"He fasted for forty days and forty nights,
and afterwards he was hungry" (Mt 4,1-2)
A Christmas Carol {Book Review}
2 years ago
Friday, February 27, 2009
A Rare Personal Note...
I rarely post anything personal, but today I feel a calling. For Lent my motive was to give up "yelling" or "snapping" at the children and show extra acts of patience, mercy and tenderness towards their needs. We are having less TV and computer time and more time focusing on each other, and that is great, because as a great friend recently pointed out, you can "give up" whatever...but it is for nothing if it doesn't bring you closer to Him. So true.
So, Tuesday we had our pancake supper. Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, it all fell apart for me. I have such horrible bouts of insomnia and am a light sleeper anyway, I am extra tired. Carrying twins I am twice as big and twice as uncomfortable as I normally am for almost 15 weeks.... We are working on moving plans, waiting for orders to apply for HAP to get this monkey, I mean house, off our backs, cleaning out the junk and getting ready for the realtor, my husband is traveling and traveling and traveling, not to mention tax time..... So, my plan for an easy kick off day for Lent did not go so smoothly....
With little sleep I was awoken before 6 with the "Moooommmyyyy!!!" cry, littlest peed everywhere and was up. Chain reaction with the children getting up. Oldest was already up watching a Little House on the Prairie episode when a riot broke out that it was not Noggin for the little ones. No one liked their breakfast, or what we had available... School work? Are you kidding? We couldn't get it together to barely find clean panties. Found some, little one brought her FULL bowl of cheerios and milk and dumped it in the recliner. These things went on for a few hours, no shower for me that day.
My intention: noon mass at the base chapel, well, one of them. My husband left work to meet us, the whole "going to the base" thing is a process since it is a half hour trip one way, also this is Washington, it's like 35 degrees and pouring..... short story, I misread the schedule and we went to the WRONG chapel. No time to make it to the right one. To please the riot crowd, fed them dirty Burger King and headed home. School work? By this time I'm already losing my fish sandwich and spent a lot of time in the bathroom. Wanted to crawl in bed, but no one would allow for that! Littlest thought it would be fun to emptly the salt and pepper shakers in the tv room while I was in the bathroom.
We agreed to make it to the 6:00 mass, right chapel on post again, and met up with friends at the dirty Pizza Hut near the chapel for dinner. Wait, dirty and SLOW. Fed the kids, cleaned the kids, left and it is a blizzard, all the rain turned to slush on the road. Made it to mass just at 6:00, and everyone who has made it a point NOT to attend weekly has filled it up to the brim, dressed to the nines. I know you know what I mean. All of us "regulars" are stuffed around the front door which keeps blowing open with the rain and snow and wind gusting in. Little one wants none of it and is to put it bluntly, a living NIGHTMARE in the foyer. Yes, I am the mom of THAT kid. The others are itchy, loud, need to potty.... then it comes time to get ashes and no one knows where to go. There are 4 stations at the altar so two rows up the middle and a row on each side, so when the people get their ashes they cross paths with those going up from the opposite direction and come around and now there are like a thousand people crossing through in the foyer trying to get back to their pew or out the door. Finally, a lay minister and old friend comes back and give us ashes in the back. Well, my husband has had it, I can see the vein, that one, and it is time to go NO MATTER WHAT.
It is like 40 mile an hour winds, snowing like crazy and he met us there so I have the kids alone in the van, we split up and head home...he thinks I'm following him down the I-5. Hello, visibility is like ZERO. I take the slow long way our the back gate and he was at home already waiting for a good 15 minutes for us.
Here is the point of my story, it was a ROTTEN day. We could not fully appreciate the ashes and service, but I know better than to think that the Lord is just going to grant me the magic fuzzy warms of unending patience and kindness for my children and husband. What He gave me was such a day that it TESTED my patience, situation after situation that would give me the opportunity to choose how I handled myself with my babies and husband. It seemed every possible thing that could go wrong nearly did, but I made it and I prayed over it and I saw it as the opportunity for what it was. I called on my Lord for strength, Our Lady for Guidance, our Guardian Angels for safe travels....so much during the day. I saw the frustration for the situation in their little eyes and recognized my need to be the mom who could get them home and comfortable and safe and tell them I loved them with my whole heart, and no matter what that is what I did.
It doen't matter what you "give up", what matters is that it brings you closer to Our Lord and you offer up that real suffering for him. EVERYTHING happens for a reason, NO MATTER WHAT.
God Bless,
Mrs. Murphy
So, Tuesday we had our pancake supper. Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, it all fell apart for me. I have such horrible bouts of insomnia and am a light sleeper anyway, I am extra tired. Carrying twins I am twice as big and twice as uncomfortable as I normally am for almost 15 weeks.... We are working on moving plans, waiting for orders to apply for HAP to get this monkey, I mean house, off our backs, cleaning out the junk and getting ready for the realtor, my husband is traveling and traveling and traveling, not to mention tax time..... So, my plan for an easy kick off day for Lent did not go so smoothly....
With little sleep I was awoken before 6 with the "Moooommmyyyy!!!" cry, littlest peed everywhere and was up. Chain reaction with the children getting up. Oldest was already up watching a Little House on the Prairie episode when a riot broke out that it was not Noggin for the little ones. No one liked their breakfast, or what we had available... School work? Are you kidding? We couldn't get it together to barely find clean panties. Found some, little one brought her FULL bowl of cheerios and milk and dumped it in the recliner. These things went on for a few hours, no shower for me that day.
My intention: noon mass at the base chapel, well, one of them. My husband left work to meet us, the whole "going to the base" thing is a process since it is a half hour trip one way, also this is Washington, it's like 35 degrees and pouring..... short story, I misread the schedule and we went to the WRONG chapel. No time to make it to the right one. To please the riot crowd, fed them dirty Burger King and headed home. School work? By this time I'm already losing my fish sandwich and spent a lot of time in the bathroom. Wanted to crawl in bed, but no one would allow for that! Littlest thought it would be fun to emptly the salt and pepper shakers in the tv room while I was in the bathroom.
We agreed to make it to the 6:00 mass, right chapel on post again, and met up with friends at the dirty Pizza Hut near the chapel for dinner. Wait, dirty and SLOW. Fed the kids, cleaned the kids, left and it is a blizzard, all the rain turned to slush on the road. Made it to mass just at 6:00, and everyone who has made it a point NOT to attend weekly has filled it up to the brim, dressed to the nines. I know you know what I mean. All of us "regulars" are stuffed around the front door which keeps blowing open with the rain and snow and wind gusting in. Little one wants none of it and is to put it bluntly, a living NIGHTMARE in the foyer. Yes, I am the mom of THAT kid. The others are itchy, loud, need to potty.... then it comes time to get ashes and no one knows where to go. There are 4 stations at the altar so two rows up the middle and a row on each side, so when the people get their ashes they cross paths with those going up from the opposite direction and come around and now there are like a thousand people crossing through in the foyer trying to get back to their pew or out the door. Finally, a lay minister and old friend comes back and give us ashes in the back. Well, my husband has had it, I can see the vein, that one, and it is time to go NO MATTER WHAT.
It is like 40 mile an hour winds, snowing like crazy and he met us there so I have the kids alone in the van, we split up and head home...he thinks I'm following him down the I-5. Hello, visibility is like ZERO. I take the slow long way our the back gate and he was at home already waiting for a good 15 minutes for us.
Here is the point of my story, it was a ROTTEN day. We could not fully appreciate the ashes and service, but I know better than to think that the Lord is just going to grant me the magic fuzzy warms of unending patience and kindness for my children and husband. What He gave me was such a day that it TESTED my patience, situation after situation that would give me the opportunity to choose how I handled myself with my babies and husband. It seemed every possible thing that could go wrong nearly did, but I made it and I prayed over it and I saw it as the opportunity for what it was. I called on my Lord for strength, Our Lady for Guidance, our Guardian Angels for safe travels....so much during the day. I saw the frustration for the situation in their little eyes and recognized my need to be the mom who could get them home and comfortable and safe and tell them I loved them with my whole heart, and no matter what that is what I did.
It doen't matter what you "give up", what matters is that it brings you closer to Our Lord and you offer up that real suffering for him. EVERYTHING happens for a reason, NO MATTER WHAT.
God Bless,
Mrs. Murphy
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Holy Face Feast Day is Shrove Tuesday
Have you heard of the Devotion to the Holy Face? Neither had I until my friend Michaela sent me this amazing site. The Holy Face Feast Day is actually on Shrove Tuesday, this coming Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Well...in my infinite ignorance, I had never heard of Shrove Tuesday either! Here is a brief explanation of the origin of the holiday. Now, I HAVE heard of the New Orleans variation of Fat Tuesday, the day of eating up all the sweets and treats and good stuff in the house in order to purge it before the fasting of Lent begins. Here is another bit of info on how Shrove Tuesday became Fat Tuesday.Well, hence the name Murphy, we are Irish through and through, yes even my heritage, being Irish and marrying an Irishman....half our girls are redheads, we cry at piper music and we know how to step dance! So HERE is my favorite bit on the holiday. I'm very excited now! I love to see the link of our Liturgical feasts and our own family heritage, especially when it involves PANCAKES! Every two weeks or so we have breakfast for dinner, but we will be sure to have big stacks of pancakes this Tuesday night. Now, you could either be like Jessica, and already be planning your "from scratch" family feast, or you could go to IHOP and partake in their National Pancake Day!
Either way, be sure to share the origins of this yummy feast day with your family! Purge your sins at confession while purging the goodies from the kitchen, take the time to learn a little bit more about the Devotion to the Holy Face, and, if you happen to see a holy image on your pancake, take a picture and send it to me and I will post it here on my blog!
Happy Purging, maybe we'll see you at IHOP!
Mrs. Murphy
Friday, February 20, 2009
THINK
Saw this over at 10 Kids and a Dog... super cool blog site! It has weekly projects that encourage your kids to "Think Outside the Box". Love it! I'm posting the Think Link to my blog, check it weekly for a new project! What a great new free resource for fun stuff to do!Mrs. Murphy
LENT
Lent begins next week, Ash Wednesday, February 25th! One thing we greatly enjoyed during Advent was Holy Heroes. Well, they have a Lent program for kids too! I have put a link on the left side of this blog for easy access. Enjoy!
Mrs. Murphy
Mrs. Murphy
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Cool Frugal Site!
Thanks Marti for this cool site, I love everything frugal!
http://frugalvillage.com
always frugal!
Mrs. Murphy
http://frugalvillage.com
always frugal!
Mrs. Murphy
A Human Statue of Liberty - from 1918
Human Statue of Liberty I find it amazing that this photo, taken so many years ago, actually still exists! This INCREDIBLE picture was taken in 1918.
It is 18,000 men preparing for war in a training camp at Camp Dodge, in Iowa . EIGHTEEN THOUSAND MEN!!!!!
What a priceless gift from our grandfathers and great-grandfathers!
FACTS:
Base to Shoulder: 150 feet
Right Arm: 340 feet
Widest part of arm holding torch: 12 1/2 feet
Right thumb: 35 feet
Thickest part of body: 29 feet
Left hand length: 30 feet
Face: 60 feet
Nose: 21 feet
Longest spike of head piece: 70 feet
Torch and flame combined: 980 feet
Number of men in flame of torch: 12,000
Number of men in torch: 2,800
Number of men in right arm: 1,200
Number of men in body, head and balance of figure only: 2,000
Total men: 18,000
Mrs. Murphy
Nationwide Petition Launched To Withhold Communion From Speaker Pelosi, V. P. Biden and Other Prominent Dissenting Catholics
Voice of the Catholic Lay Faithful
This nationwide Withholding Communion petition is being launched by Pewsitter.com, a Catholic News Portal. The goal of the petition drive is to gather a least 1 million petitions for presentation to the U.S. Bishops and the Vatican.
The basis for withholding communion is Canon 915, which stipulates that those "obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion." Archbishop Burke, the head of the Church's highest court reiterated his view on this subject in a recent interview with LifeSite News dated January 30, 2009, in which he stated, "The person who persists publicly in grave sin is to be denied Holy Communion, and it [Canon Law] doesn't say that the bishop shall decide this. It's an absolute."
Most Catholics don’t know that in addition to Canon 915, Canon law also compels Catholics to take action." Canon 212 S3, states that the Catholic faithful have " ..the right, indeed at times the duty, in keeping with their knowledge, competence and position, to manifest to the sacred Pastors their views on matters which concern the good of the Church."
While the Catholic faithful understand and support the behind-the-scenes dialogue and diplomacy that goes on with prominent Catholics, by the Bishops, to reconcile them with the Church -- when such dissent continues for years and in some cases decades - - in spite of the actions and activities that have been undertaken by past and present Bishops - - then it becomes necessary for a Bishop to take a formal public stand to prevent further scandal.
Unfortunately what has happened is that prominent, dissenting Catholics, in public life have continued to receive communion with impunity—and this has led to the false impression that the Church condones or at least tolerates such dissenting opinions on serious moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem cell research to name a few.
Not only do these prominent Catholics disregard the Church’s teachings, but in many cases they actively and publicly promote policies and legislation that undermines, opposes and contradicts the Church’s teachings. Examples of such Catholics include Speaker of the House - Nancy Pelosi, Vice President - Joseph Biden, Senator Ted Kennedy, and Senator John Kerry, to name a few.
For more information or to complete the petition go to www.pewsitter. com/petition/
Well, I signed the petition, but it's sad that we think we even need a petition to get the priests and bishops to do whats right!
Mrs. Murphy
Pelosi Spin on Meeting With Pope Dramatically Different From Vatican Statement Pope Rebukes Pelosi, Tells Her Catholic Legislators Obligated to Protec
By John-Henry Westen
VATICAN CITY, February 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Vatican Press Office released a note this morning detailing part of the conversation which Pope Benedict XVI had with Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Pelosi also released a statement on the meeting, which ignored the one and only crucial issue mentioned in the Vatican note. While Pelosi presented the meeting as a fully positive encounter, the Vatican indicated the Pope reminded her of the requirement of Catholic politicians to defend life. Also, contrary to normal protocols for such meetings with dignitaries, no photos of Pelosi with the Pope have been released.
The Vatican note reads: "His Holiness took the opportunity to speak of the requirements of the natural moral law and the Church's consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death which enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work in cooperation with all men and women of good will in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development."
Vatican insiders stressed to LifeSiteNews.com that such releases are always phrased in diplomatic language and thus the correction of the Speaker who describes herself as a "faithful Catholic," despite her abortion advocacy, should be taken as a firm rebuke.
LifeSiteNews.com also learned that concerns about Pelosi were presented to Vatican officials a day prior to the meeting.
Such encounters with the Pope are treasured by politicians for the photo opportunity they provide. Pelosi, however, was not afforded that customary photo by the Vatican. The Associated Press reports that "the Vatican said it was not issuing a photo of the meeting -- as it usually does when the pope meets world leaders -- saying the encounter was private."
For her part, Pelosi issued a press release on the 15-minute meeting with the Pope. "It is with great joy that my husband, Paul, and I met with his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI today," she said. "In our conversation, I had the opportunity to praise the Church's leadership in fighting poverty, hunger, and global warming, as well as the Holy Father's dedication to religious freedom and his upcoming trip and message to Israel."
The release from the Vatican, however, made no mention of the comments that Pelosi stressed in her release.
Pelosi's positive spin on the meeting is not being swallowed even by left-leaning Papal watchers. Vatican correspondent John Allen, who writes for the National Catholic Reporter, noted that "routine Vatican declarations after diplomatic meetings also generally sum up the range of issues discussed rather than concentrating on a particular point. In that sense, the statement can only be read as a rejection of Pelosi's statements last summer, and, in general, of her argument that it's acceptable for Catholics in public life to take a pro-choice position."
Allen also noted that "by issuing an unusual public statement after the session with Pelosi -- which insisted that all Catholics, including legislators, are obliged to work for the defense of human life from conception to natural death -- the pope also made clear there will no let-up in the pressure on pro-choice Catholic politicians to change their ways."
Many pro-life organizations from the US and Canada expressed their serious concerns to the Holy See that Mrs. Pelosi was going to be received by the Holy Father. Some of these organizations sent to different Vatican authorities comprehensive memoranda in which they showed in a detailed and precise way the anti-life statements and the pro-death voting record of Mrs. Pelosi.
Catholic sources in Rome, who asked to remain anonymous, said they were "very much encouraged by this statement," saying that it shows that the "Holy Father is ready to stand up with courage to politicians that claim they are Catholics but their voting record denies those hypocritical assertions."
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I have some personal news....
Well, we went to the OB yesterday for my first real appointment and I expressed some concerns about how this particular pregnancy was "feeling". I could lay down and already SEE and FEEL baby move, I am REALLY showing for this stage.....I have had some complications and 2 losses in the past, so I requested an ultrasound.
Guess what? It's TWINS! I still can't believe it, especially since no twins are in my family! All I can say, is that when I was wanting to get pregnant, that month my friends and I fervently prayed for specific intercessions....I believe Our Lord granted a miracle upon my family and gave us a double blessing!
Now I need to change my widget and have another bowl of spaghetti for breakfast! Please pray for us my friends!
With much love,
Mrs. Murphy
Guess what? It's TWINS! I still can't believe it, especially since no twins are in my family! All I can say, is that when I was wanting to get pregnant, that month my friends and I fervently prayed for specific intercessions....I believe Our Lord granted a miracle upon my family and gave us a double blessing!
Now I need to change my widget and have another bowl of spaghetti for breakfast! Please pray for us my friends!
With much love,
Mrs. Murphy
Pope: Catholic politicians must protect life
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday told U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic who supports abortion rights, that Catholic politicians have a duty to protect life "at all stages of its development," the Vatican said.
Pelosi is the first top Democrat to meet with Benedict since the election of Barack Obama, who won a majority of the Catholic vote despite differences with the Vatican on abortion.
The Vatican released remarks by the pope to Pelosi, saying Benedict spoke of the church's teaching "on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death." That is an expression often used by the pope when expressing opposition to abortion.
Benedict said all Catholics—especially legislators, jurists and political leaders—should work to create "a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development."
Pelosi could not immediately be reached after the 15-minute meeting, which was closed to reporters and photographers. The two met in a small room of a Vatican auditorium after the pope's weekly public audience.
A number of the bishops in the United States have questioned Pelosi's stance on abortion, particularly her theological defense of her support for abortion rights.
Benedict has cautiously welcomed the new Democratic administration, although several American cardinals have sharply criticized its support of abortion rights in a break from former President George W. Bush.
Pelosi had meetings with Italian leaders the past few days, including Premier Silvio Berlusconi.
I'm very curious to see if there is any change in Pelosi, if she comes back from meeting with the POPE, being DIRECTLY COUNSELED on this specific issue and STILL DOES NOT CHANGE, we all know where she will be going.
Mrs. Murphy
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Happy Birthday Thomas Edison!!
Here are some cool links to learn more about one of the most important men and inventors in American History!thomasedison.com
about.com
How Edison Are You? (for this site I had to allow a pop-up to get in, but once in it has some super cool science projects!)
The Thomas Edison Papers
Tour Thomas Edison's Birthplace Museum Online!
Happy Feast of of Our Lady of Lourdes!
Be sure to check out all our crafty Catholic ladies! Matilda, Jessica & Catholic Cuisine are all sure to have amazing coloring pages, ideas and recipes to bring this feast day to life in your home. Ladies, thanks again for all you do! Or, if you want to see what EVERYONE in the Catholic Blog community is saying about, or doing for the Our Lady of Lourdes feast day, click HERE and prepare to be overwhelmed!For Jesus, through Mary,
Mrs. Murphy
REAL Advance Notice on a Super Cool Earth Day Project!
Thanks Bonnie for this awesome project! Check out the Lorax Project for Earth Day, April 22nd. It has all kinds of ideas, print outs and a great plan to get everyone involved!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
WOW!
I had so much to post today, be sure to go all the way through! I have information on scholarships, Military Family resources like a free vacation and dealing with deployment with Sesame Street, more FREE homeschooling resources and printables and how a HS Blogger like myself can earn a free trip to Baltimore to attend the Apologia HS Conference for FREE.
Enjoy!
Mrs. Murphy
Enjoy!
Mrs. Murphy
Military Resources!!
FRA Kicks Off 2009 Scholarship Program
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) will host a teleconference on Feb. 11, 2009 to announce the beginning of the Association's 2009 scholarship program. The call, which begins at noon (EST), will highlight eligibility requirements and application guidelines. To participate in the call, dial 1-800-391-1709, and use access code 444143. FRA's scholarship program awards more than $100,000 each year to deserving members, their spouses, children and grandchildren. Awardees are selected based on financial need, academic standing, strength of character and leadership qualities. FRA scholarships are awarded to FRA members, their spouses, children, and grandchildren. To learn more about FRA's scholarship program, visit www.fra.org/scholarship or call 1-800-FRA-1924.Apply for Free Military Family Retreats
The National Military Family Association is piloting two Operation Purple Family Retreats. These free, four-day retreats are set in a National park where families will have opportunities to participate in fun family-focused activities. These retreats are free and are open to servicemembers and their families who have had a loved-one deployed within the last 12 months. Families who attend will receive a $200 stipend upon arrival to the retreat site to cover cost of travel. For more information, visit the National Military Family Association's Operation Purple Family Retreats webpage or contact Cynthia Clagg at cynthia.clagg@nmfa.org.Sesame St. Military Family Special
Sesame Workshop will air a Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) special on April 1, 2009 that is aimed at helping military families cope with changes. Actor/singer Queen Latifah and singer John Mayer will join Elmo to present, "Coming Home: Military Families Cope with Change." The special carries a message for children whose parents suffered a physical or psychological wound in combat. The half-hour special, which will air at the beginning of the "Month of the Military Child," is a part of Sesame Workshop's "Talk, Listen, Connect" initiative, which began two years ago. The special is scheduled to air Apr.1 at 8 p.m. EST. Please check your local listings for the exact air time in your area.$1,500 Military Scholarship Deadline Nears
For military parents who have children about to enter or already attend college the opportunity to apply for a $1,500 scholarship through the Defense Commissary Agency's Scholarships for Military Children Program is ending Feb. 18, 2009. Applications are available in commissaries worldwide. You may also fill out an application online at the Military Scholar website, but the website does not have a "submit" button. So you must print a copy of your completed application and drop it off at a commissary. You may also fill the application out by hand. At least one scholarship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified applicants.Scholarships for Military Family Members
There are a couple of scholarships for military family member that are currently accepting applications:- If you have a child who will be attending college or vocational school during the 2009-2010 school year, click here to learn more about the American Freedom Patriot Scholarship Award for Military Dependent Children.
- The Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program, administered by the National Military Family Coalition, has extended the deadline for applications from the spouses of wounded and fallen military members until February 16th.
- The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships to the children of current and former Marines.
More Free Resources!
Here is a site from TLSBooks.com that has tons of FREE worksheets, printables, coloring pages, handwriting etc. for K-5th Grades.
SuperKids has an Educational Tools section where you can create your own worksheets tailored to your lessons for math, telling time, vocabulary, and even free games of Logic and Reason and Hangman!
ABC Teach has a specialty section just for handwriting too, including free worksheets and lessons on instructing leftys.
Home-Schooler.com is a brand new place for home-schoolers to list Classified Ads, participate in Forums, connect with other home-schoolers, and more. Best of all, it's all free.
To celebrate the launch, there are weekly contests going on until the end of February where you could win $25 - $250.
You can get your free account by visiting http://www.home- schooler.com/join/ .
Check out http://www.home-schooler.com/ today, and let your
home-schooling friends know.
And here is: Great site for printable readers. There's a bunch of neat little books on there.Crosswords, mazes and bookmarks too! http://www.learning island.org/
Are these good? Sorry about the font difference, some of the information I cut and pasted directly from the email I received it from. I will have all the sites also listed in the Homeschooling Resources section of my blog.
Blessings & Happy Schooling to you all!
Mrs. Murphy
SuperKids has an Educational Tools section where you can create your own worksheets tailored to your lessons for math, telling time, vocabulary, and even free games of Logic and Reason and Hangman!
ABC Teach has a specialty section just for handwriting too, including free worksheets and lessons on instructing leftys.
Home-Schooler.com is a brand new place for home-schoolers to list Classified Ads, participate in Forums, connect with other home-schoolers, and more. Best of all, it's all free.
To celebrate the launch, there are weekly contests going on until the end of February where you could win $25 - $250.
You can get your free account by visiting http://www.home- schooler.com/join/ .
Check out http://www.home-schooler.com/ today, and let your
home-schooling friends know.
And here is: Great site for printable readers. There's a bunch of neat little books on there.Crosswords, mazes and bookmarks too! http://www.learning island.org/
Are these good? Sorry about the font difference, some of the information I cut and pasted directly from the email I received it from. I will have all the sites also listed in the Homeschooling Resources section of my blog.
Blessings & Happy Schooling to you all!
Mrs. Murphy
Calling Homeschool Bloggers!!
Would you like the opportunity to attend an inspirational Homeschool Conference for FREE? Apologia is looking for 5 homeschool moms who have existing blogs that would like to come to Apologia LIVE Homeschool Moms Conference in exchange for posting about Apologia Live on their blogs!
If you live in or around the Baltimore-Washington area and you would like to blog about Apologia Live in exchange for FREE admission to the conference please contact us today! Administrator@ TheHomeschoolLounge.com
Sincerely,
If you live in or around the Baltimore-Washington area and you would like to blog about Apologia Live in exchange for FREE admission to the conference please contact us today! Administrator@ TheHomeschoolLounge.com
Sincerely,
The Homeschool Lounge Team
For the OFFICIAL SITE go HERE!
Happy Blogging!!
Mrs. Murphy
For the OFFICIAL SITE go HERE!
Happy Blogging!!
Mrs. Murphy
KISS Grammar Curriculum for FREE
I just received this from one of my homeschooling loops and checked it out. Dr. Ed Vavra teaches English at the Pennsylvania College of Technology and wanted an easy to use, all encompassing Grammar Curriculum to be available for FREE to all who could use it. Go HERE to check it out!
Happy Writing!
Mrs. Murphy
Happy Writing!
Mrs. Murphy
Monday, February 9, 2009
The HEART of the Matter ~ Presidential Pro Life Craft Project
I got this same idea from a few different sources today, how wonderful! Let's do it! Let's FLOOD the White House with red envelopes, symbolizing the loss of innocent lives due to selfish motives! With Valentine's Day approaching, this gets to the heart of the matter.
Get a red envelope. On the front, address it to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back of the envelope, write the following message.
This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.
It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.
Responsibility begins with conception.
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president?
Another woman wrote, "Good idea but if you get the flimsy envelope then it will not work and it will jam the Post Office's Automated Machines." She suggested putting a blank white poster card or card stock in the envelope.
MY IDEAS -
If you don't have red envelopes, let your little ones color or paint white envelopes red so they can be involved. The potential of a child......
OR, HERE is a link to MAKE your own envelopes! Why not incorporate a little Origami lesson while you're at it? I also suggest, if you have used envelopes (we just got 4 large Valentine's Day cards from Meemu to the girls:) that you can separate the seals and flip them inside out, and decorate!
Another idea for inside the card is a white card stock note saying....
OPEN your heart to the lives of your unborn CITIZENS. Be a President to ALL Americans!
Put in a bunch of prayer cards while you're at it! :) PASS IT ON.
Get a red envelope. On the front, address it to:
President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
On the back of the envelope, write the following message.
This envelope represents one child who died in abortion.
It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world.
Responsibility begins with conception.
Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died before having a chance to live. Maybe it will change the heart of the president?
Another woman wrote, "Good idea but if you get the flimsy envelope then it will not work and it will jam the Post Office's Automated Machines." She suggested putting a blank white poster card or card stock in the envelope.
MY IDEAS -
If you don't have red envelopes, let your little ones color or paint white envelopes red so they can be involved. The potential of a child......
OR, HERE is a link to MAKE your own envelopes! Why not incorporate a little Origami lesson while you're at it? I also suggest, if you have used envelopes (we just got 4 large Valentine's Day cards from Meemu to the girls:) that you can separate the seals and flip them inside out, and decorate!
Another idea for inside the card is a white card stock note saying....
OPEN your heart to the lives of your unborn CITIZENS. Be a President to ALL Americans!
Put in a bunch of prayer cards while you're at it! :) PASS IT ON.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saint Valentine's Day is February 14!
A PRAYER TO SAINT VALENTINE
Dear Saint and glorious martyr; Teach us to love unselfishly and to find great joy in giving. Enable all true lovers to bring out the best in each other in God and God in each other. Help us to ponder the words of Holy Scripture from your Holy Apostle St. Paul – words of LOVE:
Love is Patient and Kind,
It doesn't envy or Boast and it's never proud,
Love is not rude or selfish,
It doesn't get angry easily or keep track of wrongs.
Love doesn't delight in bad things
But it rejoices in the truth.
Love always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.
Love never fails.
St. Valentine, we offer this special intention: ____________ ________ calling upon the Holy Spirit, all the Angels and Saints, and our Blessed Mother, asking our Lord to fulfill this intention if it is His Holy Will and to send us special graces of charity and love. Amen.
Here are some cute ideas for Preschool Valentine Crafts, and from Family Crafts here are some more ideas for fun treats to eat and cool things to make, here is some more fun stuff from Kaboose, and here is more from DLTK (although their twist is "Christian" ie, SAINT Valentine was a "Christian" Priest as opposed to a Catholic, but their intent is good.)
Did you know EWTN had a Craft Corner? Well, I didn't until just now! Here's a St. Valentines craft from Paula McEneany, and here is a party theme idea from the blog "Lord Make Me A Saint". Don't forget to check Matilda, Shower of Roses and Catholic Cuisine for their, as always, fabulous ideas & resources!
Enjoy & love & blessings to you all!
Mrs. Murphy
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Pre-School Fun!
Want to check out something different and fun to do with your preschooler? Ten Kids and a Dog is consistently posting super fun activities around some of our all time favorite books and characters. This week's project is on Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom.
Click here for the details of their Teaching Tiny Tots fun stuff!
The KizClub is a new place for me, lots of cute colorful printables and phonics!
I also love Jessica's Shower of Roses, and was so tickled to see all the projects she is doing for Winter Fun with her little ones! Click here for more details...
And...I've just discovered Unplug Your Kids! I'm in love! I have dreams about a TV free life... but then I remember my show will be on tonight...sigh. That's a project for deployment. Anyhoo, this site has weekly hands on activities, this week is color and marbleized-paper.
My favorite Aussie is Aussie Anne at Under Her Starry Mantle, she is so thoughtful, has some super cool crafts listed, and today I was looking over her blog and checked out her Faith Dolls. Super cute! And a great substitute to what dolls are floating around now based on cartoon characters.
And speaking of crafts...this is probably for the older crowd, but I found and LOVED this idea to celebrate the year of St. Paul from Our Domestic Church. She also posts some fun craft ideas, many appropriate for all ages.
Jammin has some good ones too! Want to mummify a Barbie? Make a pizza box solar oven? Check out her blog and scroll down on the right to the Outside the Box Ideas. She also has Crafty Things, Field Trips and is the mecca for lapbooks. Enjoy!
And, of course there is Matilda! She has posted for nearly every feast day and Saint coloring pages and craft ideas to celebrate.
To all you ladies who put in so much hard work to make all our children's homeschooling experience that much richer, I am saying a special prayer for you. Thank you!
Boom-Boom!
Mrs. Murphy
Click here for the details of their Teaching Tiny Tots fun stuff!
The KizClub is a new place for me, lots of cute colorful printables and phonics!
I also love Jessica's Shower of Roses, and was so tickled to see all the projects she is doing for Winter Fun with her little ones! Click here for more details...
And...I've just discovered Unplug Your Kids! I'm in love! I have dreams about a TV free life... but then I remember my show will be on tonight...sigh. That's a project for deployment. Anyhoo, this site has weekly hands on activities, this week is color and marbleized-paper.
My favorite Aussie is Aussie Anne at Under Her Starry Mantle, she is so thoughtful, has some super cool crafts listed, and today I was looking over her blog and checked out her Faith Dolls. Super cute! And a great substitute to what dolls are floating around now based on cartoon characters.
And speaking of crafts...this is probably for the older crowd, but I found and LOVED this idea to celebrate the year of St. Paul from Our Domestic Church. She also posts some fun craft ideas, many appropriate for all ages.
Jammin has some good ones too! Want to mummify a Barbie? Make a pizza box solar oven? Check out her blog and scroll down on the right to the Outside the Box Ideas. She also has Crafty Things, Field Trips and is the mecca for lapbooks. Enjoy!
And, of course there is Matilda! She has posted for nearly every feast day and Saint coloring pages and craft ideas to celebrate.
To all you ladies who put in so much hard work to make all our children's homeschooling experience that much richer, I am saying a special prayer for you. Thank you!
Boom-Boom!
Mrs. Murphy
But Will it Be Carried Out?
Vatican Official: Bishops Have no Choice But to Refuse Communion to Pro-Abort Politicians
By Hilary White
ROME, January 30, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Archbishop Raymond Burke, in an exclusive interview last week, told LifeSiteNews.com that the issue of pro-abortion politicians continuing to receive Holy Communion is still one of major concern and that it is the duty of bishops to ensure that they are refused.
He told LifeSiteNews.com, "I don't understand the continual debate that goes on about it. There's not a question that a Catholic who publicly, and after admonition, supports pro-abortion legislation is not to receive Holy Communion and is not to be given Holy Communion."
"The Church's law is very clear," said Archbishop Burke, who was appointed last year by Pope Benedict XVI as the head of the Church's highest court, the Apostolic Signatura. "The person who persists publicly in grave sin is to be denied Holy Communion, and it [Canon Law] doesn't say that the bishop shall decide this. It's an absolute."
To read the full story click here.
Do you think this will really happen? Do you think the priests will actually carry out this action? I pray so, and am waiting to see.
Mrs. Murphy
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
How Could I Have Missed Groundhog Day?!
It must have been due to the sick kids, the mountain of laundry, the final Twighlight book lingering on my bedside table and the bouts of morning sickness that are coming back off and on..... I missed Groundhog Day! What a fun lesson that would have been! Actually, it still WILL be, I've got a plan for today!
Sorry folks, when my pee stick turns, my mind goes to mush! For example, my friend Michaela has 7 chickens, I asked her last week how many eggs she gets from them a day. She replied, about one per chicken. I replied, "Wow! A dozen eggs a day! That's great!"
Silence, blink....blink. Very typical of the pregnant Mrs. Murphy.
Any hoo, here is the "Official" link for Groundhog Day, a day late. Oh, and 6 more weeks of winter, thanks Al Gore. Did you notice extreme cynicism is another symptom of the pregnant Mrs. Murphy? So sorry.
With the best of intentions!
Mrs. Murphy
Sorry folks, when my pee stick turns, my mind goes to mush! For example, my friend Michaela has 7 chickens, I asked her last week how many eggs she gets from them a day. She replied, about one per chicken. I replied, "Wow! A dozen eggs a day! That's great!"
Silence, blink....blink. Very typical of the pregnant Mrs. Murphy.
Any hoo, here is the "Official" link for Groundhog Day, a day late. Oh, and 6 more weeks of winter, thanks Al Gore. Did you notice extreme cynicism is another symptom of the pregnant Mrs. Murphy? So sorry.
With the best of intentions!
Mrs. Murphy
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