Books, Books, Books

Anyone who has known me for long, knows that I am a complete bookaholic. Unfortunately, I have yet to find a support group for this problem, but rather many friends who will encourage and support me in this "vice". I am a member of a book club. Fortunately, it is the "right kind" of book club, if you know what I mean. We read only classic, high-quality literature. No twaddle allowed.

We are getting ready to read "The Moonstone" by Wilkie Collins which is supposed to be one of the first great English detective stories. I am looking forward to it, as its not a genre I have explored a great deal--other than Agatha Christie's works. One of our next works will be "Lorna Doone" by R.D. Blackmore. I have only read through the first couple of chapters of "Lorna Doone" and I can tell that it is going to be challenge. I am looking forward to it.

Some of our past reads have included: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (which has caused me to fall in love with and explore her works for their own merit--not just because it is a popular trend), "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (which is well-written, but a rather dark story for my taste), "The Dean's Watch" by Elizabeth Goudge (which starts off slowly, but is excellent once you get involved with the characters), and "The Keeper of the Bees" by Gene Stratton Porter (a wonderful book, which makes me want to explore some of her other works such as Girl of the Limberlost and Laddie, which I've heard a great deal about).

I am also reading "Philip and Elizabeth" by Gyles Brandreth, after having just finished "Lillibet" by a different author. I have become obsessed with British history recently because of a "school book" I am reading to my daughter--"Our Island Story" by H.E. Marshall. We have learned so much about British history and am discovering more about many of our famous and infamous ancestors, including Henry VII, Henry VIII and his children Elizabeth I, Mary I and Edward IV--although these were cousins, rather than directly up the ancestral line. Apparently, we are also related to Lady Godiva, which may explain why one of my daughters is obsessed with horses, while the other likes to strip naked in public places. We are also related to the Carmichael clan in Scotland which has several famous descendants including Amy Carmichael and Hoagy Carmichael. The Carmichaels still meet every year at the Carmichael estate in Scotland for a "clan gathering".

In addition to these books, I am also reading Superimmunity for Kids, which is about health and nutrition for children--emphasizing the importance of essential fatty acids(EFA) in the diet. This is probably the best book I have ever read about health and nutrition for children and I am being inspired to make many changes for our family. It will be interesting for me to see if there are behavioral changes in the children, as well, after changing their diet.

I believe I read a quote a long time ago that went something like this (don't quote me!): "If I get a little money, I buy books. If there is any left, I buy food." This sums up my philosophy exactly (although with children I am having to modify my philosophy a little since it wouldn't do to let them go hungry--lol).

I was telling my husband last night that, while I have no problem reading five or six books at a time, I wish that I could read them at the SAME TIME. There are so many things in this world that are interesting to learn about. God is so good. I am hoping that by giving my children a classical/literature based education that I will instill the same love for learning in their lives, that I have in my own life. Although I was an unfortunate product of the public schools, I realize that my love of good literature outside of school, is what has helped me to become the person that I am--a person who loves to learn:-)

Habits of Decency and Propriety

The habits Charlotte Mason mentions in her series of books can be outlined in basically five broad categories: mental, moral, decency and propriety, physical, and religious.

This week, let's take a look at Habits of Decency and Propriety. How's that
title for sounding intimidating? But habits of "decency and propriety" are
simply those habits that you develop in your child so he won't be "a social
outcast" (Vol. 6, p. 101). (Don't you love that description?)

And most of these habits, Charlotte believed, a child would unconsciously
learn as he lived in an atmosphere that is filled with them. "Cleanliness,
order, neatness, regularity, punctuality, are all 'branches' of infant
education. They should be about the child like the air he breathes, and he
will take them in as unconsciously" (Vol. 1, p. 125). "Every look of
gentleness and tone of reverence, every word of kindness and act of help,
passes into the thought-environment, the very atmosphere which the child
breathes; he does not think of these things, may never think of them, but
all his life long they excite that 'vague appetency toward something' out
of which most of his actions spring" (Vol. 2, p. 36).

Here are the habits she emphasized that fit well in this category of
Decency and Propriety (with a few definitions to clarify).
* Cleanliness
* Courtesy
* Kindness
* Manners
* Modesty and Purity
* Neatness ("pleasing and suitable"; similar to good taste)
* Order (everything in its place)
* Regularity (adhering to a schedule or routine)

She also briefly mentioned some other habits that fit in this category, but
didn't really elaborate on them:
* Candor (not prejudiced; sincere; respecting the opinions of others)
* Courage
* Diligence
* Fortitude (bearing hardship or discomfort with courage)
* Generosity
* Gentleness
* Meekness
* Patience
* Temperance (moderation in action, thought, or feeling)
* Thrift (careful management, especially of money)

More than once Charlotte encouraged parents to have a record of habits that
they wanted to cultivate in each child and to keep track of his or her
progress. She thought that birthdays would make good milestones for regular
evaluations and plans. "Obedience in the first year, and all the virtues of
the good life as the years go on; every year with its own definite work to
show in the training of character. Is Edward a selfish child when his fifth
birthday comes? The fact is noted in his parents' year-book, with the
resolve that by his sixth birthday he shall, please God, be a generous
child" (Vol. 2, p. 65).

Remember, focus on only one habit at a time, but be intentional. "Parents
should take pains to have their own thoughts clear as to the manner of
virtues they want their children to develop. Candour, fortitude,
temperance, patience, meekness, courage, generosity, indeed the whole role
of virtues, would be stimulating subjects for thought and teaching" (Vol.
3, p. 136).

What do you think about the idea of having a "habit record" for each child?
Would such a checklist help you to be more intentional about cultivating
good habits on a regular basis? Do any of you already have some sort of
record that helps you? What does it look like? Share your thoughts at
http://simplycharlottemason.com/home/blog/2007/1/11/habits-of-decency-and-pr
opriety/#comment

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I've Forgetten Something?!?! What Is It, Then?

My Fortune Cookie told me: You have forgotten something very, very important. Get a cookie from Miss Fortune

Our New Court Jester

My four year old son has been a laugh a minute recently, and I just had to share. Today, I walked into the bathroom after he finished his business and caught him putting a sanitary napkin into his underwear. He "wanted to be like Mommy." After explaining to him that he was a boy and that big boys don't wear pads, he said, "Oh well.", pulled his pants up, and went on his way--still wearing the pad. I prompted dh to have "a talk" with his son this evening after he got home, and now he's happy to be a big boy like Daddy and not wear pads.

Later this afternoon, we were sitting at the kitchen table and the baby was eating peanut butter and jelly, while the boy was having a mug of hot chocolate. He had come inside a few minutes earlier after working on the car outside with Daddy. He complained that he was "too cold and sick" and of course declared that hot chocolate would cure him. Happy to oblige, I made him a cup and warned him not to let the baby near it since she is allergic to it. He asked me, "Why can't Miney have chocolate?" I told him that it has milk in it and would make her sick. He reminded me that she eats chocolate cookies, and I responded that these were a very special type of chocolate cookie that doesn't have milk in it.

Suddenly he said, "I'm special. Miney can eat me. No. . . wait a minute." He had such a hilarious look on his face at this point, because it was like he truly hadn't thought the whole thing out real well, and suddenly, it dawned on him. Then he said, "She can't eat me. I'm disgusting. I have blood and guts." Isn't that just like a boy? Silly little man!

Keeping the Sabbath Holy ("set apart")

When I was a small child, I learned the Fourth commandment "Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy." Growing up in a strong, Christian family, I went to church Sunday mornings, Sunday nights and Wednesday nights--and a few days in between for special activities. One of my earliest memories is waking up to old-time gospel music on Sunday mornings (played at top-volume by Daddy--lol). On Sunday afternoons, we would eat lunch, take naps and work on whatever projects and/or Bible verses we needed to complete for our Sunday evening classes.

Since having children, we have attended church pretty faithfully (although there have been seasons when it was difficult). I have been troubled recently by the fact that church did not seem to be a blessing, but rather a chore to my children. I was growing increasingly concerned that they would not wish to honor God as they grew older because Sundays were not joyful--but burdensome instead.

Recently I have begun to meditate on the concept of honoring the Sabbath and keeping it holy. First, I would like to state that being holy is more than being good and righteous. As a child, I never realized this. I thought that keeping the Sabbath holy meant that we were to go to church and be especially good on Sundays. But, it means more than that. Holy means set apart for a special purpose. So, in other words, our Sabbath (which for us is celebrated on Sundays) should be set apart for the purpose of worship and praise to God for all of his blessings. It should be a time to remember the sacrifice of Christ on the cross at Calvary. Most of all, it should be different from the other six days of the week. It should be a day of joy and blessing.

Modern Christians have developed a pattern of thinking that tells us that if we attend church on Sunday, we've kept the Fourth commandment. This is sad, because in doing so we miss out on many of the blessing that the Lord intended for us to have through keeping this commandment. The Lord meant for Sunday to be a wonderful day of rest and reflection. This is good for anyone--no matter who you are. God did not mean for us to go at the fast and frenzied pace that our society seems to exist in currently--without ever taking a break.

I came across a website www.abondantliving.com that explains more about the Sabbath and gives several ideas for learning to celebrate the Sabbath in a more meaningful way. This weekend I introduced a new tradition in our family and the family loved it. It made the weekend much more pleasant for everyone and gave the children something to look forward to on Sunday. It helped direct our thoughts towards the Lord, rather than on our own pleasure and projects.

On Saturday morning, we began with a thorough house cleaning. By Sunday afternoon, Eenie and I began preparing our evening meal ("our Sabbath Feast") to begin after sundown on Saturday evening. We decided that it would be easier to have our Sabbath Feast on Saturday evening, because it is difficult to come home after a two to three hour church service and expect people to wait for an elaborate meal to be prepared. For our first Sabbath Feast, we ate teriyaki chicken, rice, green beans, grapes, and for dessert we had special cookie bouquet cookies (from Grammy & Grandpa) for the people who don't have food allergies and French Twirls for the people who do have food allergies.

We had the table decorated with a lace tablecloth, and a centerpiece made by Eenie, along with a candle representing Christ that we kept burning during the meal (or tried to--it kept going out-lol). We also used our best dishes that we usually save for special company. I explained to the children that I hoped this Sabbath Feast would be a tradition and that it would help prepare our hearts and minds for the worship and praise of our Lord and Savior on the next day. I began explaining to them about how the people in Biblical times would celebrate the Sabbath, and how I did not wish the Sabbath to become a burden for them (as it has been for many people over the centuries), but rather that we would set it apart joyfully in honor of the Lord. I told them that I wanted them to participate in this feast as if Christ were sitting there with us (which he is, of course) and the candle was a visible reminder of that.

I read Psalm 138 and a poem called Watering the Lilies (which talks about an earthen vessel used by the Master for watering the lilies). We discussed the blessings that we had received that week from the Lord and gave thanks for them. I also directed the children's thoughts to the next day when we would attend church. I explained to them that when we sing at church, we are thanking God for all of the wonderful gifts he has given us and the sacrifice of His Son. I also told them that we should always attend church with the expectation of receiving a word from the Lord, and we should listen attentively for that word so that we don't miss it. The children also had the opportunity to share their Bible memory work they were doing (for Eenie--the books of the Old Testament, for Meanie, the first five books of the Bible and for Miney--the first two books of the Bible).

After our Sabbath Feast, we cleaned up dinner and I used the leftover chicken to make up some chicken salad (chicken, grapes, celery, onion, relish, and homemade milkless, eggless mayo put together quickly when using my food processor and blender). We gave the children a bath and rolled Eenie's hair and made sure that the house was completely clean with the dishes all done before we went to bed. I also told the children that we were going to have "High Tea" after church tomorrow, so that gave them something to look forward to.

After attending church on Sunday, we came home and put together chicken salad sandwiches cut up into triangles. I washed some grapes and some baby carrots, and laid out some Ranch dressing and that completed the main portion of the "High Tea". We also served peach tea, which the children are not normally allowed to drink. While we were having tea (again using our best dishes and a nicely decorated table, along with our "Christ candle"), I put a Bisquick cobbler in the oven, and as soon as we were done eating, we enjoyed apple cobbler for dessert. Dessert is a rare treat in our home, so that definitely made the Sabbath set apart for my kids in a way they could definitely appreciate--lol!

Clean-up was quick and easy because the bulk of the stuff had been made the day before, so after lunch, we cleaned the kitchen and laid down for naps. Evening was spent reading, relaxing, while the children played "pretend" and enjoyed their toys and games. I can't begin to convey how much I was blessed by the joyful faces and participation of my family.

I am looking forward to making this a tradition, and hopefully, I can keep that commitment. The children have realized how much they enjoy it, so that will motivate them to help in preparations. The celebrations made the Sabbath much more special and less stressful for me, and hopefully point my children towards the Lord in a beautiful and meaningful way.

Tax Time Again

Yeah! It's tax time again. Sounds a little strange, doesn't it? But, for a former financial advisor, it gives me just a small taste of the world I lost after I quit my job to stay home with my kids. Not that I regret that decision. Well, to be honest, there might be small selfish moments when I regret it. But, the peace that this choice has brought my soul has more than outweighed any of the negatives.

Last night, I spent several hours working on our taxes. I almost have them completed, and once we receive our refund, we'll be able to pay off some outstanding medical bills, and hopefully, repair a few things around our home. We will also use the money to finance the kids schoolbooks and materials for the year. If we're really lucky, we'll get to take a family vacation to Yellowstone this summer. I hope so anyway. That's what we are working towards right now. We would also like to build a storage shed in our backyard and a school room in the garage.

Right now, we homeschool all over the house, and. . . well. . . it shows. Our house definitely looks lived in, and schooled in, as well. This is just one of the sacrifices we decided to make when we began homeschooling. Our small, neat, uncluttered home has now become cluttered with books, art projects and science experiments. That's OK. It is a season, and a season that (while I can personally be stressed to the max by all of the clutter being a firstborn neat-freak type of gal) I'm sure I will miss someday.

We also hope to start an emergency fund this year, so that life's little emergencies don't stress us out quite as badly. Our oldest child will be finishing vision therapy by the first part of April, and after that, we will have some funds to begin putting back into a savings account for rainy days. Our personal motto is that we don't believe in credit cards.

We got into trouble with our credit cards a few years ago, and God, in his grace, delivered us from this without having to file bankruptcy. So right now, the only debt we have is a student loan and a mortgage. I would also love to pay these off in the next couple of years, if possible. I want absolutely no debt, so that whatever happens, we don't have to worry as much about it. Bills stress me. Maybe its the financial guru inside my head, but I've seen too many people get into trouble with credit, and I don't want to have that problem. Now the only debt that seems to be ongoing in our lives is the medical debt, and that can't really be helped at this point.

My dreams are always bigger than our tax refund usually ends up being, but it's nice to live in that dream world for a little while. God has always provided for us and sustained us through all of the emergencies we have experienced so far, and I'm confident that he has a wonderful year planned for us.

The Children's Hour

One of the traditions that has been revived in many homes is that of the Children's Hour. This has not been regularly implemented in our home, but I do have to say that the days we do keep this tradition leave me the most satisfied. I don't really make New Year's Resolutions, because I tend to get discouraged when life happens and I don't keep them, but if I were to make a list of goals I would like to achieve this year, a regular Children's Hour in our home would be near the top.

The Children's' Hour
BETWEEN the dark and the daylight,
When the night is beginning to lower,
Comes a pause in the day's occupations,
That is known as the Children's Hour.

I hear in the chamber above me
The patter of little feet,
The sound of a door that is opened,
And voices soft and sweet.

From my study I see in the lamplight,
Descending the broad hall stair,
Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,
And Edith with golden hair.

A whisper, and then a silence:
Yet I know by their merry eyes
They are plotting and planning together
To take me by surprise.

A sudden rush from the stairway,
A sudden raid from the hall!
By three doors left unguarded
They enter my castle wall!

They climb up into my turret
O'er the arms and back of my chair;
If I try to escape, they surround me;
They seem to be everywhere.

They almost devour me with kisses,
Their arms about me entwine,
Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen
In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine!

Do you think, o blue-eyed banditti,
Because you have scaled the wall,
Such an old mustache as I am
Is not a match for you all!

I have you fast in my fortress,
And will not let you depart,
But put you down into the dungeon
In the round-tower of my heart.

And there will I keep you forever,
Yes, forever and a day,
Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,
And moulder in dust away!

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)