To Ty-Ty, our sweet two year old

To my sweet two year old (a month after your birthday).

PEEK-A-BOO!

If I had to guess your favorite color, it would be blue. That's what you say every time we ask you what color something is. If everything in the world were blue, I think you'd be happy.

You love Mickey, but you'd happily watch almost any cartoon or animated movie. You like Franklin a lot too.

You are into "things that go" - cars, planes, trains, fire trucks, helicopters, diggers, motorcycles, buses. You hear sirens from a mile away and tell us "wee-oo-wee-oo." Just like big brother, you are a big sports fan and are getting pretty good at basketball and baseball. We're so impressed by both of you!

You also love all animals - farm animals, zoo animals, pets, even bugs. You want to pet every cat and dog you see, and you do a really great job at being nice to them. You know all your animal sounds too. One of your favorites is hee-haw for the donkey, which you were really excited to hear in person last week at Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Jansen's house.

Your favorite foods are cheese, blueberries, strawberries, meat, and rice. We're glad to have a meat-eater this time around! You are a big fan of salsa and guacamole - yum! You actually will eat just about anything. We're lucky, and we hope you keep it up.

It's so fun to hear you say new words every day. A few months ago you called Lucas "Yoos" and now it is "Yoo-cas." You enjoy yelling at him when he trails too far behind us or isn't doing what he is told. You call yourself Ty-Ty which is so cute, although I'm sure you'll never admit it when you're ten. Most recently you finally turned Grandma into a two syllable, somewhat recognizable word. We don't know why that one took so long when you are speaking so well!

You also really enjoy singing and have all the words memorized in Animal Serenade, a book from your last semester of Kindermusik. You also like to sing "You Are My Sunshine," which is usually the last song we sing before nap and bed.

Your ABCs and 123s are coming along too. They are kind of garbled sounding, but most of your letters are there. We recently learned you can count to 13 and we had never even asked you to count before!

You are very good at feeding yourself, and you can take your shoes and pants off by yourself. You like going on your little potty chair, but so far you are not telling us when you need to go. You have mastered the iPad though! You also know how to do the Sign of the Cross (sort of), and you love singing Alleluia in church. You even try to genuflect when we enter and leave the pew - so cute!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Your personality is developing every day, and I love every bit of it. You are a little bit adventurous, but you also look for our guidance when you need to. You really love playing with other kids. Even though you are "all boy" when you roughhouse with Lucas, get dirty in the yard, and play with all your trucks and balls, you are still my sweet baby boy at the end of the day. You give the best hugs and say "I love you" in your precious little voice. With a big brother around, sometimes it seems like you are growing up way too fast. You can only keep up with him for so long, though, and then you remind us that you are still a little boy who needs our help and love and attention. I love you so much and will happily let you be my baby boy for as long as you'll let me!

I love you, Ty-Ty!

Mommy

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from our family to yours!

Preschool at Home - Our Favorite Non-Fiction

We have hundreds of children's books in our home, ranging from the simplest of board books to young adult novels. There's no such thing as too many books, right?



Today I'm going to share some of the non-fiction books we enjoy and read often. These can be read just for fun, or for a more focused, educational purpose. We have several books on time, the calendar/months/seasons, the solar system, weather, animals and natural science, history, geography, biographies, cultures and civilizations, and religious topics. Most of them have been picked up at garage sales or thrift stores for around a quarter, and you can usually find a huge selection of non-fiction at your local library.



These aren't the exact versions we have, but children's dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference books provide countless learning opportunities. Even though he is not reading yet, Lucas likes to flip through the biggest books on his shelf and notices something new every time. His interest has been piqued in different areas of science, geography, and history by looking through these books. They also help increase vocabulary and develop the idea of alphabetical order. We usually focus on one letter or a few pages at a time, as they aren't meant to be read from cover to cover in one sitting!



We love this series of board books that explain the Christian roots of American holidays that have become secularized. There are many more including The Story of Jesus, the Ten Commandments, Christmas, Easter, America's Birthday, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. (Disclaimer: I have not read every book in the series, but we do enjoy the three pictured very much.) These are short and simple enough to be read to a 1 year old, while still providing a good explanation and possible discussion starters for your preschooler. I highly recommend bringing these out with your seasonal decorations each month!



These three padded board books published by Tiger Tales are technically fiction, but have gotten a lot of use in 3 1/2 years. Filled with common and not so common nursery rhymes, both our boys enjoy reading, singing, and playing along. I don't know if children are still required to memorize nursery rhymes in kindergarten like I was, but if they are then our boys will have no problem with it! These books help spur my own memory when I'm out of words for the day. Right now "Piggy" is Tyler's favorite book. He requests it multiple times a day and does his best to keep up with all the motions.

As a former math teacher, you know I'm not going to ignore all the fun books and other materials you can use to teach your young children early math concepts! I'm actually saving my math books for another post coming next week. Math can be daunting for many people, and I want to share with you a few easy ways to make it a part of your day.

What are your children's favorite non-fiction books? Particularly if you homeschool, what have been some of your longest lasting, most used books? (I'm not committing to homeschooling past preschool, but we love books in our house and we are always looking for recommendations!)

On our 4th birthday wish list so far:

Preschool at Home - What Works So Far

In my next few posts, I'll be writing about some things we're doing or will be starting in our preschool at home. These are all things you can do whether or not your child is in any preschool program, and whether or not you have any background in teaching. When I was teaching 4th and 5th grade Spanish, everyone I told had the same question: "Are you fluent?" My answer was, "No, but I know more than they do, so I can teach them something." The same is true for parents. As long as you know more than your preschooler (and you do!), you have something to teach them too.

Use flashcards in fun ways to practice letter and number recognition.
I know some people are anti-flashcards, but if you can integrate movement or make silly up silly games, I think they can be useful, effective, and fun. If you don't want to go out and buy flashcards, you can easily make your own or print some out. Here are some of the fun ways we use flashcards.

• I scatter them on the floor and say a letter or number and he has to jump to the one I say or the next one in alphabetical or numerical order.
• I hold up a card, and if he correctly identifies it, I "fire" it at him (frisbee style). This is his favorite game. He pretends to be dodging it, but actually he wants it to hit him. He laughs the whole time and is motivated to give the correct answers.
• Once in a while he is willing to go through a few cards in typical flashcard style, especially if we are "playing school" and he gets a turn to be the teacher and quiz me too. He doesn't seem to mind that most of the time my answer is, "I don't remember what that one is, Teacher. Will you tell me?"
• I hold up a letter and gave a "prize" to whoever identified the letter first (yes, Tyler is in on this too - amazing how much he learns from watching big brother). The prizes are as simple as tickles, hugs, kisses, races around the room, being tossed in the air, spun around, or danced with. At the end, when I am exhausted and hoarse, the last letter is M and we get a family prize of a few M&M's.

Use toys to practice writing and letter formation.
Using a toy is less intimidating to a beginning writer than a paper and pencil. Use a MagnaDoodle or other drawing toy to practice writing letters and numbers. They also enjoy writing with and on different mediums - think chalk, finger paint, forming letters with Play-Doh, bending pipe cleaners into letters, tracing in pebbles/sand, etc..

Gradually introduce activities that require focus.
Attention-building activities are frustrating and must be used in small doses. As soon as your child begins to get overwhelmed, stop! I try to have I Spy and Spot the Difference type books available for car rides, waiting rooms, and quiet time. He also enjoys simple mazes and puzzles. Sometimes he really enjoys them, but once he is frustrated, he does not want anything to do with it. Problem solving skills are important, and that includes how to express frustration.

Buy a few inexpensive workbooks or print out materials from free websites.
As with flashcards, some people are anti-workbook, but my son is at an age where he takes delight in having his own books to write in and completed pages to show Daddy and Grandma. These are mixed in with other books, and it is up to him when he wants to pull it out and do a page or two. Ours are all from the dollar section at Target, the Dollar Tree store, or garage sales. He also enjoys these cutting and folding books, which he got for Christmas last year.

Lastly, a fine motor skills trick I learned from friends who work with children with special needs:
Don't bother buying the jumbo crayons or pencils for your toddlers. Their hands are little, and they need little things to hold onto! It is better for them to learn how to hold a regular crayon and a golf pencil correctly than to learn how to hold onto something bigger when their hand is little and then how to hold onto something smaller when their hand is bigger. You may disagree with this or have been given conflicting advice from someone else. I'm not an expert and am just passing on what they explained to me. So far it has worked for us.

Next I'll be sharing a few of the books we are reading and how you can develop pre-reading skills with your young children.

First Saturday: The Real Presence

Our First Saturday gathering for November was beautiful. Father Joseph Mary, of the Community of St. John, spoke to us on the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Locally, Father Joseph Mary is a well-loved speaker, as his talks are done with such great love for the Lord, the Truth, and the Church, yet gracefully balanced with gentleness and humor. We were so blessed to have him speak to our group! The following are my notes from his talk. I know his passion will not be done justice through my written summary, but I hope his message will stir within you a desire to learn more and spend time in the Real Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Perpetual Adoration
In the 2005 Synod on the Eucharist, Pope Benedict XVI has challenged bishops to have at least one perpetual adoration chapel in every diocese. There are 2500 chapels in the world, with over 1000 of those in the United States and another 500 in the Phillipines. (My note: aren't we blessed to have two perpetual adoration chapels right here in Peoria, less than two miles from each other! There's nowhere I'd rather be right now than in our great diocese, under the faithful and bold leadership of Bishop Jenky!)

The Real Presence
Our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist allows us to put God first. When we put God first, everything else falls into place. A story was told of a Buddhist man who prayed daily at a Catholic church. When asked why, he said, "If God is really here, shouldn't I be here too?" Another story related a Protestant's experience with the Eucharist, in which he felt a "Presence," as opposed to an "absence." St. John Vianney also had a strong love for the Eucharist, and when teaching his students would come to tears crying out, "He's really there! He's really there!" Truly, for those whose hearts are open to believing, the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is powerful and undeniable.

So why do we believe in the Real Presence, that the Eucharist truly IS the Body and Blood of Jesus, that he is truly present to us in the Blessed Sacrament? Because Jesus says He is. We believe that at the Last Supper, Jesus had the power to transform bread and wine into His own Body and Blood, and we believe that He continues to do so through the priesthood He then established. Though ascended into heaven, He remains present to us through love and will remain with us until He returns.

As Catholics, as believers in the Real Presence, we have the opportunity to interact with Jesus Himself in three ways: by adoring, by receiving, and by giving thanks.

We Adore Jesus in the Eucharist
Just as with human relationships, when you are in the presence of the one you love, you are filled with joy, and when you are away, you desire to be in their presence. So it is with Jesus - we want to be where He is. The more we believe in Him, the more we want to be with Him, to adore Him, and to receive Him. Fulton Sheen, when he was ordained, committed to making a Holy Hour every day. He continued this practice until his death, and he also encouraged all Catholics to make a daily Holy Hour.

As creatures, the created, it is a natural act to adore one's Creator. In John chapter 9 we read of the man born blind. In 9:35-37, Jesus elicits an act of faith and reveals Himself to the man. The man immediately worships Him. The man's instinctive reaction was to adore the Creator. To adore is an act of humility.

In contrast, the lack of adoration is rooted in pride. There is no adoration in Hell. While those in Hell are forced to intellectually realize the existence and power of God, their pride will not voluntarily acknowledge that God is first. The refusal to adore, to recognize God's authority and goodness, is the source of arrogance, sadness, anger, frustration, and death.

There are four aspects of adoration.

1. We acknowledge intellectually that God is first and we are entirely dependent on Him.
2. We lovingly and freely accept this dependence.
3. We thank the Creator for the gift of our exisitence and all the gifts He has given us.
4. We offer sacrifices of ourselves - time, material items, and our very being.

The spirit of adoration leads us to more fervently, frequently, and reverently receive. Adoration leads the way to Confession and the Eucharist because it allows us to humble ourselves, recognize that God is first, and desire to be with Him and to receive Him.

We Receive Jesus in the Eucharist

Why do we receive Jesus in the Eucharist? Jesus commanded us to take and eat in John 6:53-58.

In 1 Corinthians 11:27 we read, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord."  If we are consciously in a state of mortal sin, we should not receive the Eucharist.

We receive Jesus to become more like Him. Christ, who is Love, becomes Love Incarnate in the Eucharist. The Eucharist helps us to follow Jesus and live like Jesus; it is "food for the way" (viaticum).

We Give Thanks for Jesus in the Eucharist

Following the reception of Jesus in the Eucharist, it is not just appropriate or recommended to give thanks, it is again a natural act. As creatures we are naturally in thanksgiving for the gift of our Creator.

In addition to the time immediately following the Eucharist, it is good to make an act of thanksgiving for 5-10 minutes after Mass, not only in thanksgiving to God but as a sign to others and yourself of the Real Presence of Jesus. Just getting up and leaving after Mass like nothing happened is like inviting a special guest to your home and after 10 minutes saying "See ya, I've gotta get to a baseball game." St. Sharbel spent seven hours in preparation for Mass and seven hours in thanksgiving afterwards!

In Conclusion
Consider how much time you waste in a day or a week. Give some to Jesus. If you want to spend eternity with Jesus, start now! Fulton Sheen said that if you spend time with Jesus on earth, He will recognize you when you get to heaven.

Keep a spirit of adoration all day, humbling yourself as the creation, in adoration of the Creator. The Dominican father who founded the Community of St. John recommended seven acts of adoration each day. Pray wherever you are. Particularly when you are anxious or troubled, when your focus is more on yourself than on God, make an act of adoration and give yourself and your worries to God.

Recognize that God is first. Your degree of love and charity on earth determines your degree of joy and glory in heaven.


For those who were present, if you have additional notes or quotes from Fr. Joseph Mary's talk, please post them in the comments! To all who read this, I encourage each of you to spend an hour in Adoration of our Lord this week. If you've been away from the Church, Confession, or the Eucharist, Jesus is waiting to see you!

Mass of Thanksgiving for Venerable Fulton Sheen

This morning the Diocese of Peoria celebrated Venerable Fulton Sheen with a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Cathedral. Some of these photos are not very good, but I think they still capture some of the beauty of the day.

Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Coat of Arms of the Bishops of the Peoria Diocese

One of the many gorgeous stained glass windows

Our Lady's Chapel

Msgr. Deptula giving the homily

Bishop Jenky and Archbishop Myers preparing the gifts

Msgr. Deptula and Bishop Jenky in the recessional-
seconds later Bishop Jenky blessed Lucas and said he's
going to be a priest someday!

Our grand Cathedral

Really nice 56 page program

One more of the Cathedral

Lucas and I in our "fancy clothes" for "fancy church"

First Saturday: Making Prayer Happen

Tonight was the first gathering of our First Saturday women's group for the 2012-2013 year. Our speaker, one of the members of our leadership team, presented on "Making Prayer Happen: Developing a Devotional Life in a Busy Life." Her talk was informative and engaging, filled with wisdom and humor from her own experiences.

The talk began with the reason why we all showed up: we know we should pray, and we know we want to pray, and we even know a little bit about how and why to pray, but what we really struggle with is when to pray!

We all have several excuses when it comes to why we give up on developing a stronger prayer life. One is that we compare ourselves with some "ideal" - either someone else's seemingly picture-perfect life (as written in a book or blog), or something we create in our own minds. No matter how hard you try, you can't make an ideal happen; you have to be okay with doing what works for you.

Another excuse is that it is hard (impossible) to be consistent with doing the exact same prayers every day, and when you miss a day, you can easily fall into missing it again and again. Once you fall off the wagon, you've failed, and it's hard to get back on.

A third excuse is that prayer can sometimes start to feel too ritualistic, too rote, and can become empty. We must embrace the rituals of these prayers and find the life in them! It is through the rituals of our faith that we have life. Don't stop if prayer feels empty; keep going and the life will come back.

It doesn't seem possible to "pray without ceasing," but we can find ways to incorporate it throughout our day. Every little bit counts, whether it's a quick prayer at a red light or while making scrambled eggs. Here are some ways you might want to try incorporating more prayer into your day:

• Try attending daily Mass once a week, perhaps on a Saturday so you can go alone or attending a school Mass so that bringing little children seems less intimidating.
• Stop in Adoration for 15 minutes; it doesn't have to be an hour. There are two local perpetual adoration chapels, and many parishes have a weekly or monthly day of adoration in the church.
• Pray at red lights - for patience!
• Pray when cooking, to better serve as Mary did.
• Pray before and after appointments, especially to help with anxiety.
• Pray before/during a confrontation or disagreement. Pray for the right words or for the ability to leave the conversation.
• Pray short, simple prayers you make up with your family (to start your day, before meals, in the car, before bed).
• Memorize prayers as a family; they will pick up on them quickly if you start saying them regularly.
• Pray the St. Michael prayer when being attacked for our beliefs or need protection.
• Repeat words or phrases, "mantras," that help calm and center you when longer prayers aren't an option. For example, "Prayer, patience, and perseverance," or simply, "Strength."
• When you get a prayer request through email or Facebook, stop and pray right at that moment. It only takes a few seconds.
• Gradually build up to a whole family rosary, or do a rosary with other families/children.
• Don't forget that many spiritual songs are actually prayers. Sing at home, in the car, and during Mass. Don't worry about how good of a singer you are; it is an act of worship.

 There are also many tools that can help you remember to pray or aide in your prayer life.

• Several iphone apps, such as Laudete, have the rosary, daily readings and reflections, and other prayers. Some offer reminders to pray a novena prayer daily.
• Set the alarm clock on your cell phone for 3pm (or a time that works for you) and offer a quick prayer every day at that time.
• Listen to podcasts or watch You Tube videos of prayers, readings, reflections, and songs.
• Magnificat magazine has daily prayers and readings, and an app if you subscribe.
• There are usually free booklets in the back of church during Advent and Lent. Use them!
• Many books by and about saints have good material to reflect on in prayer.
• Social media such as Facebook offers you instant access to asking for prayers, praying for others, and receiving feeds from Catholic sources that have daily prayers and reflections. "Like" various pages to receive their updates.

Here are some other thoughts on prayer to remember:

• Don't let what someone else does dictate what you do.
• Remember that prayer can (and should) take four forms at different times: adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS).
• Be open to change and trying new things until you develop a prayer life that works for you.
• Don't spend all of your time reading and learning about it - actually do it!
• Prayer is conversation. Talking to God doesn't have to be formal.
• There is a place for memorized prayer. Sometimes we don't know what to say in prayer, and the prayers we already know are exactly what we need to say.
• Consider having a prayer buddy to help you be accountable in your prayer life.
• Don't wait until bed to pray about the whole day. Put prayer into your day as it happens. Every little bit counts.

Thank you very much to our speaker and to the women who showed up for tonight's talk! We have a really great year planned with some special guest speakers and some presentations by members of our team. I'll be posting my notes after each talk, so if you can't make it or you're trying to remember something that caught your attention, hopefully I'll have it here for you. Our next talk will be on Saturday, October 6th on the topic of "Living the Year of Faith at Home."

All images on this post are my own. Please do not use without permission.