tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79325682893362555592024-02-07T08:35:05.241-06:00St. Theophan Academy"Of all holy works, the education of children is the most holy"Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.comBlogger589125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-17721281937016002782018-03-31T16:03:00.001-05:002018-03-31T16:03:48.744-05:00Holy Week Boxes<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Repost from April, 2011:</div>
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I originally posted these last year, but have made a few additions to the boxes, as well as taken some better photos! So, here is another look at my learning boxes for Holy Week. I will mention again, that this is an involved project. When I first had the idea several years ago, it was Lazarus Saturday and I jumped into action planning how I would create them. My wise husband cautioned against it, saying that rather than a blessing, it would be a consuming project for Holy Week, distracting me from what I should be doing. So, I followed his advice, and waited until after Pascha to begin making them. I say this again to caution you - if this is an idea you want to replicate, do it slowly. Do not attempt to pull it together quickly, you will find yourself frustrated and it will not be a joyful project. The wonderful thing about the church rythms is that we can look to next year.</div>
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Finally, a word about the use of the boxes. In my home, we have used them in several ways. The first is actually taking them to church on each day of Holy Week. If you have a young child, the items in the box offer a focus. I usually tell my littlest ones to listen through the service, especially at the readings, and see if they can hear mention of each item in the box. The joy on the face of my 4 year old when she heard the parable of the grape vine as she sat holding those plastic grapes was priceless. Some pieces are more interactive. One year I watched as several children in our church sat and carefully lined the palm branches and fabric in the shape of the cross. The icon was placed at the top, and the donkey was walked along the path, over and over again. For a young child, that is prayer. That is meditating on the scripture. That is learning. The boxes may also be used at home. You may wish to read the scripture ahead and present the items. If you are concerned with small pieces being all over the place, take a small placemat to church and roll it out on the floor. Explain that this is the space to work with the box, and the items are to stay on the mat until they are returned to the box. Then watch, and be prepared to have visitors in your aisle as curious children around you are drawn to see what is going on!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0PSTZP1Isfo6A4AoYYtVBF6ONg45kXyv499e7g4ALug5uYHCjzdoNaeeKhQ22ebZV-WHwNq7QtmAkSUnb6i4_zH05wOqYdc090pkcZB5fE-0-bT0UMJtcRv4czeXGEA4XDVOQjhOI9s/s1600/DSC_1271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0PSTZP1Isfo6A4AoYYtVBF6ONg45kXyv499e7g4ALug5uYHCjzdoNaeeKhQ22ebZV-WHwNq7QtmAkSUnb6i4_zH05wOqYdc090pkcZB5fE-0-bT0UMJtcRv4czeXGEA4XDVOQjhOI9s/s640/DSC_1271.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<address>
<street>Box</street> 1</address>
This box is for Palm Sunday, but could be used on Lazarus Saturday as well. It contains a strip of linen fabric to represent the raising of Lazarus, <a href="http://www.growingtreetoys.com/product/schleich-donkey-foal-figure?source=googleps">a donkey</a> (from the crocodile hunter's stash), palm branches (a piece of artificial greenery I found at H*bby L*bby, just pull off the individual fronds off), palm crosses from past Palm Sundays, and icons of Mary and Martha, the Raising of Lazarus, and the Entrance into <city>Jerusalem</city>. The prayer card is a small wooden plaque from the craft store painted purple. I printed the script off my computer and attached it with mod p*dge. A second coat of mod p*dge and some pearl 3-d paint finished it off. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHISyK5PCmoflOsO_badFEnrIilXWyDaMkfF_OklcDRX4qnLasB_b-iWGLYT6Hv5fMudCpb1CV8XOL-93o30mUCmOY8jf6Wn45n9blBj989EmkiRdBQryhgUjIMOAsKXO59_qieM5prC4/s1600/DSC_1272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHISyK5PCmoflOsO_badFEnrIilXWyDaMkfF_OklcDRX4qnLasB_b-iWGLYT6Hv5fMudCpb1CV8XOL-93o30mUCmOY8jf6Wn45n9blBj989EmkiRdBQryhgUjIMOAsKXO59_qieM5prC4/s640/DSC_1272.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<street>Box</street> 2</address>
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This box is for Sunday evening Bridegroom Matins and Monday morning services. The focus of these services is humility, with Joseph as the Old Testament type of Christ, suffering in humility before saving his people. The grapes (from a craft store) and figs are references to the parables told during these services. I purchased the figs online, but they are no longer available from that vendor. Let me know if anyone finds another source for them, but you could model them from sc*lpey clay.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOH3aTdZ7mo4f5rHE8Rx-Gm6SVKbZZGtds7LpUIZZk2hakWVsg88pzI3_ItpUnA2TuqliAUL7xpICdWk2xJzh5kAIfTpac4SG4MRIkO-LXVX9Rontn4RomTAzFK4z9wFEZJEE713-mBc/s1600/DSC_1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOH3aTdZ7mo4f5rHE8Rx-Gm6SVKbZZGtds7LpUIZZk2hakWVsg88pzI3_ItpUnA2TuqliAUL7xpICdWk2xJzh5kAIfTpac4SG4MRIkO-LXVX9Rontn4RomTAzFK4z9wFEZJEE713-mBc/s640/DSC_1274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<street>Box</street> 3</address>
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This box pertains to <a href="http://www.quotes.orthodoxwiki.org/Christ_The_Bridegroom_(O_Nymphios)">Bridegroom Matins</a> on Monday evening and Tuesday mornings gospel readings. The theme of readiness for the final judgement runs through these readings and the parables of the 10 talents and the 10 virgins are told. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Schleich-Standing-Sheep-Toy-3-34/dp/B000H6E198">sheep</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H6FHPA/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0009PL12C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=07KJ42TT3VJ1RZCQEMWB">goats</a> (from the crocodile hunter's stash) are a reference to the scripture in which the people will be divided at judgement. The coin recalls the story of the Pharisees' attempt to trick Christ - render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's. The lamps and oil are from <a href="http://www.spirited-hand.com/childrens_spirituality/catechesis_materials/ten_bridesmaids_10_lamp_set_handmade_/">this site</a>, but are rather expensive. They are made from sc*lpey clay and would be easy to replicate with a bit of time. Icons include the Prophet Moses and the icon of the Last Judgement.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ6VbZHo6jgv0gq78Z0mZhzL2AOgRZjwuq0WBv1rTycGLdl6ObG5WRoWetRddE1W0tXXaOTWm4PZ9Qb-QJuQYloUVnyhzpcP1dbJb3tG0IXIlDWCyRwaYejDiZWPp6xBTRIyfDEomkLE/s1600/DSC_1277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ6VbZHo6jgv0gq78Z0mZhzL2AOgRZjwuq0WBv1rTycGLdl6ObG5WRoWetRddE1W0tXXaOTWm4PZ9Qb-QJuQYloUVnyhzpcP1dbJb3tG0IXIlDWCyRwaYejDiZWPp6xBTRIyfDEomkLE/s640/DSC_1277.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<street>Box</street> 4</address>
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This box covers Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening, with an emphasis on healing. The scriptures read during these days recalls the parable of the good Samaritan, and references to Christ healing the sick. The pitcher, basin (doll house items) and <a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=29">vial </a>of oil remind us of the harlot washing Christ's feet, and also His rebuke to the disciples that He came to save those who are sinful. The bag contains <a href="http://www.mardigrasoutlet.com/catalog/1007.html">30 pieces of silver</a>, as Wednesday is also the day Judas is paid for his betrayal of Christ. Finally, the oil also calls to mind the <a href="http://orthodoxwiki.org/Holy_Unction">Service of Holy Unction </a>which is commonly held on Wednesday of Holy Week. <em>Please note, the coins are not a good item to take to church! They make far too much noise, so I only use them at home, and for church place 3 coins in the bag to represent the 30 pieces.</em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToZAjcWYTEGglyfkVHuqOW0FN7koT2_ot7Yk0JccUlE23BMuiR-W9KbUBxLLOtJkVkpfAUou4PSGrgSvOYMwEWQKZfzIu86SgNUluxRGWCoNHpsywbXJ6RrCnjpHKxz2FWBwm9OWHS3w/s1600/DSC_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToZAjcWYTEGglyfkVHuqOW0FN7koT2_ot7Yk0JccUlE23BMuiR-W9KbUBxLLOtJkVkpfAUou4PSGrgSvOYMwEWQKZfzIu86SgNUluxRGWCoNHpsywbXJ6RrCnjpHKxz2FWBwm9OWHS3w/s640/DSC_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<street>Box</street> 5</address>
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This box is for the <a href="http://www.oca.org/OCchapter.asp?SID=2&ID=73">Mystical Supper</a>, and contains a <a href="http://www.worshipwoodworks.com/home.php?cat=36">chalice, bread</a>, an icon of the last supper and <a href="http://www.worshipwoodworks.com/home.php?cat=36">figures of Christ and disciples</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwGVyKf3Q9TAw1_9YI28oHTOzB44EDJ5hSHoO3PcRBoSq2ku3rF8KiZd4EGCz4elGj-igynWXJaaiXi3-H5pUtawtJVXFpysgDUnRVM41bHJzhuCZxCM2rM6u6OaJSIob7U-aB3NNe3c/s1600/DSC_1286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwGVyKf3Q9TAw1_9YI28oHTOzB44EDJ5hSHoO3PcRBoSq2ku3rF8KiZd4EGCz4elGj-igynWXJaaiXi3-H5pUtawtJVXFpysgDUnRVM41bHJzhuCZxCM2rM6u6OaJSIob7U-aB3NNe3c/s640/DSC_1286.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Box</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> 6</span></em></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">This box covers the services of Thursday and Friday, from the Passion Gospel service to Royal Hours on Friday. It contains a small plastic sword which Peter drew to defend Christ in the garden, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Schleich-Colorful-Rooster/dp/B000H6H30W">rooster </a>as a reminder of Peter's betrayal hours later, a crown of thorns (miniature wreath from H*bby L*bby), a <a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=29">vial</a> of vinegar as offered to Christ on the cross, a strip of leather to remind of the beating he received, a die as they cast lots for his clothing, and a small wooden skewer to represent the spear that pierced His side</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz9Pa3TWCdkdInC6ZIpmjV5N3-tSfSu0Xlfzd8lPEa7m3ogfWxt3F3QUdnhUG9Sp4uy727JveEMcNWaFPPMtyYsXlRvr9h4ZBZ-0-fws_Jvj2ECuMHmGsgUVKNpy__LOREDdm5WYxQcw/s1600/DSC_1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz9Pa3TWCdkdInC6ZIpmjV5N3-tSfSu0Xlfzd8lPEa7m3ogfWxt3F3QUdnhUG9Sp4uy727JveEMcNWaFPPMtyYsXlRvr9h4ZBZ-0-fws_Jvj2ECuMHmGsgUVKNpy__LOREDdm5WYxQcw/s640/DSC_1290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<street>Box</street> 7</address>
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The final box is for Saturday, and contains a strip of linen to represent Christ's burial, <a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=29">vials</a> of <a href="http://www.archangelsbooks.com/categories.asp?cat=Orthodox+Incense">frankincense and myr</a>rh which the women took to the tomb to prepare his body, a stone, icons of the resurrection and the <a href="http://www.worshipwoodworks.com/home.php?cat=42">risen Christ figure</a>. The prayer card was made in the same way as described above. Another nice item to include in this box would be flower petals gathered from the Lamentations service the evening before.</div>
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A great addition to the boxes are the <a href="http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com/eng/index.php/Books-in-English/o-15-My-Book-of-Great-Lent/flypage-ask.tpl.html">Great Lent</a> and <a href="http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com/eng/index.php/Books-in-English/p-16-My-Book-of-Holy-Week/flypage-ask.tpl.html">Holy Week</a> Coloring books from <a href="http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com/eng/">Potamitis Publishing</a>, and for older children, the <a href="http://www.orthodoxgifts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1778">Holy Week and Pascha</a> book is wonderful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.box.net/shared/tjc5fs2lbt">Download list of items for each box</a></div>
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NOTE:<br />
Some of the items in the boxes are not appropriate for younger children, and I am sure there are many other items that could be included, and ways to personalize this project. Use your own judgement to determine what is safe and best for your children.<br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-4624685911802726812017-10-31T22:55:00.002-05:002017-10-31T22:58:17.234-05:00On Halloween<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; line-height: 1.6em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once a year I feel compelled to mention this topic, though it is such a controversial subject among believers. There are those who feel strongly both ways. I would ask that whatever your opinion, you at least take the time to consider the following: how do we make the decision to participate or to not participate? I would suggest the same way we make all decisions as Orthodox Christians, by looking at what the Bible, the Church Fathers and the Canons say.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #000066;">"...Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000066;"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Phillipians</span> 4:8</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">If that is what we are to hold up and think about, the lovely, the gracious, the worthy of praise, how does Halloween measure up? There is nothing lovely about glorifying death. In fact, that is the exact opposite of what the Church is about<span style="font-size: xx-small;">. </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We celebrate life</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">. </span></span>We are mere weeks from entering into a time of honoring the incarnation of our Savior. We begin turning our hearts and minds to the fact that God humbled himself by becoming fully man to destroy death. Think about that just a minute. The One True God, all powerful, all knowing, all honorable. Put on flesh. Lived on this earth. Suffered temptation from Satan. Endured mockery, pain,</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;"> death. </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Entered Hell. </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #6600cc;">CRUSHED DEATH. FOR US.</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> Why would we want to celebrate that which He endured so much to destroy?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">So, for me, no, it is not just all in good fun. It is not just a harmless night for children to dress up and get free candy. IT IS A NIGHT THAT HOLDS UP ALL WE REJECT. IT IS A NIGHT FOR SATAN. So, my question is "why?" Why would we WANT to participate? Because it is fun? Because it is uncomfortable to keep our kids home from Halloween parties? Because someone might make fun of us or our children? Because we don't want our kids to "miss out", or we don't want to miss out on those cute photos of our little one in costume?</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">Each morning as we read the lives of men and women who gave their lives rather than eat food sacrificed to idols, children who died rather than bow to anyone other than God, how can we ask those questions? I think of the mothers who encouraged their children to </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" style="background-color: #eeeeee;">martyrdom.</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> They weren't worried their kids would be made fun of - they were worried their children might not attain eternal communion with God. They didn't try to protect their children from embarrassment, they </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" style="background-color: #eeeeee;">exhorted</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> them to stand strong against the world, a world that hated them and their God. This world still hates us, and it hates our God. So, give your children the strength to stand against evil, </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #6600cc;">teach them to be martyrs</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">!</span><br />
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“Abstain from all appearance of evil” 1 Thessalonians 5:22</div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-size: xx-small;">I</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">f you are interested in reading what others have to say on this topic - here is a selection of links to articles that say far better than I what our duty is as Orthodox Christians in this world. If you have never given this issue thought, or if you are unsure about what is right, </span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #000066;">I challenge you</span><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"> to take the time to read at least one of these articles.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/halloween.aspx" style="color: #351c75; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #003366;">Archbishop <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kyrill</span> on Halloween</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #003366;"><a href="http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/halloween.html" style="color: #351c75; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Halloween: Harmless Fun?</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003366;"><a href="http://www.pravoslavie.ru/english/49484.htm" target="_blank">Fr. John Moses on Halloween</a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.6em;">Finally, on the practicality of the issue. I really do encourage you to consider keeping your kids out of school Halloween celebrations if your school participates in such events. Avoid too much shopping with your children over this time. I try to limit the places we go during this time, since even a trip to the local drugstore is full of nightmarish images that can affect a young one in ways we often don't realize until much later. My daughter had years of nightmares from a grocery trip where she turned a corner to be faced with a life-sized plastic witch. The night of October 31 has always been stressful for me, with young kids how do you avoid the ringing doorbell? Our former parish used to have an </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" style="line-height: 1.6em;">Akathist</span><span style="line-height: 1.6em;"> to the patron saint of our church. What better place to be on this night, than in church, praying for the world? A sister parish has a prayer service followed by a meal and skits on the lives of saints performed by the children. If your parish does not offer a service that evening, gather with a few friends and say the prayers yourself. </span></div>
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<i>first posted October 2010</i></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-34483690801202472902017-09-01T12:55:00.001-05:002017-09-01T13:15:58.320-05:00First Day of Class for our Schole' Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;"> First Day of <a href="http://scholegroups.com/" target="_blank">Theoria Fellowship Schole' Community</a> 2017-2018!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oHHkTvv1xt6U469JY1g7FwDLEbr7zWsjhYo-Op7bolNNL3t0y5QRUXEj0K6IGWZycSCOeTHvD0WN6NJ23-IFTmpVL_ECwIFV-vbnSIResQDIEmZrSwP-YdPaEGPAk4J1giseElV2wIQ/s1600/IMG_7652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1080" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oHHkTvv1xt6U469JY1g7FwDLEbr7zWsjhYo-Op7bolNNL3t0y5QRUXEj0K6IGWZycSCOeTHvD0WN6NJ23-IFTmpVL_ECwIFV-vbnSIResQDIEmZrSwP-YdPaEGPAk4J1giseElV2wIQ/s320/IMG_7652.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the chore chart hangs in the foyer </td></tr>
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<b>Morning Meeting:</b><br />
The moms gather to look over the schedule and make sure we are all on the same page for the day. We take a few minutes to pray a portion of the <a href="http://www.serfes.org/orthodox/NuturerofChildren.htm" target="_blank">Akathist to the Mother of God Nurturer of Children</a>, and then contemplate a question from the final chapters of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Norms-Nobility-Education-David-Hicks/dp/0761814671" target="_blank">Norms and Nobility</a>. We have a game set out for the kids during this time. This is also the time for them to choose their community chore for the day and help with set up of the prayer table and the peace table. <br />
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<b>Morning Prayers:</b><br />
We all gather to pray together. We use an <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/8wek8zkik9rl809/theoria%20prayer%20book.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">abbreviated version of the Third Hour prayers </a>with a prayer before study added, and we sing the Troparion of the Transfiguration of Christ as we have adopted that as our community feast day.<br />
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<b>Preschool:</b><br />
We use <a href="http://www.thehomegrownpreschooler.com/" target="_blank">The Homegrown Preschooler</a> for our littlest ones throughout the day.<br />
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<b>Spanish Drill:</b><br />
Using <a href="http://www.tpr-world.com/" target="_blank">TPR</a> techniques and <a href="http://cherrydalepress.com/?page_id=15" target="_blank">Speaking Spanish with Miss Mason</a>, the children develop a working knowledge of the Spanish language<br />
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<b>Humane Letters:</b><br />
Our students break into groups according to age and spend time reading together and discussing the good and the great books using the <a href="https://www.circeinstitute.org/store/literature-guides/circe-guide-reading" target="_blank">CIRCE Reading Guide</a>.<br />
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<b>Latin:</b><br />
Students are led through the acquisition of vocabulary, grammar and Latin chants with <a href="http://matinlatin.com/" target="_blank">Matin Latin</a>.<br />
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<b>Wonders of Math:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG23pRmdc6VEpialcSfPKnsCVg6AiAd-nZWcoYut9-OmC9xz2Bb78ow7cKgBQM2YVBZfL9uRCfrv46CSyimk8DQmtEdsIQxWM4bJTlFQYAMxWRiLDaVPrQ4k5Ui8z-oEFYCxyFCtHOZI/s1600/IMG_7651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1080" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG23pRmdc6VEpialcSfPKnsCVg6AiAd-nZWcoYut9-OmC9xz2Bb78ow7cKgBQM2YVBZfL9uRCfrv46CSyimk8DQmtEdsIQxWM4bJTlFQYAMxWRiLDaVPrQ4k5Ui8z-oEFYCxyFCtHOZI/s320/IMG_7651.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wonders of math</td></tr>
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This is one class I am sorry I can't attend myself! Inspired by <a href="http://www.constructingtheuniverse.com/" target="_blank">Constructing the Universe</a>, our quadrivium mentor leads the students through some fascinating explorations of numbers and geometry, beginning with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Compass-Drawings-Construction-designs-compass/dp/1570220999/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1504284670&sr=8-1&keywords=compass+drawing+book" target="_blank">Compass Drawing</a>.<br />
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<b>Recitation:</b><br />
The kids come back together as a whole group to enjoy practice in elocution through scripture, poetry and Shakespeare memory work. They are learning liturgical hymns (this year they are tackling the Paschal canon in English, Greek and Arabic!) as well as classical hymns. They also have picture study and composer study during this class. <br />
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<b>Lunch:</b><br />
We have a sign up, and each week one family makes a hot dish for the group and another family brings sides. We take a nice long lunch, outside when possible, and when the kids finish eating they help clean up then have some free play time while the toddlers are put down for their naps.<br />
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<b>Natural Philosophy:</b><br />
This is a class I am really excited about teaching this year. We are using <a href="http://sabbathmoodhomeschool.com/" target="_blank">Sabbath Mood Homeschool</a> <a href="http://sabbathmoodhomeschool.com/downloads/middle-school-biology-study-guide/" target="_blank">Form 3 Biology Study Guide</a> with our oldest students, and science journals from <a href="http://www.riverbendpress.com/" target="_blank">Riverbend Press</a>.<br />
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<b>Good Neighbor:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFUxN8sCFaUtNOFTqpF31ucKiTZta0q2Gnhpp2fg2SRAVmxcah16Q2iKHDaFlQWx7lQe3y2deLqPt4soSHgYWs6oo3-TX-t6FBChkRTzANyNKncHj-zWiKK6C9uHCKqdV4jgQOzrYS5s/s1600/IMG_7649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFUxN8sCFaUtNOFTqpF31ucKiTZta0q2Gnhpp2fg2SRAVmxcah16Q2iKHDaFlQWx7lQe3y2deLqPt4soSHgYWs6oo3-TX-t6FBChkRTzANyNKncHj-zWiKK6C9uHCKqdV4jgQOzrYS5s/s320/IMG_7649.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">letters to shut ins</td></tr>
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Our Forms 1-2 students spend time doing copywork and handwriting with a purpose by writing notes and creating drawings for the shut-ins of our church.<br />
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<b>Nature Study:</b><br />
Time to explore the outdoors! They have 10 acres to enjoy, and over the years we have studied edible plants, creek critters, the trees and plants of the area while honing our skills of attention. They learn how to make nature journal entries and develop brush drawing skills. Some of the resources used for this include <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Nature-Children-20th-Anniversary/dp/1883220734/ref=pd_sim_14_15?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AR9CA9HK2QMR09PB61WW" target="_blank">Sharing Nature </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-01piQTDIKWEJ3L96-uEGVEqbV5XUb8JV5HzHsRt5CF23CpYuBx2mm_5ESB-_SJcUrFqgAtqS6ZMjC_T7zGEtoNTxH-hFEN9YSlc0nQEUhQAlg8UgD5CCxQzXRpSjfOeNW3p_cghhSzk/s1600/IMG_7654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1080" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-01piQTDIKWEJ3L96-uEGVEqbV5XUb8JV5HzHsRt5CF23CpYuBx2mm_5ESB-_SJcUrFqgAtqS6ZMjC_T7zGEtoNTxH-hFEN9YSlc0nQEUhQAlg8UgD5CCxQzXRpSjfOeNW3p_cghhSzk/s200/IMG_7654.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brush drawing practice</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Nature-Children-20th-Anniversary/dp/1883220734/ref=pd_sim_14_15?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AR9CA9HK2QMR09PB61WW" target="_blank">with Children</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Nature-Guide-Explore-Natural/dp/1612125093/ref=pd_sim_14_14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PXAD72P82A2KK13EQFRK" target="_blank">The Curious Nature Guide</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-Raise-Wild-Child-Science/dp/0544705297/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504285734&sr=8-2&keywords=in+the+outdoors+with+children" target="_blank">How to Raise a Wild Child</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Nature-Study-Botsford-Comstock/dp/0801493846/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1504285922&sr=1-1&keywords=handbook+of+nature+study" target="_blank">The Handbook of Nature Study</a>.<br />
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Clean up and closing prayers:<br />
The kids pack up, help put the house back in order, and we gather to pray Ninth Hour Prayers before departing. At times we try to have a few minutes to share what we are thankful for about our day together.<br />
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It must have been a great first day, since as their last classes were wrapping up least three of them asked what class was next, and couldn't believe the day was already over!<br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-23798248598073457272017-07-23T17:03:00.000-05:002017-07-23T17:03:58.011-05:00Numinous: Reflections from above the clouds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVufsCxv_sciZ1WrvZhMNTl5jHJmTI6Le54I8627_csJn2fK3mAi3k2lynCHiaVHDqP8TEL4EwpLVpp8SMa8anu9Na-iZeQHv2B1kEMe0SwfbmvvaVdBFyIkuDhyphenhyphenbuQuIzkw7AYvHpDZA/s1600/IMG_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVufsCxv_sciZ1WrvZhMNTl5jHJmTI6Le54I8627_csJn2fK3mAi3k2lynCHiaVHDqP8TEL4EwpLVpp8SMa8anu9Na-iZeQHv2B1kEMe0SwfbmvvaVdBFyIkuDhyphenhyphenbuQuIzkw7AYvHpDZA/s400/IMG_6893.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are moments in our lives when we are lifted up above the clouds. We are offered glimpses of the divine, we are surprised by unexplained joy, the sound of a gentle breeze, We get to experience a rush of emotions, a high that is both beautiful and painful. Beautiful because it offers us the inspiration to continue on in faith. Painful because it is just a taste, and we know we cannot remain in those moments, not yet. Each time, we must descend back beneath the clouds. We have to step back out of the wardrobe, return from the island of Pan, leave the place of our song-dream, turn the page in the magician's book. This withdrawal of His presence allows us to experience the longing, to struggle in the Christian life, to continue to seek to become more like Him, to become transformed, glorified.<br />
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(a few thoughts gleaned from the wisdom of others, as I descend from the clouds after a week at <a href="https://www.circeinstitute.org/" target="_blank">CIRCE National Conference 2017</a>)</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-84873736130915242112017-05-02T16:22:00.000-05:002017-05-02T16:22:01.947-05:00It's here!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The <a href="http://orthodoxinfo.com/general/holyfire.aspx" target="_blank">Holy Fire</a> arrived last night from Pennsylvania</div>
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Fr. John lighting transport candles</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhvWoQLDZxp1GmWkUj9WXOJePLQhCnFzrliga54ygVJQaOOl39ZqGSYjJpP2TBx1C75y1g0gR1uWqrsrVur-S0ukLBB4gLpnsQZNB0l22XiEcLXXeEqROc23IGFWpn1eBbX0PL4EFdl4/s1600/IMG_5730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhvWoQLDZxp1GmWkUj9WXOJePLQhCnFzrliga54ygVJQaOOl39ZqGSYjJpP2TBx1C75y1g0gR1uWqrsrVur-S0ukLBB4gLpnsQZNB0l22XiEcLXXeEqROc23IGFWpn1eBbX0PL4EFdl4/s320/IMG_5730.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Transporting the lantern<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS-R57NqAwnW15zHMISziIVauF3DW1Rh7f-i3qFymmAMDElazzN1VYR8AfbIs-He3LpI_s8-7XJrVsR6dJl2p5XmHRq5yNmPI1k8v3-Gi_U7foLd6esABdOosCl_LiisW4_v-zmNOnnI/s1600/IMG_5731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhS-R57NqAwnW15zHMISziIVauF3DW1Rh7f-i3qFymmAMDElazzN1VYR8AfbIs-He3LpI_s8-7XJrVsR6dJl2p5XmHRq5yNmPI1k8v3-Gi_U7foLd6esABdOosCl_LiisW4_v-zmNOnnI/s320/IMG_5731.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Fr. Stephen receiving the Holy Fire for St. Ignatius </div>
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Fr. Matthew at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church receiving the light </div>
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My entryway 5 1/2 hours later :)</div>
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-50351573686429024872017-05-01T13:35:00.000-05:002017-09-01T13:40:37.282-05:00Artist Study Pages<div style="text-align: center;">
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-12418169986821046832017-04-24T23:27:00.000-05:002017-04-24T23:27:16.285-05:00Holy FireWell, yes, it has been a year since I have blogged here. I have been terribly lazy, finding the simplicity of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/scholedays/?ref=badge" target="_blank">Instagram</a> far less time consuming to my daily life and so by default that is where I have lived online for the past year. I hope to come back and re-inhabit this space, as I miss my blogger friends. What brings me back to this space? The joy of Pascha!!! Holy Week was a time of intense joy within our house, and as always, Holy Saturday has become a day that I cannot live without. But my joy continues with the realization that the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/video/2017/04/15/greek-orthodox-patriarch-leads-holy-fire?videoId=371497499" target="_blank">Holy Fire of Jerusalem</a> has made its way to our North American shores, and I am excited to participate in transporting and spreading the fire to the surrounding areas. If you want to receive the Holy Fire, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/447533648924556/" target="_blank">go here </a>and enter your information and you can help to spread it across the continent!<br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-75157945006291624092016-05-01T11:34:00.002-05:002016-05-01T11:34:56.553-05:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfLp3Jtbl7xQM3RqNnMZUkC0jsn-3vvT4VtqVBaokZTTHUeEfehtBC9MFlMa1SqTLy3z6osicvqPJ_FdbF-hlT7b25ZCBSm-4RXHrHPTM3nxPxU0IEJZ6sOzN4VKtT8NBTt-Z3Hb99jo/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfLp3Jtbl7xQM3RqNnMZUkC0jsn-3vvT4VtqVBaokZTTHUeEfehtBC9MFlMa1SqTLy3z6osicvqPJ_FdbF-hlT7b25ZCBSm-4RXHrHPTM3nxPxU0IEJZ6sOzN4VKtT8NBTt-Z3Hb99jo/s640/IMG_4282.JPG" width="640" /></a>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-34617268272543009292016-04-19T16:10:00.001-05:002016-04-19T16:10:52.216-05:00Happy Birthday to my firstborn<br />
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Today my first baby turns 17! Hard to believe this 6'2" boy on the verge of being a man once lived inside me, that there was a time when Mom was the only girl in his life and all it took to bring a look of sheer joy to his face was to tell him Daddy was home.<br />
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I am so very proud of who he is and excited to see what path he chooses in the coming years. At the same time, how very much it hurts to see him begin to stretch out his wings in preparation to fly this nest, 'because being a mother is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body' (Elizabeth Stone)<br />
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This photo is from his birthday last year, with Fr. Gordon, with whom he shared both a middle name and birthday. It is the last photo I have of them together, and <a href="http://www.sttheophanacademy.com/2015/07/memory-eternal-fr-gordon-thomas-walker.html" target="_blank">Fr. Gordon's last birthday on this side of eternity</a>. Memory eternal, and many years to my not so little boy!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-3217514979451203702016-02-19T20:52:00.001-06:002016-02-19T20:52:00.368-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-15510476041365691422016-01-30T21:50:00.001-06:002016-01-30T21:50:07.014-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-31806077156828596192015-12-24T20:57:00.002-06:002015-12-24T20:57:19.460-06:00Christ is Born! Glorify Him!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas from my family to yours!</span></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-18716648415941672802015-07-23T09:30:00.001-05:002015-07-23T09:30:03.474-05:00Memory Eternal Fr. Gordon Thomas Walker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-75714256563622719392015-07-20T22:14:00.000-05:002015-07-20T22:14:00.564-05:004H Wildlife Competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The past year the kids have delved into the 4H Wildlife/Forestry/Fishery Project. It was the first year for our county to have a senior Wildlife team, and the crocodile hunter was in his element. I am amazed by what they had to learn - the ability to identify 45 species of animals from their skulls/pelts/calls, answer questions concerning the habitat and life of these animals, determine wildlife management practices to manage a piece of land for certain species, and finally - with a team of 4 create a plan to manage a specific piece of property (several acres which they must explore on their own) for 5 to 6 species - writing a two page management plan detailing their recommendations. They must then each defend that plan orally before wildlife resource management agents.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Harper teaching the kids about <a href="http://www.ncsu.edu/goingnative/howto/mapping/invexse/sericeal.html" target="_blank">sericea lespedeza</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">We have spent many hours over the past year studying pelts, learning the differences between a <a href="http://www.odditiesstore.com/" target="_blank">raccoon skull and a red fox skull, </a>discerning the difference between the many sparrows by feather and call! We trudged through forests and wetlands, we practiced scenarios for management. The result was our team of high schoolers went to the regional competition and competed against teams who have years of experience - and we managed to squeak in to qualify for state</span>! </div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, off to the state competition where I learned that my bladder can go 7 hours without a bathroom and I became very comfortable with the presence of timber rattlesnakes!</span></div>
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And while they didn't win state, our group of kids managed to place 6th among 11 teams who have all been doing this for 3-5 years! We are incredibly proud of them, and look forward to seeing how they do next year.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">headed out to evaluate the land a create a management plan</td></tr>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-65045941669206298052015-07-12T21:48:00.000-05:002015-07-12T22:23:30.105-05:00walking!!!!our sweet little one - he has mild hypotonia/muscle weakness (which the little princess also suffered from) which results in delays in gross motor skills as well as contributed to his visit to the hospital last fall. So it is with great joy that we get to see him taking his first steps as he nears his second birthday!<br />
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-81811813278488252382015-06-05T00:25:00.001-05:002015-06-05T00:25:58.116-05:00Formation <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a year in the discernment process, I received my letter of recognition as a formation leader for Level I of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd last December! I have been anxiously awaiting my copy of the formation leaders handbook which was under revision. It is finally in my hands :) I am excited to continue this journey of spiritual formation now with the new opportunity to help show other adults the joys of working with children in the Catechesis.</div>
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-55857577784526264372015-06-02T18:29:00.003-05:002015-06-02T22:29:51.955-05:00CGS Formation Leader Retreat<div style="text-align: center;">
On retreat in Atlanta this week with fellow catechists and formation leaders</div>
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exploring and contemplating the experience of the 6-9 year old child in the atrium,</div>
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and experiencing the endless gifts of God...</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-27479580082687816732015-02-16T17:23:00.002-06:002015-02-16T17:23:10.910-06:00Great Backyard Bird CountWell, the promise of snow yielded to the always dreaded ice, and so all of our extra-curricular lessons for Monday (violin, piano, karate) were cancelled. The kids made a valiant effort to sled in the ice, with rain coming down in spite of temperatures in the teens. Gloves, hats and scarves are all now hanging in front of the fire place to dry while we watch all of our evergreens slowly stoop and bow to the earth under the weight of freezing rain turning to ice heavy on their branches. We are thankful to have power, since thousands in our area do not. On a positive note, the kids are all participating in the <a href="http://gbbc.birdcount.org/" target="_blank">Great Backyard Bird Count</a> this year, and their observations today have been quite varied and exciting. So far, they have spotted more than a dozen species visiting our feeders, and the bird count is in the hundreds!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-58090116890212671332015-02-10T09:29:00.003-06:002015-02-10T09:29:41.728-06:00A special visitor<div style="text-align: center;">
This Sunday we had a special visitor to our atrium.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukl2tUsaSe_OtRdlBOF7H_nXAfDJvCXVAcIOBl629KZQybV4XvkJm5hQaDdeOLCil_VSPkgeHjtthlgy9jRxpAy6agvuGvkDYLg7Ke-PC9cyDcEKJ28Y4018ZojjV9pm8KBj6aQjq-5U/s1600/DSC_0992+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukl2tUsaSe_OtRdlBOF7H_nXAfDJvCXVAcIOBl629KZQybV4XvkJm5hQaDdeOLCil_VSPkgeHjtthlgy9jRxpAy6agvuGvkDYLg7Ke-PC9cyDcEKJ28Y4018ZojjV9pm8KBj6aQjq-5U/s1600/DSC_0992+2.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.janegmeyer.com/" target="_blank"> Jane G. Meyer</a> was in town and visited our parish, and graciously offered to read to our children.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwOjQiGnf0cAF_iScSoDww3zp34bkodirkgmyzgqFrvbZuTm0EdtGROHmRWpQxWPi9Gza2A1kj7FlmlyuIRW7AmSS0OmEV7v7OBPIyotHEgzlRQRIKExPGWxWClBS6Y8mL5vQiFkBQkE/s1600/DSC_0994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwOjQiGnf0cAF_iScSoDww3zp34bkodirkgmyzgqFrvbZuTm0EdtGROHmRWpQxWPi9Gza2A1kj7FlmlyuIRW7AmSS0OmEV7v7OBPIyotHEgzlRQRIKExPGWxWClBS6Y8mL5vQiFkBQkE/s1600/DSC_0994.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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The children loved getting to interact with her, and were amazed to have the author of many well treasured books take the time to read and pray with them.</div>
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What a beautiful moment! The Level 3 children had just received the presentation of the Story of a Bread, which traces the path of the wheat seed to its ultimate fulfillment as the Body of Christ. The children set the prayer table with the wheat, and we brought in a loaf of prosphora. One child brought the rising leaven work to the table, and then added the grains of wheat from the parable shelf as well, and excitedly pointed out that we had all the stages of the bread! Then we settled in to enjoy a reading of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0881410594/?tag=mh0b-20&hvadid=4962573310&ref=pd_sl_tgp9p6r24_e" target="_blank">The Woman and the Wheat</a> by the author.</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-32635905751674218742015-02-06T08:08:00.001-06:002015-02-06T08:08:36.820-06:00Preparing candles for the feast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year we gathered with friends and made candles and candle holders for the feast of the Meeting of our Lord in the temple.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vNcCbrkyB2XBZDiDveqzy0HIn1a3c7BgzAwNJ-6kIkQf0gTB44pNIDSURGu8e9AUzTEFGg0cAaceg1y6FDNRpcGrYlai5ElR2I5zKDpNphLAqG3pElQUN_ipqvs3i_O5mMMoiDCtL6E/s1600/DSC_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vNcCbrkyB2XBZDiDveqzy0HIn1a3c7BgzAwNJ-6kIkQf0gTB44pNIDSURGu8e9AUzTEFGg0cAaceg1y6FDNRpcGrYlai5ElR2I5zKDpNphLAqG3pElQUN_ipqvs3i_O5mMMoiDCtL6E/s1600/DSC_0986.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.montessoriworksblog.com/2014/02/06/handmade-beeswax-lanterns/" target="_blank">We dipped balloons in beeswax </a>(I finally bought a small inexpensive crock pot to dedicate to beeswax, well worth it!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.montessoriworksblog.com/2014/02/06/handmade-beeswax-lanterns/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqrPnCRgz28BSP-7fI9e3-gNZsP2u29yrJQWQWQ3uh6Ll2V0hztRnNxB5tRRZxN5aTXcpOTSVt1Wc78JTmSMAdKniZ5EVByNNL65imX9lBvnDXbXYfZots5kO4BaVfyPUceWcjXd9kvs/s1600/DSC_0984.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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The result was these beautiful beeswax lanterns! I think this is one of my favorite pinterest successes ever! They glow with such warmth and light when we burn a tea light in them.</div>
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The kids cut out tissue paper and mod-podged them onto glass votives.</div>
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We <a href="http://www.novanatural.com/beeswax-candle-kit.html" target="_blank">rolled sheets of beeswax for candles</a>, and used <a href="http://www.novanatural.com/candle-decorating-kit.html" target="_blank">these wax sheets</a> to <a href="http://www.novanatural.com/pattern-cutters-for-decorating-wax.html" target="_blank">cut out designs</a> and decorate <a href="http://www.novanatural.com/set-of-12-beeswax-candles-490.html" target="_blank">small candles</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2013/02/candlemas-cookies-with-drip-plates.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReBZupfiE3hHbsLGirR3ZyvaPz_mSrOJPUr25XwmVxPmh879ZYjjHXpOUOXBQ1sqJxLyvbjFpKh_BrrdeMaBwsoe7jPSGv9nr6KvRRf_hLj0_eZrT4wiHhOhMmTKfupspLuLeXADX3ic/s1600/DSC_0991+(1).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Finally we feasted on <a href="http://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2013/02/candlemas-cookies-with-drip-plates.html" target="_blank">candle cookies,</a> fresh bread and homemade butter (in honor of St. Brigid)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju14rek5cC0-ozoLenASP2Jxxcp-rUVknaWg7TmZOGfl9Qn3sYaBohjTIhwXd9xRnsWnhguOD2qlzug8uhyizGMW9vuo0Ldp2WxdD7qr8-K_jLHjMV7eHloDoZcRQ05XvhpsUYjV-V6w/s1600/DSC_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiju14rek5cC0-ozoLenASP2Jxxcp-rUVknaWg7TmZOGfl9Qn3sYaBohjTIhwXd9xRnsWnhguOD2qlzug8uhyizGMW9vuo0Ldp2WxdD7qr8-K_jLHjMV7eHloDoZcRQ05XvhpsUYjV-V6w/s1600/DSC_0995.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-76211947887042447352015-02-02T16:37:00.001-06:002015-02-06T08:09:58.700-06:00A Trio of Joyous Moments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people.</div>
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A light, to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel</div>
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I love that the darkest, coldest time of year for us is also the time we celebrate the first coming of the Light! Bundled up against the cold, we packed up <a href="http://www.sttheophanacademy.com/2015/02/preparing-candles-for-feast.html" target="_blank">our basket of candles</a> and gathered to celebrate the moment when old and new first met, when Simeon after so many years of waiting at last held the promised Messiah in his arms and prayed those beautiful words we sing at each Vespers service.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sttheophanacademy.com/2015/02/preparing-candles-for-feast.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLvFVihAjcox8wdT7kWeTMKLhQR6sM8ztNFjTNlBZQJ5uM5JSFUCVKH7fFmcNgqIbYHzT6cipEX30oD5j7-Egp84vOP8rsqbjPt50Zk6SjC0gI3rCtOhyZUayrUDatNMBcJ_ud8FMThrU/s1600/DSC_0987.JPG" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
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As we celebrated the Divine Liturgy, how exciting it was as well to see the Triodion laying at the foot of the icon of Christ, the gentle reminder that our journey has already begun once again, that we are in preparation for the <a href="http://www.sttheophanacademy.com/2010/04/marathon.html" target="_blank">marathon</a>. Even as we complete the celebration of His birth, the church already strains forward to the moment when the Light destroys all darkness. </div>
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Our candles are home, ready to offer light in the dark days and evenings, to remind us of the one true Light.</div>
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And blessed moment to complete this day, Simeon held the Light in his arms today, and I held my new goddaughter in my arms. What a beautiful day to enter into the world little one, I look forward to watching you grow!</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-58965587071260249642015-02-01T22:00:00.000-06:002015-02-02T07:57:19.491-06:00Blessed Feast of St. Brigid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today we celebrate the feast of St. Brigid of Ireland</div>
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Which means time to clean out the pantry!</div>
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Empty shelves, washed clean</div>
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Jars washed, staples re-stocked, everything organized and ready for Great Lent</div>
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Hope you had a blessed feast day!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-49816649528962182472015-01-06T11:26:00.000-06:002015-01-06T11:33:34.361-06:00Blessing of the Waters<div style="text-align: center;">
Our family has still been battling illness, with at least one person sick since Christmas, so not all of us were able to attend Theophany Liturgy last evening, but we all managed to make it today for the outdoor blessing of the waters. </div>
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Sunny and 38 degrees, not as bad as some years, but only four brave souls (and a priest!) decided to enter the waters. </div>
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A pair of sisters and a pair of brothers, who also happen to be cousins!</div>
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This girl decided to stay out of the water!</div>
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Little brother looks on as two of his big sisters go in</div>
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the little princess was successful</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-21354406916440228332015-01-03T22:03:00.002-06:002015-01-03T22:08:15.255-06:00Christ is Born! Glorify Him!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From our family to yours, may you find joy in the season of the Nativity, and may your coming year be full of the grace and love of our Lord and Savior.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(photo courtesy <a href="http://www.eilasblog.com/" target="_blank">Eilas Photography)</a></span></div>
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7932568289336255559.post-26429632650737823332014-11-22T00:18:00.000-06:002014-12-06T00:18:35.491-06:00Jesse Tree: Day 8<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Today we hear about the covenant that God made with Abraham. Our reading is based on Genesis chapter 15. It relates the story of how God called Abram out of the land of Harran and chose him to be the father of his chosen people. We read about how Abram and Sarai were without child, yet God promised that their descendants would outnumber the stars! We read of the fulfillment of this promise with the birth of Isaac, whose name means laughter. We once again begin to see the path God has planned establish His people and to set forth His divine plan for the salvation of the world. Our ornament today is from our first Jesse tree ornament swap.<br />
<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15559423891850170899noreply@blogger.com1