Holy Ducklings

Friday, May 17, 2013

Family Rules Idea Via Pinterest

Source: pinterest.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Thursday, May 2, 2013

What I've Learned from the Amish

I've always been extremly intrigued by the lives of the Amish.....maybe it's because I secretly want to be
one ....but, I really don't think that I could give up some of my modern conveniences such as a hot shower and air conditioning.

Yet, I find their ways extremely beautiful, simple, and uncomplicated....graceful and pure. I once read about an Amish father and his young son milking cows together and how Amish parents never shush away their children while working....they always work beside them learning and bonding along the way....the way that God intended us to raise them...the way we should all strive to raise them.

And then, I look at modern society...and how we plop in a movie to go and do the dishes or laundry by ourselves....doing the total opposite of what the Amish would do....what God wouldn't want us to do.The first thing I've learned from the Amish is to always work side by side with my children to teach and bond with them. Now, when I fold clothes, they sit alongside me and help....the same with dishes and yard work. If the opportunity rises, my children will be there alongside me.

The Amish have also taught me the importance of simplicity. An Amish proverb explains this lesson well: he who has no money is poor; he who has nothing but money is even poorer. The Amish work to survive and any extra that they earn, go to others less fortunate than them....they don't need extras....they strive for simplicity....because with more things, the less room there is for God. Do you really need those fancy clothes, nice vehicles, or other unnecessary things? Try to downsize....you will find life uncomplicated and you will be teaching your children a wonderful lesson.

Another lesson that stuck with me is their use of proverbs to teach their children daily morals. When you parent with proverbs, God will give you more graces to help your journey as a parent. I believe the Book of Proverbs is one of the best parenting tools.

It's hard, but I have strengthened my own faith by striving to live simply as the Amish do. I realized, when I enforce simplicity into my busy life, only then I can become closer to God and have more peace within my family.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Choosing a Homeschool Curriculum

I'm getting there... our curriculum is almost set for my son's first year of kindergarten. Most of our materials are coming from Our Lady of Victory, living books (library picture books), and various materials that I've collected over the years. Here is the process I've followed to decide a curriculum.

1. Decide what I wanted my children to learn in each subject. Label each page with a subject and write these things down under each subject heading. For example, under RELIGION I wrote down The Ten Commandments and under SCIENCE I wrote down seasons.

2. Print off a calendar for each month of the school year. Write down basics for each week according to each subject. And then, print off weekly planner sheets to specifically plan for subjects each day.

3. Once your first week approaches, gather materials for first week of subjects. Make sure your weekly planner sheet is finalized and set for the week.

4. Have fun on your beautiful homeschool journey :)

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Five Favorites of the Day

Moxie Wife hosts a five favorites link-up every Wednesday....this week I thought I'd join in. So, here it is...a list of my top five favorite things of the day.....

1. The Duggars

Love this family....they are truly blessed. What an exemplary model of a family that defines what it means to have a servant heart.

2. Egyptian Licorice Yogi Tea

A nice way to unwind from a long day....love the way this hot sweet tea slides down your throat....yum :)

3. Twistable Crayons

What? Crayons that don't break....what more could you ask for.....awesome!

4. Froggy Books

These books are great....it seems like Froggy is always forgetting something! Better yet, they always make my kids laugh each time we read them!

5. Gymboree Play and Learn Book

Great book that breaks down activities for different ages of your children.....from baby to age 5. Lots of good stuff in here!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Another Good Read!

Yes! I found another fruitful read, and it is special because it enriches the vocation of motherhood!

The Domestic Church: Room By Room by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle breaks down the vocation of motherhood and uses analogies to compare it to different rooms of the home. Pope John Paul II wrote the "little domestic church, like the greater church, needs to be constantly and intensely evangelized: hence it's duty regarding permanent education in the faith."

The first chapter starts in the foyer (an entrance hall of the home). This chapter explains the "beginning" of our vocation and who we must look up to as mothers (Virgin Mary). After we have established this role model in our lives, we move to the other rooms in the house: Garage: A Husband in the Picture, The Nursery: The Blessing of Little Souls, The Living Room: In the Heart of the Home, The Kitchen: A Vocation of Love, The Dining Room: Praying in the Domestic Church, The Basement: Selfless Love-The Foot of the Cross, The Porch: The Overflowing Chalice of Love, and The Patio: Evangelizing with the Feminine Genius.

I also love how each chapter uses scripture to explain her analogies. Because of this, I found her book very helpful in my vocation as a mother and will refer back to the verses she references in the book.

I hope you enjoy this one :) God Bless