Minnesota Mom

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Extended Leave

by Filed Under: Felicity, Homeschooling, Minnesota Me Leave a Comment

I was giving my 7-year-old a spelling test and she was really struggling.“This is too hard!” Felicity set her pencil down and frowned at me. It was the word “use” that was tripping her up. She had written y-u-s-e and it just didn’t look right.For good reason.“Well,” I suggested, reading the warning signal in her reddened eyes. “Why don’t we come … [Read more...]

2/21/71

by Filed Under: Family Fun, Minnesota Me, Special Events Leave a Comment

You do the math!My husband keeps saying that he’s getting OLD.Because I am and will always be 4 ½ years older, I resent that. How could he be old when clearly, I am not?No girlfriends! Phew!Mathematically it’s impossible.Still.His cake does appear to be groaning under the weight of all those candles.And get a load out of Baby Anthony’s eyes!He’s … [Read more...]

An Unexpected Fare Thee Well

by Filed Under: Minnesota Me, Prayer, The Dawg 73 Comments

This is not an easy post to write.On Thursday we left for a long-anticipated family vacation to the Wisconsin Dells. John had taken the children there once before, leaving me home to organize the classroom. The children were so happy to have their momma along this time! I was, too. It is good for Minnesotans to get away in February--it is good to … [Read more...]

Conference Talks

by Filed Under: Homeschooling, Minnesota Me, Special Events 13 Comments

Following Alicia’s lead, I’m posting the titles of my talks for the Minnesota Catholic Homeschooling conference this May.I’ve been going to this conference since before I was a homeschooler. My oldest was, um, I think four when I started going. It was held on the grounds of a church in the outer suburbs back then and now it’s held on a college … [Read more...]

H is for…

by Filed Under: Anecdotal, Minnesota Me, My Girls Leave a Comment

Lots to talk about with the advent of Lent (not to confuse you), but for now, here’s a light-started start to your brand new week.Angela’s Quaker Instant Oatmeal was Much Too Hot, so I proposed curling up on the couch and reading a book or two while it cooled.I pulled one of my favorites off the shelf, The Angels’ Alphabet by Hilda Van Stockum. … [Read more...]

7 Quick Takes Friday

by Filed Under: 7 Quick Takes Friday, Minnesota Me 6 Comments

(Vol. XIII for Me)I have exactly 20 minute to crank out this post before resuming my crazy-busy, hectic life. Can she do it? Place your bets!~ Take 1 ~This is one of the reasons why my life's been so busy:Jem (in character) as Jimmy GloverWhen all else fails, blame it on your cute little newsie!Two more performances, a cast party, and we're done. … [Read more...]

The Beauty of Blogging (Part II)

by Filed Under: Hearth & Home, Honest Blogging, Minnesota Me 24 Comments

[You can read Part I here.]Furtively, I got the Windex.I began by spritzing the stain in the dining room, where a crayon had been melted over the heat vent and then poured out on the floor. What child does this?! My curious little Madame Curie, that’s who.(It helps me to compare her to super smart people. It makes the naughty behavior seem…not that … [Read more...]