tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76956398346148990742012-02-02T21:04:29.304-06:00Life in a Catholic, Cajun family: our lifestyle, our faith, our culture, our learning experiences, and our interests. It will also include my writing, reading material, and reviews. Thank you so much for visiting. I hope you enjoy your visit.Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.comBlogger3741100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-82510453249038089642012-02-02T20:43:00.003-06:002012-02-02T21:04:29.315-06:00

I find myself hitting on blogs that serenade home and promote contentedness therein. The ones I have tatted over of late, but not confined to, are: By Sun and Candlelight Domestic Felicity Keeping House book study (because I have this book and love it) Simple Mom (I know an inspired home post when I see it) Home Living (where Lady Lydia never fails to speak words of truth about our homes) I

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-13524717032264891772012-01-31T14:26:00.000-06:002012-01-31T14:26:34.252-06:00

On the heels of Monday, I wrote: "Mondays are long days for us. It's punctuated by and seems to exist for the sole purpose of co-op classes and setting the rest of our weeks in order. This is rather odd if I think about it because it is our one full day out of the house so it's rather bizarre that the one full day out of the house is the day that defines and lines-up the rest of our week

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-3599638441781510742012-01-30T20:23:00.001-06:002012-01-30T20:59:45.753-06:00

Mondays are long days for us. It's punctuated by and seems to exist for the sole purpose of co-op classes and setting the rest of our weeks in order. This is rather odd if I think about it because it is our one full day out of the house so it's rather bizarre that the one full day out of the house is the day that defines and lines-up the rest of our week which is spent mainly at home. Something

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-43432348748643176382012-01-24T21:36:00.001-06:002012-01-24T21:54:07.704-06:00

Yesterday massive numbers of pro-lifers made their mark on Washington, D.C. (300,000 was one such figure mentioned). Living proof that Americans care about Life and the Dignity of Life along with the quality of life. No one is arguing that the quality of life is unimportant but it is in assuring dignity to each person's life that we receive the quality of life we appreciate today. We

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-60834889186012877582012-01-21T13:02:00.000-06:002012-01-21T13:02:33.296-06:00

"It is very important to realize that our vocation is hidden in where we are and who we are. We are unique human beings, each with a call to realize in life what nobody else can, and to realize it in the concrete context of the here and now. "We will never find our vocations by trying to figure out whether we are better or worse than others. We are good enough to do what we are called to do. Be

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-13613857242271391862012-01-19T22:25:00.001-06:002012-01-19T22:25:09.603-06:00

This quote is fantastic... "You are a poor listener if you are solely interested in leading every conversation and showing no interest in anything that is said by others; if you are uneasy while others are speaking and are thinking only of what you are going to say when you get a chance; if you belittle the truth or value of what others say by always butting in something more significant,

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-67034856938863062302012-01-19T20:40:00.008-06:002012-01-19T21:25:04.379-06:00

I caught myself wondering and asking myself this very question the other day as we are on the horizon of graduating #3 from St. Thomas Aquinas Homeschool. Truth be told, this graduate's high school year has not been manned by an over-anxious, stressed, obsessed, second-guessing-herself homeschool mother but by different tutors at our local co-op where we gather every Monday for classes with a

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-29206641357918963132012-01-09T00:26:00.001-06:002012-01-31T13:34:43.156-06:00

This is my own Cajun Cottage version of the Simple Woman's Daybook. It's been sadly void and silent of late but today's rainy day gave me the time-of-day in which to write another daybook. Outside my Window...Rain...a hefty amount of rain...and 75-80 degrees I am thinking ...it's January...why is it 75-80 degrees outside. Also hoping our winter gets cold enough to immobilize all the mosquito

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-38486594649736952872012-01-09T00:16:00.000-06:002012-01-09T00:16:15.629-06:00

"A religion born of dreams: the angel Gabriel who appeared to Mary, the dream of the wise men in which they are warned to return home by another route, the dream of Joseph, as soon as they depart. "The dream of every human heart to love and be loved; not to die alone. 'The star was seen by everyone but not everyone understood its meaning,' notes Cromatius of Aquileia.  "The Epiphany.

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-83338860218931234752012-01-02T10:52:00.000-06:002012-01-02T10:52:35.036-06:00

"Life is not all about us. We are called to glorify and enjoy God and to further His cause by serving others for their eternal good with what God has given us - passionately, without reservation, no matter the cost to ourselves." - Jane Roach

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-24241269524567392152012-01-01T11:10:00.005-06:002012-01-02T13:32:59.320-06:00

I sit and read Ann's graceful words and think about her words: If it matters, you make the time.If it doesn’t, you make excuses. The music soothes. I think of my excuses. What matters to me doesn't have to be thought over much. My family and faith. It's simple that way. Blessfully simple. The Christmas tree is tattered and ragged in a corner of the living room. A new kitten finds its home

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-37594920004374873952011-12-31T23:25:00.001-06:002012-01-31T13:37:31.590-06:00

Some friends have asked how my studio is coming along. If memory serves me, the room was vacated in late September, early October at latest; it took me a month to get the money to bring in the sheetrock and finishers. Then my Worker and I painted it. Then this past month has been too busy for my free labor to get in there. This week saw some constructive activity going off in that room. I

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-29998932080405625692011-12-27T19:05:00.004-06:002011-12-27T20:39:58.093-06:00

There is a short "This is My Life..." segment that comes on the Disney channel. It's what I call a "push-up" for kids to get them motivated and energized and motivated. Three worthy points. Point taken. Yet this segment irritates the spirituality right out of me. It's about this girl Olivia Holt who does gymnastics. Just so no one misinterprets what I'm getting at here, Olivia is a beautiful

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-39346933734246721802011-12-25T22:35:00.004-06:002011-12-25T23:14:18.486-06:00

The greeting "Happy Holidays" doesn't offend me in the least. It is another way of saying "Happy Holy Days". I think it is a beautiful phrase. In the same way, the decorations and parties and merriment during Advent don't offend me either. People love merriment and people will do what people will do. Rather than get offended by the secular observance, I often find myself tainted by

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-20699988699318695622011-12-24T14:05:00.000-06:002011-12-24T14:05:30.482-06:00

My husband often brings home recipes for me to test-prep.The other day he brought a can of pineapple slices to work to snack on and came home with this mini-recipe which sounded so easy and sweet I decided to give it a try this Christmas Eve morning. Really glad I did...especially after the avalanche of chocolate from yesterday's baking. It has a nice Christmas-y touch and the mini-size gives

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-83098119434549204142011-12-23T17:25:00.002-06:002011-12-23T17:41:19.078-06:00

Still haven't had any fruitcake but I've made lots of batches of rum cake and still have a few more to make.These "easy-peasy" graham cracker peppermint barks weren't as "easy-peasy" as the picture promised they would be. The graham crackers broke in every angle except horizontal and vertical and the chocolate drizzled outward banishing the glossy fondant image.These partically dipped butter

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-15217224445148153962011-12-15T15:02:00.003-06:002011-12-15T15:23:36.651-06:00

Right now...in this moment...STOP...and focus on what lies beyond your screen. STOP! reading the blog post about the daughter who got to star in the Nutcracker ballet. Look at your own daughter and thank God for her talents and capabilities. Everyone has something special they can do. STOP! reading that blog post about the family who lives on a beautiful cul de sac on a beautiful street in a

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-34697684987818365212011-12-14T21:23:00.002-06:002011-12-14T21:28:07.700-06:00

I don't do fruitcake but I LOVE the story A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote.I don't eat fruitcake either though I salivate when reading the fruitcake prepping and baking in above said book.This Christmas Oma and MawMaw finally have a fruitcake partner. My son's fiancee' Adrain claims to love fruitcake, but not just any fruitcake; only the fruitcake her grandmother makes.So there's the fruitcake

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-10033763791266313652011-12-13T20:40:00.001-06:002011-12-13T21:56:51.644-06:00

Can I admit say that I smile behind 24 years of parenting when I read the sweet comments that first-time parents stat on Facebook. I smile even at sweeter comments made by second-time parents on Facebook. Perfect children in a perfect world. Ah, what a perfect world we weave. During those times "Ummm, Ok..." is pretty much all I can say before walking clicking away and moving on with my life.

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-19275599532097700662011-12-11T20:54:00.001-06:002011-12-11T20:56:44.063-06:00

Yes, our Elf-on-the-Shelf (Jingles, by name) is still flying around with us this December and still finding new places to land each morning. He was my December birthchild's very special and personal Christmas tradition and though she figured out his secret this past summer she still expects him to fly and holds onto that fanciful childhood notion that he can indeed fly every morning when she

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-20953179133950857892011-12-11T09:38:00.000-06:002011-12-11T09:38:32.623-06:00

Ah, today's Advent Wreath bears a pink candle at Mass. A sign of joy and happy expectation and anticipation that Life Comes and We Await!Then a very Whobalation Celebration in Whoville with little elves, peppermints, candy canes, baby penguins, eskimos, and some very beautiful Who Fairies to welcome you and the Grinch into the true spirit of Christmas.And a very beautiful presentation of What

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-47702788326057166182011-12-02T13:01:00.001-06:002011-12-02T13:04:23.469-06:00

I didn't realize how many times we would chant the refrain "And with your Spirit" during Mass on the 1st Sunday of Advent. Each time the sing-song rose, it hung softly in the air and I thought how perfect it was. It just seemed to fit. To have that spirit brought back during the Advent season was nice. Very nice. It breathed a new breath into an ancient liturgy pasted down from generation to

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-85980374317853479602011-12-02T11:39:00.000-06:002011-12-02T11:39:16.311-06:00

{this moment: a sweet sweaty soccer squeeze---and a dozen roses---from my graduating soccer player.} It's been a great game, Garrett. Dad and I have LOVED every moment...and LOVE YOU even more. {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-58956217469992545712011-11-29T19:56:00.000-06:002011-11-29T19:56:30.891-06:00

If you're Catholic, a special part of our Christmas observance begins this Wednesday, November 30th.(This is one of my most favorite prayers EVER...if not in fact my favorite of all.) St. Andrew Christmas Prayer Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment at which the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold. At that hour vouchsafe, I

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-47551783096838131652011-11-28T22:39:00.000-06:002011-11-28T22:39:29.336-06:00

In celebration of Picture Book Month, A Picture Perfect Childhood is being offered in Ebook format for only $1.99. This special will stay on the library bookshelf for the rest of this week. Get your copy today and begin the New Year with a new understanding of the connections picture books create between relationships within families, how they cultivate the imagination, a picture-perfect

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-32538108577312891292011-11-27T14:10:00.000-06:002011-11-27T14:10:09.167-06:00

Here in Louisiana we are big fans of Black and Gold (the New Orleans Saints) and Purple and Gold (LSU, baby!) Today, for Catholics in Louisiana there was a more resplendent color on the sanctuary. I thought Mass was lovely. The church was full, purple was on everything from the priestly vestment to the cords around the white robes of the eucharistic ministers. We barely knelt to pray upon

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-45687136236828528552011-11-21T18:20:00.003-06:002011-11-21T18:28:58.717-06:00

My oldest soccer player just turned 24. A knee injury cut short his soccer glory in high school. He still loves the sport though. And misses it too. He stands on the edge of the field watching his younger brother and sisters play and I see him enhale the autumn field, toe a nearby soccer ball, while eyeing the players and refs with fond knowing. Since he was five he's loved this sport and these

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-3366424201731881132011-11-20T20:37:00.000-06:002011-11-20T20:37:30.440-06:00

“Apostolic zeal, which should animate all the faithful, is a direct result of their baptism,” he said, “and they cannot shirk their responsibility to profess their faith in Christ and his Gospel wherever they find themselves, and in their daily lives.” ~ Pope Benedict encourages us all to reach out to non-Catholics "A spiritual communion is a devotion that we can initiate on our own, either

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-57216364019915825672011-11-13T11:24:00.000-06:002011-11-13T11:24:06.869-06:00

"Believe, unless you become like little children again, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3) (Jesus Clip Art Found Here) * * * * * * I often wondered in my growing years how one becomes a little child again. I knew this was figurative speech but I still wasn't sure about the mentality of it all. Caryll Houselander, a 20th century mystic and visionary, describes it better

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-62444092960455547932011-11-07T22:19:00.000-06:002011-11-07T22:19:23.702-06:00

I love having car conversations with my 9-year-old... "Mommy, Lily's birthday is four days after Christmas and mine is four days before Christmas. That's the only thing we have in common." Later... "Oh, and Lily and I are really good at the hula-hoop too." Later... "And Lily and I are experts at the foosball." Evidently friends are made when you don't have that much in common. :-)

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-48843899285229366282011-11-04T16:43:00.002-05:002011-11-04T17:05:59.058-05:00

Most woman are a little obsessed with Martha Stewart and Paula Deen. Aren't we? Even if we don't particularly gush about them (or even care for them) we secretly want our home to look that nice, our kitchen to smell that nice, and our bathrooms to be that nice. Even if they aren't. That's why I think it's a good self-practice to declare one day a week as your {Domestic Day}. Mine would be

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-77953154207971181292011-11-04T11:08:00.000-05:002011-11-04T11:08:45.709-05:00

Be... Be Still... Be Still and Know... Be Still and Know That... Be Still and Know That I Am... Be Still and Know That I Am GOD! ~ Psalm 46:10 ~

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-85390997845438022282011-11-04T09:45:00.000-05:002011-11-04T09:45:46.650-05:00

About this sale: We've never had a sale this BIG! Everything in our online store is on sale with savings from 20-50%. Please visit our website soon as some quantities are limited. Check out some of the specials below. Thank you for your support. ~ Margot Davidson ALL NOVELS 50% OFF   CROSS AMONG THE TOMAHAWKS AND SHIPS BOY WITH MAGELLAN by Milton Lomask SWORD OF CLONTARF and THE KING'S THANE

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-35537880179474158682011-11-02T13:30:00.000-05:002011-11-02T13:30:26.696-05:00

You're going to love this: November is Picture Book Month

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-44436234958429468852011-10-28T18:50:00.000-05:002011-10-28T18:50:57.946-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual @ soulemama. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-90199847101312801472011-10-25T21:15:00.000-05:002011-10-25T21:15:29.336-05:00

"I am part of the Fellowship of the Unashamed. "The die has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. "My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is in God's hands. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, the bare minimum, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-48866628356242431752011-10-21T16:50:00.000-05:002011-10-21T16:50:30.412-05:00

Does anyone else see a buffet of similiarity between these posts? DON'T YOU LOVE ME ANYMORE? where the mother writes: "I got home from the grocery store, and he immediately searched through all the bags to see what I had gotten for him. "You didn't buy me any cookies!" he announced, furrowing his brows in consternation. Then he said it. He asked me the big question that revealed all, that

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-1797997665591549002011-10-21T10:01:00.014-05:002011-10-21T11:19:05.359-05:00

It's been many mornings since I had digital hours to count off on my fingertips, hours not spent helping children with school work, getting out the door to the office, taking children to co-op, paying bills, running in ever so many directions. This morning I've given myself permission to take a morning off. It's nice. Not that I wasn't bolted out of bed earlier than planned. It started with

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-23981013059483831792011-10-16T23:13:00.000-05:002011-10-16T23:13:49.476-05:00

"Once in a young lifetime one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold." ~Judith Olney"Just take a golden pumpkinOf quite the largest size, ... "Cut all 'round the stem, just so, ... "Scrape out the inside below, And cut two holes for eyes.And now fix a nose beneath,... "And such a great big mouth with teeth,And you've a jack-o'-lantern!""Then fix a tallow

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-44051593931368928172011-10-16T19:04:00.000-05:002011-10-16T19:04:28.546-05:00

The name we bear is Christian, The mark we wear the cross; The love that we so honor Considered death no loss To win us as God's children Who gladly serve Chrsit's name Because we share it proudly And glory in its claim. The world may call us foolish, Believers call us wise For all who serve the gospel Will one bright dawn arise To find our true names written In fire upon the page Where God

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-31544058785706906942011-10-14T21:12:00.000-05:002011-10-14T21:12:30.062-05:00

Constitution of the State of Louisiana says about the family, and the role of the parents in raising and educating their children: Louisiana Children's Code - Article 101 of Preamble to Louisiana Constitution Art. 101. Preamble "The people of Louisiana recognize the family as the most fundamental unit of human society; that preserving families is essential to a free society; that the

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-24433429588750442502011-10-09T21:59:00.000-05:002011-10-09T21:59:44.348-05:00

 She requested a brownie cake... ...her sister made her one. She requested a girls' luncheon at Pujo Street Cafe... ...and got it. She requested a weekend of fun with friends......and got that too. She didn't request words of wisdom from her older brother... ...but she got them anyway. Who can resist this... Who turns into this...Happy Birthday, my beautiful girl!Welcome to new beginnings and

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-5234692233354381252011-10-02T20:52:00.001-05:002011-10-02T20:54:22.602-05:00

"Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!" - Humbert Wolfe"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air"- Nathaniel Hawthorne"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-42610571031998824872011-09-26T08:45:00.000-05:002011-09-26T08:45:43.032-05:00

It's always the mother who hears the sound of her child's heart first... My Cry for Today

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-68368581850042531452011-09-24T09:56:00.000-05:002011-09-24T09:56:13.478-05:00

{we're a month behind on this book/nature study---but a beautiful time of year for a picnic in the fields with God} The family goes on a birthday picnic to the swimming hole. On the way they view the "...snug valley---its white farm houses, white church steeple, red barns, meadows dotted with cows, blueberry fields, the brook, and the shimmering blue Mirror Lake." It's a bit like heaven.

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-90313948763765088252011-09-22T16:36:00.003-05:002011-09-22T16:47:33.834-05:00

There is a pantry to the left and laundry room to the right.Storage room is in the middle.It used to be a bathroom, once upon a time. It has since gorged on our excess. Last week its gluttonous belly ejected its contents onto my sitting room floor. My vision was to turn it into a spare bathroom decorated with Victorian wallpaper and fixtures. Plumbing problems have canceled any promise of  a

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-41841877336511557812011-09-19T22:01:00.003-05:002011-09-19T22:18:31.865-05:00

Children at St. Jude's Hospital receiving a box marked "Merry Christmas" and filled with some beauty, some color, and some brightness to dispel the darkness of chemo, hospital smells, and needles? If only for 15 minutes. Can you picture it? Parent with arm draped around child. Picture book in lap. Faint smiles. Bright eyes. If only for 15 minutes. Christmas is 3 months away. It's time to ask

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-75689994044662965122011-09-13T21:26:00.001-05:002011-09-13T21:31:08.443-05:00

{Written in 2009 when Corey was 22 yrs and Chelsea was 11} Some who read my blog have commented how happy my children seem, they can tell it's so from the smiles. I do put pictures of my children smiling mainly because I'm a proud Mother and I think my children are pretty great...fantastic, in fact. And, yes, they do smile...often. But blogs are like a magazine cover. They don't show the whole

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-51017468620280178462011-09-11T17:28:00.008-05:002011-09-11T17:48:59.338-05:00

I've heard people say we should not celebrate 9-11.My whole heart agrees with them, my mind goes beyond it. The people who died that day 10 years ago would want us to remember that one day does not define an eternity of living. If anyone passed our house today they might have suspected there was a celebration of sorts happening between our house and our son's new house next door. They would have

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-67831315546525208042011-08-28T20:45:00.006-05:002011-08-30T14:37:32.726-05:00

(1) Write out your schedule for the whole week (2) Highlight what is written-in-stone cannot be canceled or rescheduled (3) Cross out what can be tossed if and when necessary (4) Leave alone (or highlight in a different color) what is necessary but forever flexible (5) Allot a certain period each day/night for quiet downtime. (6) Make sure there is one day in your schedule that you are home

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-79240744629022667682011-08-28T14:16:00.001-05:002011-08-28T14:46:31.044-05:00

Also a chance to tame it a bit. Seems that if I get it on paper it seems to control the monster and hold him within his boundaries and zones. I hold the pen. I am in control! SUNDAY Church Menu---chicken and potatoes with bacon and sauce Prepare for elementary and jr. high history classes MONDAY Co-op classes Soccer @ 6 PM Menu---chili dogs TUESDAY Kids started with school work Office Check

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-47645009243198906702011-08-26T10:03:00.000-05:002011-08-26T10:03:14.838-05:00

Lollygag Mornings are when you don't have to be anywhere. When you don't have to go anywhere. Lollygag Mornings are when you can stay in your pjs all morning and get out of bed when you please. Lollygag Mornings are for leisurely pots of coffee and pacing the laundry and the dirty dishes. There is no hurry or rush on Lollygag Mornings. They are for breathing gently. Lollygag Mornings are for

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-85382407011342328482011-08-19T22:50:00.004-05:002011-08-19T23:06:27.226-05:00

For the past year or more I've worried that I put my middle daughter to work in the kitchen too early. She's been in charge of the dishes and it has definitely wet her appetite towards work in the kitchen. She has not taken naturally to the kitchen the way her older sister did or energetically the way her younger sister has. But lately...blessedly...all that has changed. I really do want my

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-83625133179700306532011-08-18T19:44:00.003-05:002011-08-18T20:09:21.232-05:00

Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid, Spain for World Youth Day... "I have come here to meet thousands of young people from all over the world, Catholics committed to Christ searching for the truth that will give real meaning to their existence. I come as the Successor of Peter, to confirm them all in the faith, with days of intense pastoral activity, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-87272821748139373652011-08-12T22:04:00.003-05:002011-08-12T22:13:17.143-05:00

I have often wondered (and worried) about that tiny self-centered being inside of me who peeks into her inbox to see if anyone has commented approval on a recent blog post I've written, the greedy inner being whose heart beats a flurry whenever another writer or an editor writes me an affirmative message, the egotistical being who feels rejected during times of silence...silence meant to humble

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-23770983938631949712011-08-09T17:00:00.003-05:002011-08-09T17:13:54.013-05:00

This chapter touched me more than any of the others have. One line I think worth remembering is when Carol finds Emma (the elderly lady at Blackberry Inn) weeding in the garden. Knowing she has all sorts of "aches and pains", Carol asks how she is feeling while wondering if she should be doing that sort of work at her age. "...she smiled and said, 'My dear, much of the work in this world is

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-7341483538883664532011-08-08T10:43:00.005-05:002011-08-08T11:40:17.837-05:00

A friend messaged this article by Joahann Hari to me via Facebook and I found it interesting: How to Survive the Age of Distraction I am beginning to feel like a bit of a dinosaur when I go in public and pull a cold, hard book out of my purse. But I still prefer it. I've tried the electronic formats and found them lacking. Not that I mind other people using electronic gadgets to read. To be

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-27947064046188649432011-08-04T22:58:00.000-05:002011-08-04T22:58:56.600-05:00

 On this feast of St. John Vianney, I realize how much discerning I've been doing concerning poverty and prosperity. What does the Bible teaches, how did Christ live, how did various saints live, how does the Church calls us to live?I wonder about humble priest and little country towns. And I wonder where have they gone? Of course they are still out there.I live in one such small country parish

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-71072917444545645752011-08-02T16:08:00.001-05:002011-08-02T16:13:56.789-05:00

{Chapter 50: pg. 190-193} The family goes to the village common for the 4th of July band celebration and treats. Upon arriving home that night, they see fireflies everywhere. Emma obtains some glass jars for them to collect the insects. Then, from town, they can see the fireworks display. Firefly---Photuris pennsylvanicus A bug jar can be used and reused all summer. Today's child can use a jar

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-60469008070976811892011-08-02T15:02:00.000-05:002011-08-02T15:02:28.499-05:00

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who givesgenerously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. "But when he ask, he must

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-87574312226544232462011-08-01T21:57:00.007-05:002011-08-01T23:52:25.112-05:00

School begins in two weeks. Tomorrow is my unofficial in-service teacher day. I plan to sit down with our lesson plans and re-evaluate what worked (and what didn't) and officially make those book orders that I've been clinging to my credit card over deliberating and procrastinating over. Another plus to blog-keeping is being able to find with one click what my original plans were for each student

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-9655948285613523872011-07-31T12:55:00.000-05:002011-07-31T12:55:46.093-05:00

9-year-old Laundry Mistress: "Why haven't I gotten my allowance wages in the past two months?" Mom Head Mistress: "Maybe because you haven't folded the towels in the past two months." 9-year-old Laundry Mistress: "Well, I can't ever find them." Mom Head Mistress: "They are right where they always are...in the laundry basket on the bathroom countertop where they sit... never folded." 9-year-old

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-44288131777338536452011-07-29T21:03:00.000-05:002011-07-29T21:03:28.960-05:00

Today is was the feast of St. Martha.I wrote a whole blog post in my head during Mass this morning. Then life got in the way. Hectically so.I haven't had time to write anything.Hopefully, I'll find the time. Soon.This weekend? If I don't, that's ok. It means God does not will it.And that's ok.He's in charge, afterall. Yet if I don't find the time, or the inspiration I had during Mass, I wanted

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-75202836690082674532011-07-26T20:42:00.001-05:002011-07-26T21:25:56.171-05:00

Catholics are oft to say, "I didn't choose my saint. He/She chose me." I don't claim either. My saint didn't choose me and I didn't choose her. She was given to me. As a young girl I knew two things about the saint whose name I was given at baptism... she was the grandmother of Jesus many females (especially in my family) shared her as their patron saint I went through life sharing her with

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-6299319493455937212011-07-19T18:04:00.000-05:002011-07-19T18:04:09.132-05:00

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-88274813396989152722011-07-18T13:43:00.000-05:002011-07-18T13:43:01.189-05:00

1.) Ignored my house snubbing its nose  mess at me 2.) Texted w/ Chelsea a bit...she comes home tomorrow and is having a fabulous time in Georiga 3.) Checked email and FB 4.) Stuck head in freezer and decided what's for dinner 5.) Watched Good Luck, Charlie with Annie...there's something about this show that tickles me and seems so familiar (late-in-life parents, baby sister, older children,

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-59974911914748297672011-07-18T11:12:00.000-05:002011-07-18T11:12:17.759-05:00

Last night I lamented the condition of my living room. In reality it is but a fingerprint of my entire house. In the home of what is considered a "large family" in today's world my house would never be declared immaculate.It's liveable, at best. Last night my husband reminded me that in another month---or two---or three even---this house will be void three of our children. In one fell-swoop they

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-32553772862229090312011-07-17T22:20:00.010-05:002011-07-17T22:56:01.476-05:00

We cut short our shopping trip. Someone has to pay for these overpriced groceries and that call just came. Daddy and daughter churn hands and walk across the July-baked parking lot to pick a cold treat off the Orange Leaf tree while I check out those overpriced groceries. We head home. Over the cup's frosty edge of icy sweetness our nine-year-old questions the shift that the economy has

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-76378034940952713562011-07-12T19:14:00.002-05:002011-07-12T19:40:05.462-05:00

WRITING It is why I write books, blogs, in my journal. It is the way I interact with the Lord. Every Moses needs an Aaron. READING and EDUCATION A child’s education begins the very first time they hear those magical words.Once upon a time… I'm jumping on the covered-wagon and headed to DeSmet, SD to join a read along of Little Town on the Prairie (Chapter 7 is mine). Any College Will Do 

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-10078991453125773112011-07-11T20:36:00.003-05:002011-07-11T20:49:38.907-05:00

Bibliomania ~ page 185 This chapter of Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola finds us in the month of July, the family getting comfortably, busily situated into life at Blackberry Inn. The family picks and cans the ripe strawberries. While exploring her new home, Carol finds the study to be filled with books from floor to ceiling. She is delighted. Some of the books mentioned are: * * * * *

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-29525860944838818352011-07-06T10:24:00.003-05:002011-07-06T18:52:11.539-05:00

I was at my desk yesterday afternoon with my Facebook page open wide, waiting to hear the Casey Anthony verdict because I couldn't get a hold of my oldest daughter and I had taken ownership of my other daughter's phone because she was delinquent with her chores because of said-phone. That's when justice and the distribution of it falls into my hands. So, anyway, I was sitting at my desk

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-28581753486104516022011-07-05T23:07:00.002-05:002011-07-06T08:06:50.529-05:00

Are we angry yet? Indeed we are! Rightly so. Is our anger justified? I think so. Even Jesus grew angry in the temple at man's greed and lust! At this very moment millions of decent human beings are phoning, texting, twittering their anger. Most of us, I might add, are in a state of disbelief! There are thousands of Internet discussions and posts and comments (not counting mine) happening

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-32137463419009716362011-07-04T16:19:00.003-05:002011-07-04T16:23:27.884-05:00

The family is settling into their new home, Blackberry Inn. The very name makes you think of summer. Carol is reading a new book on the artisit, Audubon, and she shares Audubon's failures with son Don. There is a beautiful, serene portrayal of the garden in this chapter starting on page 183. Makes me want to run outside an get to work on my little "peace" garden. I'm very curious about the

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-10810489153451421362011-07-01T16:03:00.005-05:002011-07-03T12:58:43.649-05:00

My life is so full. Sometimes so full that I find myself in a room filled with boxes...boxes of projects and ideas and duties and obligations...and I feel trapped. My path to the window on the edge of the room appears blocked. And I stand there ill-equipped, not knowing which box to open first. I stand undecisive, intimidated, unable to go forward, unable to execute a plan. I've been this way

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-44624670096901158952011-07-01T13:13:00.000-05:002011-07-01T13:13:12.038-05:00

Carol and her family move from the town of Bridgeton to Blackberry Inn. A storm complete with sleet greets them at the inn. Carol can't help but wonder if it's a bad omen. But inside the inn...Emma has fixed a delicious vegetable soup and biscuits for the travelers. The men go outside to unload the moving van and the children summon their mother to come outside. A beautiful full rainbow is

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-24854764399937976792011-06-29T18:05:00.000-05:002011-06-29T18:05:44.412-05:00

It is Carol's birthday and the children have made homemade cards for her. Her husband gives her a book about John James Audubon, complete with illustrations and some of Audubon's color prints. They pack a picnic basket and head to the seashore. Couple of summers ago I did a piece on Summer Eats for Donna Marie's Domestic Church blog. It's always nice to open the basket and spread the banquet on

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-12139845785142284122011-06-17T15:59:00.004-05:002011-06-17T16:05:22.514-05:00

Plan... your menu ahead of time shop ahead of time---don't forget four things: (1) box of popsicles, (2) rotating yard sprinkler, (3) popcorn, (4) movie don't sweat the small stuff (including the popcorn) plan one fun activity per day send them outside with waterpaint, sidewalk chalk, and utensils to cook in their mud pie kitchen buy extra rolls of tiolet paper throw a blanket on the ground under

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-38008166882773083062011-06-11T21:26:00.000-05:002011-06-11T21:26:04.863-05:00

Carol's husband, Michael, brings her wildflowers of buttercups, purple vetch, oxeye daisies, white yarrow, yellow and orange hawkweek, honeysuckle, and yellow mustard. They find a spittlebug on a stem and examine it. It's a lovely, yet hot, June day. You know the feeling. When we all become human popsickles. That evening, with everyone in bed, Carol enjoys some leisurely reading of William

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-38488597488556574842011-06-09T11:12:00.000-05:002011-06-09T11:12:48.264-05:00

{Wrapping Things Up} Carol's family packs to move from town to Blackberry Inn in the country. Carol dwells on leaving the little bungalow, nearby library, and an accessible park. Would you (do you) miss having easy access to what the city offers? It is now the month of June and Carol contemplates what school subjects have been finished (something many of us are doing) and what worked and what

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-76325989688168439262011-06-05T15:41:00.000-05:002011-06-05T15:41:10.776-05:00

Memorial Day with a gathering at the cemetery. Carol, in observing Emma Cook, hopes that one day she could be more like her "...durable as marble and as gentle as the May's mist." They accept Emma Cook's offering of living at Blackberry Inn and walk her home after the songs and patriotic display of instruments and games of happy children. To Carol's amazement, a budding crabapple tree shades

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-47986378601009247732011-06-01T21:48:00.002-05:002011-06-01T21:54:51.833-05:00

I haven't read much on St. Justin Martyr but I was introduced to a small log of his writing at a recent class on the Holy Mass and I thought it very enlightening that what he experienced in the 2nd century (100-165? A.D.) and ventured to pass to a pagan emperor, all Catholics still breathe-in this 21st century. How richly historic and Scriptural is our Catholic Mass! "On the day we call the

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-2908315809727135872011-05-31T19:02:00.001-05:002011-05-31T19:12:24.938-05:00

Carol and Michael sit on an old wooden bench by huge lilac bushes. (I like lilac bushes almost as much as I love Louisiana wisteria trees.) They talk about moving to Blackberry Inn in the country. Carol worries that Michael may be having false ideas about country/farm living. She remembers the strain and life-draining exhaustion it took on her parents' lives. Michael combats her worries with

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-37933261525662047242011-05-30T15:23:00.002-05:002011-05-30T15:34:46.880-05:00

Memorial Day Weekend {page 153} An unpleasant drizzle and early pregnancy queasiness makes it a rather bleak day for Carol. They drive to Uncle Bob's for the weekend. The neighbor Emma Cook wants Carol to come and visit her after lunch. The weather is a little better as Michael and the kids look around some flowery gravestones. Carol visits her parents' graves. Ironically, we also went to

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-89992367091198446632011-05-23T21:46:00.000-05:002011-05-23T21:46:29.604-05:00

Carol has been discussing ancient civilizations with the children. She notes that the main text follows the Charlotte Mason method of focusing on the story and the "people" aspect of history. The children have used library books for pictures and other information to trace onto their timeline. Which reminds me. My online colleague Ana Braga-Henebry reviews the best Picture Books of the Week. I

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-53620271451864056032011-05-20T22:24:00.000-05:002011-05-20T22:24:50.033-05:00

Watching and Waiting {page 146} Baby robins are now in their nest. The father robin feeds everyone. Michael has had no success with job hunting. Carol and the children are busy with hsing. Carol finds it takes her mind off the worry of her husband finding a job. * * * * * The good weather has brought the scouting ants out of Carol's kitchen into the yard. The children watch as they dig

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-47989632931469336542011-05-19T19:14:00.005-05:002011-05-19T19:25:53.613-05:00

You know how when your mother buys a new Chevy Equinox you see those cars everywhere? Or when your daughter gets a feather in her hair you start seeing girls with feathers in their hair everywhere? Or when those silly bantz came out they were everywhere! As are, from what I've heard, short-shorts chapped with cowboy boots this summer in Texas? Everywhere! Hope it doesn't breed over into Louisiana

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-82525192628698725962011-05-15T11:57:00.001-05:002011-05-15T12:27:24.921-05:00

We're going to look at Chapter 1 (page 1) this week: "Carol Starts Something New" ***** Carol begins their homeschooling adventure with her two children: Don (4th grade) and Emily (2nd grade). Carol plans to use Charlotte Mason's "Home Education" for her guidebook. She presents them with two black and white composition notebooks . For science they will study God's creation using their

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-59168162786007909392011-05-14T11:22:00.005-05:002011-05-14T11:43:42.347-05:00

First I wish to welcome new readers who are here to join us in the P.O.P. Nature Study featuring this book by Karen Andreola: Pocketful of Pinecones We've just begun so you haven't missed a thing. Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! * * * * * The next thing I wanted to focus your attention on are these art easels. Ever since my first picture post of them {A Day in the Garden}, several of you have asked

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-62732717567182002172011-05-13T17:43:00.000-05:002011-05-13T17:43:34.178-05:00

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-36593700198676124152011-05-09T22:15:00.000-05:002011-05-09T22:15:26.367-05:00

Knowledge for Knowledge's Sake (begins on page 144 of Pocketful of Pinecones)   The chapter begins in the month of May with a thought that many parents have this time of year: "As springtime unfolds, my mind is on evaluation". ******* I'm sure many homeschooling moms have this on our mind right now? How did we do this year? How much did our children learn this year? Did we cover the right

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-30311829268481818302011-05-09T20:51:00.000-05:002011-05-09T20:51:05.959-05:00

P.O.P. Nature Study Nature Notebooks for P.O.P. Nature Study Written in 2002 (my children were 14, 12, 9, 4 years and a 4 month old): "I have found myself cuddled on my outside swing with this book spread on my lap. It fits the season...the blooming azaleas to my back, newly up-turned dirt and fresh stones encircling the two tress on either side of me, and a freshly mown lawn before me..."

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-11366572409213712882011-05-08T20:47:00.003-05:002011-05-08T21:02:58.202-05:00

* * * * * For anyone wanting to gather supplies for a nature notebook, here's the description for nature notebook supplied in Karen Andreola's book Pocketful of Pinecones: Andreola writes: "Although the story is fiction, the experiences are based on my own." So we can figure quite certainly that the format of the nature notebooks described in P.O.P. is the same format Andreola used with her

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-18312840510249138932011-05-08T20:28:00.004-05:002011-05-08T20:35:53.803-05:00

My youngest was 4 months old when the P.O.P. book discussion was started at the Catholic Charlotte Mason eloop back in Spring 2002. As I wrote then: "We are so much in the midst of springtime and nature, I think it'd be good to follow along with months through the book. The book (Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola) begins with the school month of September. But we are starting the study

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-18264593306491229712011-05-03T15:55:00.000-05:002011-05-03T15:55:53.412-05:00

Picnicing on the wharf w/ a friend.Building and constructing."In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth." ~ Rachel Carson "At the beach, life is different. Time doesn't move hour to hour but mood to moment. We live by the currents, plan by the tides and follow the sun."- Unknown Homemade fishing pole: stick (check), piece of sandy

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-53869581331130065562011-04-30T16:49:00.000-05:002011-04-30T16:49:45.166-05:00

"For him [Pope John Paul II], holiness was an opportunity for union with other churches. He always said that there were many witnesses of faith: Protestants, such as Bonhoeffer, and Russian Orthodox who gave their lives for the Church. So while we are divided, we are also visibly united in holiness. This was a great idea that lit up his entire pontificate. " ~ Arz. Piero Marini, Master of

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-33941263426288171302011-04-27T11:22:00.003-05:002011-04-27T11:35:32.824-05:00

"There is basic 2011 reality hidden in this Little House chapter: financial needs, raising college funds, job layoffs, and the realization that the more we have, the more we want. Contentment seems to be harder to obtain nowadays than a job. That’s pretty bad. "In reading Laura’s books we are repeatedly yet calmly and joyfully reminded how to pull up our work boots and put our best foot forward.

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-89606926906084642742011-04-26T15:38:00.000-05:002011-04-26T15:38:32.570-05:00

Did you grow up with Laura Ingalls Wilder?  I did! There's a read along @ Beyond Little House happening right now and I'm scheduled to share my thoughts and ponderings on chapter seven (7) of Little Town on the Prairie. I'll let you know when it gets posted. In the meantime, if you'd like to follow the read-along of Little Town on the Prairie, go to the site to catch-up on chapters 1-6

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-39910361946045137502011-04-25T21:42:00.004-05:002011-04-25T22:19:05.662-05:00

I wrote at the end of March my constant springtime re-awakening of anything written by Charlotte Mason and how a meat-and-bones skeleton of her teaching pedagogy glues very well onto my family's unschooling spine. This week we left the harry of our life, that towering plunge of school books (the one I circused into our homeschool), and a million little "good" things that now seem so trivial

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-48488691014963949062011-04-24T21:54:00.001-05:002011-04-24T21:55:07.339-05:00

Grocery bill for their family of 20 rings up to $126.63. Gone are the good ol' days, huh? ***** Frank Beardsley: "It's giving life that counts. Until you're ready for it, all the rest is just a big fraud. All the crazy haircuts in the world won't keep it turning. Life isn't a love in, it's the dishes and the orthodontist and the shoe repairman and... ground round instead of roast beef. And

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7695639834614899074.post-72982660325491497332011-04-19T15:25:00.001-05:002011-04-19T15:32:16.062-05:00

I tend to lean more towards the creative unschooler side when it comes to bedtimes, nighttime reading hours, and creative projects.For years the inner muse visited me late at night and my early bird counterparts fretted at my late hours and later mornings.I did some of my best writing during those hours. My daughter was bored at midnight. She rose from bed and, without a scolding parent to

Cay Gibsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17749682574097017494noreply@blogger.com0