Ideas and Dreams and Prayer

So....I've been in the process of trying to find my nitch with my creativity. First I started making baby things...from clothes, to accessories, to gift baskets for baby showers. Then that ship seemed to sail...so then I got back into doing hair, weddings, prom, etc. Well after Baby GAP was born, my clients died off due to my availability and time. Now I have a new dream/idea in the works...I've tossed around a lot of ideas to friends and family. I never felt that I could commit to the business I originally had thought of, mainly because my views have changed over the past few years. Life isn't just about making it through each day, or doing the minimum to get by....its about serving our Lord, spreading his word through your love and interaction with others. I may have views some don't agree with, but when I look at the big picture, I see a world of people lost in translation. People searching for answers, wanting control, but unwilling to acknowledge how much God has helped them in life. If we feel this need to be in control...its because your out of control. Not to say your crazy or acting wild, but to say "YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE." If you desire than control, look to God. I look at our children who look to God for everything, the world around them may be a wreck but that know God will take care of them. Big E soaks up so much knowledge and love when he reads the bible, a 6 year old reading a bible and finding it fulfilling is such a blessing. When I look at what we have ahead of us, what our children may deal with. I think what can I do as a parent to not only protect them while they are young, but prepare them for what's to come in their future. After prayerful discernment I feel that as a woman who went through some serious self disrespect as a young adult, I don't want that for our kids. I want them to know who they are to feel proud to be a moral individual, whether they are accepted for who they are or not. Children should have confidence that who they are will one day attract their future spouse. They shouldn't be looking for that spouse at the age of 16, or 18... Children of today look for love at a younger and younger age, though its not the fulfilling kind of love. Its the empty love, the one you turn around to days, weeks, or months later and ask...where that part of me that I gave to that person. I'm missing a piece of who I am and they took it with them...they loved that person too much to know when love turned to lust. Oh the lack of self respect teens today have. I sat with my mom in front of a restaurant the other night, we were just chatting. Then suddenly a teenage girl passes by our car in what could have been labeled at boyshort(i.e. swim bottoms, or panties). Sadly I don't look at this girl and think, what trash, I think...her poor soul. God help her to respect herself so others can respect her in return. We head inside the restaurant and sit down, still talking about what we witnessed, as I turn to see a girl across from us in Daisy Dukeish still shorts...with are you ready for this....a black tube bra under a completely see through long sleeve black shirt. She was with her boyfriend just soaking up all the attention she could get from him. It brought me back to when I was that age, I remember trying to hard to get a guys attention....and for what a smile!?!? So...after witnessing all this I began to think about what's missing in our youth and why they don't respect who they are. Its a lack or good role models, God, good family structure, and the big one which is created by all this SELF RESPECT. What can we do to make a change, to help our youth, and the future families of our nation... Aside from praying for God to watch over and protect them...I'm int he process of doing some serious research on what's missing that we can provide as physical help to each and every girl. Obviously for a business to function you need money to make things, do things, get the ball rolling. So yes I think a business like this may need to have some kind of purchase involved, but I also think that it can be affordable. Businesses can manage helping those in need if those that have a little extra can pay the actual cost of things. So I ask you as you read this to please pray for me as I pray and decern what my role should be in helping our youth, but specifically girls of today, respect themselves so they can find the eternal love they need in their futures. BTW..this website is a great way to get info on modesty guidelines for girls, so they learn to dress to respect their bodies. http://www.purefashion.com/cities/austin

Our Little Posey School House

So this start to our second semester hasn't gone as well as I would have liked. No ones fault just organization and a lack of knowledge in what to do next has left me questioning what to do next year. After lots of research and prayer, my sister and I did some thorough research just last week again. I had closed the door on Seton Home-school, but after more research and the fact that they have over 11,000 students enrolled...Devin and I have decided that next year Big E will start with Seton. The school is know for having a rigorous work load, that being said Big E is super smart and I think he really needs that structure and challenge to enjoy school. Not to mention they keep track of everything and when it comes to high school and graduation they take care of your transcripts. They are also "Under the Magisterium of the Catholic Church." Another bonus that we like is their tuition includes books, so your not paying just for the school you paying for everything. I look forward to trying this new route next year, and if its not the path for Big E we can always try something else. All this being said, I do feel like we have a pretty good curriculum flow going. Its a mish mash of a bunch of different curricula : Math You See(Alpha), Story of the Worlds(my favorite), Phonic Tutor, Explode the Code, Usborne Children's Encyclopedia, Prima Latina, and we practice writing the date and prayers every day. I'm sure some think that it sounds like I have it down pretty good, but I'm a self doubter and I feel I need support from an outside entity. I do have another favorite subject this year other than Story of the World...Prima Latina! I absolutely love learning Latin with Big E. Our newest accomplishment is learning the Doxology, though we already not the Holy, Holy, Holy prayer. Gloria Patri, Filio, Spiritui Sancto. Glory be to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. world without end. Amen. I never imagined enjoying learning a language as much as I enjoy learning Latin. We have learned alot of verbs a handful of nouns, counting to 10. So much fun, I think Big E really likes it too. Latin has become an exciting lesson in our day. Just last week Big E started martial arts at Tiger Rock in Leander, he's doing it during the day with other home-schoolers and has the opportunity to do it a total of 6 days a week. Really looking forward to watching him learn and grow in martial arts. Yesterday Big E was awarded with his Bobcat Badge and Tiger Badge in Cub Scouts. He's so proud of himself, I can't believe how much he's doing and learning everyday. He's growing up too fast and I feel so blessed and lucky to be able to home-school our kids and have such a big influence in their lives. You don't realize how valuable home-schooling is til you get to really know your kids and how they think...who they are? I was in public school and begged to be home-schooled back when it wasn't popular. I missed my family so much and felt like my sister and I would have been so much closer had we been home-schooled. Mad and Big E are bonding so much, they love their time together, and though kids fight and it can be overwhelming. I wouldn't change anything about having all our kids home with me all day. Anyone out there that has an opportunity to home-school should do it, it could change yours, your kids, and your families lives in ways you never imagined. Coming from a Catholic point of view, I feel I'm getting to teach our kids about God and prayer and a relationship with God in ways I didn't realize were possible. God thank you for letting us home-school.

Love and marriage...with 3 kids!

So my hubby and I have been married for 6 years this April, we have changed so much since we were first together. The biggest change is losing time together with 3 kids running every which way. I've started trying to find extra time for each other and realized. Maybe if the time isn't available for both of us....I can use my available time after everyone's in bed. So on the eve of Valentines Day...I thought to myself what can I do to make this day mean something to us. So...I took pink and red construction paper and wrote notes about why I loved him all over the house. Some of the locations I put them were related to what the note said i.e."I love laying in bed with you doing nothing." So I put that heart above our bed. You get the idea anyways. I also thought I'd use the left over paper for notes too. Then the other day I came up with the idea of using our stainless steel frig as a dry erase board for chores. It worked out great so tonight I used it as a giant note to my hubby about how much I love him. This is what Valentines Day should be about...not spending money, buying gift, or going crazy with candy. It should be about sharing your love with the one you love. Expect nothing in return and receive everything.

Prayer and Family

Today was a typical school day but when we ended the day. I had planned for Big E and I to write some prayers and we can begin praying them in our own time. God has blessed us with such amazing children. Big E's love for God just blows me away. Here's his prayer.Written by Big EFamily PrayerGod, Holy, Holy, Holy, God, Lord God I love you as much as I love everybody. So does my family, Bless everyone and everything on the planet. AMENIndividual PrayerHoly God I hope you love me and I hope Mary loves me too. AMENToday I told him we should study the Pope soon so he could learn more about who the Pope is and what his job is. E told me he already knows his job. I ask him what and he says, "The Pope is the guy who blesses the rosaries!" Sooo...just about the cutest observation ever. Guess we have some learning to do about the Pope. Wouldn't want his only job to be blessing rosaries...lol.

Life's many blessings

Its the beginning of a new month and so much to be thankful for.... I have a husband that works his butt off and may or may not get the appreciation he deserves at work, but boy do we love and appreciate him. I have 3 beautifully blessed children...Big E is growing in leaps in bounds recently. Not only is he excelling in everything I teach him in school, but now as a cub scout he's showing me just how much his love of outdoors and nature is a God send. Mad is a little bit of a toot for her age, I believe my mother in law has the right nickname for her "Pistol Posey." God love her though, she's a shinning star on in the darkness of any rough day we have. Not only is she a comedian, but she has a personality that could make anyone happy to be in the presence of. Baby GAP, he's so different from his sibling, but the way he communicates with everyone is the sweetest thing. He is just growing up so quickly he is super active and into everything, but on the other hand he could spend hours in my lap just loving on mommy. God truely has blessed us with a wonderful family. I also have an amazing support system, my parents and sister go above and beyond to help out with the kids whenever they can. Though my in-laws live far they could not be forgotten, they have helped us in so many ways the list is endless. God has blessed with with family all over the U.S. and those distant relatives that I have seen on a few times in my life have become very special to me after losing my grandfather this September. I feel sometimes I take for grant what blessings God has given me, I may get caught up in the things that just can't change or life itself. I sometimes feel lost knowing that I have things I want to contribute to in life, to my family, and so much more...but with 3 kids it seems like a dream. I hope and pray I can one day find my place in life, I know I'm a wife and mother, but I want to be more! I want to give more.... Thank you God, for I am not as gracious as I should be! You have blessed myself and my family immensely.

Childhood memories vs. real life

Family what does it mean? to you? to me? to them? fam·i·ly   [fam-uh-lee, fam-lee] Show IPA noun, plural fam·i·lies, adjective noun 1. a. a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family. b. a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for: a single-parent family. 2. the children of one person or one couple collectively: We want a large family. 3. the spouse and children of one person: We're taking the family on vacation next week. 4. any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins: to marry into a socially prominent family. 5. all those persons considered as descendants of a common progenitor. When I read these definitions I thought well as a child I saw my family as def. #1, mainly focusing on the social aspect, then I think of my family now. The definition that describes us best would be...#4... Just a few summers back I lost one of the most important people in my life, my Aunt and God-mother, Cinci. Not only was she an all around amazing woman, she had so many life struggles she over came as a single mother. As a young girl I always looked up to her and knew she loved every moment of her life no matter how hard it was on her. I feel like she was a thread that held our family together, without her...not only is there a hole in my heart(missing her), but there's a hole in our family. Sometimes death can bring a family together, but in this case I think it did the exact opposite....since my aunt has past I see my family alot less than I had ever expected. Growing up my extended family was more than an extended family to me. I felt as though my cousins, aunts, and uncles were part of my immediate family. Holidays were something to look forward to, the time we would all take to spend as a family even when we lived far away. The bonding between cousins of all ages, the love and compassion we had for one another.... Then we grew up.... I believe I was in high school when I opened my eyes and realized, my childhood memories with my extended family were just memories. No longer holidays to look forward to, we were all growing up. As each cousin would get married, they would drift from the family. By the time I became a mom, I felt as though my only family was those that lived close. As my own family has grown and the years have passed, I feel as though my extended family is what I like to call a "Facebook Family". I love each and everyone of them, but if I'm not on Facebook regularly I have no idea who my family is and how they are doing. Communication isn't important anymore, I've never felt more disconnect from my "Family." Doesn't matter where you live within Texas or not you are still my family, you could love miles down the road or hundreds of miles away and I still think of you regularly. What has the world come to that the word family means so little. That a family that was once closely knit together, and looked forward to holidays and special occasions to spend with one another, is so distant? I don't really know my family anymore, unless I want to spend hours looking at their Facebook page. Sadly, my children have no idea what they are missing out on. From engagements, to weddings, to pregnancies, to births, to injuries....I feel as though definition #4 best describes us. We don't really know each other we are just related by blood.... Though I have to say, I know some of my family enjoys getting together, my family just isn't part of their get together's. For some reason when God made the choice to not have my parents have more than 2 kids, it meant that in the future our family would be small. The whole idea of a extended family would dissolve, and we would have to hope that through the grapevine we would stay up to date on how the rest of the family was doing. Its a great disservice to have such a small family, my kids have no cousins that they get to play with, I have no cousins that I can compare parenting stories with and bond with. For those of you who have kept in contact with me even if its rare, "Thank You"...for you really make us feel as though we aren't "Black Sheeps." I've wanted to share this for a long time, take offense if you want, or just read it and know that...."I miss each and everyone of my cousins, aunts, and uncles!" I long for my children's childhood to be as mine was.... I miss all of you very much! To the family I've losted... Mimi, Bampi, Cinci, Kerry Patrick, Grandpa Fisch I miss you too!

The 3 Musketeers! Jordan, myself, and Kerry Patrick

1st Grade is so fun to teach

So I got this amazing book from another home-school mom, called "Home Learning Year by Year" its by Rebecca Rupp. Well after reading everything about teaching Big E first grade, I got so pumped I planned as much of his first month of school as I could this past weekend. I had been scared to start planning to be quite honest. After going through Annunciation Austin last year and not really having my own system down, I feared failure. This book really broke down every subject and listed in detail what Big E needs to learn in 1st grade. So I broke down every subject with how I wanted to teach it basically making a lesson plan for each week. We hadn't bought any curriculum til last night, I was basically just collaborating a bunch of different books and print outs I had saved for him. Oh an Pinterest!!! Pinterest has been the most helpful thing so far in planning our first year home-schooling without outside help. This morning I woke up and printed out what was left to be done for class today, I was so excited to start. Big E was not in the slightest bit interested in starting today...of course. God definitely blessed us with a beautiful start to the day though.

After taking that gorgeous photo of the sunrise, I had Big E start my plans for our school day while I made breakfast. Every morning while I'm busy with breakfast, his job is to teach Mad, she is learning her ABC's, counting 0 to 20, Shapes, and Colors...Big E is an amazing teacher. After they were done its almost as if Mad respected him more than ever, and wanted to eat breakfast with him, instead of running from him...lol. Big E got to choose the order of our lessons, it seemed to work out great. He was getting excited about school with every step we took. He chose to do our art lesson first. This year we are doing a Famous Artist and Composers each week to learn about and try our hand at being inspired by their life's work. This week we are studying Picasso and Giovanni Gabrieli, we did paintings of our own to look similar to Picasso's work. Big E thought it was stupid til he saw how good he was at it...

I haven't taken a picture of his final product, the painting he was doing in the photos was just him doing his own design, but the project was to be inspired by Picasso, so he painted a second one that was very Picasso. Mad had a lot fun painting with him as you can see. After Art we proceeded with the rest of our day, doing the some how uncounted for in time, but definitely worth it "1st Day of School Book." I found this book and "My Calendar Book 2012" on http://www.ouraussiehomeschool.com/ This home-school mom/blogger has great ideas and a good amount of printables for starting school and a lot more. I can't get enough of her blog and all her wonderful tips and creative ideas for homeschooling. We also printing out a "Skip Counting" book 135pgs. I believe for free with a link she has on her blog. I like the skip counting because it also adds in learning your multiplication tables. Big E has blown me away today with how much his reading seemed to improve as if over night, he really started getting into all the things I had for him today, he was reading directions and doing a fantastic job of it. Big E did great on a reading comprehension page that I found online, he flew through it, reading and understanding what he read. I think he's finally come to a place with school where he can enjoy learning, its not as big a struggle as it was last year. I can only hope and pray things stay on that path. On top of all my other ideas, I thought of the idea of doing a chart for the week of healthy eating. If the kids eat something that's good for them they get a star. Mad even is interested in this, meaning she ate better today than she usually does. Hopefully its not just a fluke. We are also doing a spelling list every week and a test on Thursday. Big E has decided he'd like to enter in the Spelling Bee our homeschool co-op participates n, so we are going to get used to practicing our words now. All in all, we had a very successful day today...looking forward to what tomorrow has to offer.