When I went to seek solace in Bach’s Cello Suites this morning, which we listen to almost daily, I was horrified to find them gone from my iPod and an emergency check on the computer showed them missing from my iTunes account. Our old computer died over a month ago and in the transfer of everything from the old to the new we appear to have lost some stuff. My boys have become accustomed to the strains of the cello, and the... Read more
It is always a joyful time when the Builders are able to get together in real life. We have been a support network for so long now, and it is just wonderful that our children are getting to be friends as well. For my kids, it is a particular blessing to spend time with a like-minded homeschooling family. There is great diversity in educational styles for homeschoolers, but Red and I have very similar plans and systems, so my kids... Read more
…Four years ago, we had the privilege of seeing your beautiful face, of holding you and introducing you to friends and family, and finally, of saying a proper good-bye to you. In truth, we already knew you. While you were still safe in the womb, we spent time watching you move, feeling your hiccups, marveling at your ultrasound pictures and wondering if you would look like your big brother. We knew that this was our special time with you, and... Read more
We started our school year today. Overall, the day went very well. My kids were itching for some structure, and an early start will allow us to ease back into our school days and have a relaxing fall when we can take full advantage of the cooler weather. Gianna (age 6.5) has a full schedule this year. While I am always tempted by all the amazing schooling resources, in planning our curriculum I try to stay focused on the 3... Read more
Friends, please find a moment to read the Mass readings and the corresponding reflection (found on our left sidebar here) for today. I found them poignant. Read more
I wanted to carry on a conversation that began at Red’s post Thoughts for Thursday regarding teachers, their pay, and work ethic… I taught (more like slaved) for four years before having my first child. My first year was at a very wealthy private high school in New Jersey, my second was at a low income middle school in Colorado Springs, and the third and fourth were at a mixed socioeconomic high school also in CS. In all three places,... Read more
So, both on the blog and on our personal email list, the Builders have been thinking a lot about what makes for a happy life, how we define happiness, and how mother’s happiness (or lack thereof) affects the rest of the family. How timely to see this article on religion and marital happiness, with data from a study by my friend Brad Wilcox, a professor at the University of Virginia, and a fellow Princeton Alum. Read more
What am I cooking tonight? Nothing! The kids are eating leftovers because Mr. Red and I are off to the Phillies game. Let’s hope they win, I’ve had terrible luck lately. What am I reading? Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. I’ve had this thing for Russian novels lately, which means I don’t get through many books (I’m guessing they are all so long because what else do you do in Russia for 9 months of the year!) What are my weekend... Read more
Spending your money on experiences instead of possessions results in more satisfaction. Thinking of taking that vacation but opt instead to buy a new bedroom set, maybe not the best choice according to this NYT piece. I need to heed this advice on my next trip to the Apple Store–I’m seriously excited about owning an I-Pad, which is weird because I’m not into technology AT. ALL. But there is something about that Apple Store that just seems to make people... Read more
When I left the Army to stay home and raise babies I was sort of in a weird limbo. I stumbled through the motions required to physically maintain a home, husband and small child, but my mind was elsewhere. I looked forward to dinner being done and things being put away so that I could get out my small-business start-up books and LSAT study manuals. I continued to look at my 2.5 year-old daughter as the part-time job she had... Read more
Building Cathedrals
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