My Kids

Here is a new informal picture of all my kids. It's not so often these days that they are all together.

In the back row are Lucas, Ellie and Sam
Then John Paul and Megan
In front is Kateri, Maximilian and Tim

Summer Daybook

For Today

Outside my Window Beautiful flowers, birds in the trees

I am Thinking Of Sam interviewing at P&G; of organizing the school year for the fall

From the Learning Rooms On our summer schedule of 3 math lessons a week, religion lessons as usual and one art class a week

I am thankful for a great husband, great kids, a steady job for Mark

From the kitchen Cold grilled chicken on a great salad with whole wheat rolls

I am wearing black workout shorts and a pink workout top

I am reading All of a Kind Family to Kateri and Max

I am hoping That Grace's birthmarks are nothing to worry about

I am creating my own workbox system

I am hearing baseball conversation between the boys

Around the house lots of baby stuff, high chairs, swings, toys - lots of babysitting of grandkids this week.

One of my favorite things playing with my grandkids

Workboxing

Recently I discovered an interesting concept for organizing a homeschooling day. It is called Workboxes. A homeschooling mom named Sue Patrick developed this system of visually organizing the schoolwork into individual clear boxes with one subject per box. Therefore both the mother and the child can see exactly what needs to be done to finish school that day. She adapted this from another system in order to help her son organize his day. He has autism and needed additional help.

I am planning on using this system with some adaptations this school year. I would say that Sue Patrick's website doesn't explain the system well, but there are many blogs that do. Here are a few that I find the most helpful:

http://fortunatelyforyoubooks.blogspot.com/2009/05/sue-patricks-workbox-system.html

http://heartofthematteronline.com/thinking-inside-the-box/

The types of things that can go into workboxes are numerous. One can schedule music pratices, art lessons, math, hsitory, science, exercise, etc. Each box is labeled with a velcroed number that is removed and placed on a corresponding chart when the contents are completed. Mrs. Patrick has her son, who is autistic, totally remove the box from the shelf and place it in a large bin. This gives additional visual clues of how much work is left to be done. There are other cards that indicate that a particular box should be done with mom or that the student needs help. Her son also "checks in" to school each day with another card. On the other hand, the mother has a visual clue to show her that she needs to prepare for the next day by loading the boxes. Boy do I need that cue!

From what I understand, this system works for preschoolers to high schoolers; from those with limited budgets and space to those with more generous resources. Browsing all the blogs on this subject, I was surprised to see all the adaptations.

I think you could start with without buying Sue Patrick's book. I did purchase it and I intend on using my own variation. I have starting purchasing Sterilite drawer units that stack. They will be more space saving than the wire shelf/plastic shoebox idea. A more space saving idea is to have a manila envelope system or even envelopes with just the lesson assignment hanging on the wall. Look for more posts on this idea. I will post pictures soon.

I've been busy

Lately I've been feeling like a catering machine. Megan's sweet little Grace was baptized on April 26 with a party here afterwards. Megan came on Saturday to help cook and prepare.

Then on May 1, we catered the reception for Liz's wedding. 350 people - all appetizers. What a huge amount of work for about 24 hours! It was worth every minute to see the beautiful reception she had.

Then the following Saturday we had a shower for Ellie and Baby Joe. Fortunately it was at my mom's so I didn't have to worry about cleaning the house.

Then last Sunday, Little Joseph Daniel was baptized. We had about 50 people here - with Jonathan's family coming from Owensboro, Nashville and Louisville. It was so nice to see Johnathan's family again.

Now, no more parties for a whole, just baseball.

Spring Daybook

I think I would like to start an occasional entry called a Daybook. Here is the first:

For Today...

Outside my window...Cold, cloudy spring weather with some snowflakes

I am thinking... I wish Ellie would progress in labor

From the learning rooms... Since it is Holy Week we are working on math and religion and reading only.

I am thankful for... the approaching birth of a new grandchild

From the kitchen... Went out to dinner at Cancun Restaurant with Grandma and the kids

I am wearing... jeans, red turtleneck and my best, most comfortable sneakers

I am reading... The Cleaving of Christendom by Warren Carroll

I am hoping... sunshine and warmer temperatures and a beautiful Easter

I am creating... a mess as usual.

I am hearing... the kids trying to get in from the locked back door. John Paul weedwacking.

Around the house...library books from the trip there yesterday and school books all over the dining room

One of my favorite things... reading to my kids

Baptism of the Lord

This recipe was pretty good. We ended up with 16 for dinner. I invited our goddaughter and her parents and siblings, Ellie and Jon, Lucas and then Sam's girlfriend Mary came. Was quite a production. I think I may invite a godchild for dinner on this feast every year.

Feast of the Baptism of the Lord

Sunday is the Feast of our Lord's Baptism I found this recipe at www.catholiccuisine.blogspot.com. I like the idea of using shell pasta since a symbol of baptism is the shell. I'll let you know if it is a delicious as it appears.

Nacho Stuffed Shells

Picture & Recipe Source: National Pasta Association

32 to 36 Jumbo Shells (12-oz. package), uncooked
3/4 pound extra-lean ground beef
1.25-oz. package low-sodium taco seasoning mix
1 cup water
16-oz. can refried beans with chilies
1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 cup mild, medium or hot picante sauce
8-oz. can low-sodium tomato sauce
2-oz. can sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

Optional Garnishes:
Low-fat sour cream
Low-fat grated Cheddar cheese
Chopped jalapeños
Chopped cilantro
Salsa
Guacamole

Prepare pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, saute beef in a large skillet until browned; drain well. Add taco seasoning mix and water; simmer 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in beans and cheese. Cook until smooth and well mixed. When pasta is done, drain well. Fill shells with beef mixture (1-2 tbsp. per shell).

Combine picante sauce and tomato sauce in a saucepan. Cook until heated, stirring occasionally.

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spread 1/2 cup sauce over the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Place filled shells side by side on top of sauce; pour remaining sauce evenly over shells. Sprinkle with olives. Cover with aluminum foil; bake 35 to 40 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with green onions. Cover and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Serve immediately.

Garnish as desired. Serves 8.

(This recipe could also be made in honor of St. James the Greater, who is also symbolized with a scallop shell.)