Toof-picks

"Toof-pick, toof-pick, anybody wanna toof-pick!"
Sebastian tried to sell toothpicks to all of us throughout the afternoon.  He reminded me of all our other children at four years old.  But until today, he had not really reminded me of our other kids.  They played together for hours on end.  They were happy and relaxed.  Sebastian, however, was not really that way.  He was clingy to me, grumpy, and prone to fits. 
    I think the big change is because of the homeschool.  This one short year, we are homeschooling, and Sebastian is around most of the kids most of the time.  He is integrating into their play time, their projects, their glue and glitter, their baking and cracking eggs.  Currently, Leigh is the master of Rombs play.  She orchestrates "restaurant," animal games, and hide and seek.  Sebastian has never been more happy, more silly, more relaxed.  It feels like he is finally a Rombs.   

The Joy of My Life

     I'm a struggler, and normally, I would not describe myself as a typically joyful person.  But joy has finally come in full bloom in my life, and most of it is due to my family.  Our oldest is in high school and has not set off into the world yet.  He is a friend and an inspiration to everyone in this home.  Our youngest has grown out of his worst toddler tantrums and is easier to manage.  I get to spend each day, all day long, with my four daughters as well, whom I get to educate, encourage and enjoy, because they are four of the finest young women I've ever met.  Evenings with my husband in the living room picking on the classical guitar and everyone huddled together, talking and laughing, are a dream come true.
     When I was in college, I visited a friend at his home.  Seeing his family shocked me--they all liked each other and wanted to be together.  This family had a great big house, but they never spread out or found their own quiet spaces.  Instead, they were always clustered together in the living room and adjoining kitchen.  It was as though there was a strange gravitational force in that house that kept them from going off on their own.  And they actually seemed to like it.
     That became a life goal: If I ever had a family, I wanted one that liked to be together.  And with homeschooling this year, I can say we are together all the time.  What a test of the goal!  It could be a disaster.  But to my great delight, it is a joy.  The joy of my life.

Cowboy

Look at this cowboy.  He is always ready to fight the bad guys.  But the next moment he softens and says, "I wuv you, Mom" or "You're the best, Mom!"  I love this kid!!

Our Homeschool

   Each morning we begin with a few comments, then prayer and Bible reading.  This morning, I told my young ladies: "I am motivated this for this week to be substantial for us all.  My end goal for you is to be able to achieve your fullest happiness, that is, your most significant way of being a gift for others.  Very few people find their highest purpose in life.  I am doing my utmost that you each fulfill your God-given potential.   Hence our year's academic goals are: 1) excellence in knowledge of the Bible; 2) excellence in math; 3) excellence in science, and outstanding performance on standardized tests in both areas; 4) excellence in writing, public speaking, and the ability to articulate what you think and know.  May these achievements open doors for you, and help you be able to follow God's calling for your lives."
     Our school's patron saint is St. Madeline Sophie Barat, who was homeschooled by her brother.  Because of the unusual education she received from him (receiving the education usually given only to young men seeking priestly ordination), she was able to become who she became: the founder of a world-wide system of schools for young women, comparable to the Jesuit education for boys.  Homeschooling changed her life, and changed the life of so many people (including mine, since I, too, received an education at one of her schools--thanks Mom!).  My prayer is that my homeschool will open up possibilities for service, excellence and love that my young ladies would otherwise never attain.  God, give us grace!  

In His Arms

   The scripture verse that stayed with me the most this week is from Isaiah: "Here comes with power the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm; Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care." (Isaiah 40)
     All week I have been so comforted by the notion that I am a little ewe in the arms of Christ, my Shepherd.
     Today, I noticed a way that God had supplied my needs.  I had prayed for my daughter Annie to improve in a certain way, and she did right away, and I thought, "See, I am a tiny ewe in the arms of Christ.  Thank you, Lord."

On the news again

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Pope-Francis-Urges-Silence-Prayers-Amid-Calls-for-Him-to-Respond-to-Growing-Scandal-492358611.html

In the Wall Street Journal

Our petition was written about in the Wall Street Journal.  We are up to 28,000 signatures!

https://www.wsj.com/articles/notable-quotable-a-letter-to-pope-francis-1535747389

https://catholicwomensforum.org/letter-to-pope-francis/