Hello World,
In case you do not know yet, I have migrated to several websites.
If you are interested to find out how to homeschool through college, visit my new website called "STUDY AT HOME WITH JOY"
If you want to get an idea of how Catholic Robinson Curriculum works, visit CATHOLIC ROBINSON.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
ESSAY on CONSPIRACY
Joseph, 16 year old wrote this Essay:
The Conspiracy
There is a high probability that the United Nations are planning to unite the whole world. A step they taken is through the uniting of currency of the European nations which are now called Euros. It wouldn’t be surprising if the whole European continent decided that they are going to be under one ruler. Knowing this, I have made a prediction on how the world will be within fifty years. The world will be divided into three regimes: United Nations, America, and the Taliban.
United Nations will have control of the entire Eastern Hemisphere and eventually found a way to control the Chinese. Since the United Nations have control of one of the largest manufacturing countries, it’s come to the point where if you do not side with the United Nations, your benefits on everything are severely reduced. This means that if a person isn’t siding with the United Nations, everything they buy will be very expensive which creates a system where it will be very disadvantageous to be in opposition.
America represents freedom and occupies the North and South American continents. Despite this, America’s influence doesn’t stretch far beyond its borders because everything is censored. America would be the only nation that still allows freedom of speech but the President is decided by the higher-ups. America’s role is trying to spread the word that living on peace and freedom will bring prosperity to all nations instead of forcing unification.
The Taliban is the terrorist organization that creates unease in the world. It is hard to go after the members blindly because they have infiltrated the high offices of both America and the United Nations. When corruption becomes so deep, it is very difficult to root out the evil. Also, the main reason the Taliban is able to exist is because high ranking officials are bribed for the safety of their family. Also, there are rumors circulating that the President himself pays off assassins from the Taliban to kill certain key people to secure his position.
At this point, the world can change dramatically depending on which side gains control. When America is able to influence United Nations in adopting a policy to promote freedom, the war against the Taliban as well as against corruption will soon be over. However, if the power falls into the hands of the enemy, darkness will soon spread.
The Conspiracy
There is a high probability that the United Nations are planning to unite the whole world. A step they taken is through the uniting of currency of the European nations which are now called Euros. It wouldn’t be surprising if the whole European continent decided that they are going to be under one ruler. Knowing this, I have made a prediction on how the world will be within fifty years. The world will be divided into three regimes: United Nations, America, and the Taliban.
United Nations will have control of the entire Eastern Hemisphere and eventually found a way to control the Chinese. Since the United Nations have control of one of the largest manufacturing countries, it’s come to the point where if you do not side with the United Nations, your benefits on everything are severely reduced. This means that if a person isn’t siding with the United Nations, everything they buy will be very expensive which creates a system where it will be very disadvantageous to be in opposition.
America represents freedom and occupies the North and South American continents. Despite this, America’s influence doesn’t stretch far beyond its borders because everything is censored. America would be the only nation that still allows freedom of speech but the President is decided by the higher-ups. America’s role is trying to spread the word that living on peace and freedom will bring prosperity to all nations instead of forcing unification.
The Taliban is the terrorist organization that creates unease in the world. It is hard to go after the members blindly because they have infiltrated the high offices of both America and the United Nations. When corruption becomes so deep, it is very difficult to root out the evil. Also, the main reason the Taliban is able to exist is because high ranking officials are bribed for the safety of their family. Also, there are rumors circulating that the President himself pays off assassins from the Taliban to kill certain key people to secure his position.
At this point, the world can change dramatically depending on which side gains control. When America is able to influence United Nations in adopting a policy to promote freedom, the war against the Taliban as well as against corruption will soon be over. However, if the power falls into the hands of the enemy, darkness will soon spread.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Our Current Life with Saxon Math
There are many details in our family's Catholic life that will not be interesting in my other blog (mrstreasures.wordpress.com) so I decided to write back here like a journal.
In 2002, I used Saxon 5/4 with my 4th grade boy. Ever since that time, he was getting high grades in math in public school.
Now, that we are using Saxon Math program again with my children, I can see where other parents may have a difficult time with this program.
It is challenging because you have to do 25-30 mathematical problems a day. In the elementary and middle grades, there is a 20 minutes MATH fact drill, 5-10 minutes mental math exercises, lesson (another 10 minutes), practice set problems, and the 25-30 exercises. It takes one hour and a half to do it. It is very self-teaching. There is almost no teacher help required. I personally allot 2 hours for Saxon Math with my children.
The concepts are explained very simply. The exercises spiral back to previous lessons and skills. Thus, you will not really forget the lessons as they are delivered in increments.
Yet, the difficult part for most students is to be “accurate”.
Many parents using Saxon Math just do even numbers one day. Some parents allow for odd numbers on another day. I did that with my 15 year old when she was in 9th grade last year. It was a huge disaster. She had to repeat the book this year. She was not able to master the concepts and skills required. And she hated it so much.
I had to insist to her because I believe in the program. But, does it work for ADD kids?
Honestly, ADD kids, if not medicated, may possibly have a hard time focusing on Saxon Math. It is very easy to get distracted because it is hard work. ADD kids like anything easy so they can go in their own world. They cannot pursue tasks that are super boring.
Saxon Math becomes boring because it is a discipline, a mathematical training and conditioning. Even if it is presented in bits and pieces, it does not have the “funfare” that would entice a child to stick with it. I took the risk and jumped into the program with 7 kids. We are doing Saxon 5/4, 6/5, 7/6 , 8/7, Algebra 1/2, Algebra 1, Precalculus.
The first few months were peaks on some days and valleys on others. It is not just consistent. On good days, the kids get 1-2 mistakes. On bad days, they get 6 mistakes.
Eventually, I realized that I have to be there when they are doing Saxon Math. I check their work. Yet, I cannot force them to have a good day. But, I noticed that if they try their best, they really do well. So how do you motivate kids for the rigors of Saxon Math.
I do not have the answer. I hate motivating kids for what will be eventually good for them. Bribing them to study is not my cup of tea.
So, to cut to the chase, I am like a policewoman in our house during our Saxon Math study period. I make sure they are on task. If they are distracted, I let them read aloud the problems.
This January, my goal is ”accuracy”. If other kids can do it, why can’t my kids do it. Well, in the past, when I was a student. I was not good in math. I did very well with teachers that were patient, approachable and clear. I discovered that mathematics is accurate. There are many ways to do a problem. Thus, many roads to lead to a solution. Yet, the answer is exact.
So, I always tell my children that “accuracy” is possible. It is very likely that if they will be able to discover where they are being “careless” and why they are making the same mistakes over and over again, they might have made an important discovery in their way of studying. What is the point that makes their mind careless? Why can’t they achieve accuracy when it is not impossible? Why can other kids be accurate and why can’t they be accurate? What are they doing right? What are they doing wrong?
They can wait until they are adults to figure this out or we can help these kids explore their weaknesses in an environment where you can cheer them up to do better. We can encourage them to try again. We can help them understand themselves.
Recently, I tried to do 5 exercises at a time in Saxon Math. I let them re-do those 5 exercises. I let them note the differences with their first set of answers and compare it to their second set of answers. I let them check if they copied the numbers right to be able to calculate it right. I make them re-read the word problems again to make sure they have the “givens” and the “mathematical sentence” right. I let them double check their decimal placement. I let them look if it requires a “$” sign. I let them take a quick look if they put the right “units” in word problems. These are common errors in Saxon Math that hinders them from achieving 100% error rate. It is very frustrating for a child to know how to solve a mathematical problem and to realize that their error was due to carelessness.
I give them credit for trying their best. I grieve with them on having the right process and the wrong answer. The hardest part is encouraging them that there is a purpose for to this “accuracy” thing.
For my 16 year daughter doing Prealgebra 1/2 she finally is getting 100% accuracy for the last four days. We initially tried doing exercises 1-30, and then re-doing it and checking the difference. She had 1-2 errors using this technique. So when I switched to every 5 exercises, her error rate went to zero. Well, except today. We figured it was because she has tonsillitis.
I tried the every ” 5 exercises and then check” method with my highly distractible son and it is not really working for him. He memorizes his previous answers which defeats the purpose the re-check.
I’m afraid I had to let 4 kids start from the beginning of the lesson for various reasons. The 17 year old started on Saxon Algebra II and gave up. So, I had him do the placement test and he is on the Saxon Algebra level. So far, I am not getting feedback yet on this.
My 16 year old volunteered to start over again with his Precalculus after being stuck somewhere.
My 12 year old started Saxon 7/6 from the beginning again after showing severe erratic scores. I just learned a few days ago that he forgot to multiply two-digits which was extensively covered in Saxon 6/5.
But, we are not giving up because I am not allowing them to give up. If I had Saxon Math when I was younger, I would have done better in Math. I mean, I would have felt confident with my mathematical skills. In Saxon Math, the method gives you considerable confidence that you can tackle math problems because the repetition makes mathematical calculations automatic.
Detractors say it discourages word problem solving. For me, it helps the kids see “patterns” in identifying the appropriate mathematical sentence and solution for the word problems.
So, that is our life in Saxon. And, yes, despite being challenged with my children, I highly recommend it.
My bottom line with this long post is Saxon Math is what “strengthening, conditioning, endurance” exercises are to our body. It is a discipline to achieve accuracy, endurance and confidence to make the mathematical part of our brain invincible and strong.
In 2002, I used Saxon 5/4 with my 4th grade boy. Ever since that time, he was getting high grades in math in public school.
Now, that we are using Saxon Math program again with my children, I can see where other parents may have a difficult time with this program.
It is challenging because you have to do 25-30 mathematical problems a day. In the elementary and middle grades, there is a 20 minutes MATH fact drill, 5-10 minutes mental math exercises, lesson (another 10 minutes), practice set problems, and the 25-30 exercises. It takes one hour and a half to do it. It is very self-teaching. There is almost no teacher help required. I personally allot 2 hours for Saxon Math with my children.
The concepts are explained very simply. The exercises spiral back to previous lessons and skills. Thus, you will not really forget the lessons as they are delivered in increments.
Yet, the difficult part for most students is to be “accurate”.
Many parents using Saxon Math just do even numbers one day. Some parents allow for odd numbers on another day. I did that with my 15 year old when she was in 9th grade last year. It was a huge disaster. She had to repeat the book this year. She was not able to master the concepts and skills required. And she hated it so much.
I had to insist to her because I believe in the program. But, does it work for ADD kids?
Honestly, ADD kids, if not medicated, may possibly have a hard time focusing on Saxon Math. It is very easy to get distracted because it is hard work. ADD kids like anything easy so they can go in their own world. They cannot pursue tasks that are super boring.
Saxon Math becomes boring because it is a discipline, a mathematical training and conditioning. Even if it is presented in bits and pieces, it does not have the “funfare” that would entice a child to stick with it. I took the risk and jumped into the program with 7 kids. We are doing Saxon 5/4, 6/5, 7/6 , 8/7, Algebra 1/2, Algebra 1, Precalculus.
The first few months were peaks on some days and valleys on others. It is not just consistent. On good days, the kids get 1-2 mistakes. On bad days, they get 6 mistakes.
Eventually, I realized that I have to be there when they are doing Saxon Math. I check their work. Yet, I cannot force them to have a good day. But, I noticed that if they try their best, they really do well. So how do you motivate kids for the rigors of Saxon Math.
I do not have the answer. I hate motivating kids for what will be eventually good for them. Bribing them to study is not my cup of tea.
So, to cut to the chase, I am like a policewoman in our house during our Saxon Math study period. I make sure they are on task. If they are distracted, I let them read aloud the problems.
This January, my goal is ”accuracy”. If other kids can do it, why can’t my kids do it. Well, in the past, when I was a student. I was not good in math. I did very well with teachers that were patient, approachable and clear. I discovered that mathematics is accurate. There are many ways to do a problem. Thus, many roads to lead to a solution. Yet, the answer is exact.
So, I always tell my children that “accuracy” is possible. It is very likely that if they will be able to discover where they are being “careless” and why they are making the same mistakes over and over again, they might have made an important discovery in their way of studying. What is the point that makes their mind careless? Why can’t they achieve accuracy when it is not impossible? Why can other kids be accurate and why can’t they be accurate? What are they doing right? What are they doing wrong?
They can wait until they are adults to figure this out or we can help these kids explore their weaknesses in an environment where you can cheer them up to do better. We can encourage them to try again. We can help them understand themselves.
Recently, I tried to do 5 exercises at a time in Saxon Math. I let them re-do those 5 exercises. I let them note the differences with their first set of answers and compare it to their second set of answers. I let them check if they copied the numbers right to be able to calculate it right. I make them re-read the word problems again to make sure they have the “givens” and the “mathematical sentence” right. I let them double check their decimal placement. I let them look if it requires a “$” sign. I let them take a quick look if they put the right “units” in word problems. These are common errors in Saxon Math that hinders them from achieving 100% error rate. It is very frustrating for a child to know how to solve a mathematical problem and to realize that their error was due to carelessness.
I give them credit for trying their best. I grieve with them on having the right process and the wrong answer. The hardest part is encouraging them that there is a purpose for to this “accuracy” thing.
For my 16 year daughter doing Prealgebra 1/2 she finally is getting 100% accuracy for the last four days. We initially tried doing exercises 1-30, and then re-doing it and checking the difference. She had 1-2 errors using this technique. So when I switched to every 5 exercises, her error rate went to zero. Well, except today. We figured it was because she has tonsillitis.
I tried the every ” 5 exercises and then check” method with my highly distractible son and it is not really working for him. He memorizes his previous answers which defeats the purpose the re-check.
I’m afraid I had to let 4 kids start from the beginning of the lesson for various reasons. The 17 year old started on Saxon Algebra II and gave up. So, I had him do the placement test and he is on the Saxon Algebra level. So far, I am not getting feedback yet on this.
My 16 year old volunteered to start over again with his Precalculus after being stuck somewhere.
My 12 year old started Saxon 7/6 from the beginning again after showing severe erratic scores. I just learned a few days ago that he forgot to multiply two-digits which was extensively covered in Saxon 6/5.
But, we are not giving up because I am not allowing them to give up. If I had Saxon Math when I was younger, I would have done better in Math. I mean, I would have felt confident with my mathematical skills. In Saxon Math, the method gives you considerable confidence that you can tackle math problems because the repetition makes mathematical calculations automatic.
Detractors say it discourages word problem solving. For me, it helps the kids see “patterns” in identifying the appropriate mathematical sentence and solution for the word problems.
So, that is our life in Saxon. And, yes, despite being challenged with my children, I highly recommend it.
My bottom line with this long post is Saxon Math is what “strengthening, conditioning, endurance” exercises are to our body. It is a discipline to achieve accuracy, endurance and confidence to make the mathematical part of our brain invincible and strong.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Too Many Blogs
It is not easy to maintain many blogs, yet I want to write for specific audience. However, I have realized that I cannot separate my Catholic identity to how I raise my children, to what I want to become and contribute in our world.
It is for this reason, that I decided to go back to my original blog www.mrstreasures.wordpress.com, the scratch pad of my ideas. So, if you cannot find me in this blog, feel free to visit me over there.
It is for this reason, that I decided to go back to my original blog www.mrstreasures.wordpress.com, the scratch pad of my ideas. So, if you cannot find me in this blog, feel free to visit me over there.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Discrimination Against Large Families
Is there such thing as discrimination against large families in the US?
Oh yes!!!
It is very difficult for many to imagine how two people can raise so many children without snapping. Traditional families with 2 to 3 children are already overwhelmed.
The family of Maria Howard is now experiencing such discrimination. The DSS in their area has decided to investigate the family for abuse or negligence. This came about due to the recent incident when Maria had a brain tumor. THe person who filed a complaint is saying that the parents of Maria Howard are medically negligent by bringing her a bit too late for medical attention.
For all the drama they experienced in finding out their daughter has an inoperable brain tumor, the surgery and recovery, DSS knocks in the door (not literally, by protocol DSS has to give them advance notice) to tell them that they are going to be investigated for an indicative abuse and neglect.
WOW... call that a misuse of precious taxpayer money. Why are we paying knuckleheads to do this?
The least I can do for this family is to pray the Chaplet of St. Michael, the archangel to protect their family from evil.
The knuckleheads are not evil. But, Satan sure does know a way to stir a boat.
Oh yes!!!
It is very difficult for many to imagine how two people can raise so many children without snapping. Traditional families with 2 to 3 children are already overwhelmed.
The family of Maria Howard is now experiencing such discrimination. The DSS in their area has decided to investigate the family for abuse or negligence. This came about due to the recent incident when Maria had a brain tumor. THe person who filed a complaint is saying that the parents of Maria Howard are medically negligent by bringing her a bit too late for medical attention.
For all the drama they experienced in finding out their daughter has an inoperable brain tumor, the surgery and recovery, DSS knocks in the door (not literally, by protocol DSS has to give them advance notice) to tell them that they are going to be investigated for an indicative abuse and neglect.
WOW... call that a misuse of precious taxpayer money. Why are we paying knuckleheads to do this?
The least I can do for this family is to pray the Chaplet of St. Michael, the archangel to protect their family from evil.
The knuckleheads are not evil. But, Satan sure does know a way to stir a boat.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Grace of Hope
Maria in ICU now...
From Julie:
We just got out of the recovery room and are now in ICU in the children's
hospital. She only had a strip of hair removed during the surgery so that is
good as that was one of Maria's worries. Bald at 12 for a girl is rather
unappealing.
I hope you will remember her beautiful smile as it might be a while before we
see it again. There is drooping in her left side which wasn't there before
surgery. She did speak to us, though it was a big effort. The right side is
not functioning well at all. The big party in the recovery room was she wiggled
her toes on command a tiny bit.
On the bright side her nurse is wearing a shirt with pictures of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph, the Blessed Trinity, The 3 Kings and the Flight into Egypt.
From Julie:
We just got out of the recovery room and are now in ICU in the children's
hospital. She only had a strip of hair removed during the surgery so that is
good as that was one of Maria's worries. Bald at 12 for a girl is rather
unappealing.
I hope you will remember her beautiful smile as it might be a while before we
see it again. There is drooping in her left side which wasn't there before
surgery. She did speak to us, though it was a big effort. The right side is
not functioning well at all. The big party in the recovery room was she wiggled
her toes on command a tiny bit.
On the bright side her nurse is wearing a shirt with pictures of Jesus, Mary and
Joseph, the Blessed Trinity, The 3 Kings and the Flight into Egypt.
The Power of Prayer- Update on Maria
Surgery is done. It was hours. This is an update from Maria's mom:
The neurosurgeon just came down. They had no problem getting to the tumor, they had to go through a couple milimeters of brain to get to the tumor but he had no problems pulling the brain down to get to it. They removed what they think is all of it. They will know Tues. or Wed. whether it is benign or malignant. He said she may be worse for a while and gradually improve or she may be much better. She's going in to recovery now. We are waiting for them to call one of us to go up there (they will only let 1 in). After that she will go to the children's ICU.
What can we say for the power of prayer. Keep them coming.
The neurosurgeon just came down. They had no problem getting to the tumor, they had to go through a couple milimeters of brain to get to the tumor but he had no problems pulling the brain down to get to it. They removed what they think is all of it. They will know Tues. or Wed. whether it is benign or malignant. He said she may be worse for a while and gradually improve or she may be much better. She's going in to recovery now. We are waiting for them to call one of us to go up there (they will only let 1 in). After that she will go to the children's ICU.
What can we say for the power of prayer. Keep them coming.
Update of Maria - Please continue prayers for her
This is an update from Julie, Maria's mother:
Dr. Albright, the neurosurgeon, seemed confident. (at least he has a good name! haha) The tumor itself is about the size of a marble but there is a good amount of fluid surrounding it about the size of a golf ball. They will put a drain into the top of her head to drain the fluid. Then they will go in from the back left side of her head and attempt to remove the tumor which is in
mid-brain. She is in surgery now. I will keep you posted , pass it on wherever you can.
Dr. Albright, the neurosurgeon, seemed confident. (at least he has a good name! haha) The tumor itself is about the size of a marble but there is a good amount of fluid surrounding it about the size of a golf ball. They will put a drain into the top of her head to drain the fluid. Then they will go in from the back left side of her head and attempt to remove the tumor which is in
mid-brain. She is in surgery now. I will keep you posted , pass it on wherever you can.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Healing Prayer for Maria Howard
"Heavenly Father, I call on You right now in a special way. It is through Your power that Maria was created. Every breath she takes, every morning she wakes, and every moment of every hour, she lives under Your power.
Father, we ask You now to touch maria with that same power. For if You created her from nothing, You can certainly recreate her. Fill her with the healing power of Your Spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in her. Mend what is broken. Root out any unproductive cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection. Let the warmth of Your healing love pass through Maria's body to make new unhealthy areas so that her body will function the way you created it to function.
And Father, restore Maria to full health in mind and body so that she may serve You the rest of her life. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."
UPDATE ON MARIA FROM HER MOM
Maria's surgery is Saturday Dec 5th at 7:30am CST.
They said that she may not make it through surgery as worst case, medium case is
that she will be crippled and have brain damage of some kind or she may come out
just fine. It's a 4-5 hour surgery at least. First they will put a hole through
the top of her skull and put in a drain. Then they will put a hole in the back
of the skull. My dad is a doctor so here are his words (after talking to Tom):
"Maria has a brain stem tumor on the Rt. Side.
This is in an area of very critical nerve centers. This makes surgery difficult.
The tumor mass is the size of a golf ball but it is mostly fluid."
Father, we ask You now to touch maria with that same power. For if You created her from nothing, You can certainly recreate her. Fill her with the healing power of Your Spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in her. Mend what is broken. Root out any unproductive cells. Open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection. Let the warmth of Your healing love pass through Maria's body to make new unhealthy areas so that her body will function the way you created it to function.
And Father, restore Maria to full health in mind and body so that she may serve You the rest of her life. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen."
UPDATE ON MARIA FROM HER MOM
Maria's surgery is Saturday Dec 5th at 7:30am CST.
They said that she may not make it through surgery as worst case, medium case is
that she will be crippled and have brain damage of some kind or she may come out
just fine. It's a 4-5 hour surgery at least. First they will put a hole through
the top of her skull and put in a drain. Then they will put a hole in the back
of the skull. My dad is a doctor so here are his words (after talking to Tom):
"Maria has a brain stem tumor on the Rt. Side.
This is in an area of very critical nerve centers. This makes surgery difficult.
The tumor mass is the size of a golf ball but it is mostly fluid."
Maria needs prayers
Maria is 12 year old. She has been having problems with the right side of her body (thankfully she is left handed). This has affected her walking, her balance, ability to lift things and any fine motor skills as well as her ability to read, write, spell. She is seeing double, etc, etc, etc. Dad took her to the doctor on December 03 but he referred her to a peditrician in Madison. The Ped called back and said to bring her into the Emergency Room right away. Today, Maria is diagnosed with a brain tumor in the middle of her brain. Her prognosis is not good. They are seeking another neurosurgeon who can operate on her. If you have any prayer line, kindly remember Maria Howard in your prayers.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Offering Up House Chores that I Wanted to Give the Kids
Five of my children are with my in-laws. After Thanksgiving, my parents-in-law said that they needed help with yard work. My husband and I obliged. We would take the opportunity to do our own cleaning at home.
So I have a 3 year old boy, 8 year old boy, and 16 year old teen with me since Saturday.
My 16 year old teen goes with my husband to for his job internship.
To my surprise, there is tremendous house chores to be done in the house. We have by now let the kids do the kitchen and the cupboards are a disaster. Food crumbs, unwashed small kitchen appliances and other yucky stuff. And, that is only on the kitchen front.
I walked into the kid's bedrooms and yikes... more things for me to cry about.
I almost felt defeated. Would it be better for me just to do all the house chores? Might be impossible for the rate of mess is faster than my cleaning speed.
Instead of whining here, I will do things one at a time. Let me start with this George Foreman grill. My teen cook used this grill to cook my fish (fat free) dinner prior to my gall bladder surgery. Yikes... no wonder I had those tummy pain.
Before I end this post, even if it is contrary to what I feel, I will go and clean each dirty appliance in our kitchen. I have much to offer. One of my friend's daughter is going to ER at the moment. I will offer up these kitchen chores for her intentions.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Come Holy Spirit, grant me the spirit of fortitude.
So I have a 3 year old boy, 8 year old boy, and 16 year old teen with me since Saturday.
My 16 year old teen goes with my husband to for his job internship.
To my surprise, there is tremendous house chores to be done in the house. We have by now let the kids do the kitchen and the cupboards are a disaster. Food crumbs, unwashed small kitchen appliances and other yucky stuff. And, that is only on the kitchen front.
I walked into the kid's bedrooms and yikes... more things for me to cry about.
I almost felt defeated. Would it be better for me just to do all the house chores? Might be impossible for the rate of mess is faster than my cleaning speed.
Instead of whining here, I will do things one at a time. Let me start with this George Foreman grill. My teen cook used this grill to cook my fish (fat free) dinner prior to my gall bladder surgery. Yikes... no wonder I had those tummy pain.
Before I end this post, even if it is contrary to what I feel, I will go and clean each dirty appliance in our kitchen. I have much to offer. One of my friend's daughter is going to ER at the moment. I will offer up these kitchen chores for her intentions.
St. Anthony, pray for us.
Come Holy Spirit, grant me the spirit of fortitude.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Essay: The Shroud of Turin from the Eyes of My Teenager
The Shroud
There are skeptics for everything. It’s fascinating how some people are more inclined to believe that the world was created purely by the smallest chance possible than to believe there is a living God. Even when all the evidence lines up in front of them, people will still turn their head the other way in attempt to disprove ideas. This is especially the case surrounding the Shroud of Turin. With the Shroud, there is some controversy, history, as well as evidence.
The fourteen-foot cloth said to have been the burial linen of Jesus of Nazarene, (or Christ) has been attacked by skeptics for years. One strong argument was that carbon dating of the Shroud proved that it was, in fact, not around 2000 years ago but rather in the medieval times. Going by this, another dispute then comes to say that an artist simply painted a picture of Christ in the Shroud. Yet a dispute goes on to say that how does anyone know for certain that it is the actual Jesus’ face in the Shroud and not any other man? First, we have to look at the evidence before we can draw a conclusion.
The story of this relic, many discrepancies surround its origins mainly because of the fact that there are no records of the Shroud until around the 1300s. Going back before that, however, there was a cloth known as the Cloth of Edessa, which around 900 AD was transferred to the city of Constantinople. According to a description by an archdeacon, when the cloth arrived in Constantinople, he described it as a “full length image with bloodstains from a side wound.” With this information recently recovered by the Vatican, it is easy to therefore connect the Cloth of Edessa and the Shroud of Turin as one and the same. More evidence supports this idea as microscopic amounts of pollen, from ancient flowers found only in areas such as Constantinople and around the Middle East, were found in the cloth.
In around the year 1988, scientists claimed that the Shroud was dated close to 1300 due to carbon dating. This theory was then disproved as with scientific advancements, scientists were able to prove that the material was chemically different than the rest of the cloth. The samples taken for the carbon dating were actually a part of a medieval repair patch to the cloth. With this in mind, the cloth was then later tested to be at least twice
All scientific evidence clearly proves that the cloth is very probable to have been around the 1st century originating near the Middle East very likely to be in Palestine. It is also safe to conclude that the Shroud bears the wounds of a man crucified and the bloodstains are truly blood. The image of the Shroud has not been proved to have been man-made by any way, be it painting or intricate stitching and also cannot be reproduced by any natural process ever recorded or thought of. The theories concluding that the Shroud was constructed in the medieval times have been disproved and it is safe to assume that the Shroud is not a hoax, fake, or fraud of any sort. An unanswered question remains as with all the evidence presented, how do we know for sure that the image on the Shroud is the actual Christ himself? The answer to this is simple: God will not spoon feed us the fact that we have possession of the burial cloth of his son Jesus Christ, instead he calls each one of us to take that leap of faith necessary to believe in something more than mere facts and evidence, but rather, to explore the spirituality deep inside us and to be unconcerned with what physical wonder he blessed us with and instead fill ourselves with his loving grace to believe in something we cannot yet see.
Teacher's Comments: What an awesome conclusion!!! Your essay brought up some facts that may gleaned from factual sources. It is good writing to cite those sources and put it part of your essay. For example, Mr. Iggy Campbell, author of the book "The Shroud Phenomenon", argued that " blah, blah, blah". Yet, another scientist, Rudolf Reindeer reiterated that "yadi yadi da".
Essay: Sugar and Teens
Joseph, 16 year old wrote an essay on the topic of Sugar. This is how it looks after I give it back to them for editing.
Sugar
Sugar or sugar-free: That is the question. The question of eating this necessary nutrient sparks debates among many people as some claim that sugar is an evil. Granted, it is true that when taken in excess it will have serious side effects such as hyperglycemia and lead to diabetes. However, anything taken above recommended levels will cause an imbalance in the body and with this in mind, one has to understand why keeping things in moderation is important, how sugar nurtures our body, as well as what others argue against it. (run on sentences)
Keeping things in balance is a very important part in everyone’s lives. By being deprived of sleep, one gets emotionally unstable, while too much has been linked tobeing depressed (depression) or even obesity. Drinking too much alcohol might create an undesired circumstance for the heavy drinker. Alcoholics are always advised to drink in moderation. Even going on the emotional level, someone’s strong feeling of hatred towards an object may cause deeper feelings inside the person and later cause them to commit a murder. So the question remains: How much is too much? Before answering this question, first we must understand why sugar is important to our body. <>
Sugar is our brain’s fuel. The brain depends on the blood supply for its dosage of sugar. Glucose, the main sugar in the blood, is so essential to the functioning of the brain that without it, the brain won’t last for more than two minutes. Blood sugar levels are determined by what is eaten, and how fast sugar is transported from one place to another. When there is an excess of sugar, a hormone known as insulin transports it to muscle cells and the liver. When all the stores for sugar are filled up there, then the sugar is stored into fat tissue. Yet even with this knowledge, people still criticize and regard sugars an evil.
A strong argument that is commonly associated with sugar is that an excess of it will cause obesity rates to sky-rocket. Another goes on to say that eating a lot of sugar may rot your teeth and poses a risk of a various amount of unwanted diseases such as arthritis, hypoglycemia, and diabetes. One thing all these arguments have in common is this: <All the arguments have one thing in common: They require an excess of sugar. How do you solve an abundance of something? Simply by cutting down and going in a state of equilibrium.
People of today are too concerned of pointing out the wrongs of something instead of looking at the positives. Though it is true sugar can cause some life-threatening diseases, it is also true that our body, our brain especially, needs it to survive. Moderation is the key word to battle many things that “experts” say will kill you. More people will rather believe in the slim chances of something going wrong than in the huge percentage of it never happening.
Teacher's Comments: WEll thought out...excellent essay. I'm impressed with your ability to make topic sentence for each paragraph. Nice intro, great ending. Way to go.
Essay "Procrastination and Essay Writing"
As part of his essay requirements, Joseph wrote this essay.
To Start
“It is as difficult to start things as it is to finish things” goes a famous saying. At first glance, I impulsively deemed this statement false, but when thinking about it, I find myself saying otherwise. Great things happen when something is finished: Satisfaction, experience, and the knowledge of being able to finish something. Starting something requires initial planning and steps to see it through.
Though brainstorming is seen as something uncomplicated, the idea on what exactly to start thinking about is the main problem. Let’s say Johnny has a problem starting an essay. Based on experience, Johnny knows that when he has the main idea as well as facts to support it, writing an essay is a breeze. However, before that even happens, he is at his desk fiddling with his pencil as hours go by and not a single word has been written. He has an idea of what to write except he can’t express it in words. Suppose he was to write an essay about animals, he now has to think what exactly about animals is he going to write? This is the main problem I experience when trying to create an outline for an essay. I find it very frustrating because with all the things I want to write about, I also have to organize my thoughts in a paragraph form. Finishing something is entirely different.
When an engineer designs plans, he has already relieved the builders on the planning process. The project has already begun and they need only to follow through in accordance with the plan drawings. Few fix along the way, but otherwise a straightforward process. The same thing goes for writing an essay because when an outline has been created, the writer just has to look over and add sufficient details to support sentences creating a paragraph. Finishing itself is not an entirely effortless task, but in comparison to starting something, it would seem almost trouble-free.
Pleasure comes from starting then finishing something. As a part of human nature, most people want to see something followed through all the way to the end. Very few, relish in beginning a project about halfway and completely abandoning it and no longer bothering with it. What a world we would be living in if everything was half-finished. Ultimately, the most stress comes from thinking how something’s going to start and relief follows when it’s finished so get the job done and put worries behind.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Cheating in Saxon Math
My 12 year old is a very smart boy. Yet, he gets very easily stressed out. He is very sensitive. I have posted that he was getting 100% Saxon Math the past three days. I was very happy. Good academic performance has been used by psychologists as a good indicator of emotional health.
It has been one whole month that I noticed him unable to focus in his homeschooling. This is not unusual for him because he gets easily stressed out. I always use his focus as a gauge if something is stressing him out. You could just imagine my relief knowing that he was doing well.
Sad to say, I found the answer key hidden in the futon where he does his Saxon Math. I had two answer keys and I thought the other one was in his Dad's car. I recall telling him four days ago that I am going to sell the other copy of Saxon Math. I noticed a change on his face but did not think anything to that.
So finding out that he was using the answer key doe not come as a surprise for me. With this sensitive child, we have our challenges. His good behavior was never consistent.
But, I restrained myself from getting upset. I tried to understand him and brought him closer to me. I told him that I have been noticing his lack of focus the past month. I told him that our 6 hour school work is very rigorous and he needs to balance his life with looking forward to "fun" things to do for him.
Being an introvert, he did not really have any suggestions. But, for some reason, I let him draw a house, a tree, and a person. Hopefully, I can let an art therapist find out what is going on with him.
It has been one whole month that I noticed him unable to focus in his homeschooling. This is not unusual for him because he gets easily stressed out. I always use his focus as a gauge if something is stressing him out. You could just imagine my relief knowing that he was doing well.
Sad to say, I found the answer key hidden in the futon where he does his Saxon Math. I had two answer keys and I thought the other one was in his Dad's car. I recall telling him four days ago that I am going to sell the other copy of Saxon Math. I noticed a change on his face but did not think anything to that.
So finding out that he was using the answer key doe not come as a surprise for me. With this sensitive child, we have our challenges. His good behavior was never consistent.
But, I restrained myself from getting upset. I tried to understand him and brought him closer to me. I told him that I have been noticing his lack of focus the past month. I told him that our 6 hour school work is very rigorous and he needs to balance his life with looking forward to "fun" things to do for him.
Being an introvert, he did not really have any suggestions. But, for some reason, I let him draw a house, a tree, and a person. Hopefully, I can let an art therapist find out what is going on with him.
Essay of 16 year old
Power corrupts, hatred destroys, and war obliterates. With all these destructive natures, it would be impossible for mankind to prosper. The complete opposite of death is life and creating and that’s exactly what art is. An artist is gifted with the ability to use their mind to create something new. Michelangelo didn’t just rearrange simple patterns together; instead, he brought them to life. Shakespeare defied the laws of language and created an entirely new form which has survived hundreds of years even in modern times. One of the astounding mysteries that surround us today is the act of creation. Scientists know the inner structures of a living being as well as what it’s capable of doing, however, how we just have life and its origins have always been unanswered. Many theories and radical explanations are brought up, but something concrete is still pending. There have been great kings who are remembered as only footnotes in the history books. A challenge that presents an artist is if their work can outlast them or simply die out. Mozart, Bach, and Dante are just a few of the names that haven’t been forgotten. They brought to mankind a gift which we have cherished and kept with us. With the gift that they present to us in the form of their art, it would be selfish for us to simply receive it with only the mind. It is necessary therefore, to use not only the mind, but feel as though you were the great artist who with a stroke of a brush created a masterpiece. Sadly, art isn’t always used to bring life, but also to bring death and suffering. This would be known as the art of deception. People gifted with intelligence are known to waste it and use it to their advantage. They deceitfully manipulate people under them to get what their priority at the time achieved. Some use their innocent face to steal from the pocket of a victim. Others use fear and blackmail to command weak-minded souls. An intervention is necessary to bring these blackened souls to the light as well as to direct their art in the way of truth. People boast that some artists aren’t talented at all and their works can be replicated in full. When one actually sits down and tries to write a work of poetry with the same emotion as that of Shakespeare, or compose a piece as brilliant as Beethoven, one will find himself walking away disappointed.
******
My 16 year old wrote this essay today. I would say it was a nice reflection of art and giftedness. He also touched on the human possibility of using creative tendencies for evil. For those interested to know, I allot one hour each day for Essays on a topic chosen by my children. The books that they are encountering are good writing prompts. After 3 months, they are very adept on choosing topics that they are interested to write about. In the beginning of our homeschooling, I allowed them to choose their own subject but I found their essays were very shallow. So, I researched college level writing prompts and challenged them to it. The result is their content is much deeper. Now, I revert back to allowing them to write topics of their choice.
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