Tuesday's Truth: Catholic Enough?

A friend of mine once said to me, "You know? There are times I've been made to feel that I'm not Catholic enough."  


Bingo! She hit the proverbial nail on the head. I'll explain why in a moment.


I am involved in a home school ministry through our church. Because of this, I am acquainted with some of the most devout, wonderful, charitable, Christian, Catholic women. I admire these women and the sacrifices that they have made for themselves and family. 


I understand exactly what my dear friend was trying to say. You see, there is a small minority within our home schooling ranks that demonstrate, in my humble opinion, true unchristian behavior. They believe themselves superior because they:


Do not watch television unless it is EWTN.
Do not allow their kids to read Harry Potter.
Believe those that do are committing the most egregious sin, ever!
(and that goes double for all you Twilight fans out there)
Only read "religious" books by Catholic authors.
Do not allow their kids to play with non-Catholic children.
Believe Pokemon is of the devil.
Believe in their own sainthood and martyrdom here on earth.
Believe they know so much more than their parish priest.
Think all music, unless it's hymns, Gospel or Gregorian chant, is evil.
and on and on....

When I began home schooling it was for scholastic/academic purposes, not religious. I have given my children a firm foundation in their faith but I also hope I have taught them to respect people of all faiths, backgrounds, and stations in life. With that said, after May, I will no longer be a home schooling mom. My job is done. I've accomplished what I needed to do and both my children will be attending the same charter school. Bethany was able to begin attending the charter, this year, for 9th grade. 


Hence, the reason for today's post. I encountered one such woman, above, after Mass yesterday. She inquired about my daughter and how school was going for her. I explained she was doing very well and appears to be gifted academically. "No," she responds, "how is she REALLY doing?" Oh, okay, I'll bite. I went on to say that although some of the other students drive her nuts she has found a good, solid, core group of friends. I then stated that Bethany is learning real life lessons, since, after all, she's in the real world now. You would have thought that I had smeared her face with dog poo the way she tore into me. And I quote:


"Real world? Real world! That's not the real world! The real world work environment doesn't have gangs and violence and drugs and sex!"


I shook my head sadly and simply said, "Dear friend, I work in the real world and have done so for over 30 years. I'm sorry to report that yes, indeed, these are things you encounter every single day in the real world. I am confident, however, I have taught my children well enough to avoid being lured into the seedier side of real life." 


I then walked away, pitying her. 

Back to (Home) School

This school year is one of change for the Sister family. My daughter will be entering high school. After much discussion and prayer it was decided that we would accept a slot that they were holding for her at Pine Lake Prepartory Charter School. This school offers only honors classes, has a strict uniform policy and has theater classes (which Bethany is totally looking forward to taking).

On the home front, today is the first day of classes for Munchie Boy; one in which we are beginning with a whole new curriculum and methodology. This year, many of Munch's lessons will be on-line. Mr. Sister and I felt that since Munch enjoys spending time on the computer, we should make his screen time more productive.

In preparation for this occassion, old books have been removed from circulation.

The school desk has been cleaned and is ready to handle another year of abuse.

Munchie Boy's textbooks are boxed neatly and at the ready (this won't last long).

Our Learning and Reference Library has been well stocked and is busting at the seams.

And what do we have? A Munchie Boy who is all too excited to begin his lessons (NOT!)

Changes on the Horizon

It's that time of year. The time where I reassess our home school curriculum, determine our needs for next year and decide if homeschooling continues to be the best option for my kids.

While we await the results of the Iowa Basics this is what has been established thus far:

1. Sweet Cheeks will be attending a charter school for her high school. We were fortunate that she was wait listed at a low number. We had toured the school and both felt very comfortable with the class size, student to teacher ratio, and curricula offered (all honors or AP courses). The "feel" of the school was right, if that makes any sense. Shortly after our tour we were offered a slot that had just opened up. We took that as a sign, from God, that this was the avenue to pursue and accepted. A wonderful sense of calm swept over me once this decision was made. Fortunately, Mr. Sister is in agreement with this course of action.

2. For Munchie Boy homeschooling remains the best option due to his "learning disabilities". Oh how I hate that phrase as it is such a misnomer. My son is so very bright but he requires time to complete his tasks and assignments. Additionally, he is quite literal so abstract ideas are difficult for him to grasp. Anyway, I have been researching alternative home school curricula and have found one I would like to try. It is a computer based curriculum that incorporates both on line and workbook lessons. Master Munch loves all things computer related so I think this might be a great avenue and a good fit for him. The only downside is that this curriculum is secular. Munch has such a wonderful faith and prayer life that I do not think this will pose any major problem. Additionally, Religious Education will remain an intricate part of our daily studies.

I will continue to pray that these decisions are the right ones for my family and for Mr. Sister and myself. So far...it appears to be the correct course of action as I am at peace.

Shhhh!

Quiet!

Testing in progress!

This is the week we are conducting our standardized testing. Our test of choice? The Iowa Complete Battery of Tests. I always say that the results will determine whether or not I continue along the homeschooling path. Wish us well!

(and yes, I do use that treadmill you see in the photo of Sweet Cheeks!)

The Beauty of Home Schooling

Oh the beauty of home schooling.

You can get up at 8:00am.

Stay in your jammies all morning.

Work on the subject of your choice.

And what if your hiney happens to get too cold?

Well, a kid's gotta do what a kid's gotta do!