Monday, December 27, 2010

Special Needs Homeschool: FREEbies

Special Needs Homeschool: FREEbies: "FREE Learning/Educational Websites I now have all the FREE learning/educational websites in a spreadsheet. It is easy to use, visual, organ..."

Friday, December 17, 2010

Psst… want to save up to $46?

Hey! I just learned a clean little secret about Lowe’s. They have quite the selection of cleaning products plus air and water filters to help keep your home spic and span inside and out. And they’re sending out up to $46 in savings so you can really clean up. Get your coupons before they’re gone! Go to vocalpoint.com/Lowes.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Catholic Cuisine: Mexican Crispas

Catholic Cuisine: Mexican Crispas: "To celebrate the feast of St. Juan Diego today we made Mexican Crispas.I referred to them here in this post, but for you visual readers (li..."

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Sister Act- I Will Follow Him

Hail Holy Queen

Little Flowers,Blue Knights and The Little Women's Hospitality Program

Yes, I must be nuts, or maybe this  all will stop me from thinking our impeding financial issues.  We are already running a Little Flowers group in our church already. I am leading Wreath 3. I decided to run The Little Women's Hospitality Program out of my home for the girls, with the all the parents participating Hosting a night. And then decided to run a Blue Knights Club for Special Needs boys--this one I haven't figured out.  Let me preface this by saying this was all God in church today on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  Thanks to God and Our Blessed Mother.  The things I do are always God-inspired. 

God Bless,
Noelle

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

I am thankful for...

I am thankful for so many things lately.  I am thankful for the awesome Parish community we belong to, especially my pastor, Father Williams.  Thank you for inspiring our family what the true walk of faith is.  This past year has not been an easy one and without our family and friends I don't know what I would do.  Thank you for being our witnesses to Christ through the dark valley.  I am thank for our parents who helped us and inspired us to keep the faith.  I am truly thankful the husband I have. He is truly my best friend in the world, and has made me laugh despite the difficult times we have had.  I am so Blessed to have him and for God to send him to me.  I feel truly Blessed to have the children I do, true gifts from God.  Despite everything we have been through in the past 3 years, they have never complained and trusted completely in God and us.  I am truly thankful for the awesome God we have.  He believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Thirteen years ago, I put my writing career on hold to be a wife to my husband and mother to my children. Well now I am restarting it after God's prompting me to.  Some people in my family have said I gave my career up, but I didn't give up anything.  Being a wife and mother is the most rewarding of anything I have even done, even more than teaching.  Being a mother has been the hardest challenge in my life but I have been blessed my two unique and awesome kids.  I love you all.  The Blessed Mother has been such a role model for me to follow through my spiritual journey helping me along the way, having me take baby steps. She was my role model in becoming a wife and mother.  She guided me back to a saint I long forgot since making my Confirmation, Saint Therese of Liseux, who by her Little Ways followed Our Lord. I am very thankful for those two blessed women who put me on the right track with Jesus.  God Bless you all and have a Blessed Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Clarity, writing , and hope

The last couple of weeks have been hard on us medically speaking.  I feel like I have lived between the doctor and the chiropractor.  And yet I hear God saying be still.  Being still in the midst of what is going on between my daughter and I medically.  For the past 4 weeks I have been sick up and down and so has she.  So I pray and ask for guidance and he tells me to be still and listen that I have a voice. Maybe this was a spiritual fight as well as a medical one.
For a long time I never wanted to accept writing, because I always picked the safe road for my family.  Teaching was not the road that God wanted me to choose, or maybe I was not spiritual ready for what he would ask me to do.  I am not so sure I am ready but I am writing.  Yes I am writing a book, and freelancing articles on the side.  I realized surrendering it all doesn't mean just some parts of my life. It means all. I finally surrendered it all.  This past weekend His Grace showed me amazing things that I never thought I could have enough courage to do, but I am.  It is such a part of me I never realized I was missing something. I got an email from a person today, who said she loves my name.  She said it is her daughter's middle name because it reminds her of hope.  It blew me away.  I never thought of myself as hope-filled, but maybe that is what God has been trying to tell me all along.  He just used another angel to explain it to me.
Thank you God for the gifts you have given to me.  God Bless you all.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Mom Clock

I read this awesome article today on homeschooling  kids with special needs.

http://heartofthematteronline.com/setting-the-mom-clock?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+heartofthematteronline%2FYoZh+%28Heart+of+the+Matter%29

Greek History is ending.

I am so excited to start Roman History next week.  I think we overdid the Greek History, but the Percy Jackson and the Lost Hero series was so great.  Rick Riordan is one of my favorite writers.  It is funny when we started homeschooling years ago, I never thought I could do it.  Yet we have and successfully we two special needs learners. I would have thought the amazing places we would visit through our history learning. 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Percy Jackson and the Olympians

 

After reading the last book, my reaction was WOW!  We started this series because we are doing a unit study on Greece.  Being a writer myself, this book series was awesome. It is written as Percy is telling the story throughout all five books.  The descriptions of Percy's world and his reactions to the world were detailed.  Rick Riordan has the world he created highly detailed down to the smallest blade that Annabeth uses. He thoroughly researched before writing these books.  Through reading these books, your children will get a great lesson in Greek Mythology. It is an action pack series of books from the Lightning Thief to The Last Olympian. There are five books in this series: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian.  We were drawn to this series because of the fact that Percy has dyslexia and ADHD, and how the author uses his disability as his greatest ability is truly impressive.  All those special needs parents need to get these books for their kids, I highly recommend this series. Everyone of all ages will enjoy this, especially those History geeks like me.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Time for attention

Wow, this article I just read by Elizabeth Foss, is where my head has been lately, given time alone for each kid.  My daughter and I were talking today, about our girls weekend next weekend and what to do.  She is so excited.  I don't know if it is the age, being 13, or just spending time alone with me.  We haven't had it for awhile, so she really excited.  This article hit home about spending quality time alone with each child and it is my Mary moment for today.


http://catholicherald.com/opinions/detail.html?sub_id=13989


God Bless you.

Boy Scouts

My son has always been involved in scouts.  As many of you know he has a disability, not so much an academic one, but a medical one.  He has SPD(sensory Processing Disorder), an eye tracking problem, probably mild aspberger's. He went through cub scouts and loved it.  This past year he went to Boy Scouts.  Let me tell you he grew up over the summer.  He went to camp because I insisted on it, not because he really wanted to go.  He didn't want to go and ended up having the time of his life. He absolutely loved it and is talking abut next summer camp already. I picked him up at the meeting last night, and I was so happy for him.  It is a place he fits into, a place he belongs.  It has been a long time in finding that.  We have had a rough road that we traveled.  Homeschooling was the best place for him academically, and boy scouts has been the best place for him socially.  It is the place that he loves going to, and is rushing out the door to get too.  He has made bonds with these boys that he will always have.  He told me last night, Mom I want to become an Eagle Scout and help our parish while doing it.  All I can say is what an awesome Boy Scout Troop he is in.  I cannot thank enough his leaders and the boys in his Troop.  We are truly Blessed to have an awesome Troop at Saint Veronica's Church.  I truly believe that wherever God is present people's lives are Blessed.  We have been Blessed abundantly because of it.  God Bless You all!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The drive home and Star 99.1

I was driving home today and as always I had 99.1  I wanted share this.  I think it was Keith Stevens I was listening to, that replayed a caller from Saturday.  This caller said a few years back she got this call from an elderly man.  She was a homeowner's agent from what I got.  ANyway the elderly man called to tell her that he was sorry he lapsed on his homeoner's insurance he was preoocupied because his son was in the South Tower.  She asked if he survived he said yes.  He went back in the save this lady, who has trouble getting out.  She had 3 children.  So they both were saved.  The elderly man went  on to say he was a WW2 survivor and he was the only one who survived from his battalion and he always wondered why.  He said Now I know.  I came home to marry my sweetheart to have a son to be in that tower that day to save that woman.  The moral is no matter what you are going through God has the bigger picture.  We may wonder why, but he has his reasons.  God is truly awesome.  God Bless you all!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Darryl Worley - Have You Forgotten?

Hannah Montana Forever - Im Still Good Official Music Video

Review: The Journey Of Faith

The Journey Of Faith by Fr.Benedict Groeschel,C.F.R.

I took a long time to read this book, because I wanted to savor everything Fr. Groeschel wrote.  I highly respect him as a theologian and priest.  This book is a journey to deepen your faith in Christ.  This book teaches a lay person such as myself how to have Expectant Faith. He  explains how we need faith, hope and love for salvation and the road to The Kingdom of God.  As he goes through examples that we can relate too, it deepens your faith through the journey in this book. One thing that astonished me in this book is that, " 94% of people today believe there is a God who knows they exist and who personally cares about their existence". The Media in this country does not portray this statement, which is why I was shocked.  Fr. Groeschel  went on to talk about the Faith we need to have in our Church, the church that Christ created. Jesus established this church for us, a means for us to be saved.  He has a whole chapter explaining practical ways to grow in our faith.He explains only  through grace and the act of faith will we be able to sustained our faith. Finally, throughout this book he explains that prayer is the most essential part of our journey with God, that will guide us to have that Expectant Faith in Him. This is the most positive book about our Faith Journey with Christ that I ever read.  I would highly recommend this book because it is a great book, not just because I highly respect the priest who wrote it.

http://www.catholiccompany.com/journey-faith-how-to-deepen-your-faith-god-p1033524/?sli=1033524&variation=1


Given book to Review by The Catholic Company:

http://www.catholiccompany.com/

Sunday, August 22, 2010

As the School Year Starts

Year come and go. I remember the year I brought home both of my kids from the hospital. This year one graduates from elementary school and one is entering middle school. What an exciting year it will be? As look back, a tear comes to my eye. This time of the year is sad for many mothers who are sending their kids off to college, school for the first time, or entering a new school. I have always imagined what my kids would be like older when they were little. They have become awesome people. Their walk with God is different than mine but yet they trust in Him fully. Homeschooling has become a great education for them, we have traveled through many countries experiencing the food and culture. I have learned as well as them. My kids have taught me a great many lessons along the way. God sent me on this adventure to learn along with them, and we all have become different people because of it. We all have grown, changed and become closer to Our Blessed Lord than I ever would have sending them to Catholic School. As the school year starts tomorrow, I want to wish you all a Blessed New School Year!

The Circle Game - Joni Mitchell

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Gluten Free Brownies

They came out awesome!!! Next time I will add chocolate chips for a more fudgy taste. Thanks to the Gluten free Goddess. She has helped us eat delicious meals gluten free and reduced the sugar in take. Thank you so much!!!

Gluten Free Goddess

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Gluten -free

We went gluten free a couple of months ago, so I am experimenting with a lot of different stuff. Tonight I made Gluten free brownies, they are cooling as I speak, so hopefully, they will taste okay,we will see. I just got copied a graham cracker recipes off the Gluten-free Goddess. I hope by Christmas to be an excellent gluten- free baker. My son has alot of food allergies, gluten intolerance is a recent one. He is being checked for celiac in the fall. God has helped us through this all. He has been walking me through it and helping us find what he can and can't eat.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Learning Consultant Blog

Yes I am finally do it everyone. I am going to start a business being a Learning Consultant for special needs kids. So look out for the new blog for it. Soon to come.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

While I'm Waiting by John Waller {Fireproof music video with lyrics}

Abiding Faith

Four years ago, I started this blog, to help me through my Catholic homeschooling journey. Now as I sit and look at the blog what it went from to what it is now it is a journey of Abiding Faith. Having faith in trusting in God and carrying the crosses that come during your journey walk is hard at times. I recently read an article in believing and trusting in God's Will.She said that sometimes trusting in God is praying with despair in your heart. I can relate to that. When you are not walking through the dark valleys in life, you can surely say it--I abide in faith. It is harder when the pits of despair created by a job loss, losing everything you worked so hard to have are about to be taking away from you. Than is when it is harder to pray and have that abiding faith. Right now as we are in that dark valley, I am doing my best to pray with abiding faith. Believe when you are carrying that cross Satan is at your back trying to get you to drop it.
I believe constant prayer does get you through it all. My deep faith has always gotten me through the toughest times in my life. This walk is no different than the rest, but with each cross comes new ardent challenges that sometimes are hard to conquer. That is the time I re-read the footprints poem in my head--God is carrying me through this time. Recently I was driving home from church and heard this song, called I am waiting by John Waller. God knows when we need to hear the messages we need to hear, that is what an awesome and Amazing God we have. Abiding Faith is a journey of having waiting faith, in God's time, in God's will/ God Bless you all!

Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle

Friday, July 9, 2010

Faith and Courage

I just finished watching Julia and Julia what an awesome movie. It is funny that sometimes you watch something that you see your self in. Cooking saved Julia, and my writing has saved me. This is movie showed how impossible things can happen even to those of us who doubt through times in our lives. Jesus said nothing is impossible with God. Lately things we have been going through, I have doubted God and myself, but I realized nothing is impossible, even when we think it is. I realized I have lost Faith in everything lately, especially myself. I realized now the things I most wanted to do all my life I stepped away from because it scared me, but God has wanted me the last couple of months to face that fear. He knew I could do it, but I doubted I could. Writing has always been my gift that he gave me. I have written for my family lots of wonderful little stories. With courage He wanted to face writing for a larger audience and that has scared me. Today, I found the pinnacle in my life to save my self, God's loving hand reaching out and I am taking it. It will start with this blog and I will work my way to that book He wants me to write, which will probably changed me and my life. Sometimes adversity and the longer road is the road that teaches us the lesson we need to learn to grow and change. What an amazing revelation into one's life when you look at it through the eyes of God's love.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Happy 13th Birthday Chloe!

You have become the young women, I knew you would become. I look at you today and I am so proud to call you my daughter. I have watched a young spirited little girl grow up to be a fun-filled young women who is convicted in her beliefs, who is filled with the Holy Spirit and the walk with God. The wonderful and awesome artist you have shown us has, only enhanced your spirit and love of Nature and the ocean. Your kindness for a stranger and friends alike has shown the compassion you have for God's creatures. This year will be probably be one of the most exciting in your life, 8th grade, with graduation and Confirmation upon you. Enjoy all the milestones that come upon you and savor it. I love you!!!

Happy 13th Birthday Chloe!



Happy 13th Birthday to Chloe!!! we love you!!!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all those awesome father's out there: Priests, Fathers, Boy Scout Leaders, all those men who are being great role models for our youth today.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

End of the year

Well ending is always bittersweet. We have ended this year for our summer to begin. We do homeschool during the summer but not like during the school year--Math and Reading becomes our focus, with Nature studies and lots of fun trips. this year is especially bittersweet as most of you know we are in a state of limbo, waiting for God to show us our new direction in our lives. Wherever we are God will light the way.
The kids have been homeschooled for 4 years now and have excelled through their learning difficulties. We are going into year 5 in the fall. Chloe is going into the 8th grade and Luke into the 6th grade. They are both growing up so fast. I remember the days I brought them home from the hospital like yesterday.
God has even helped me start a new career, though scary, trusting in Him is essential to allow Him to work through me. So my writing career has begun again after not writing for over 15 years. Alot has changed from the writing world I left those many years ago. So as I start this new chapter in my life, I wish you all a great summer. I will still be blogging and writing during the summer and tomorrow I will be posting my last review of curricula we used this year for the summer. I will be writing about the places we visit and see. We will be on the road this summer. We will be visiting my parents at sometime during the summer, and I will post pictures along with my blogging entries. I wish you all a Blessed Summer to start the fall refreshed and full of energy.

Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle:)

Friday, May 28, 2010

Review: Meet the composers 2 Kit



This is a really great way to get Music appreciation in for us. Each composer has an activity sheet, their biography with their renowned compositions, and you listen to their most famous piece on a CD. I recommend this any family that wants to learn more about each composer in different periods of music. Personally, my children loved this program.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Review: Latina Christiana 1


I absolutely love this Latin Program. This program is from Memoria Press. The repetition, explanation and the way it is laid out reinforces concepts taught. Every 5 chapters there is a review. The pronunciation CD helps the learner excel in the many prayers, hymns, and verb tenses that are taught throughout the book. My children have learned so much through this program. I would recommend this even for a learning disabled child.

Chloe won Honorable Mention!!





My daughter won Honorable Mention Category 2 in the HSLDA Art Contest.

http://www.hslda.org/Contests/Art/2010/2010winners.asp

Monday, May 24, 2010

Review: Faith and Life : The Life of Grace

Finishing this book was amazing, I learned things about my faith I never realized. My daughter has a deepen sense of her faith and what Grace is. Through Mary, we get a deeper and closeness to her son, Jesus. Her simple fiat is how Jesus' remarkable life, mission and Passion came to be. God is awesome in his many ways of revelation. In this book you learn about the 7 Sacraments, the Cardinal Virtues, the Doctrine of Grace, Faith Hope, and Charity, Divine Revelation, the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit and how to live as a Confirmed Person in Christ, and Mary as a Mediatrix of grace.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Review of U Got 2 Love by Fr. Stan Fortuna, C.F.R.







U Got 2 Love took me by surprise pleasantly. Fr. Stan Fortuna uses everyday language. I was afraid it would be a book over my head in theological language, but it was not. I was surprisingly impressed with this book. He explains what real love is, not the love they show in movies today. He explains how God is true love at its best. He describes it as a "peaceful sea of blazin charity". He links love with obedience and responsibility, how we should cherish it. Love is a free choice that God has given us. The Chapter on Crucified Love was a poignant part of this book for me. Fr. Stan Fortuna explains how we need to embrace the Cross that leads us to God's love and conversion in our lives, which is our acceptance and dependence on God. This is a book about empowering love and realizing they we need love before we can love others. This is an awesome book for young adults as well as adults!

http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1033428/U-Got-2-Love?sli=1033428



Given book to Review by The Catholic Company:

http://www.catholiccompany.com/

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

A Son's love for His Mother

Love is unlimited between time and space. God's love is immense. A mother's love is forever. This story deeply touched my heart that I got in a newsletter. This is your tissue alert.

BEING A MOTHER

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, 'I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.'

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my two children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie.

'What's wrong, are you well,' she asked?

My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.
'I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,' I responded. 'Just the two of us.' She thought about it for a moment, and then said, 'I would like that very much.'

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date.

She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. 'I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed,' she said as she got into the car. 'They can't wait to hear about our meeting.'

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. 'It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,' she said.

'Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor,' I responded.

During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation, nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life We talked so much that we missed the movie.

As we arrived at her house later, she said, 'I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.' I agreed.

'How was your dinner date?' asked my wife when I got home.
'Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,' I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her.
Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: 'I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.'

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: 'I LOVE YOU' and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till 'some other time'.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Mother's Day Giveaway

Family Centered Press is having a Mother's Day Giveaway:

Family Centered Press

When you thought I wasn't Looking

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my

first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately

wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a

stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind

to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my

favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little

things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a

prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always

talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a

meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I

learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care

of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have

to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you

handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't

feel good, and I learned that I would have to be

responsible when I grow up..

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come

from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things

hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you

cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of

life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and

productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and

wanted to say, 'Thanks for all the things I saw when

you thought I wasn't looking'


Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend)

influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today?

.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God. Even when he doesnt seem to fix all things,

consider he may be trying to perfect what could be more solid virtue in us by giving us chances to do what only hardship can do: wield perfection as much as possible here on earth.

Review-- Seton Art 7 for Young Catholics

In this book you go through J.James Tissot's paintings of The Life of Christ, for 35 chapters. The artwork is amazing and the explanation of each stage of Jesus'life in detail. We used it as an Art appreciation study this year. It was awesome as we went through Lent. It kept us truly focused on Lent. I would highly recommend this book to homeschoolers who are focusing on the Trinity during this year.

Review--Faith and Life: Credo I Believe

This is is such an awesome religion Catechism. I post a review every year on it. It teaches Scripture and religion in depth for children to learn. It is uses the Ignatian method of teaching our Catholic Faith. It has many projects, reports, and resources included in this series. Throughout the this series you learn about scripture in depth through the Trinity--God, the Father, God, the Son, God, The Holy Spirit.

Monday, April 12, 2010

What would Mary do?



I so agree with Sarah Reinhard's article on this week's newsweek, but I would like to add in my two cents. For those of you know me, I can never keep my mouth quiet(something I am working on). Sometimes I wonder if this is in God's best interests. Father Michael reminded me this through his sermon yesterday on Divine Mercy Sunday. That we as Christians need to stop keeping silent and evangelize among nations. We need to be God's Christian soldiers doing His Will. This was God's Divine plan for his people, to come in the fullness of His Light.

As I read these two articles my first thought is why are they picking on Our Blessed Mother and the Catholic Church. We are not the only church this stuff is happening. Then I am brought to the Divine Cross. Good Friday was not too long ago. The Divine Cross our Savior was mocked, tormented and beaten, made fun of, spit on, for our sins. I realized that we will always be the crux of the Media and Society. We stand for all the values that God wanted us to express to this society that has lost its morals and character.

Both Women and Men are a integral part of the Catholic Church. I don't understand why people today still think women should be priests. It is in the Bible how Jesus wanted His disciples, who were men, to be Blessed with Evangelizing among nations. Our Sacred Tradition is based upon all these values.

The question says What would Mary would do? Our Blessed Mother would pray for everyone. She is a strong women who values prayer. She doesn't say much in scripture. You know through her life she was strong woman because of her prayer. She was able to watch her only Son, who was the Messiah die. We all should listen to her and pray and pray to her Son. Only through praying to Jesus, will the road ahead be light and have no burdens. Her Yes changed the world. Maybe that is why still today people are in awe of her.

God Bless!

Praising Him Joyfully,
Noelle

Friday, April 9, 2010

Happy Birthday, Luke!!!


Happy Birthday to my 11 year old son today!!! We love you so much!! Here is a Birthday Cake for you.

Monday, March 22, 2010

One Yes can change the World

Yes, today like all of you, I woke up not in a good mood. Then I prayed and realized one Yes can change the world. This Thursday is the Feast of The Annunciation of the Lord. Our Blessed Mother was so confident in her decision. Mary's one Yes changed the World. The savior walked among us and saved us. His one Yes to suffer for our sins, saved us. These were selfless act of Love for God, but their one Yes changed the World. I realized that we will all meant to be with our Loving and merciful God and that is what matters. No matter what happens, God brings good out of bad, because Jesus and Mary's one Yes changed the world.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

I thought of you today...

I thought of You Today.
I thought of you today....when someone gave you “that look” because your child had behaved in a way they thought disobedient.
I thought of you today...when you realized your circle of friends had grown smaller because yet another person had misunderstood your child.
I thought of you today...when your child responded too strongly, and another child was hurt.
I thought of you today...when this child talked and talked and talked so constantly that your brain became numb.
I thought of you today...when your anger level went too high and you said something you wish now that you hadn’t.
I thought of you today when you saw someone else completely miss the delight in your child, because your child presented it in a manner that was unfamiliar to them.
I thought of you today when you apologized to your child and he wrapped his arms around you in a gracious embrace that you know conveyed total and utter forgiveness.
I thought of you today...because I know you and I are sharing some of the same journeys.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

God Encouragement for the day

Whatever I shall have to do or suffer in this miserable life, I intend that it be proof of love for my God, so that living, I shall live only to love, and dying, I may die in order to love still more.

- Saint Joseph Catasso (1811- 1860), Priest

Making Music Praying Twice--Lent


This program is awesome. The songs and lyrics are so musical, with the different instruments they use also.The way they lay out the whole program, the structure, the intesity, the involvement with each student. This could be used through 5th grade. I am currently using it with my 5th grader, who really likes this program. It will be too babyish beyond that. We don't use all the songs, but the ones we use are so good. A ccd program should pick this up. As a homeschooling mom, I could see this idea for a co-op setting also. I give this an A++. Yes it is that good in my opinion.

Love never Fails

Homeschool Moms

Apologia's article

What Dr. Wile said about AP article, which is really just against homeschooling in general. SO sad really but for every cross we carry closer to Jesus we will be.

Dr. Wile's article

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Real Mothers

REAL MOTHERS

Real Mothers don’t eat quiche;
They don’t have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn’t come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don’t want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up…….

Real Mothers sometimes ask ‘Why me?’
And get their answer when a little
Voice says, ‘Because I love you best.’

Real Mothers know that a child’s growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade…
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother…..

The Images of Mother

4 YEARS OF AGE – My Mommy can do anything!

8 YEARS OF AGE – My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 YEARS OF AGE – My Mother doesn’t know everything!

14 YEARS OF AGE – My Mother? She wouldn’t’ have a clue.

16 YEARS OF AGE – Mother? She’s so five minutes ago.

18 YEARS OF AGE – That old woman? She’s way out of date!

25 YEARS OF AGE – Well, she might know a little bit about it!

35 YEARS OF AGE – Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.

45 YEARS OF AGE – Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 YEARS OF AGE – Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a Mother is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she
carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a Mother must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a Mother is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she
Shows, and the beauty of a Mother with years only grows!

Pollyanna

Patchwork Theater would like to invite you to attend our production
of

Pollyanna
From the novel by Eleanor Porter

Where : Sacred Heart Church Hall
751 Main Ave. Bay Head, NJ 08742

On : March 26 & 27, 2010

At : 7 PM curtain each evening

Tickets are sold at the door
Adults $7 Children $5


Any further information needed contact
Amy Fairchild @ skyviewlabradors@yahoo.com

Getting ready for Next Year

The spring weather, the conference schedule all has gotten me in the mood to research curriculum for next year. As we finish books this year, I will be posting reviews. I already posted one on Faith and Life Religion series and A child's Geography, alot more to be coming.

A God encouragement of the Day today

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Homeschooling Encouragement of the Day

Why I decided to Homeschool

Encouragement for the Day

To attain holiness, then, we must not only pattern our lives on Christ's by being gentle, humble and patient, we must also imitate him in his death. We imitate Christ's death by being buried with him in baptism.

- Saint Basil (329-379), Bishop

Monday, March 8, 2010

All Vendor Tables are SOLD!

All Vendor Tables are SOLD!

Posted using ShareThis

Registration forms are on their way!

Registration forms are on their way!

Posted using ShareThis

Lent with Mary

Lent with Mary

Faith and Life Religion Series

This year we did Grade 5 for (ds) and Grade 7 (dd). I learn much in teaching them Religion. They will be more educated than I was because of the Faith and Life series. It explains scripture and has you read scripture throughout the teaching of it. I would recommend this series for anyone who is teaching their children catechism at home. The activities they have linked with the videos they recommend is an awesome way to teach religion. Grade 7 is the preparation for Confirmation through explaining how to live a life of Grace along with the actual confirmation book. Grade 5 is The explanation of the Creed in detail and how the Creed affects our moral life.

Faith

Faith & Family Live! : New Media Guest Blogger

Posted using ShareThis

Spring 2010 Courses

Spring 2010 Courses

Homeschool Connections Online

Homeschool Connections

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Sacred Heart Convention

Coming soon: June 19th, 2010

Don't Delay!

Don't let the early bird deadline get away!

Huge discount & Free childcare if you preregister. ...

Register early for Teen retreat - space is limited!

Sacred HEART Homeschool Convention

Be refreshed in your Faith!
Be renewed in your commitment to homeschool!
Be reinvigorated in your marriage!
Enjoy a day meeting like-minded couples!
Enjoy a day of spiritual strengthening!
Enjoy seeing the Vendor's products!
Seminars, workshops!
Great deals: used book sale (bring your unused materials!)
All day High School Teen retreat! Register soon: space is limited
NEW! easier access for handicapped and strollers & more food vending sites!

Most importantly, let everyone know. Spread the word & make Catholic homeschooling a strong presence in the Tristate Area! Come to support the Catholic Family as the foundation of our society!

Register at www.heartconvention .org - and see what else we are offering!
We are looking for sponsors and people that can donate miles for airfare.

If you are able to help, please call (732)388-9719. Thank you!

Raising Children in a Catholic Culture

Peach Smith
Conference Coordinator
Ad Jesum per Mariam
www.heartconvention .org
dphomeline@msn. com
732-388-9719

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Miley says Good bye Post

I researched a bit more last night, and found out they will do 11 more episodes in Season 4, but the finale for season 3 is the beginning of the end. Hannah was a great role model for my daughter growing up. Have a great last season!!!

Friday, February 26, 2010



I remember the day, Chloe started watching Hannah. We grew up with her. Now 3 years later, as they go into their last episode. It is just so sad, yep happy. Miley has grown up. I see my daughter, who was in her cocoon almost ready to fly off to become that Magnificent Butterfly. I will miss her too, when she does. Good Luck Miley, you have an awesome voice. You taught my daughter to be proud of singing and writing songs, along with painting. We will miss you!! This is a tissue alert.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Count Your Blessings

Count Your Blessings
Author Unknown

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto

February 20, 2010
Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto
(1910-1920; 1908-1919)


Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three children, Portuguese shepherds from Aljustrel, received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon. At that time, Europe was involved in an extremely bloody war. Portugal itself was in political turmoil, having overthrown its monarchy in 1910; the government disbanded religious organizations soon after.

At the first appearance, Mary asked the children to return to that spot on the thirteenth of each month for the next six months. She also asked them to learn to read and write and to pray the rosary “to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war.” They were to pray for sinners and for the conversion of Russia, which had recently overthrown Czar Nicholas II and was soon to fall under communism. Up to 90,000 people gathered for Mary’s final apparition on October 13, 1917.

Less than two years later, Francisco died of influenza in his family home. He was buried in the parish cemetery and then re-buried in the Fatima basilica in 1952. Jacinta died of influenza in Lisbon, offering her suffering for the conversion of sinners, peace in the world and the Holy Father. She was re-buried in the Fatima basilica in 1951. Their cousin, Lucia dos Santos, became a Carmelite nun and was still living when Jacinta and Francisco were beatified in 2000. Sister Lucia died in February 2005 at the age of 97. The shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is visited by up to 20 million people a year.

Saint Joseph of Cupertino Prayer

Prayer to St. Joseph of Cupertino for success in Examinations.

This powerful prayer is very effective in examinations. It has to be said before appearing in the examination. There are two variants to this prayer. Both the prayers are equally effective. You can choose any one of these:-

First Prayer

O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favour in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked.

Through Christ our Lord.

St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us.

Amen.

Second Prayer

O St. Joseph of Cupertino who by your prayer obtained from God to be asked at your examination, the only preposition you knew. Grant that I may like you succeed in the (here mention the name of Examination) examination.

In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked.

O St. Joseph of Cupertino pray for me

O Holy Ghost enlighten me

Our Lady of Good Studies pray for me

Sacred Head of Jesus, Seat of divine wisdom, enlighten me.

Lenten Prayer


From The Cukierski Family Apostolate(an awesome Apostolate)





TODAY'S FEATURED PRAYER:
Lenten Prayer for Spiritual Renewal
God, heavenly Father,
look upon me and hear my prayer
during this holy Season of Lent.
By the good works You inspire,
help me to discipline my body
and to be renewed in spirit.

Without You I can do nothing.
By Your Spirit help me to know what is right
and to be eager in doing Your will.
Teach me to find new life through penance.
Keep me from sin, and help me live
by Your commandment of love.
God of love, bring me back to You.
Send Your Spiritto make me strong
in faithand active in good works.
May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness,
open my heart to Your love,
and prepare me for the coming feast
of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, during this Lenten Season,
nourish me with Your Word of life
and make me one
with You in love and prayer.

Fill my heart with Your love
and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ.
Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness.
Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Mass.

Father, our source of life,
I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand;
let me walk more readily in Your ways.
Guide me in Your gentle mercy,
for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.

Father of love, source of all blessings,
help me to pass from my old life of sin
to the new life of grace.
Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom.
I ask this through our Lord JesusChrist, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever.

Amen.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Theology of the Body for Teens

Chloe and I have started watching this. It is a great new series on EWTN on Thursday Nights at 10:30pm. It explains the church teaching and how to relate it in real life. the host are awesome in how they relate it to teens. Last night's lesson on chastity was so poignant that even as a mother could relate. I am going to get the book and integrate it into school for next year.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Lent

Everybody keeps asking what are you doing for Lent. Well, I seem to think what am I doing for Jesus. I am doing alot with and for Jesus this Lent.

1. I am doing the online Lenten retreat through Creighton University.


2. Holy Heroes with the Kids and Lenten lapbook


3. Reading "The Rosary, keeping company with Jesus and Mary"

4. Praying the Rosary daily

5. Blessing people who aggravate me on the road. This is a tough one for me.

Saint Hyacinth

Prayer is certainly the most wonderful medicine in the world. And none of us ever grows strong enough to do without it.

- Saint Hyacinth (1185-1257), Polish Dominican

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Lenten Retreat

http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/index.html

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday. The ashes we receive today are from the palms that are burned from last year's palms. The Ashes represents the Christ's Passion. He died and rose from the dead, so he could save us. We are all on different journeys of life toward God. God has saved my family in many ways over the last year--through my husband's unemployment. The one lesson, I have learned is patience and in God's time not ours. I never doubted God or my husband through the journey, but at times I doubted myself. As I look toward this Lent with anticipation of His Resurrection, I remember that we all have suffered in different ways, but he wants us to look toward him and ask Him to come to our aid.

Praising Him,
Noelle

Ash Wednesday Prayer

"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise."

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Man is created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by this means to save his soul. All other things on the face of the earth are created for man to help him fulfill the end for which he is created. From this it follows that man is to use these things to the extent that they will help him to attain his end. Likewise, he must rid himself of them in so far as they prevent him from attaining it.

- Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Priest

Seven Founders of the Order of Servites

February 17, 2010
Seven Founders of the Order of Servites
(13th century)


Can you imagine seven prominent men of Boston or Denver banding together, leaving their homes and professions, and going into solitude for a life directly given to God? That is what happened in the cultured and prosperous city of Florence in the middle of the thirteenth century. The city was torn with political strife as well as the heresy of the Cathari. Morals were low and religion seemed meaningless.

In 1240 seven noblemen of Florence mutually decided to withdraw from the city to a solitary place for prayer and direct service of God. Their initial difficulty was providing for their dependents, since two were still married and two were widowers.

Their aim was to lead a life of penance and prayer, but they soon found themselves disturbed by constant visitors from Florence. They next withdrew to the deserted slopes of Monte Senario.

In 1244, under the direction of St. Peter of Verona, O.P., this small group adopted a religious habit similar to the Dominican habit, choosing to live under the Rule of St. Augustine and adopting the name of the Servants of Mary. The new Order took a form more like that of the mendicant friars than that of the older monastic Orders.

Members of the community came to the United States from Austria in 1852 and settled in New York and later in Philadelphia. The two American provinces developed from the foundation made by Father Austin Morini in 1870 in Wisconsin.

Community members combined monastic life and active ministry. In the monastery, they led a life of prayer, work and silence while in the active apostolate they engaged in parochial work, teaching, preaching and other ministerial activities.

Monday, February 15, 2010

The Lightning Thief Movie






http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/books-for-children/the-lightning-thief/

We are on Book 3:The Titan's Curse. I love these books. We are book lovers in our family. We have decided to read these books as a family and they are awesome. We went to see the movie. It was a cool movie, if you didn't read the book. It was a typical Hollywood, special effect movie. It was not what I expected. It changed the plot of the story. It was missing characters that are important in later on books. I love the author and his style of writing. This movie was a disappointment to me and my kids. First in the book they are 12 year olds. They were in high school in the movie, so that changed the movie significantly. The whole way Percy finds out he was Poseidon's son is very important to the plot and that was not even in the movie. The Pearls were given to him by the water nymphs in the book and here they had to find them. Would I go to see the second movie of the second book, not if it is filmed like this? I love the books, but the movie disappointed me. Apparently based on the book, means you can change the plot of the book too. My review for this movie, I agree with the critics--C.

We are the World--USA Africa 25 years ago!

Social Skills builder

http://www.socialskillbuilder.com/newsletters.html

Skip to my Lou

Friday, February 12, 2010

Standing out is not to be feared.

Standing out is not to be feared. This is the best statement of the day. Having a child that looks out of the box. He is always standing out. I used to look at this as a bad thing, but lately God inspired I think. I have realized he is a leader. It is a positive thing, standing out. It means that you are a unique person and not a follower--a true leader.

Waldorf Education, occultish?

Oh please. I use many aspects of Waldorf and Charlotte Mason. I agree with Elizabth Foss here--Kuddos to you, Elizabeth Foss.

http://ebeth.typepad.com/reallearning/2010/02/yes-i-read-it.html

Crayon Tops

I wish I thought of it--awesome idea

http://www.skiptomylou.org/2010/02/12/crayon-heart-pencil-toppers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+skiptomyloublog+%28Skip+To+My+Lou%29

Thursday, February 11, 2010

The Handbook for Catholic Moms , Bibles and Books, Gifts For Mom, Seasonal Gift Ideas at The Catholic Company









The Handbook for Catholic Moms , Bibles and Books, Gifts For Mom, Seasonal Gift Ideas at The Catholic Company

If I could have any gift in the world, it would be this awesome book. For all of you that know me, I am a book reader. I am constantly have my nose in some book. I can't wait for this book to come out. This looks like an awesome book. I am biased because I know the author from Catholic Mom and she is an awesome person. I hope she sells alot of this book and has great success!

A Child's Geography: Explore the Earth











We had a fantastic journey through this book. It has discussion questions, along with postcards along the journey. It is written in narrative form and very accurate. It is a Christian Geography study. God is brought into every lesson on how amazing the Earth he created is for us and what an amazing God we have.You start with the Earth as a ball of sphere and go through the layers of the earth, the oceans, and landmasses, through the layers in the atmosphere, and end up at the conclusion with the different zones on the earth. It also has a page on each chapter for extended resources for reading and research. I whole-heartedly would recommend this book for any child. it give a wonderful view of geography. I have already bought Book 2 for next year. What an awesome journey we had through God's divine Earth!

Valentine Weekend

I am so excited that Maggie Moo's has a Valentine's cake. I might have to swing by there and pick it up. Carvel I have a coupon for too? Hmm...which one to see.

http://www.maggiemoos.com/home/index.cfm

Now you all, the Lightening Thief is coming out this weekend. I will be there with the kiddos on Sunday!!! We are going to an early Mass. Greg loves the Greek Mythology too. Since we are reading these books as a family, we are going together.


Praising Him,
Noelle:)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Snow Day!!!

We are having a snow day. As if we never had snow before, but they are so excited. We are going to bake, make popcorn balls, and do some history and geography. I will post pictures later!!! Have a great day! I will be lack later for a serious discussion.

Overdiagnosing

Imagine that---they actually agree they over diagnosis, well yeh. Here si a link from APP on it:

http://www.app.com/article/20100209/NEWS/100209124/Changes-proposed-in-how-psychiatrists-diagnose

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Revelations in Email

Revelations come in emails a lot lately. In Reading Proverbs 31 today, I realized God sent me a message to take to heart. If you don't belong to Proverbs 31 newsletter, you have to. It is awesome what I get from those emails. Here was today's message: Sometimes God works in small quiet ways. Other times His actions are up there with the parting of the Red Sea. Whatever way God decides to work, experiencing Him always fills us with inner peace and strength for our journey.


Enjoy the journey,
Noelle:)

Saint Agnes

Almost nothing is known of this saint except that she was very young 12 or 13—when she was martyred in the last half of the third century. Various modes of death have been suggested beheading, burning, strangling.

Legend has it she was a beautiful girl whom many young men wanted to marry. Among those she refused, one reported her to the authorities as being a Christian. She was arrested and confined to a house of prostitution. The legend continues that a man who looked upon her lustfully lost his sight and had it restored by her prayer. She was condemned, executed and buried near Rome in a catacomb that eventually was named after her. The daughter of Constantine built a basilica in her honor.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Faith in Difficult Times

Today was the first time in a long time I woke up and took time to smell the flowers and just be with God. This school year has been a trying time for us as a family. My husband and I being unemployed, the diagnosis of my son. I truly felt at the foot of the cross with Jesus. My faith has suffered through it all. But then something happened the last couple of weeks during this New Year, I started praying and being still with God. I listened and just didn't talk like I do incessantly.
I realized many things today as I prayed. God puts crosses in our lives to bring us to the foot of his cross to say, come up here and see what I see. And I cry in what I see. I see souls being lost within our own community, our own families. Today I realized why I am going through these crosses to pray for those souls and to help mine along with it. So in that reality, I realized nothing should be hidden. The truth is all around us if we truly look for it.
So today I have embraced my son's diagnosis of SPD and ADHD, along with the food allergies that make it so difficult for him at times. He embraces it all with a smile and says it is okay Mom, God made me this way to help someone else. He is right. I realized my true talent is writing and God has steered me to write an article about the journey Luke and I are having. There is the job I keep looking for and keep telling God later I can do that. But when I finally surrendered to it, life so much easier and the words they just flow out. God is amazing in all of His Divine Creations in life. Finally, yes I see it all as a journey to God's greater plan for us. Homeschooling has made all of this so much easier for him and I to endure through it all, and God knew that we would travel this journey together. God has blessed us with that too, by all these crosses come in babysteps. He knows how much we can endure, even when we think we can't, we can.
And Yes even unemployment can be a Blessing. I was amazed to realize this today. It has been a Blessing to us as a family. We have gotten closer as a family. My husband has gotten to spend more time with the kids and I. He now understands what we go through day to day. Yes, it has been a financial burden, but there are more important things than just money. Finally surrendered this to God. The journey is not always easy but the treasure at the end of the road is worth it.

God Bless you all in the journeys you travel,
Noelle:)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Book Review: Hunting For God, Fishing for the Lord

I read all of Father Classen's book in reverse order. God always has a plan for that. This should have been the first book, but this is my last. In reading his book, I was going through a spiritual journey. God and Father Classen were traveling with me through this adventure through his book. In his book, Father Classen talks about the encounters he has had with God in the Great Outdoors. He recalls stories from his boyhood past into adulthood, with each one there is a very poignant lesson. As he explains each lesson learned he points out his obstacles and strengths through learning the lesson taught. The one thing that impressed me with this book is the fact he, as priest and an avid, competitive outdoorsman, showed how even he gave into self temptations, but overcame them through God's grace. Through this book, one thing stems out very clearly his search for the truth: The truth of God and in the doctrines we are taught as Catholics. I have enjoyed the three book journey with him. I highly recommend this book for everyone!

http://www.catholiccompany.com/catholic-books/1003011/Hunting-God-Fishing-Lord?sli=1003011


Given book to review for the Catholic Company: http://www.catholiccompany.com/

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Happy New Year 2010!

Well I am finally holidayed out. Is that a word? We are back but I have 2 sick kids. One is feeling so much better than the other. So I started to customize and fix up the my blog. In the coming weeks I will be reviewing curriculum that we have used. I am doing this for those who are planning their curriculum's for next year. Let me know how you like it. I am also looking through curriculum. Remember those homeschool conferences are right around the corner. God Bless you all.

Governor and Voting

I rarely put up political posts but today I will.  Today my son voted for the first time in our NJ primary for governor.  It has saddened me...