: Yep, He put it in my soul.

End of Subject.

Happy (Belated) Birthday, USMC!

I forgot to post this yesterday, even though it was ready to go....

My dad was a Marine, and we were required to know the Marine Corp birthday very early in Life. He is working on making sure the grand kids know, so Maddie, who is 5, reminded me of the birthday this year. Most years it is easy to remember, it is the day before Veteran's Day, and other holiday my dad faithfully celebrates and two day's before my sister's birthday. Dad was very disappointed she did not decide to be born 2 days earlier!



My dad joined the Marines in the early 60's and spent a decade as one. He joined before the Vietnam draft, so he could be a "Real Soldier" and not get stuck in the Army. He saw the horrors of war abroad and at home (he was at the Watts riots). The Marines made him who he is, faithful and loyal.



This year we are lumping a few holidays together, my dad's birthday, my sister's birthday and the Marine Corp birthday. My 9 year old has been working on learning the Marine Hymn on Saxophone as a special gift for my dad. We fully expect teary eyes. As they say, once a Marine, always a Marine.

Chicago Most Caffeinated

Duh. I'd comment further, but the black tea I am drinking is getting cold, time for another pot.

Everything Old is New again.

And in this case, it's a wonderful thing! This week it was announced that my Parish's annual 40 hours of devotion would end in our FIRST EVER Latin Mass. Cool, says I, I'm taking Latin, and now I need to cram an entire mass into my brain. Do-able. Today I head off to the church I go to for daily mass, and they are doing the Mozart Coronation Mass for The Feast of Christ the King. I've never heard a Mozart Mass in it's proper setting. I've sung them, by in academic settings, never in the context intended. Super Cool.

All of this is very exciting to me, I was born more than a decade after Vatican II. I've never been to a Latin Mass. I enjoy the Novus Ordo, because in recent years, I've been very fortunate to attend Mass at a church that is very intolerant of liturgical abuse, all of our Masses are beautiful and done well. The Latin Mass intrigues me, though, it is the mass of my Grandparents, and my grandmother has influenced my faith more than anyone. I hope soon, more people will be able to experience the Latin Mass, so we can better see the richness of the faith.

My idol weighs in on the latest at Hogwarts

No big secret, I'd start an Elizabeth Lev Fan club if I could. Her article about Dumbledore's sexuality is one of the best I've read. She at one point compares Dante to Rowling. Brilliant! If you do not subscribe to Zenit, it is worth it just for Her writing.

Eternal Rest Grant unto Them O, Lord...

..And let perpetual light shine upon them.

It is the eve of All Souls day, which has become one of my favorite feasts recently. This year, my husband lost his grandma. I loved Sophie, she made me laugh, she had a quick wit,even if she forgot my kids names. She was 93, and lived a hard, but good life. When she was dying, her daughter, my mother in law, decided it was silly to call a priest for final sacraments, after all, she was a good person, and God is merciful. Both are true, but it broke my heart and made me quite mad that she did not receive the final sacraments. This month especially we are praying for her, hoping she can receive all the graces of our prayers.

Many people presume that heaven is a sure thing, as soon as you die. I was not raised knowing about purgatory, I was even told it did not exist. Woe to all those who have not learned otherwise. It is vital to pray for the dead. Why? Well, they can pray for us in return, and Lord knows, I need all the prayers I can get. A priest reminded me to ask the souls in Purgatory that had the same defects I have to pray for me, and I will pray for them. Someday, I hope to see those souls and thank them. But there are greater reasons, like getting the souls of those we love. The more the merrier, right? What joy there will be the day I see all of my relatives and friends who have gone before me. Our purpose in life is to get people to heaven, and praying for the Holy Souls is part of that. In fact, it is easier than praying for the souls still on earth. The Souls in purgatory are going to go to heaven, after their time of purification, souls on earth, still can end up not making it.

In this month of the Holy Souls, remember them, have your children pray for them, visit a cemetery between November 1-8, for an indulgence. There are only benefits to praying for them, they are helpless on their own, they need us. I also recommend the book Father Philip tells a Ghost Story to help teach children about the souls in purgatory. I wish I had learned more sooner, but it is never too late.

The Candy Tally...

21 Pounds. That's right, my 3 kids collected 21 pounds of candy. Up 8 pounds from last year, but only up 6 from the previous year. We trick or treated for 1.5 hours, and if we were not dragging a 3 year old Hungarian Horntail with us, we would have been done much sooner, but his little wings are slow. My kids will not ever see about 20 of the pounds of candy, but they really have fun collecting the goods. We send the rest to work with my husband, and to soldiers in Iraq, its good to have family in the Army to eat the sugar for us. How did your family do?