Wednesday, December 15, 2010

An Advent Calendar for Orthodox Christians

I first saw this adorable project here. So I clicked over here for all the details. I just love crafty bloggers :) So cute I just had to try it!!! What I really love is that this project wasn't locked into the typical 25 numbers found on every advent calendar on the market. With an extra 15 buckets, I could create an advent calendar with the 40 numbers needed for an Orthodox Christian advent.

I wanted something super easy so instead of drilling holes, I decided I would look for a peg board. After a trip to the local chain lumber yard, I had this...
A can of green spray paint later...
After it dried we brought it inside to continue with the project...
I went to the dollar store and sure enough...look what I found...
While I was at the dollar store, I looked for stickers that I could use to number the buckets. Sure enough, they had alphabet and number stickers...in RED. I bought several packages and then each bucket received a number...
Now here is where I deviated from the original in a big way. See this advent calendar also serves as our Jesse Tree. By searching the internet for FREE clip art images, I was able to find most objects suggested by this group. I printed the small images and then used M*d P*dge to affix the image to the correctly numbered bucket...


And the buckets ended up looking like this...
Using pegboard hooks I purchased at a local hardware store, I arranged them in the shape of a tree and hung the buckets in order.
Ta-Da!!!


So, here is how we use our advent calendar/Jesse tree. At the beginning of the season, all buckets have the numbers facing out. Each day, we read the reading of the day and one of the children turns the bucket over to reveal the image for the day. For each day, the children are to do something nice for someone else (but they cannot tell the person "this is my nice thing I'm doing for the day"). They then write down what they have done on a slip of a paper and place it in the bucket for that day. On Christmas day we will gather all the strips of paper as our gift to Jesus Christ for His birthday.

Now, just so you'll know this was a fairly inexpensive project even with my changes. The pegboard cost about $1.75. A can of spray paint $3.50 and the hooks were $0.16 each, which came to about $6.40. 4 packages of stickers for $4.00 and 14 packages of buckets for $14.00.

Fun crafty project from a minimally crafty mom.

May God bless you abundantly this Christmas season!
theresesophia




Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Daybook 12-7-10


Outside my window...
It is dark and cold. It is supposed to be bedtime :)

I am listening to...
my husband play PS3 and my son helping him

I am wearing...
socks, black sweat pants, and my favorite Stars "sweater"

I am pondering...
the power of prayer.

I am reading...

In the kitchen...
still not quite sure where that is. Probably need to go to the grocery store before I get too excited about trying to make a meal :{

I am thinking...
about our school updates for the coming semester and the things that need to be done to bring about some positive changes.

I am creating...
a Christmas project that I will share here this week!

Towards a living education...
we have hit a major shift in how we need to do school. I have been teaching the way I wish I had been taught but that is not necessarily how my children learn. I am revising lots of our curriculum and am working towards creating the best learning environment for them rather than ME.

Beauty in the home...
we have been working on decorating our home for the Christmas season. Simple touches to most rooms to bring the season alive... a tin small tree in the washroom, a music box nativity with a few small ornaments on a shelf in the dining area, a festive bow and towels in the kitchen. The tree is up and the kids and I decorated it on St. Nicholas day... a wonderful tradition to continue.

The domestic church...
Liturgy yesterday for the feast of St. Nicholas. A reading each day to take us through the season, from the Children's Bible Reader based on the list found here. And the project I've been working on...

I am hoping and praying...
for a very close friend of Princess. Her name is Rachel and she and Princess dance together. She suffered, we believe, an aneurysm last Monday. She was doing well and improving quickly although she had lost movement on her left side. She had a horrible set back yesterday but appears to be improving today. If you could pray for her and her family, I know all prayers are greatly appreciated!!!

In the garden...
the leaves have been raked and it looks lovely. The husband and Stinkbug put lights out for Christmas and the lights make me smile every time I see them, even when they are not on.

One of my favorite things...
Princess's dance teacher. She has been such a loving example to all of her students. She has been at the hospital by Rachel's side, much of the past week. She has comforted the students that are hurting and calls to give us updates when there is news of setbacks or progress.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
dance and hockey of course, several trips to the hospital, a trip to the homeschool store, Christmas shopping, school, and definitely a trip to the grocery store.

A picture thought to share...



Blessings!!!
theresesophia


Monday, November 29, 2010

Daybook 11/29/10

Outside my window...
is a beautiful autumn day. A little cool, a little damp, and very windy.

I am listening to...
the clock ticking and the wind blowing the leaves.

I am wearing...
my favorite pj bottoms, a cami, and my favorite robe.

I am pondering...
how long I should let the children sleep after a very exhausting weekend.

I am reading...
2 books that I just started last night. So new I don't know the titles and I'm not going to walk to the bedroom and find out right now :)

In the kitchen...
WHAT KITCHEN??? This house has a kitchen? Hmmm...maybe I need to find it this week?

I am thinking...
that I need to stop thinking and just start DOING!

I am creating...
a gift for someone that I should have finished a year and a half ago. And if I can get to the store, I have a project I want to create this week that I will share here.

Towards a living education...
in between all the kids' activities this past week, I did some tweaking on our homeschool. I'm looking forward to getting it started. I've got lesson plans done and will update their binders as I meet with each of them today. Another post I need to share.

Beauty in the home...
I'm really looking forward to decorating our home for Christmas. So much to do though! On second thought perhaps this would be the perfect time to have a simple Christmas. Hmmm...that might make for a good post as well :)

The domestic church...
looking forward to liturgy on Tuesday with dear friends. We have been enjoying our advent time during school. Look for a post on what we are doing for that this year.

I am hoping and praying...
that I will be able to inspire my children this Christmas season to deepen their relationships with Christ and to share their love of Christ with others.

In the garden...
lots of leaves to be raked. As strange as this may sound, to me this is a blessing of fun because we've not ever had enough leaves to be raked before.

One of my favorite things...
being able to watch my children do the activities they LOVE. Nothing makes my heart swell like watching them (and I did get to do a lot of that this past weekend).

A few plans for the rest of the week...
school - lots and lots of school, liturgy, hockey, hockey, hockey, dance, dance, dance, raking leaves, cleaning up, cooking, shopping for Christmas decorations, and adding some Christmas spirit to our home.

No picture thought to share this week...I've been too busy living it :)

Blessings!!!
theresesophia

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Daybook 10/19/10


Outside my window...
is another beautiful day. The sun is shining and there is a slight coolness to the air.

I am listening to...
the tick of the school room clock and my fingers on the keyboard, the children are all still asleep.

I am wearing...
my favorite pj bottoms and a cami.

I am pondering...
so many things... routines, cleaning, homeschooling, parenting, marriage...the list goes on.

I am reading...
Water for Elephants (which so far has been surprisingly good...it was a recommendation and I'm not always too sure about those :) and A Beginner's Guide to Prayer (it's time for me to do some spiritual reading too).

In the kitchen...
I've actually cooked this past week and am looking forward to spending more time in the kitchen this week. A very dear friend introduced me to Relish and I am loving the ease and simplicity of having my grocery list prepared and having all I need on hand to create new meals for my family.

I am thinking...
that I am so very blessed to have a wonderful husband, 4 great kids, an awesome puppy, lots of wonderful friends, and a God who loves me.

I am creating...
a clean and organized home, and it feels really good. Maybe I'll get to that sewing desk before Christmas :)

Towards a living education...
I am loving the lesson plans I created which fit so well with our lifestyle. Lots of reading and math this week. We are really focusing on the Odyssey this week so hopefully we will all have a better understanding of it :)

Beauty in the home...
Still working on the kitchen this week, but it's almost done. And the washroom is better than I could have imagined...I almost don't mind doing laundry...ALMOST, I said.

The domestic church...
we celebrated the liturgy of St. Luke yesterday and Fr. Chris said some prayers for my dad. A beautiful day. I'm looking forward to resurrecting our prayer time, or at least MY prayer time.

I am hoping and praying...
for God's forgiveness.

In the garden...
the children planted some flower boxes to go in front of the kitchen windows.

One of my favorite things...
getting a book I have been wanting in the mail. Now I need to finish what I am reading so I can start on it... Remember thy First Love.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
trying to keep it simple again this week - school, hockey, dance, music lessons, rehearsals, cleaning, cooking and bills.

A picture thought to share...
Memory Eternal!!!

Blessings!!!
theresesophia



Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Daybook 10-11-10


Outside my window...
a dark, cool evening.

I am listening to...
the hum of the tv and a "cop" show

I am wearing...
pajama bottoms and a cami

I am pondering...
how slowly the days pass while the months and years fly by.

Ia m reading...

In the kitchen...
looking forward to actually doing some cooking this week. The cooler weather has me anxious to do some baking as well.

I am thinking...
that I want to get my sewing machine desk put together this week and set up my machine...I'm ready to sew.

I am creating...
two blankets for hockey, actually Rosebud will be doing most of the work while I supervise.

Towards a living education...
we are back to hitting it hard after some light weeks while we had visitors. Focusing on math and reading this week and especially adding in more literature.

Beauty in the home...
kitchen almost complete. Hoping to finish up cleaning projects at our new home this week along with organizing our paper monster.

The domestic church...
is quiet this week.

I am hoping and praying...
that I will feel God's peace this week and next.

In the garden...
the roses are blooming.

One of my favorite things...
reading at night with my youngest.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
planning to keep our schedule simple this week - the usual hockey and dance, along with a focus on school, cleaning and cooking.

A picture thought to share...

Blessings!!!
theresesophia

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Daybook 10-5-10


Outside my window...
an absolutely beautiful, cool autumn morning

I am listening to...
the computer hum and a clock ticking...the rest of the house is still quiet

I am wearing...
my winter nightgown

I am pondering...
why some people can't enjoy life and be thankful for the beautiful blessings that God has given them

I am reading...
Bag of Bones by Stephen King. Not typically a Stephen King reader but I was encouraged to read Under the Dome and loved it. This one looks to be a pretty good read too.

From the kitchen...
the kitchen has been very quiet while we have had guests for almost two weeks. Now it is time for a major grocery shopping trip and time to get "cooking."

I am thinking...
that today might be a great day for a nature walk.

I am creating...
this blog post??? Not feeling very creative right now...just wanting to get outside and enjoy the day.

Towards a living education...
I have been really enjoying our lesson plans and weekly assignment sheets. I need to do a post soon to update our educational information and I need to update my sidebars as well.

Beauty in the home...
has been my main focus over the past few weeks. Visitors are always such a good motivator :)
The kitchen needs a little more work. The gameroom and "multi-purpose" room are last on the list and will hopefully be finished this week. Now that the weather is cooler, I hope to work on painting the school room furniture.

The domestic church...
has been very quiet lately. Definitely an area we need to focus on now that company has gone.
Not sure where to begin though.

I am hoping and praying...
for someone very dear to me who is experiencing some spiritual distress.

In the garden...
I have disassembled the four garden plots we had made at our other house and am trying to get the flowerbeds cleaned and planted for curb appeal.

One of my favorite things...
a clean and organized HOME. We are almost there and it feels soooooo good!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
dance and hockey (of course), big hockey tournament this weekend, finish organizing the gameroom, multi-purpose room and kitchen and keep going with our cleaning, sort stuff for a garage sale and get things priced, lots of errands to catch up on now that company has gone, get cracking on our lessons and enjoy this beautiful weather.

A picture thought to share...
Let Hockey season begin!!! WooHoo!!!

Blessings!!!
theresesophia

Monday, September 13, 2010

The Pain of Childbirth


As I think back sixteen years, I remember the anxiety of knowing that our first child was to be born in a few hours. Two weeks past my due date, there was no hope of this baby introducing herself to the world on her own. The fear left me breathless...how much is this going to hurt??? I know it will be worth it but what if I can't handle the pain??? As I think back now, I realize how foolish I was...

The physical pain was barely a blip on the radar of the pain I feel each year as the 14th of September approaches. My heart breaks, my eyes water, and my mind drifts back to that beginning. Each year her wings become stronger and I realize that each year, I am one year closer to watching her begin her flight away from the home she has known. She grows, she stretches and soon she will build her own nest. Each year, the pain of childbirth becomes stronger and more intense as I see her becoming the woman God has planned for her to be. No longer the child of my heart but now a being with a life of her own.

As the pain of birthing this young woman year after year overwhelms me, I now turn to the Theotokos. "Help me through this... Show me how you could bear this!" And she whispers to me... "Treasure these things in your heart!" And so along with all of the joy (watching her dance, hearing her laugh, seeing her smile, feeling her hug), I will also treasure the pain of watching her grow, knowing that it is through the pain that great things will come.

A very Joyous Feast to you all and a very Blessed Birthday to our sweet princess!!! Many years!!!



Blessings!!!
theresesophia

Monday, August 2, 2010

Daybook 8-2-10


Outside my window...
beautiful green grass even though the temperatures are over 100...my husband is doing a great job on the yard :-)

I am listening to...
the TV in the other room...hmmm...this seems to becoming the norm...maybe we should be doing school instead (or maybe the only time I can post on this blog is when they are watching TV...hmmm)

I am wearing...
summer pajamas...okay, it's after 2 in the afternoon but sometimes you just have to take a day off, right???

I am pondering...
when I should go to the grocery store. I'm out of diet dr. p*pper and that just should NOT happen at this house!

I am reading...
Divine Justice I haven't read anything by this author before so we'll see, not really getting into yet.

From the kitchen...
I actually have some menus for this week. Now I just need to make a trip to the store and actually COOK...lol.

I am thinking...
that a diet dr. p*pper would be really good right now!!!

I am creating...
a clean house, twenty years of photo albums, lesson plans, and menus...now you know why I needed a day off...lol!

Towards a living education....
the 2010-2011 lesson plan forms have been made. I need to complete the information on the forms and then all lesson plans for the year should be complete...WOOHOO!!!

Beauty in the home...
LOTS accomplished last week. The rooms for Stinkbug and Sugarcake are done. Master bedroom and master bathroom are done. This week will focus on the living areas.

The domestic church...
lots more praying this week.

I am hoping and praying...
for a very dear friend who came down with pneumonia while on a Boy Scouts camp out with his son. Hopefully he will continue to heal and will be able to go home soon.

In the garden...
the flowers keep blooming thanks to my husband (and my dad...wink, wink).

One of my favorite things...
an ice cold diet dr. p*pper... can you tell I'm a little obsessed right now???

A few plans for the rest of the week...
complete lesson plans for the new school year, clean and decorate family areas,
get old photos organized and in albums and the cd's uploaded to the computer, and of course, buy a case of diet dr. p*pper to get me through the rest of the day...lol. Oh, and did I mention hockey lessons and a hockey tournament this weekend???

A picture thought to share...
Ahhh!!!

Blessings,
theresesophia

Monday, July 19, 2010

Daybook 7-19-10


Outside my window...
another scorcher...yuck...I am so NOT a hot weather gal. Thank goodness for the trees and awning that make this yard almost tolerable.

I am listening to...
a children's show on the television and our dog chewing on one of HER toys :-)

I am wearing...
my "clown" outfit as my family so lovingly calls it... to me, they are called "work" clothes

I am pondering...
"Don't take it personally, even if they mean it that way." So sorry I can't give credit because I don't know who said. I read it in an email and have really been looking at how that applies to some hurtful things that someone told me. I'm not there yet so if anyone has words of wisdom, I'd love to hear them.

I am reading...
Facebook...lol...books have been set aside for the moment. I am really enjoying catching up with friends.

From the kitchen...
not much although I am looking at some recipes that don't require a lot of heat in the kitchen.

I am thinking...
this is going to be a tough week. Yesterday marked 9 months since my dad passed and this Friday would have been his birthday.

I am creating...
photo albums of all our old photos. 20 years worth is not an easy task. Luckily a local photo shop is having a sale on converting photos to cds. Going year by year, I'm getting them on cd then getting them stored on the computer. Photos go in an album and when all our done then I will make photo books online for each year.

Towards a living education...
my oldest has found a math curriculum...monumental!!! We've been doing a little science, math, and reading, and hope to add a little history this week.

Beauty in the home...
I am pleased with the master bathroom and hoping to do a little decorating in the master bedroom this week.

The domestic church...
will be pretty quiet this week...just lots of praying.

I am hoping and praying...
that my dad is enjoying eternity

In the garden...
luckily my husband has been tending and caring to the flowers otherwise everything would be straw.

One of my favorite things...
learning that my daughter will not just be on the girls practice team but will get to play at least 15 games with the girls AA team. I am so excited for her and so very thankful for her coach...who is the absolute best!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
dance camp for my oldest, hockey for the other 3, lots of cleaning and decorating, some painting and cleaning at the old house, lots of praying for my dad.

A picture thought to share...

My dad and I in 1992

Blessings!
theresesophia

Monday, June 28, 2010

Daybook 6-28-10


Outside my window...
It is dark, the day is almost over and it is wet after much needed rain

I am listening to...
My girls talk on the phone and my husband playing the guitar

I am wearing...
a necklace that my daughter received for playing hockey (she wanted me to have it).

I am pondering...
why my mother wants me to call her everyday

I am reading...
Coal Run...just started it so I'm not too sure about it yet but I'm trying to read some books I have around the house before I get any more

From the kitchen...
Absolutely nothing!!!

I am thinking...
that my lists from last week have really been helping me focus. I feel like I've been much more productive.

I am creating...
a clean garage at the house we need to sell. It's hot but in small doses, I've been able to clear some space. I hope to finish that this coming weekend.

Towards a living education...
Just a few items to order but most curriculum is in place. This week I'll be working on assignment sheets for the year and a weekly schedule.

Beauty in the home...
Won't be much this week as I try to focus on getting the other house cleaned out to sell.

The domestic church...
will be quiet this week as we spend some time with family.

I am hoping and praying...
For all who will be traveling over the next few weeks with vacations.

In the garden...
Rain, sweet beautiful rain.

One of my favorite things...
celebrating another year of marriage (20 years on Wednesday) to the best goofball this side of heaven

A few plans for the rest of the week,
some alone time with my husband, time with family, and lots of cleaning on that other house

A picture thought to share...
20 years!!!

Blessings!
theresesophia

Monday, June 21, 2010

Daybook 6-21-10


Outside my window...
it's hot. Period.

I am listening to...
my daughter practice the violin
my younger two watching tv
the dog's collar jingling

I am wearing...
clothes to work and sweat in (been working at the old house)...blue jean shorts, an old sleeveless shirt (that my family hates) and my stars clogs

I am pondering...
where I got off track with so many things. During the first part of our move I felt overwhelmed but somewhat organized and able to keep going. Now I find myself with many partially done things and not even sure what's been done.

I am reading...
well, I just finished The Lovely Bones and need some time to digest it before I move on to another book.

From the kitchen...
not much since that is one of the things that is partially NOT done. Meal plans have gone out the window as well as recipes. Definitely need to make this a priority over this next week.

I am thinking...
that I need to go back to basics...make my lists and tackle one thing at a time.

I am creating...
well, I guess I'm going to be creating lots of lists...lol.

Towards a living education...
goals for summer and next year are in place. I have a few items to purchase for next school year but most things are already here. I need to plug in lessons for this week and get the kids going.

Beauty in the home...
uuummmhhh, where do I begin???

The domestic church...
looking forward to attending liturgy this Thursday

I am hoping and praying...
I will be feeling better soon

In the garden...
it's just way too hot. Period.

One of my favorite things...
watching my youngest daughter smile with her whole body

A few plans for the rest of the week...
violin lessons, hockey lessons, hockey games, apparel day for my daughter (its a hockey thing), working on the old house to prepare it for selling, working on our new house for living, working on our menus and actually making a trip to the grocery store

A picture thought to share...
I hope ALL fathers had a wonderful day yesterday. To the best two DADs I know.

Blessings,
theresesophia


Thursday, June 17, 2010

You See???

You see this girl???



She made the ballet junior company!!!


You see this girl???


She made the training team for the girls' travel hockey team!!!


You see this boy???

He made the AA travel hockey team!!!


You see this girl???

SHE'S SEVEN!!!

So now YOU SEE why I haven't been posting much!!!

Blessings,
theresesophia

Monday, June 7, 2010

Daybook 6/7/2010


Outside my window...
are many beautiful roses to remind me of my daddy and my husband

I am listening to...
the washing machine and my youngest daughter laughing

I am wearing...
pajama pants and a tank top
I am thankful for...
my children loving ice hockey - it's such a great place to be when the temperatures are already over 100!!!

I am pondering...
when I'll be able to do a post that is NOT a daybook...lol

I am reading...
the same stuff I was reading last week...haven't really had an opportunity to read at all last week
From the kitchen...
fasting dishes this week, using lots of recipes from evlogia. Definitely need to get the grocery list in order and make a trip there today.

I am thinking...
that I really need to send my mom some flowers this week...my parent's wedding anniversary is midweek and I would imagine she will be pretty sad

I am creating...
new schedules for schooling and cleaning
Towards a living education...
we will be schooling this summer to make up for time off during my dad's illness and death and also during our move. This week we return to math, reading, science and history.

Beauty in the home...
the master bathroom and bedroom are complete, both are really simple and relaxing. I've been working on the extra bedroom and the school room. This week I will continue to work on those as well as help the children finish their rooms.

The domestic church...
plans to attend liturgy this Thursday and youth group on Friday
I am hoping and praying...
that I will be able to be abstinent from overeating this week for more than 3 days
for friends and family with health issues
for friends and family with job issues

In the garden...
we've been able to enjoy the beautiful flowers my husband planted
One of my favorite things...
a daughter who didn't give up this weekend when things felt hopeless - she tried out for an all girls hockey team and although she didn't make the team, by not giving up, she impressed the coaches so much they want her to practice with the team so she will be ready next year

A few plans for the rest of the week...
hockey, hockey, hockey, violin, time with friends, lots of cleaning, lots of schooling, hockey tryouts for stinkbug

A picture thought I'm sharing...
A view of our entry towards the front door...I love our icon wall and the table was my mother's day/birthday gift this year.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Daybook 5/31/10


Outside my window...It's already promising to be a hot one but I have beautiful rose bushes to see... 2 from the previous owners and 4 that my dear husband planted

I am listening to...
quiet...ahhh

I am wearing...
a white nightgown with faded pink flowers

I am thankful for...
a husband who got up early on his
day off to go get me coffee and has been out working in the yard to get it looking awesome!!!

I am pondering...
grief - the complexity of emotions that seem to spring up from nowhere

I am reading...

From the kitchen...
the fast begins. I will create our menus this evening and plan a trip to get groceries on Tuesday. Hopefully we will be able to have at least 4 meals cooked at home again this week.

I am thinking...
that a trip to visit my mom definitely needs to happen in the next few weeks...God willing, of course :)

I am creating...
a fun and comfortable school room...still painting that furniture. My guess is about 8 weeks to get it all done.

Towards a living education...
a day off to spend with dad, a day off to get lots of errands done, a day off to get SugarCake moved, hmmm...it looks like there won't be a whole lot of education going on this week

Beauty in the home...
I got sidetracked thinking about some very cool projects for our extra bedroom. I did manage to tackle our "formal dining room," aka gameroom, aka sorting room (until we finish moving). It is a lot less stressful to not see it piled with things to unpack.

The domestic church...
plans to attend liturgy with other homeschoolers on Thursday.

I am hoping and praying...
that friends and family will have peace as they await news on some stressful situations. That I will be able to return to Overeater's Anonymous this week as I attempt to come out of relapse...St. Michael pray for me!!!

In the garden...
my dear husband has been working so very hard. He's cleaned out the beds and planted new flowers. He's been working on some rough spots in the grass and it looks like he plans to put down mulch in the beds.

One of my favorite things...
going to liturgy and then lunch with dear friends (my daughters' godfamily). May God bless them abundantly for all the blessings they bring to our lives!!!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
hockey, NO dance - except for Saturday, liturgy, time with SugarCake to sort her "stuff," lot of errands, lots of unpacking, lots of cleaning at the old house and new (okay, I think I need a nap just thinking about it!)

A picture thought I'm sharing...
THIS is the picture thought I've been wanting to share. This was found (or rather this found me) in a Half Price Bookstore in Dallas,TX. I'm still speechless of the beauty of this icon not to mention finding it in a used bookstore!!!

Blessings!
theresesophia

Thursday, May 27, 2010

A picture thought to share...

As promised, I now have a picture thought to share. Not the one I had planned, I'll save that for another post. But this one is pretty special too...




Sugar Cake lost her first tooth today at church...sigh...my baby is growing so quickly. I cried most of the way home. The tooth has been wiggly for almost a month now. This morning at church it seemed VERY loose. I was hoping for a few more weeks... but after church I felt it snap and then it started bleeding. I put some holy water on a napkin and told her I would put that on there to make it feel better and amazingly the tooth just "fell" into the napkin.

Now I'm going to do what any normal mom would do... grab a diet dr. p*pper and a box of tissues. I'll be in the bed if anyone needs me...

Blessings,

theresesophia

Monday, May 24, 2010

Daybook 5/24/10

Outside my window...
It is dark and there is a different backyard than the one I was looking at last month when I did my daybook :-)

I am listening to...
the air conditioner, a children's television show and my husband frying some bacon

I am wearing...
sandals, jeans, a black and white print top and my prayer bracelet I just got in the mail

I am thankful for...
a very special friend who loaned me her prayer bracelet until I could get mine in the mail (I lost my previous prayer bracelet on Mother's Day... boohoo!!!)

I am pondering...
how long it will take me to finish painting all the homeschool furniture (at my current rate they may all graduate before I'm done!)

I am reading...
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Home

From the kitchen...
a full week of meals this week, ham and potato salad in the morning, homemade burgers the next day, mac and cheese casserole with leftover ham the next and a homemade lasagna this weekend

I am thinking...
that my children need to go to bed a LOT earlier than they do!!!

I am creating...
a new HOME.

Towards a living education...
a huge focus on math for all and reading for the younger two

Beauty in the home...
that's pretty much all it has been about for the last few weeks. The older girls are pretty much set. The bathrooms look good but need a little tweaking. Probably focus on the rooms for the younger two this week

The domestic church...
our icon wall is in place. Joyous Feast to you all!!!

I am hoping and praying...
that friends and family going through stressful situations will be blessed with positive outcomes.

In the garden...
we no longer have our vegetable garden and although our new house has beautiful grass, we haven't had the opportunity to do much other than plant a rose bush in memory of my dad

One of my favorite things...
trees... our new home has lots of beautiful trees

A few plans for the rest of the week...
the orthodontist for Rosebud, helping Stinkbug and Sugarcake finish the moving process and set up their rooms, ballet and hockey, math, and, God willing, paint lots of the school room furniture

A picture thought I'm sharing...
you'll have to watch for my next post for that...lol.

Blessings!!!
theresesophia


Monday, April 12, 2010

Daybook 4-12-10

Outside my window...

Is a beautiful spring day and bikes that weren't put up from the night before


I am listening to...

Rosebud playing with our dog


I am wearing...

My usual, my favorite Stars tee, light-weight sweats, and tennis shoes


I am thankful for...

So many things, beautiful children, a wonderful husband, a sweet church family, very dear friends, a caring priest, Bright Week, Diet Dr. Pepper


I am pondering...

Why I am sitting here blogging instead of working on my long list of "to do's" for the week


I am reading...

contracts, consumer reports, and reviews of refrigerators and electricity providers


From the kitchen...

not much except for cleaning... well, maybe carrot cake


I am thinking...

about the house we may close on, on Thursday and all the things that need to be done


I am creating...

lots of lists, people to call, things to do, cleaning...


Toward a living education...

back to school after a break for Bright Week, focusing on math and reading


Beauty in the home...

lots of decorating ideas floating in my head for the new house and lots of cleaning, painting and remodeling to be done in our current home


The domestic church...

will take a small break this week, with the services for Holy Week and attending daily liturgy during Bright Week, we need this week to focus on some school and home tasks


I am hoping and praying...

that my husband continues to be successful on his journey to end his addiction and that I will be able to be successful with my return to Overeaters Anonymous (it's time)


In the garden...

In spite of the neglect, Princess found onions in her plot and Stinkbug found carrots. Looks like strawberries are coming soon too.


One of my favorite things...

fan appreciation at the Stars game, Stinkbug was given a stick by the captain (Morrow #10) and we all had a blast, with the exception of knowing that it might be Modano's last home game


A few plan for the rest of the week...

buying a house, and all that goes with that


A picture thought I'm sharing...
Don't
Go
Mo

Monday, March 29, 2010

Daybook 3-29-10

Outside my window...
it's dark, the day is almost over

I am listening to...
last week's American Idol and I am NOT enjoying it so far

I am wearing...
my #3 shirt, sweatpants and sneakers

I am thankful...
for my wonderful husband and his perseverance in face of adversity

I am pondering...
why God has chosen to bless me so abundantly

I am reading...
Seek First the Kingdom... a very sweet, beautiful book about living the orthodox faith

From the kitchen...
I give up on the vegan chocolate chip cake...at least this week...lol. There won't be a whole lot going on...between church, hockey and dance, we will be home very little

I am thinking...
that amidst everything else this week, what I need most is to find a few quiet moments to myself

I am creating...
more stress for myself by obsessing over some things beyond my control

Toward a living education...
we will be focusing on the teachings of the orthodox church during Holy Week

Beauty in the home...
we will be working to prepare our home for Pascha by doing lots of cleaning tasks

The domestic church...
will focus on Holy Week and the coming of Pascha

I am hoping and praying...
for my husband's success with a difficult trial

In the garden...
uuuggghhh...not going there this week

One of my favorite things...
is feeling like I accomplished something with my day

A few plans for the rest of the week...
lots of time at church this week, lots of cleaning, many dentists appointments, a doctor's appointment, hockey, dance, violin, a little schooling, probably a visit from my mom, and lots of praying!!!

Blessings!!!
theresesophia

Monday, March 22, 2010

Daybook 3-22-10

Outside my window...
is a beautiful spring afternoon and a few leftover snowballs from yesterday.

I am listening to...
a TV show...Clean House...hoping for some inspiration

I am wearing...
a long sleeve STARS tee, a STARS ball cap, blue jeans, and sneakers

I am thankful for...
Stinkbug's dental emergency last week turning into a huge blessing...his tooth cracked while eating and it ended up being a baby tooth that needed to come out

I am pondering...

why there are so many things that need to be done to SIMPLIFY one's life

I am reading...
Worst Case by James Patterson

From the kitchen...
there will be pasta with marinara for supper and if I can get to the grocery store tomorrow we may actually be able to eat more than one meal at home this week. We will also attempt the vegan chocolate chip cake that we did not get to last week

I am thinking...
that I need to start preparing for Pascha...outfits, gifts, plans, food

I am creating...
lots of lists right now... errands, phone calls, homeschool plans, home repairs

Toward a living education...
I will be changing our science focus from physics to nature. I am hoping that the spring will bring us the opportunity for nature walks and gardening. We will be using Exporing Creation through Botany, at the suggestion of a very dear friend.

Beauty in the home...
will hopefully be accomplished this week by painting the master bathroom, cleaning the master bedroom, and cleaning out the pantry.

The Domestic Church...
we will begin our preparations for Pascha, we will be listening to some podcasts from Under the Grapevine if I can figure out how to download podcasts.

I am hoping and praying...
that very dear friends of ours will see improved health over the coming months. My friend just received a pacemaker and his daughter is very ill. The doctors are unsure what is causing her illness so I am praying that the doctors in Houston will not only be able to give them a diagnosis but also a cure as well.

In the garden...
there is still everything to do, luckily we did not start on our garden or the snow would have destroyed it.

One of my favorite things...
going on a date with my husband to the STARS game...even better when they win (which they did)

A few plans for the rest of the week...
a celebration of my husband's birthday, a hockey playoff game for Stinkbug and Rosebud, back to dance and rehearsals for Princess after a week for spring break, back to hockey and ballet for Sugarcake...in other words, mom is back to living in the suburban (sigh!)

Blessings!!!
theresesophia

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Updated Core Curriculum

As mentioned in my previous post, there has been some serious overhaul to our homeschool. I've begun with updating the core curriculum.

Previously, we were working on Word Study by Singapore for our vocabulary. As much as I liked the layout and activities, it really did not provide enough background (word lists) for individualized work. I often found that I didn't have enough information to complete the assignments. We dropped Word Study and have switched to Wordly Wise 3000. At the beginning of each lesson, students are given a list of words with the definitions. What follows are several activities to practice the vocabulary words. Very traditional workbook format...we don't do much that has the traditional workbook format so I don't mind having this one. Additionally, we will use the word lists as our weekly spelling test.

While I love the intensity of Singapore Math, I have had to admit that it is not a good fit for all my children. While some will continue with Singapore, others will switch to Teaching Textbooks. Both Rosebud and Stinkbug are excited about the idea of doing math on the computer. Hopefully this will be a good switch for both of them.

I was recently introduced to Tapestry of Grace. There are many things to like about Tapestry of Grace. First of all, there are four levels which correspond quite well to the four children in the household. It incorporates history, literature, and fine arts with a strong emphasis on gaining knowledge through living books. We attempted the first 3 weeks with a free trial and all seemed to enjoy the format. It's also been nice that although each student is on a different level, they are all covering the same topic so they have been able to share with each other and engage in activities together.

Handwriting Without Tears is our handwriting curriculum. Although we have been using this all along, I failed to add this to the blog list. While updating, I figured it would be best to go ahead and add this one in.

Writing with Ease is a new addition to our writing curriculum. Although we were using Understanding Writing, it just was not working for our family...a great curriculum just not right for us. I am hoping Writing with Ease will be a better fit. Writing with Ease is from the authors of the Well Trained Mind. It looks very simple to use and I'm hoping to get it started this week.

That completes our core curriculum. Very soon I will be updating the weekly curriculum as well as our high school studies.

Blessings!!!

theresesophia

Monday, March 15, 2010

Daybook 3-15-10

Outside my window... the sun is shining, there are birds singing, I can see garden plots which need to be cleaned.


I am listening to... a few precious moments of silence, even the birds are quiet at the moment.


I am wearing... my favorite night gown, slippers, and a denim jacket (I'm still a bit chilly from taking the dog out...lol).


I am thankful for... my children getting to play hockey at the American Airlines Center...what an incredible opportunity for them and quite a thrill for their mama too.

I am pondering...the necessity of daylight savings time.


I am reading... I, Alex Cross (the latest James Patterson book).


From the kitchen... not much, although I am ready to try some vegan recipes from Alicia Silverst*ne's cookbook. And the younger crew and I will be trying a vegan chocolate chip cake.


I am creating... a baby gift that might be done in time for her first birthday.


From the school room... weekly plans have been revised. Our schooling now looks nothing like our schooling from September. Post coming soon on our revised plans.


Towards beauty in the home... plans to donate our fish tank and paint our master bathroom this week.


The domestic church... I've been enjoying reading the Psalter with Orthodox Mom's group and I'm looking forward to a presanctified liturgy later this week.


I am hoping and praying... that a large project my mom has been working on goes smoothly.


In the garden... there is much to do. Each child's plot needs to be cleaned out and seeds need to be started. We also need to get some color in our front yard for curb appeal.


One of my favorite things... a shirt Stinkbug bought me on Sunday, I may never take it off!!!


A few plans for the rest of the week... watch some hockey, look at houses with our realtor, visit with friends who are on spring break, continue with our homeschool revisions, finish updates to our master bathroom and update this poor, tired blog.


A picture thought I'm sharing...








I never tire of seeing pictures of my daddy!!!










Thanks to mary at evlogia for the daybook idea.


Blessings,

theresesophia

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Dealing with Grief - Tear Soup

When my father-in-law passed away, I looked for a way to help my children deal with their grief. I checked out every book our library had on the topic, mostly those I could read to them. Of all the books we read, Tear Soup was the one that touched us all. But I probably benefitted most of all.


Tear Soup is the story of an older woman facing grief. It is never mentioned exactly what has happened but she works through her grief by making a pot of tear soup. As time goes on, she continues to make tear soup but it changes as time passes. What touched me most was the emphasis that everyone's tear soup is different.


As each of my children dealt with their grandfather's grief differently, I was able to comfort them according to their individual needs instead of being alarmed when one child didn't cry as much as another. What was most important to me was to keep the communication open and let them know I was here to support them and not judge them in their grief. Having read this book I was better able to accept the way a family member chose to deal with the death of her son. Instead of judgement, I was able to offer comfort.


The shocker came when my own father passed away. It was easy to grasp how my mother was making her tear soup. I was able to see how my husband was making his tear soup and how my children were making theirs. But I was blinded by my own grief. I struggled greatly with why my feelings weren't what I thought they would be. I felt certain that I knew myself well enough to know how I would grieve. Shouldn't I be crying more, shouldn't I feel stabbed when I heard his name, shouldn't I behave a certain way? When it didn't work out that way, I couldn't accept it. In fact, it wasn't until a few months later that Tear Soup clicked with me in a different way. If I could be understanding of how others' made their tear soup, couldn't I afford myself the same acceptance...that perhaps my own grief would not be what I thought it would be. As I began to accept that the grief I had was different than the grief I thought I would have, I began to move past dwelling on how I was grieving and focus on the love I have for my dad and how that doesn't change just because I can't talk to him on the phone.



Lessons learned...

Everyone grieves differently and the best thing I can do is offer them acceptance and understanding of their grief.

I may or may not grieve the way I think I will, that doesn't mean I'm not grieving.

As understanding as I am of others' grieving process, does not mean that they are in a position to be as understanding of my grieving process. I need to make my own tear soup and not be concerned if others do not think I am "making it the right way."



May the Lord bless you!!!
theresesophia

Friday, February 26, 2010

Finally

Okay, I know so many of you have been eagerly anticipating my return to the blogging world (well, maybe NOT...lol). But here I am!!!


Coming this weekend... the first installment of Dealing with Grief - Tear Soup Lessons.


May the Lord Bless You!!!
theresesophia