Warmly Candise

Downton Abbey-style Valentine cards

2012-02-15T14:22:00.002-06:00

Although I didn't see these until the day after... it was too funny not to share. The kids had a "snow day" on Monday, so Captain and I went on NetFlix to re-watch parts of the first season of Downton Abbey. Another Downton Abbey fan made these valentine cards for his blog...

Valentine Abbey

A few weeks ago my wife and I caught on to Downton Abbey, and she can’t seem get enough. I’ve been hearing background on the cast, the fashion, and the time period ad nauseum while my wife imdbs/tumblrs/wikipedias everything about the show. This isn’t a problem of course since I too, LOVE, this show. So yesterday, I drew up 4 Downton-themed cards for her as we prep for a Valentine weekend involving another Downton marathon!

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T14:07:00.007-06:00

So sweet... The grandkids received Snoopy cards and $5 from Gr. Gerald. Captain purchased coconut clusters for both of "his girls" and mailed one to Kirksville. I made the red velvet brownie bites for our homeschool party today. There's only one left for the photo. And, my friend Robin sent me a haute chocolate bar with a packet of pomegranate tea and her homemade Valentine card. Made my day!

Red Velvet Brownie Bites:
Add 1/2 bottle of red food coloring to your brownie batter (mix or homemade). Option: add 2 t. espresso coffee powder for mocha effect. Pour into greased mini muffin tins. Add cream cheese layer (4 oz. cream cheese beaten with 1 egg, 1/4 c. sugar, and 1 t. vanilla). Swirl slightly with knife or toothpick to create marbled effect. Bake as directed. Winger's new favorite treat.

Twins Playing Plenty of Hockey

2012-02-13T08:35:00.007-06:00

Captain finally sent me a photo from the Dallas tournament, where the twins and their team took second place! This was another Super Series with top rated hockey teams from the Midwest. They only lost by 2 points to the Colorado Thunderbirds, ranked 7th in the country for 13-year-olds. They also won three games and tied one game. Sounded very exciting from the play-by-play I received via text messages (on Jan. 27-29). I also know how good a game was when they call me afterwards and all three of them want to talk about it. For bad games, they reserved their comments for Captain alone!

HHS Mandate

2012-02-12T08:44:00.001-06:00

Father Benjamin gave a forceful homily today about the Obama Mandate from Health and Human Services. It is unfortunate that Secr. Kathleen Sebelius thinks we will accept a one-year deadline for accepting the government's wishes. It is not possible at any time for Catholic institutions to provide and pay for contraception, sterilizations, and abortions. I am weary from this battle, as I have said this was coming since the LAST election. Of course, I will write letters again to my Senators and Congressmen. Not as good as the letters written by Olmsted, Chaput, and Dolan.

Bishop Helmsing Institute

2012-02-11T20:54:00.004-06:00

Dorito and I signed up! We took an "Acts of Apostles" class offered through the Bishop Helmsing Institute with an instructor from Benedictine College. It was a great chance to read all 28 chapters during the month-long course and discuss them in greater detail. Since he was the only teen at the last two sessions, I was pleasantly surprised when he volunteered to read a passage--and even more pleased when he offered his own thoughts in summary to the group. (I love the part when St. Paul goes to Athens to preach to the Greeks, as it ties in so well with our ancient history studies through Kolbe Academy.) I was looking over the schedule to see if we could take another class together? It worked so well during the twins' hockey practice for Dorito and I to have time together!

Employment Questions

2012-02-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

Captain fired a pilot named David and hired a pilot named Ben. You can imagine the jokes in our house.

Downton Abbey Dreams

2012-02-09T12:06:00.003-06:00

I called Meggar early (she has 7:30 am class twice a week) to tell her that I had the best dream: it was all in British accents! Even my own conversations! She said I've been watching too much Downton Abbey :-) It's true that I can hardly wait for Captain to come home each weekend so we can watch the previous episode together. He's more hoooked on the story than last year. Today, PBS sponsored an online chat today with Hugh Bonneville, which I regret missing out on. But I did go on the PBS website to the Masterpiece page to watch several short-snippet interviews with each main character. Then I voted for the good (Mr. Bates and Anna) and the bad (O'Brien) amongst them. Like one blogger commented: Why can't Richard trip and fall in front of a truck or something? Most of all, I adore Maggie Smith. She has the timing and the changing facial features that make her parts Excellent! Once during college, I had the chance to see her live on a stage play in New York City. She was old then (and that was 25 years ago), but already known for her excellent timing and pithy delivery.

Dorito Takes a Stand

2012-02-08T12:22:00.003-06:00

It's one thing to have to "stand out" because you are homeschooled. I think my kids have learned to accept that. But there are times when they also have to "stand up" for themselves. Today Dorito had to take a firm stance with a homeschool mom who was bullying him. I wasn't there, because my 16-year-old can drive himself to his activities. But I was happy to listen to his report afterwards and proudly noted how he could think for himself.

Complaints from the Kitchen

2012-02-07T13:37:00.002-06:00

I love baking, don't get me wrong. But I get tired of "school lunch." Every day, I struggle to tear away from the school room to come upstairs and think of what to make -- a meat, noodles or rice, and a vegetable. That's the minimum. It means three dirty pots, which have to be washed before I turn around and do it again at supper. I need some new ideas...

Have a Bucket List?

2012-02-06T11:42:00.002-06:00

When the movie made it popular, I wrote my own bucket list for Captain. He kept it from four years ago and sent me an email: He is my hero.

To: Candise
We accomplished #9 on your bucket list.....
Dale

Subject: bucket list beginnings
Put all my photos in albums
Turn in Megan’s high school grades
Take a painting class at Hobby Lobby
Take a cooking class at a culinary institute
Go to the Twinsburg Festival (in Ohio)
Visit Clear Creek Monastery (Okla.)
Have Dale “propose” all over again at pond Shantivanam
Tour Jane Austen’s house in Chawton (England)
Tour the Denver Mint

We did visit the Denver Mint on our family vacation this winter! Other family vacations have included: Mount Rushmore, Galveston, Pikes Peak, Ft. Lauderdale, and Minneapolis Mall of America, so I wonder what "attraction" will be next. I vote for Twinsburg, but cousin Laurie and Tom are pulling for us to come to Giant's Neck Beach in Connecticut.

Pink News

2012-02-05T10:12:00.007-06:00

I wanted to post about the Susan Komen Foundation's decision to defund Planned Parenthood (for good reason). I even wrote them a congratulatory email. But that is old news now. We will wait and continue praying. We will also continue to spread the news about the lies of PP and the "effectiveness" of the Pill. Such as the call I received from Captain (who sees the breaking news when he is in a hotel): Pfizer is recalling 1 million packages of birth control which have the pills out of order. On Feb. 2 Fox News says the company issued a recall to pharmacies at Christmas time, but it was not until the FDA request that they also issued a recall to women who already had that prescription. Meggar and I wonder how many more abortions and births will result in the coming nine months.

Night of Romance

2012-02-04T23:21:00.008-06:00

Captain and I attended the "Night of Romance" sponsored by my Mom and the Diocese of Wichita Office of Family Life and Natural Family Planning. It was a great dinner, with 30-some bottles of wine in the raffle donated by priests with their favorite quotes. Plus we had "Marian Grace" for entertainment. They sang beautiful hymns and concluded with an upbeat set for dancing! Makes for a good St. Valentine's weekend. But the best part was sitting with my three brothers and their wives (all in town tonight). And meeting Baby Ana from Phoenix for the first time!

And my boys met the keyboard player (Jimmy Mitchell) and violinist (Shawn Williams) while lounging away the afternoon at Grandma's house. There were plenty of fiddle tunes shared as the instrument was passed around! How wonderful to see my boys with Catholic musicians they could look up to.

Science Fair and Winners

2012-02-03T08:06:00.005-06:00

Every year for 13 years, I have organized a Science Fair for homeschoolers. This time we also welcomed 5th and 6th graders from the Catholic school making the room full to its capacity. I make sure everyone has 2 judges (in case one is grumpy or near-sighted) to hopefully give them a fair shake. And I give everyone a prize at the end. Not that I am from the world of "medals for 5th place sports teams," but because I have the philosophy of giving scientific and educational prizes that joyfully spur on the student's excitement. It was an exciting night! Aidon was worried he wouldn't win because he colored outside the lines on his chicken, but he got first place in Kindergarten division. Robert was sad that he was too young to do the Science Fair (age 3). How wonderful that little brothers and sisters are looking forward to entering! It doesn't look like work to them--only fun. But for the mothers (especially of large families) it is extra work and mess.

Our family started our experiments three weeks early and it was a good thing. The twins wanted to find out if identical and fraternal twins have the same blood type. They pricked their own fingers--only to discover the Anti-A and Anti-B serums were out of date and not working. By the time we ordered and back-ordered, they only had a week to test the 12 people who volunteered. Including tow sets of 2-year-olds. My twins were nervous. But the Williams girls sat on their mother's lap and she covered their eyes (no screaming). The Melton girls sat at the counter with a cookie (no problem). the Lombardino twin boys were of the age they wanted to look! Fun! and Interesting! All the twins had identical blood types (even the fraternal twins who are only siblings)! We found differences in the fraternal twins, such as different eye color, hair color, and ability to roll your tongue. Amazing. (My twins also completed their first research paper and were grateful for Max's recent copy of "National Geographic" on Twins.)
Dorito was proud of the multi-meter he had built in electronics class. So he tested it around our house. First, my broken DVD player needed diagnosed. Then Meggar's lamp for college. He found a failed power supply on one and then an open component on the switch of another. Turns out it only needed the fuse put back in! Just like a professional. The toughest step for Dorito is putting his thoughts into summary form on the display board and into a short presentation for the judges. We struggled as I gave him hints, but wanted him to write it on his own. He was frustrated by my hints, thinking I didn't know anything about AC current, resistors, color bands, etc. (I don't!) One morning, he came down to breakfast in his pajamas to tell me he had the perfect wording for his hypothesis: (wow!) I think I can build a multi-meter that is fully funcational using proper knowledge of electronics. (Perfect, I thought!) Then the judges counted him down on the hypothesis for not having the word "if" and I was crushed for him.

In the end, he was happy with his prize=five free skating passes!
This was also a fun year because Meggar was home from college as a judge (and Hannah, too). She handled the 3rd and 4th grade division beautifully, asking appropriate questions since the other judge was new/quiet. And Captain was in town this year and could take all the photos!

Downtown Noon Concert

2012-02-02T16:19:00.000-06:00

Held monthly at the historic Presbyterian Church, these concerts are a treat for our family. Not only do we take a sack lunch (which includes cookies or some other treat) but they also provide canned soda at the Church (which is a major draw for my boys). I made sure we could attend today for a chance to hear Rico McNeela play the violin. He is the symphony conductor so he performs infrequently. It was Outstanding! He played songs by Fritz Kreisler (whose birthday is February 2) an Austrian violinist. It was so beautiful that I got tears in my eyes. (I might also be weepy from the stress of Science Fair). The best part was how my boys seemed to take renewed interest and practiced their violin songs longer than usual!

Calligraphy Skills

2012-02-02T10:56:00.005-06:00

I have finished writing the names on all 40 certificates for tomorrow's Science Fair. I'm always grateful to have learned calligraphy when I was in 7th grade. It's a fun skill, and I still have my original pen, nibs, and ink bottle. I wish I could remember the older gentleman's name who taught our small group after school. Maybe I am a bit nostalgic for this pretty practice because it involves the hand-written word (a rarity in our times of electronic communication). Once you learn the basic strokes, then it just takes practice and practice to make calligraphy your own. Similar to cursive handwriting, which is no longer taught in many schools because of budget cuts and time pressures. Hmm....

My other preparations for the Science Fair include: contacting 14 volunteer judges, printing 80 judging sheets, collating for clipboards, making homemade brownies for the judges, reminding the speaker to come early to set up, getting the key from church office, picking up 40-some prizes (some donated) for all students, and last but not least -- helping my own three students proofread and practice their speeches. Good Luck Boys!

Youth for Truth Event

2012-01-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

Jason Evert (short one in the middle) was in Kansas City for "Youth for Truth" last Friday. Dorito (tall one on the right) had a good time with his homeschool friends at the chastity and abstinence seminar.

Dentist Office

2012-01-30T10:19:00.001-06:00

Early morning drive to Atchison to get a tooth pulled. Winger's last baby tooth! Kind of a painful way to get "ahead" of his twin brother.

Boy's Life Magazine from 1972

2012-01-29T10:09:00.003-06:00

When I was wandering around the antique mall looking for pioneer school slates and buck saws, I found a gift for Dorito. It was the November 1972 issue of Boys' Life featuring Philmont Scout Ranch as its cover story. He was so excited that he took it to the Troop Meeting on Monday night. Jacob loved it. Mr. Sisco said he remembers reading it. Mr. Brown said he still had it. Best $1.50 I ever spent.

Penny Log

2012-01-28T17:52:00.001-06:00

I found a penny while out walking with the twins.
I also found a dime on the bathroom floor at "Mr. Goodcents." (how ironic)

Dickens had Great Expectations

2012-01-27T14:09:00.013-06:00

My book club selected "Great Expectations" in anticipation of Dickens' 200th birthday next month. Admittedly, I cannot read 500+ pages in one month's time while also homeschooling. So I read the first 20 chapters with less-than-good expectations about the dark story line of orphans, pirates, and marshes. Then I skipped to Ch. 38 and read to the very end (Ch. 59) so I could see whatever becomes of Pip and Estella, et. al. Of course, I intend to finish the book's middle, someday, and get a few more details. But I was still proud of my efforts. And I learned to appreciate Mr. Boz a little more. Since I am prejudiced toward "A Tale of Two Cities," this book required some little coaxing of my stamina. But I found the British humor woven all through (I somehow missed that in Mrs. Williams's senior English class) and his meaningful dissection of humanity to be spot on. Don't you know a Jaggers-type lawyer? A drama queen like Miss Haversham? The story line of redemption is one we are all attracted to. This selection also gave me a chance to learn about Dickens himself (especially when Cynthia informed us of the cover-article in this month's "Smithsonian" magazine). I also learned there are two movie versions to watch, and a third on its way!
P.S. Alison's pork pie from book club was a rare treat!

Sheetrock Dust

2012-01-26T12:05:00.002-06:00

This week, we hired a crew to replace the bottom two feet of sheetrock around our basement. After all the water damage last year, and the subsequent repairs, we knew it was safely time to look behind the walls for yucky black stuff. Luckily, they only found one small section that was moldy (less than 24 linear inches). It's gone -- and all the taping and mudding are done. Greg works hard, and tells great little stories. But who will clean the thin, white layer off EVERYTHING in the entire basement/homeschool room. Me. But not this week.

Poetry Out Loud

2012-01-25T16:45:00.010-06:00

I organized the qualifying round for homeschoolers in the "Poetry Out Loud" competition today. The One-room Schoolhouse was the perfect setting for our 9 students.

My boys did GREAT with their first public recitations, although we have memorized poetry in homeschool for years.
Polar Bear: "My Native Land" by Sir Walter Scott;

Dorito: "Song of the Powers" by David Mason
(spoof on Rock, Paper, Scissors);

Winger: "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost. So heartened that we use a literature-based curriculum, and that my boys would participate without a fuss, and that they would enjoy it so much.

Returning to Normal

2012-01-24T07:43:00.001-06:00

My van is back from the shop! Smiley Face! Enough. Said.
P.S. Seems it was difficult to find a distributor cap for a 1997 Toyota Previa.

Looking Vintage

2012-01-23T18:37:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, my Sunday outfit had a vintage look--complete with my Mom's blue wool skirt and belt from 1960s. Meggar will be envious.

Movies to Mention

2012-01-22T22:35:00.001-06:00

Our whole family enjoyed a couple of movies over the holidays, taking advantage of Meggar being home. We adored "Sherlock Holmes II" and only Captain had never seen the first one. It was clever and historical and witty. It also gave me a chance to tell about my own visit to 201 Baker Street (fictional home of Sherlock Holmes and now a bank location) back in 1989 college days.
Secondly, we watched "Courageous" at the cheap theatre (finally). A worthwhile message about the importance of fatherhood to our modern culture. Of better quality than its predecessor ("Fireproof"). Kind of preaching to the choir since we are blessed with a virtuous father at the head of our family.
Lastly, Captain and I went to watch "Tree of Life" at the Bridgewater's home today. It is a beautiful and thoughtful movie about a 1950s father. I enjoyed the Focus on the Family review here.

Coldest Night of the Year

2012-01-21T10:14:00.001-06:00

Klondike is supposed to be a challenge for camping overnight in winter. And last night turned out to be the coldest one we've had so far! (It was 22 degrees.) I was worried for Winger, Polar Bear, and Dorito, who slept on the ground with their Boy Scout Troop at Camp Geiger last night. They wore the right layers and took the right sleeping bags, but reported they were a little chilly. Captain said it was a good challenge and he was proud that they met it head one with enthusiasm. Mostly, they were enthused to try out their new camping gear which they found under the Christmas tree last month. I heard that Dorito's camp stove and grill pan made excellent steak kebabs. And they always love having Double Stuffed Oreos for a late-night snack (called a "cracker barrel.")

Art for a Date Night

2012-01-20T20:09:00.001-06:00

The boys are gone to Scouts, so Captain and I slipped out for a little date to the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. It was their Membership Show Awards program, which we perused with a little wine and cheese fortification. Our artsy friends, the Schiebers, accompanied us for a very delightful evening. And we bumped into Dr. Smith, who helped with Dorito's broken finger last month. He swapped hockey stories with Captain, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting his wife. Their son is at the end of his hockey days as a senior at the University of New Hampshire.

Small Ensemble Music

2012-01-19T16:33:00.004-06:00

My boys stayed late at violin lessons last night (and every Wednesday evening) to practice the "Vivaldi Concerto in A Minor."

They are learning all three movements for a special concerto performance in May. Dorito plays in the first section and will be a featured soloist in one of the movements. Winger plays in the second section, and Polar Bear plays in the third section. We joked that Winger is already "principal second" and Polar Bear is "principal third," but they are getting some great experience with this ensemble. It's also time for me to sing the praises of their new teacher, Nicholas Jarrett. He is the early 30-something son of Meggar's piano teacher. Nick has the same gentle nature and soft-spoken ways. His love of the music for its own sake is rubbing off at every lesson. What a pleasure our lessons are.
Meanwhile, the boys played at two different nursing homes this week so "The Fiddlers Three" have been busy. After every show, we try to meet as many of the people as possible--seems that a warm handshake is appreciated no matter what your age.

Catholic Artwork at Co-op

2012-01-18T14:31:00.011-06:00

Our mid-month meeting of Catholic homeschoolers was FUN today! The Blue Knights made helmets, and the Little Flowers made bracelets. My older students worked with oil pastels to create a snowy scene.
We analyzed the many colors of snow (light blue, gray, cream) and learned how to draw branches and a Cardinal bird with its black face. The twins said my addition of popcorn made the class more pleasant.

Dorito's on left

New Year's Resolution

2012-01-17T22:15:00.000-06:00

I had a date night with my oldest son tonight. Dorito and I signed up for a Bible study on "Acts of the Apostles" for a few Tuesdays this month. What a good way to begin the New Year-- together with another homeschool mother-and-son duo. I am happy to focus more on Dorito while Meggar is away at college, and the extra driving time to Kansas City gives him time to open up and tell me things. Just little things, but so important when they are added up. We both enjoyed the Benedictine College professor who is teaching! And we learned some new things from the first 5 chapters of Luke's account of the beginning of the Church. May this extra time in the Word help restore us, even as Christ is restoring the Church.

Epiphany Party

2012-01-15T13:41:00.019-06:00

On the 12th day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me... the feast of Epiphany! (It even rhymes.)
Last Sunday was Epiphany and last Sunday, I helped organize a potluck feast for the Catholic homeschoolers to celebrate. It's always bonus when the Dads can join us socially and there was plenty of good food, drinks, and conversation that evening. We had a coloring contest and short lesson about the Three Wise Men. After the meal, my twins called out rounds of BINGO until everyone won a prize.

And we concluded with a re-enactment of the Epiphany. Lovely!

Serving at the Soup Kitchen

2012-01-14T10:06:00.009-06:00

"I've never made brownies from a box mix," will usually mean that a homeschooler only follows homemade recipes. But in this instance, it was a boy who had never cooked before. Later his brother said, "I don't know how to wash dishes. I never have." He had brownie batter all over his cheeks, lips, and chin from the beaters so I elected him to be the first dish-washer in hopes some of the water would splash on his face.

Later I heard: "I don't want to be around the people who smell." SO... it was a good learning experience all the way around. We cooked hamburger for the sauce, sweetened green beans, garlic bread, cupcakes, and brownies.
The Catholic homeschool group served spaghetti and fiddle tunes to about 50 people at the Southside Food Kitchen last night.

Traveling Back in Time

2012-01-13T09:49:00.000-06:00

Meggar requested me to send her the key points from Literature 9 on "The Odyssey" for some class at Truman State. How lovely that my scanner is fast and efficient! How lovely that I remember most of the key points and literary analysis of Homer from 9th grade. Classic literature keeps its richness and has lasting value because its themes are universal and timeless: fidelity in marriage, loyalty to your boss, shameless suitors, vengeful youth, loneliness, temptations of the flesh, etc. Go Penelope!

Downton Abbey - Part 2

2012-01-09T14:40:00.002-06:00

A year later, we are finally able to watch Part 2 of the "Downton Abbey" series on PBS. Captain and I thought the first episode was better than last year's! And it's free online to watch.

Christmas Tree

2012-01-09T14:01:00.003-06:00

Time to take down the Christmas tree. It still smelled good! We bought it on Dec. 19 only 5 minutes before the place closed up. We kept waiting for Captain to go with us for a picking-it-out trip, but it never worked with his schedule. So we finally went without him, and we managed to load it on Dorito's roof rack especially with three Scouts who could tie knots! We also neglected to decorate his office at the Herzog hangar--another scheduling faux pas. I won't say I am always right, just that our traditions are not always an annual success. Better luck next year!

Farewell with Tea

2012-01-08T17:06:00.005-06:00

Meggar starts back to college tomorrow, so we crammed in all the last minute goodies we could: shopping in Kansas City, finding sales, and a new tea house to try. Also mass at Cure parish, connecting with KC friends, and holding hands with each other. Girly time is essential before another semester.

In fairness to her brothers, Meggar also spent time with them -- at Sonic, Starbucks, and Snow Creek. They all received stylish sweaters from Old Navy from her for Christmas, since she has an employee discount, and they loved that. Here's a photo after a long day on the man-made ski slopes along the Missouri Rivery bluffs. (Unfortunately, Polar Bear had just discovered his snowboard was stolen when they came in for a cocoa. It had new bindings which he had bought with his own money, too. What a shame.)

Konnichi-wa to the Year of the Dragon

2012-01-07T19:58:00.000-06:00

Although slightly past New Year's Day, my tradition was carried out for another year.

I love to celebrate by making a Japanese meal for a different family each year and and sharing with them the culture and customs of Japan. It helps me honor my friend Akemi, who is still a pen pal. And it brings back fond memories. She stayed with our family during the summer of 1980 for a 4-H exchange. Such pictures! And I stayed with her family during the summer of 1983 in Tokyo. She was a friend who provided me with a great adventure--whilst I was "stuck" in a small-minded, small town during my teens.
The best part was ~~showing my souvenirs~~ having Megan and Dale take over the two cooking woks so I could eat and tell stories around the table of 12 people. It was hard work for them to keep making tempura for a dozen eaters. But there was plenty of sticky rice and green tea, too. Later, the twins really impressed me by serving the chocolate fondue in separate serving cups/plates for dessert. (Not Japanese, but delicious repast.) So responsible of them!

Finally Going Out

2012-01-06T09:47:00.000-06:00

Meggar convinced us to go out for sushi during the twin's hockey practice in KC last night. She is fascinated with the "Drunken Fish" restaurant in the Power & LIght District. Captain also loves sushi, so they were giving suggestions to Dorito and I. Captain likes spider rolls and Meggar had something similar. In the end, I ordered the Philly Roll, and it was excellent. (I haven't had sushi since 1983 when I was in Japan.) Dorito stayed with the cooked teriyaki steak and a side of rice, but he carefully sampled a bite off the plate of his sibling. He made Twitter-type comments all the way home afterward :-)

DragonWings

2012-01-05T13:45:00.036-06:00

Captain finished up our read aloud after lunch today. And how appropriate, given the airplane connection in the story of "DragonWings" by Lawrence Yep. This Newbery Award winning tale was new to us, but such an immersion into the city of Chinatown and its immigrants just before and after the San Francisco earthquake. Moon Shadow, the narrator, is helping his father, Windrider, build a flying machine at the same time as the Wright brothers are. (Good discussions with our sons about Chinese culture, flying, models, and discrimination.) This historical work of fiction is based upon the life of Yue/Feng Ru, a young Chinese immigrant. He created an aircraft factory and built two planes--the first one crashed into his own shop during its test flight, burning everything to the ground. But he built another plane, and it flew for 20 minutes from the Piedmont Hills, as reported by the Associated Press, on Sept. 21, 1909. Yue returned to China in 1911 with his mechanic, and they are credited with building China's first aeroplane. Yue was killed in a crash in 1912. (Listen to a wonderful interview with the author, who credits his Jesuit English teacher at Catholic high school for his successful career.)

Vintage Learning

2012-01-04T08:33:00.003-06:00

I dressed up as the School Marm for the first "class" at the Pony School yesterday. The newspaper photo shows how we started with a Recitation exercise of "Old Ironsides"--featuring the elocution skills of the local Superintendant, YWCA director, and a Commerce Bank trust officer. Then I saddled the newspaper editor with spelling lists to practice at the board whilst I was giving a geography lesson from an 1822 map. He grumbled plenty. My current events questions about the upcoming election seemed to perplex everyone, until they realized the date written on the board was January 3, 1860. Lastly, the banker was stumped with an interest rate word problem until a retired CPA came to the rescue and pounded out the long division (by hand, not with a calculator). The excitement in the room was palpable, and the pace was dizzying. But it was only a 30-minute peek into the curriculum we will offer to full-day and half-day visitors at our Prairie School exhibit.

Tournament Champions!

2012-01-02T13:16:00.012-06:00

Despite an earlier loss, the twins and their Russell Stover '98 team pulled a victory out of their hats at the "Music City Winter Classic." We had six games, one shut-out for Remy, two shoot-out nail-biters, two goals that were called off, Dorito muttering about the refs on my left side, Mr. Kruegger drawing the refs a picture on his clipboard, and a nice breakfast at J. Christophers with Turley and Frank! (P.S. Prayers go out to Ryan F., who broke his shoulder in the '97s game.)

Praying with the Dominicans

2012-01-01T11:53:00.000-06:00

We went through the front gates at the convent and were overwhelmed at the size of the place! Once inside, we were amazed at the beauty and the NUMBER of nuns in ivory habits. The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia have been in Nashville since 1860, teaching and singing and praying. We joined them for Vespers (sung liturgy) and the Rosary in their stunning chapel.

Just enough time before and afterwards for a partial tour with Sr. Mary David and Sr. Anne Francis.

Grand Ole Opry for New Year's

2011-12-31T22:23:00.009-06:00

No trip to Nashville would be complete without tickets to the "Grand Ole Opry," and we thought it was a great way to spend New Year's Eve. We were not disappointed with the dozen or so acts: fiddlers (oh yeah), mandolin, accordian player, square dancers, gospel quartet, Jimmy Wayne, a Patsy Kline impersonator, hill-billy comedian, and more! My personal favorite was "Dailey & Vincent" doing 4-part harmony a capella. The only thing open afterwards was Krispie Kreme, which the boys thought was great!

Road Trip for Hockey

2011-12-30T16:59:00.002-06:00

We drove all the way to Nashville yesterday. Dorito helped by driving the first five hours, and he was rewarded at our lunch stop. The Dakota Double Bacon Burger, at Travel America outside St Louis, is HUGE!

Meggar is staying in St Louis for New Years with her college roommate and we will pick her up on the way back. Meanwhile, the twins are intensely focused on HOCKEY. This is Part 2 of a Super Series for AAA teams only. We are ranked 26 in the nation for '98 players. Won our first game 4-1 and eager for another victory this evening.

My Favorite Things...

2011-12-29T08:07:00.001-06:00

I spend a great deal of time in the kitchen cooking for three teenage boys, even though I try to be as efficient as possible with cleanup. I have always loved cooking and baking, and several things in my kitchen bring extra joy to the whole process (from left to right) ginger grater, pink salt from Australia, alderwood pepper, pink peppercorns, regular salt and pepper, olive oil bottle with easy-pour spout, and black pepper grinder. OK, the regular salt and pepper shakers are not very exciting. They were a wedding gift, but I love they are white (easy to clean) and large (refills needed less often). But I am very excited about the pink salt. One pinch gives a finished flavor to my best dishes, and sometimes I splurge and sprinkle it on steamed veggies, too. The pink peppercorns give a pretty finish to any dish. The olive oil is healthy, and I tend to use it more since my Mom gave me the pretty bottle that I can set out on the island by the cook top.

Also, i love the porcelain graterfor fresh ginger (shaped like a blue fish, which was a gift from my brother Clint in his bachelor days when he was more interested in cooking). It's so easy to keep ginger root in the freezer and then grate it for my "Grilled Sesame Chicken" recipe. My family or company is always pleased when I serve it. The intense flavors are delicious, and the garlic makes this dish so addictive.
Grilled Sesame Chicken
1/2 c. olive oil
1/2 c. white wine
1/2 c. soy sauce
1-2 T. freshly grated ginger root
1 T. dry mustard pwd.
1 t. fresh ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 c. chopped green onions (or chives)
3 T. sesame seeds
Combine all ingredients in large bowl or baggie for marinade. Seal with as many chicken breasts as you need for family and friends. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours. Remove chicken, reserving marinade. Grill over low to medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning every 3 minutes and basting with marinade after each turn. Discard remaining marinade. Serve with wild rice.

Leftovers in the Waffle Iron

2011-12-28T09:48:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I wanted to use leftover turkey to make sandwiches. Meggar said she only wanted grilled cheese... and she proceeded to make it in the waffle iron?! because it was still setting out on the kitchen counter. It turned out like a panini, so then I followed suit and made a turkey-and-brie sandwich for me. Yum!

Our Health Matters

2011-12-27T13:35:00.002-06:00

I had three suspicious lumps show up on my mammogram, so diagnostic sonograms were ordered. After a long and fretful morning, I am relieved to report that all three are benign fibroids/cysts.

Megan had a cyst removed today from the left side of her neck. Went quickly - only 3 stitches. The pathology report will be done soon and we expect it will be good news, too. Busy day. Thanks be to the Lord, who is with us in all things.

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T14:12:00.001-06:00

Today is Boxing Day -- which in England and Canada means boxing up food items and Christmas cheer for the poor or those in service (servants). It America, it means cleaning up the boxes and gift-litter so we can see the poor floor again.

Merry Christmas Morning!

2011-12-25T07:52:00.003-06:00

After midnight mass, there's no easy way to get up the next morning. But Eggnog Waffles certainly help! Off to Wichita to visit relatives.
Eggnog Waffles
2 c. flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 c. eggnog
1/4 c. oil
Combine dry ingredients first. Stir in wet ingredients just until lumpy. Cook on waffle iron or make as pancakes. Delicious and fluffy!

Christmas Cards

2011-12-24T11:04:00.000-06:00

Love to write them with a theme...

The best Christmas letter looks at the cup half-full instead of focusing on what may be lacking in our lives and in our society. This year my tea leaves point toward something besides hockey! Boy Scouts truly emphasizes a virtuous life with its 12-point Scout Law and doing your duty to God and neighbor daily. The advancement rituals mark out a boy's trail toward maturity and manhood in a meaningful way. So with a nod to Baden-Powell's 100 years of success, I am borrowing the Scout framework here:

Tenderfoot rank—The twins became teenagers this spring and wanted more adventure (and separate cell phones). I suggested a paper route and violin students to help their cash flow, but they took Reid's advice and finally joined Scouts, too. They are quite serious and have progressed to Star rank already, which usually takes 2-3 years! We have acquired more cots, sleeping pads, mosquito nets, backpacks, hiking boots, camel-back water pouches, and knives (don't get me started). They eagerly endured a 2nd week of sweltering heat at Camp Geiger to earn more merit badges. Ben is currently the patrol leader, and he wants to plan *additional* campouts?! I am warming up to the idea after a successful family venture to Wallace State Park. “Silent Night.”

Second Class rank—David quipped that his parents are now over the hill: "Most people live to be 90, so 45 is half-way--and you are 46 which is already going downhill!" Hmm. “Jolly Old St. Nicholas.”

First Class rank—Reid was sidelined after a concussion last November (lots of physical therapy might change his future career path) so we thought a referee job would be good exercise and safer situations—until his finger was broken by a flying puck. David and Ben were proud to also pass the ref-qualifying test. Unfortunately, now David uses his position at center to argue with the refs when they are lining up at the wrong face-off dot. “We Three Kings.”

Star rank—Megan "stars" in her own weekly radio show on campus and was elected VP of Member Development for her sorority after a year of being Song Leader: scheduling serenades, composing Homecoming songs, and teaching AGD music at meetings. She wanted to sing more than one song each week and discovered it put everyone in a better mood! College life is an in-your-face battle against the Culture of Death, appropriately named by Pope John Paul II (who was beatified this year). So we try to fortify her with Spiritual quotes, Skype chats, and Starbucks packets. “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.”

Life rank—Married life after 21 years is a balancing act. I like when we do things together as a whole family, and Dale likes when we do nothing all together as a whole family. Hmm. Communication is a priority amidst the changes and our children's busy lives. “What Child Is This?”

Eagle Scout rank—Reid had an awesome 5th summer at Camp Geiger advancing to Fire Builder in the Tribe of Mic-o-Say and doing the Eagle Dance for Mr. Sisco's retirement. Later, he and "Shotgun" backpacked with 9 others for 10 days at Philmont Scout Ranch (137,000 acres in New Mexico) and bought the famous belt buckle! In August, he raised $1,460 and organized 30 volunteers to build 180 feet of split-rail fencing in front of the new One-room Schoolhouse, plus a flag pole that will fly a 33-star flag from 1860. By October, he had written his Life Purpose paper and submitted all the correct forms along with earning 52 merit badges. We proudly hosted his Eagle ceremony and dinner at the Pony Express Museum to celebrate his becoming the 95th Eagle Scout in the history of his Troop. Since he was born in 1995 and had 95 guests at the party, this seems to be his lucky number. I had the most fun creating photo displays, and it prompted our quiet son to tell some tales for the first time—such as how he forgot a sleeping bag in Canada and slept in the bathroom to keep warm. Others may never see behind the scenes like a parent does, but when a 16-year-old writes his own speech and then improvises from his heart in front of relatives, mentors, and a US Congressman, then it reveals his true character. “God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen.”

My closing prayer as you are following yonder star

is to discover an authentic peace in 2012.

"Guide us to Thy perfect Light"

The O Antiphons - final

2011-12-24T10:59:00.001-06:00

The antiphons have been a wonderful prayer for the closing days of Advent. If you take the first letter of the Latin titles for Christ and place them backwards, they spell "Ero Cras" which means "Tomorrow I will come" mirroring the theme of waiting for Christ's birth tonight. Happy Christmas Eve.

The O Antiphons - Day 7

2011-12-23T12:58:00.000-06:00

Today's antiphon reads "O Come, O Come Emmanuel (God-with-Us)"

O Emmanuel,

Rex et legifer noster,

expectatio gentium,

et Salvator earum:

veni ad salvandum nos,

Domine, Deus noster.

Translated:

O Emmanuel,
our King and lawgiver,
the one awaited by the Gentiles,
and their Savior:
come and save us,
Lord our God.

(Icon by Dee Cooper Swift.) Here's a related tale:

The land of Persia was once ruled by a wise and beloved Shah who cared greatly for his people and desired only what was best for them. One day he disguised himself as a poor man and went to visit the public baths. The water for the baths was heated by a furnace in the cellar, so the Shah made his way to the dark place to sit with the man who tended the fire. The two men shared the coarse food, and the Shah befriended him in his loneliness. Day after day the ruler went to visit the man. The worker became attached to this stranger because he "came where he was." One day the Shah revealed his true identity, and he expected the man to ask him for a gift. Instead, he looked long into his leader's face and with love and wonder in his voice said, "You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to eat my coarse food, and to care about what happens to me. On others you may bestow rich gifts, but to me you have given yourself!"

The O Antiphons - Day 6

2011-12-22T08:47:00.006-06:00

Today's antiphon is "O Come, O King of Nations"

O Rex Gentium,
et desideratus earum,
lapisque angularis,
qui facis utraque unum:
veni, et salva hominem quem de limo formasti.

Translated:
O King of the Nations,
and the one they desired,
keystone,
who makes both peoples one:
come, and save mankind whom you formed from the dust of the earth.

The O Antiphons - Day 5

2011-12-21T07:12:00.002-06:00

Today's antiphon is "O Come, O Rising Dawn"

O Oriens,
splendor lucis aeternae,
et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina
sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.

Translated:

O Dayspring,

splendor of eternal light,

and sun of justice:

come, and illuminate

those seated in darkness,

and in the shadow of death.

The O Antiphons - Day 4

2011-12-20T08:48:00.001-06:00

Today is "O Come of Key of David"

O Clavis David,
et sceptrum domus Israel,
qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperuit:
veni, et educ vinctum de domo carceris,
sedentem in tenebris, et umbra mortis.

Translated:
O Key of David,
O royal Power of Israel,

controlling at your will the gate of heaven:

Come, break down the prison walls of death

for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death;

and lead your captive people into freedom.

The O Antiphons - Day 3

2011-12-19T07:49:00.002-06:00

Today is "O Come, O Root of Jesse's Stem"

O Radix Jesse,
qui stas in signum populorum,
super quem continebunt reges os suum,
quem gentes deprecabuntur:
veni ad liberandum nos, iam noli tardare.
Translated:
O Root of Jesse,
that stands for an ensign of the people,
before whom the kings keep silence
unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication:
come to deliver us, and tarry not.

The O Antiphons - Day 2

2011-12-18T07:27:00.001-06:00

Today is "O Come, O Giver of the Law"

O Adonai,
et Dux domus Israel,
qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti,
et ei in Sina legem dedisti:
veni and redimendum nos in rachio extento.

Translated:
O Adonai,
and leader of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
and give him the law on Sinai:
come and redeem us with outstretched arm.

The O Antiphons - Day 1

2011-12-17T09:12:00.005-06:00

The Catholic Church since the 8th or 9th century has prayed the "O Antiphons"-- a different refrain each day of the final week before Christmas for the familiar hymn "O Come O Come Emmanuel" or in Latin "Veni, Emmanuel." I love how the titles are listed in order, based on the various titles for the Christ from Scripture. The translation and beautiful artwork are accompanied by a sermon from one of the saints at the website: www.DailyGospel.org

Today is
"O Come,
O Wisdom
from On High"

O Sapientia,

quae ex ore Altissimi prodiisti,

attingens a fine usque ad finem fortiter,

suaviterque disponens omnia:

veni ad docendum nos viam prudentiae.

Translated:

O Wisdom,

who proceeds from the mouth of the Most High,

reaching out mightily from end to end,

and sweetly arranging all things:

come to teach us the way of prudence.

Does anyone else see how appropriate this message is for our modern culture and for families facing the emotions of Christmas-time?

Rocky Mountain High

2011-12-16T16:25:00.008-06:00

A brief version of last two weeks: Drove to Lincoln. Stayed in our home-away-from-home for one night-- The Cornhusker Marriott with its fabulous room service and double suite. Drove to Denver in SNOW. Stopped at Harrow Factory Warehouse to get hockey sticks (we've broken 3 in 3 weeks). Yea, so they gave us free t-shirts. Played in the Super Series AAA hockey -- won three and lost three. How can they call off three goals in one weekend? Spent time with Gr. Elizabeth. Stuffed ourselves on the fried chicken dinners at White Fence Farms.

Drove to Breckenridge. Had the place to ourselves.

Boys went snowboarding from dawn til dusk. Watched Mountain "Dew Tour "warm-ups and jumps! Cooked supper in our room. Movie Night + Pie Social. Wii room. Captain and I enjoyed the book shop and French pastries. Watched TV. Read "Unbearable Lightness of Scones." Wrote Christmas letter on iPad. Toured the Denver Mint (without our pocket knives). Drove home through Salina and looked at our "old house" once more.

Chocolate Advent Calendars

2011-12-05T08:49:00.001-06:00

I bought them early! Now, I cannot find them! It's so frustrating because they are hard to purchase in our little city--and I have looked around at all the usual hiding places in my home. I had bought one for each son, plus my godsons, plus Aunt Lois in the nursing home. Sometimes I am too organized for my own good.

Lost by One Point

2011-12-04T14:36:00.000-06:00

Hockey games were at the "home rink" in Independence this weekend, and several friends came to watch the twins and their Russell Stover '98 AAA team. We had lunch with the Verbicks between games, we spent time at Bass Pro Shop with Ben and Jamison, sat by the Richs family, and got caught up with Mrs. Kim, Winger's godmother. Unfortunately, we lost all three games by one point.

Homilist was a Boy Scout, Too

2011-12-04T09:24:00.000-06:00

The priest today centered his homily around the positive attributes of Boy Scouts and their motto of "Be Prepared." I thought it was very fititng for Advent, while we are renewing our focus on the big-picture of eternal life. It's also fitting because our family has been thinking deeply about the Boy Scout's way of life. It is a fine program of leadership development--mixed with fun. Scouts also measures off a young boy's advancement to manhood with its seven ranks. In our modern culture, this is a rare focus--the fine qualities which ensure strong families and a strong nation for our posterity. How fortunate that our sons are working through these rites of passage into responsible adult life.

Dorito's K-State Tweet

2011-12-03T21:30:00.011-06:00

Dorito was excited and sent this message out on Twitter: "That's my Wildcats 30-23 win over Iowa State 10-2 BABY! #KSU"

Eye Doctor Sees Us Right Away

2011-12-02T15:54:00.001-06:00

Winger went for his annual eye check-up at the Plaza. Dr. Cibis is an old, German physician--very smart, organized, and efficient with all the lenses and measuring machines. He was in a better mood than most visits. Note to self: make a December appointment again next year when everyone else is out shopping and we can get right in. Report--Winger is the same as two years ago: a little exotropia with his left eye, but 20/20 vision and no color-blindness. He can be a pilot if he wants to!

Downtown Noon Concert

2011-12-01T13:58:00.001-06:00

Dr. Jerry Anderson played "Sounds of the Season" on organ and piano this noon. How pleasanat that my boys are old enough to pack their own lunch so we can take field trips like this more easily?!

Scout's Own Speech

2011-11-30T08:19:00.000-06:00

I also want to post Dorito's speech--at least the text he prepared--for the Eagle ceremony last week. He was very thoughtful over it, and it was longer than I anticipated. For a quiet boy, he had a great deal to express:

Eagle Scout Speech

I would like to thank everyone for coming today. Scouting is a wonderful experience. You get lifetime friendships. You get opportunities to do things that some people will never get to do. So why not take that opportunity? Young people these days may think that Scouting is stupid; well, I have done amazing things that they would never have thought of doing. So I am very glad that Jacob Brooke invited me to Webelos and got me into Scouting. I will tell you now my brothers only wanted to do the outdoors stuff but not the merit badge work or go to meetings. They thought it would not be fun. But the first meeting they went to, they signed up! I was one of those kids who wanted to try Scouting, and it is just an all-around great program.

All of you Scouts out there who have not earned your Eagle --don’t stop striving towards it, because I am telling you from experience it is a great honor and feeling to be an Eagle Scout. The trail is very hard, but you have to keep going even when it is tough.

I think all of those who have been to Philmont would agree with me that the Philmont trek and the Scouting trail are very similar. Your first few days on the trail at Philmont are 2-mile short days; they do it so you can get used to the altitude. Then each day after that gets a little harder. Then the last day for us at least was hiking the Tooth of Time to 14,000 feet, which is like earning your Eagle rank. When you are on top of the Tooth looking over the prairie, you can see for miles and miles away. When you earn your Eagle, you look back and see all of the great times you had in Scouting. Then when you get off the trail, you are so happy to see a flushed toilet, real food, and soda. It’s just great! In Scouting you make some great friends, same at Philmont – and you learn things about your crew members that you would have never thought of. Just like a shotgun of humming birds. In Scouting, I have had a great time camping and seeing friends, it’s just incredible. I have seen every corner of Scouting, by going on four high adventures, and winter camping, plus Camp Geiger, the COPE course, and Mic-o-Say. I wish all Scouts had the same opportunities that I had. I’ve learned that you should not burn the trash until you are sure you didn’t throw away the dessert packet, and how cold it is in Minnesota when I forgot my sleeping bag, and how to launch water balloons 50 feet into the next campsite, and how to build a fire all night long for Mic-o-Say.

Probably the best thing that has happened to me was being a troop guide -- because you have to know all of the scouting skills all the time. I pretty much have the Scout book memorized -- back to front. So I can teach those Scouts the skills every week with the first years.

If I could give one piece of advice to the younger scouts here today, it would be: Step out of your comfort zone and try to achieve more, be that over achiever. Because if it’s not you – then who will step up and be a leader? So do your best to volunteer, take the lead, and help people. Because the people you help will help you when you need it most.

Now the moment you have been all waiting for -- the Mentor Pin. Some Eagle Scouts will give a Mentor pin. But the decision was a very hard one, I must say, because there were a lot of people who helped me along the way. Because of that, I decided not to give a Mentor pin, and instead say “Thanks” to all the adult leaders in Troop 216 who volunteer and come every week to help us.

This has been a day that I have been waiting for. Thank you for all of those people who have helped me along the way. Thank you all for being here today, it means a lot to me for your support.

I would like to leave you with a quote from Baden-Powell that talks about being prepared:

“A scout is never taken by surprise; he knows exactly what to do when anything unexpected happens.”

Thanks again.

In Praise of Bookstores

2011-11-29T09:44:00.001-06:00

Our city lost its Borders even before the whole chain went under. That was a sad day. We used to go there for coffee-table-sized art books and Science Fair prizes and birthday presents (mostly hockey-related) and for the coffee (of course). I just love books, newspapers, and printed WORDS more than the average person, which is partly why I homeschool. So we have kept up our long-standing relationship with the librarians and enjoy hunting down bookshops when we are out of town. I have much the same thoughts as the owner of Eighth Day Books expressed in this Catholic Exchange article: “I nurture the hope that our nature as human beings cries out for the physicality of the printed book, and the almost endless and surprising variety a bookstore uniquely offers. Without wishing to offend anyone, I believe digital books are a Gnosticizing technology, by contrast with real books sterile and ephemeral, offering only convenience and novelty in exchange for the more subtle and enduring genius and delightful corporeality of the codex…I have no Plan B. I’ll keep doing this, as much as it depends on me, until by last breath.”

New Mass Parts

2011-11-28T13:24:00.000-06:00

I managed to figure out the missal and the new music for responses at Mass yesterday. The new English translation, proposed since 2000 Jubilee Year, makes sense to me (mostly). Maybe because I subscribe to and read the National Catholic Register. Captain and the boys were not as comfortble with it--probably because they went to a different service. I need to spend some more time educating them on the particulars.

Like a Sister

2011-11-27T10:59:00.023-06:00

Meggar spent extra time with Dorito while she was home all week. And Hannah spent extra time with us, too. She is like a sister! The boys tease and hug her like a sister. Winger even talked back to me in front of Hannah! She gives them advice about life and jokes about their hair and "girlfriends." She went to mass with us this morning and stayed for Sunday dinner. Then we all helped pack up Meggar for going back to college. I'm always a little sentimental over departures. But every time Meggar comes home, I am grateful to learn more bits and pieces of her experiences, attitudes, and opinions. We are proud of that girl, who grows more mature every month. Why does that surprise me? Some days I think mothering will never end. Some days I appreciate that God invented time--so everything doesn't happen at once. Meggar and I don't agree on everything--she likes to tell me that I argue too much with Dad, spoil the boys, and don't give her enough spending money. But there is love, shopping, baking, and time to talk out everything eventually. It was a good Thanksgiving break.

Black Friday

2011-11-25T19:55:00.003-06:00

It was only tough on Meggar. She worked midnight to 4 a.m. with the long line at Old Navy. Then she slept in our basement guest room--quieter and darker. Meanwhile, the boys helped with Andrew's Eagle Scout service project at the cemetery. And, Captain wanted to spend more time with his dad. So I stayed home and baked cinnamon rolls, apple pie, and kept trying to feed everyone in different shifts. Here's a photo Meggar shared from the Thanksgiving Dinner with the AGDs before she left campus--she made the Indian headbands for everyone with the craft supplied her mother sent at the beginning of the term :-)

Thanksgiving Brunch

2011-11-24T18:58:00.004-06:00

Sleeping in has its merits. Our busy family decided not to travel today for the Thanksgiving holiday, and that's a BIG change from our usual schedule. I also wanted an easy meal plan, so we made late brunch with bacon, omelettes, poached eggs, scones, monkey bread, Darjeeling tea, and Tim Horton's coffee. (There's always a hockey connection somewhere!) The boys listened to Meggar's stories but were eager to test-drive their new video game, and Meggar has two shifts at Old Navy. But to focus on the positive, we counted the slower pace as a real blessing since there are some runny noses and ear aches to deal with in our crew.

Afterwards, we went to Aunt Kathy's for supper and fireworks with some of Captain's relatives.

Broken Down the Center

2011-11-23T11:38:00.001-06:00

Monday we spent most of the day at doctors' offices. First the pediatrician, who took the X-ray of the fracture.

Then the orthopedic doctor, who told us stories of his hockey-playing son's injuries. Luckily, the bone is still straight, so we need to keep Reid's right hand steady while his index finger heals. A pair of Velcro splints will be our constant companions these next few weeks. Good thing Dorito is left-handed. And he hasn't complained though he comments the colors of bruising. He is mostly independent, even buttoning his own shirts and pants.

In the Newspaper

2011-11-22T11:36:00.000-06:00

Dorito's Eagle Scout ceremony was featured in the Monday morning paper! How great of a surprise!

Eagle Scout honored for achievements

Ray Scherer
St. Joseph News-Press

St. Joseph’s newest Eagle Scout can rightly lay claim to the number 95 as unique in his achievements.
Reid Schmidling was born in 1995 and, on Sunday, he became the 95th Eagle Scout in Troop 216 history.
An Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held for Reid at the Pony Express Museum community room. He received numerous congratulations and presentations for the rank, the highest available in Boy Scouts.
Reid has earned 52 Merit Badges on the way to Eagle, said Scoutmaster Vernon Honeycutt. He also attained the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, as well as senior patrol leader and assistant senior troop guide.
His Eagle Scout project consisted of organizing and installing an 1860s-era flagpole and fence around the Pony School at the museum. Several museum officials attended the ceremony. “It was an awesome project,” Mr. Honeycutt said.
Congressman Sam Graves — a Republican from Tarkio who himself is an Eagle Scout and part of the Mic-O-Say tribe — also participated in the program. He presented a Congressional Record to Reid, signifying acknowledgement of the Eagle Scout achievement before colleagues in Washington, D.C.
“It’s something I hope you realize is just the beginning,” Mr. Graves said to Reid. “Your service will go on and on.
“They’re the fabric of their communities,” he added of all Eagle Scouts.
Mr. Graves also bestowed him with a U.S. flag that was flown over the Capitol. State Sen. Rob Schaaf of St. Joseph was present to offer a resolution on behalf of the Missouri Senate.
In his remarks, Reid urged fellow Scouts to strive for the Eagle Scout rank.
“I take that into my life every day,” he said. “It really changes your life, I swear.”
An Eagle Scout makes great friends that last for a lifetime, he added.
He had special advice for younger Scouts, who he counseled to help people whenever they can.
“Step out of your comfort zone and try to achieve more,” Reid said.

Eagle Scout's Party

2011-11-21T14:16:00.000-06:00

The after-party hosted 95 people, which proves that really is his lucky number.
The buffet had roast beef, barbecue brisket, rolls, cheesy potatoes, broccoli-rice casserole, sweet green beans, veggie tray, and fruit with dip. At least it was colorful, homemade, and warm!! Thanks to Constance and Lesa, who saved the day as kitchen servers. Plus there was a special cake...

The display boards mapped out his traveled routes between waterfalls, forests, lakes, and 10,000 foot peaks. Double rainbow, huge camp fire, wild animals...

and showed the best memories from time spent outdoors with friends.

His friend loaned us a mannequin for the hand-made costume.

A Salute to Our Scout

2011-11-20T22:35:00.015-06:00

The ceremony for Eagle Scout is always impressive--and Dorito was over-the-top happy!!

At the entrance doors, we hung balloons and had a sign-in sheet for well wishers. Along the side walls, we set display boards of his four High Adventure trips along side his Mic-o-say costume on a mannequin. And the wooden centerpiece was an eagle candle-holder for the 12 points of the Scout Law.

The twins were excited to give the welcome and presentation of the colors, Adam and Alexander were Eagle escorts, Jake and Josh spoke the obligations, Mr. Honeycutt explained the ranks, and Mr. Sisco conferred the award pins and neckerchief. Such a meaningful ceremony.

Best of all was a special commendation from Congressman Sam Graves, also an Eagle Scout. He presented our son with a flag flown over the Capitol, too.

Dorito's acceptance speech was directly from the heart, and he even spoke impromtu through the middle of it. Captain surprised Dorito with the gift of a class ring, which had been ordered with the Eagle emblem on one side. It barely slid over the fourth knuckle of his injured hand.

Broken Finger - Mercy Me!

2011-11-19T23:13:00.000-06:00

Dorito was reffing the JV game at Bode, and it got pretty rough. He broke up a fight by bear-hugging one player and pulling him out of the scrum. Shortly after that, another player on the same team took a slap shot that seemed aimed at the opposing coach! Unfortunately, it hit Dorito's bare hand along the boards and probably broke his finger. He finished the game though. And he had free tickets to the "Mercy Me" concert so he packed it in ice and left with Meggar, Hannah, Lucas, and Jake for a fun event at the Sprint Center.

Shakespeare with Meggar

2011-11-18T20:16:00.001-06:00

Meggar is home for Thanksgiving break!! After yummy food, we went to the Schieber's for Shakespeare Out Loud. We finished up our reading of "Comedy of Errors" about the mix-up of twins. Very good fun!

Meteor Shower?!

2011-11-17T23:43:00.000-06:00

Polar Bear and I laid on the ground for 25 minutes, wrapped in two quilts, to watch the Leonids meteor shower after (late) hockey practice. There were clear skies but we only saw two falling stars, and were quite chilled from the wind. It was disappointing, but we might try again tomorrow night.

Grand Finale with Homeschool Choir

2011-11-15T21:10:00.000-06:00

The weekly co-op of classes for homeschoolers finished up their fall semester with a Grand Finale. The choir had 2 tenors and 1 bass from the Schmidling family!

Book Club with Japanese Food

2011-11-15T16:54:00.001-06:00

For monthly book club tonight, I am making my favorite recipe from LABO camp: Yakisoban. I had travelled to Japan in the summer of 1983 to visit Akemi, who had been our family's 4-H exchange student. We are still pen pals to this day! Food is an important part of every culture and I love exploring new flavors and recipes. The women at book club will get a peek at my photos and souvenir umbrella, too. Our discussion is about "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet," and I like World War II stories of all types.

Recycling Game at Scouts

2011-11-14T20:38:00.001-06:00

Polar Bear led the Scout troop in a recycling lesson tonight. Earlier, he went to the recycling center for brochures and instruction on what they accept. He typed his speech and loaded up boxes of "trash" from our garage for them to sort.

And he wrapped it up with a relay race to see which team could properly sort the recyclables into bins.

Cleaning, sorting, and loading recyclables is often the "good turn daily" for the Scouts at our house - I was glad to get this out of the garage!

Shopping Spree

2011-11-13T20:01:00.001-06:00

Constance and I saved big bucks with our 30% off coupon for Kohl's. They usually mail out 15%--so this was doubly good. My new gloves and Meggar's suit coat are stylish!

Go Wildcats!

2011-11-12T23:20:00.000-06:00

Went to MHK for the K-State football game today--great weather and a chance to:
-Tailgate with Gr. Gerald and Gr. Judy...
-Play touch football games with Chad's boys...
-Tour the campus with Dorito...
-Watch Collin Klein, the homeschooled quarterback, move closer to the TD record...
-Celebrate victory after four over-time periods!

Go 'Cats!

Co Co Key Water Resort

2011-11-11T20:14:00.004-06:00

There was a discount today for homeschoolers at the Holiday Inn by the Sports Complex. How fun to meet up with Josh and Jarrett at Co-Co Key for only $5 each!

How Many More Days?

2011-11-10T16:12:00.000-06:00

Winger said the sweetest thing at the breakfast table today. We were talking about Meggar being home all next week for Thanksgiving break, and he said, "I'm starting to get used to her being at college, but she will be done in only two more years and then she will come back home!" (smile)

Hillyard Technical School

2011-11-09T10:32:00.001-06:00

Dorito was our tour guide yesterday--and he spoke quite expertly about his experience in the Electronics/Robotics class. Plus he knew his way around the whole building as he showed us the other 14 departments. He looked great in his "Hillyard Ambassador" shirt. There were seven homeschool 8th graders and their parents on our tour--it was the first time Captain, Polar Bear, and Winger had been there! Very impressive! Captain enjoyed his long talk with the Reid's instructor as well as the machining teacher. His own father was a machinist for over 30 years at TWA and it was interesting to see that type of job up close. (Captain also fondly remembers his welding and lathe work in high school shop class.)

Here are the photos of what Dorito has made first semester: digital multimeter. He made the entire circuit board by wiring all 79 components including: resistors, diodes, capacitors, IC sockets, mylar caps, switch, and alarm buzzer.

Chess Merit Badge

2011-11-08T10:17:00.000-06:00

Mr. Bird says Dorito is the FIRST ONE in our Robidoux Scout District and among the first in the nation to earn the Chess merit badge. It was only launched in September, and actually all three of my boys passed the requirements today. Last weekend's chess tournament was kind a bust with very low attendance, so this makes up for it. And it is exciting to sew ONE more badge on Dorito's sash before his Eagle ceremony.

Referee Exams

2011-11-07T22:10:00.000-06:00

Dorito finished his Level 3 exam and PASSED! (needed 90%)
Polar Bear finished his Level 1 recertification and passed!
Still waiting on Winger... these annual exams are a pain in the neck/takes too long. I'm so glad when we can put away the 12 pages of questions (x3) and the rule books which have littered the hearth room for weeks.

Weekend Updates

2011-11-06T16:09:00.000-06:00

1. Polar Bear did NOT score the first goal of the first game this weekend in Chicago. But they enjoyed playing two really tough teams from Canada. Shows them how fast and smart 13-year-old's hockey can be.
2. Meggar interviewed and got the job at Old Navy (for the holidays). Also got a black suit jacket for AGD initiation and other gifts needed for her little sister.
3. Dorito poured over samples to get ideas for his Eagle Scout ceremony.
4. Winger started writing out his Christmas list! all camping items for Scouts?!
4. Captain is glad that our basement is staying dry during the steady rains.

Women of Faith Conference-Part 2

2011-11-05T22:01:00.002-05:00

A little laughter. Some sarcasm. Hugs and Bible verses. Coffee (definitely). Awesome outfits (of course). Twitter. Break from college drama = Meggar and Hannah

Women of Faith Conference

2011-11-04T09:56:00.003-05:00

Boys are gone to Chicago for hockey so I skipped school, too! I used Meggar's ticket for the first session of the "Women of Faith Conference" today at Sprint Center. Patsy Clairmont is always hilarious and truthful about Christian women in the modern world. And she was joined by Andy Andrews (high-energy motivator) on the stage. He talks about principles and intentional living. ("It has been scientifically proven that people who read are smarter, wealthier, happier..." ) I sat by Mrs. Mason, who is over-qualified for a handicapped parking sticker; and Mrs. Shindorf, who is the queen of blogging and coupons. FUN!

A Funny Rattling Noise

2011-11-03T12:13:00.000-05:00

The little country parish wanted a fill-in organist, so I agreed to help out a bit. But when I turned on the organ, it made a terrible rattling sound. We checked for loose boards or keys--nothing. The pastor admitted he had recently moved the organ and we were suspicious that might have damaged it some way. But the FUNNY thing was when the men took off the back, they found inside two kernels of corn and 10 soybeans. They had fallen into the left speaker and were making the funny rattling noise. Hmm?! Better than a dead mouse or $800 repair for parts.

Getting Ready for Snow

2011-11-02T13:30:00.000-05:00

I am organizing ski passes to Snow Creek (near Weston, Mo) for the coming season. It's only $99 for the lift ticket and $115 for a ticket plus rental equipment to ski once a week ALL season long at the man-made mountain. Excludes Fridays and weekends. Such a good price for homeschoolers and after-school outings! Go to www.SkiSnowCreek.com to order: User name = WestSkiClub, Password = HomeSki4fun

Not Perfect By Any Stretch

2011-11-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

This network allows me to post mostly positive messages, but lest you think I'm leading the charmed life, here's a word from our sponsor: It has been one of those "full moon" weeks already -- me running out of gas, teenage son having a fender-bender in the school parking lot, arguments with spouse, disrespectful teens, unfinished homework, failed science exam, missing debit card, expired coupons I meant to use, dead batteries in all portable phones, nearby conversations that are obviously "exclusive," unreplied emails, and a ~~partridge in a pear tree~~ ungraded paper about St. Augustine's pear tree theft.

All Saints in Costume

2011-10-31T22:31:00.002-05:00

The Catholic homeschoolers got together last night for our annual potluck supper and Saint-Guessing Game.

Polar Bear went as one of the four original doctors of the church--dressed like a doctor, with a Bible (St. Jerome).

Winger went as the twin brother saints who cured patients for free--dressed in Roman toga (St. Cosmas and Damian).

And I wore my Hawaiian shirt and lei to portray the priestly saint who served the leper colony in Hawaii (St. Damian Molokai).

Halloween Candies

2011-10-30T21:57:00.004-05:00

Nothing says Halloween like candy corn.

And my good friend Alison bought me a bag of the newest M&Ms! (because they are only available at Wal-mart and for a limited time!)

Eagle Scout Invitations Ready

2011-10-29T16:58:00.002-05:00

I had fun being a "desktop publisher" again. I designed and printed out these invitations for Dorito's Eagle Scout ceremony.

Costumes Complete

2011-10-28T21:40:00.003-05:00

Meggar sent pictures from her social life: Groovy Jams 60s party with Emily (new AGD)

and home-made Taco Bell sauce packets for Halloween.

I made hers and she made Erin's. I love the yellow and green hair bows, girls!

Another Dorm Decoration

2011-10-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Meggar rearranged her room. So down came the sheer curtain with white lights behind it. Similar to this first picture.

Now she has hung a few clotheslines behind her bed with pastel-colored flowers that match her Liberty bedding. (Thanks to Constance for the shaped puncher.) Spaced throughout are photos of friends with a "Polaroid" border effect. Maybe over the break, we can decoupage the clothespins to match. Pinterest beware!

Secret Spooks

2011-10-26T11:12:00.000-05:00

Dorito is free from his regular Wednesday after-school robotics club. So wanted to do something fun--but all his pals were busy. So he settled for a date with Mom to iHop. Nothing like all-you-can-eat-pancakes to cheer you up. His Twitter message: "Last time I was here, people were singing to me and giving me Sweet 16 kisses" drew some smiley-faced replies. Afterwards, he drug his brothers out to "spook" some friends. But they got caught at the Brooke's house!! and had a close call at Rich's house!

Warmly Candise

Downton Abbey-style Valentine cards

Although I didn't see these until the day after... it was too funny not to share. The kids had a "snow day" on Monday, so Captain and I went on NetFlix to re-watch parts of the first season of Downton Abbey. Another Downton Abbey fan made these valentine cards for his blog...

Valentine Abbey

Valentine's Day

Twins Playing Plenty of Hockey

HHS Mandate

Bishop Helmsing Institute

Employment Questions

Downton Abbey Dreams

Dorito Takes a Stand

Complaints from the Kitchen

Have a Bucket List?

Pink News

Night of Romance

Science Fair and Winners

Downtown Noon Concert

Calligraphy Skills

Youth for Truth Event

Dentist Office

Boy's Life Magazine from 1972

Penny Log

Dickens had Great Expectations

Sheetrock Dust

Poetry Out Loud

Returning to Normal

Looking Vintage

Movies to Mention

Coldest Night of the Year

Art for a Date Night

Small Ensemble Music

Catholic Artwork at Co-op

New Year's Resolution

Epiphany Party

Serving at the Soup Kitchen

Traveling Back in Time

Downton Abbey - Part 2

Christmas Tree

Farewell with Tea

Konnichi-wa to the Year of the Dragon

Finally Going Out

DragonWings

Vintage Learning

Tournament Champions!

Praying with the Dominicans

Grand Ole Opry for New Year's

Road Trip for Hockey

My Favorite Things...

Leftovers in the Waffle Iron

Our Health Matters

Boxing Day

Merry Christmas Morning!

Christmas Cards

The O Antiphons - final

The O Antiphons - Day 7

The O Antiphons - Day 6

The O Antiphons - Day 5

O Oriens,splendor lucis aeternae,et sol justitiae:veni, et illuminasedentes in tenebris,et umbra mortis.Translated:

O Dayspring,

The O Antiphons - Day 4

The O Antiphons - Day 3

The O Antiphons - Day 2

The O Antiphons - Day 1

Rocky Mountain High

Chocolate Advent Calendars

Lost by One Point

Homilist was a Boy Scout, Too

Dorito's K-State Tweet

Eye Doctor Sees Us Right Away

Downtown Noon Concert

Scout's Own Speech

In Praise of Bookstores

New Mass Parts

Like a Sister

Black Friday

Thanksgiving Brunch

Broken Down the Center

In the Newspaper

Eagle Scout honored for achievements

Eagle Scout's Party

O Oriens,
splendor lucis aeternae,
et sol justitiae:
veni, et illumina
sedentes in tenebris,
et umbra mortis.

Translated: