Rosary Winner!

The winner of not one, but two crochet rosaries is...

MICHELLE!

Michelle, I'll contact you to let you know you won! 

Congratulations!!! 

For those of you who still want one, don't forget, you can order one if you'd like. ;-)

A Change in the Air

Last fall, we hear the buzz around our church that a home school academy, Regina Caeli, wanted to start a hybrid program in our area.  I didn't go to any of the informational meetings, but a few of my friends did.  I'd already seriously considered homeschooling once Rebecca hit 6th grade, but wasn't dead set on it. David was supportive, but not 100% on board either.  He was worried it would be too much work for me.  And...I suck at math.  Seriously...I am not good at math.  At all.  

So...one of my friends told me more about the program, and sent me a few more emails.  I was intrigued, but I filed away the information in my "saved" folder, and thought, "Maybe in another year we can think about it." I didn't feel God had revealed His plan for us yet.  


David is on the Community Life Commission at St. Ignatius Loyola, so he was at his montly meeting back in March.  He also had a presentation to give for the Parish Council meeting afterwards, so he heard more about Regina Caeli.  He came home late (around 10:30 PM) and said, 


"Honey, what do you know about this Regina Caeli home school program?" 


I said, "Well...a lot via email, but I kinda set them aside for now because I wasn't sure you'd go for it."  


My husband replied, "I think we should do it.  It could be a good fit for our family." 


"WHAT DID YOU SAY?  REALLY???"


I'm glad I was already in bed...I would have had to sit down. :-)


We stayed up until midnight talking about it.  The next day, I took a deep breath, filled out the application I'd gotten through one of those emails, and sent it in.  We had our family interview 3 weeks ago, the girls were evaluated (they don't screen incoming kindergartners, so Gabriel wasn't tested), and we were accepted a week later. 


Talk about a whirlwind.  Just like that...in one fell swoop, we will be homeschooling this fall!


Am I nervous? 


Yes, somewhat.  I have a degree in education, so I am qualified (so to speak).  But can I really handle being around my kids more than I am now?  The Regina Caeli program will teach the kids 2 days a week at the church, and then I'll have them at home the rest of the week.  I am sure I will tear out my hair some days.  I am positive it will not always be a bowl of peaches!  But I am honestly looking forward to not having the logistically nightmare of dropping off/picking up kids from 3 different schools.  I'm hoping we will have more time to do the things the girls want to do, liking cooking and sewing after our school work is done for the day.  I'm really eager to supplement our curriculum, and teach Gabriel how to read.  And most of all, I'm glad my kids will be socializing with other Catholic families who are trying hard to raise our child with kindness and compassion.  


Our oldest, Joshua will be staying in public school.  He'll be in 7th grade this fall.  So naturally, people are asking me why he's not being homeschooled.  


Well...Joshua is a very unique kid.  Always has, and undoubtedly, always will be.  He had developmental and speech delays as a very young child, and needed therapy for 5 years.  He's come a LONG way, but benefits from the public school environment.  One--he likes structure, and public school is very scheduled.  He likes knowing what comes next, and it takes him a while (sometimes months) to adjust to any kind of changes.  Two--he's not very mature socially, and being around adults and peers helps him communicate in the ways he needs to work on; specifically making eye contact with others, asking questions, responding when called on, reading out loud, and how to make decisions if he's put in a difficult situation (which has already happened this year with a group of girls harassing him).  We already know his best friend from third grade will be moving this summer.  Losing his friend, AND changing schools would make Joshua flip out.  It could take a whole year for him to become comfortable and make new friends, if any at all.  Three--Joshua is a true introvert.  He spends 90% of his time in his room, and only comes out to do homework, play on the computer, watch TV, and eat.  We have him on swim team for the summer and Boy Scouts to meet his social and physical needs. Otherwise, he literally prefers to "hid" away and only come out of his room if we call him to do chores.  That's not a bad thing, but sometimes he's really not in touch with reality.  Public school is definitely his window to the world.  


Now that's out of the way.  Sorry for the long explanation. :-)


So...am I excited? 


YES.  I've already gotten the book lists for Rebecca, Christina, and Gabriel.  I've been trolling web sites and swap groups all week looking for the best deal on used texts, books, and curriculum.  I love buying books, and can't wait to read right along with the kids.  We have to pay montly tuition for Regina Caeli (it's about 1/2 the cost a full-time Catholic school would charge), and pay for books and uniforms.  So you bet I'm trying to save money every which way I can.  I firmly believe God place this opportunity in our hands, and He will provide, since He truly wants to give us the desires of our heart.  David and I have always wanted to give our children a classic, Catholic education.  Regina Caeli allows us to do so at a price we can afford.  


And speaking of that...please don't forget to enter my giveaway for 2 free crochet rosaries (which I'm now making in the hopes of supplementing our income just a bit.  Thank you!


Now that I think I've covered all the bases, please pray for our family.  We especially ask the Blessed Mother to watch over us as we embark on this new adventure together.  We humbly pray for her guidance, patience, and love to cover us and embrace our children as we learn together.  AMEN!

It's a Giveaway!!!

Last week, I decided I would try to sell these crochet rosaries.  I wasn't really keen on making a truckload of money (however nice that would be).  But I did want to see if I could make just a little bit of income on the side to offset the cost of the home school academy we'll be joining this fall. 

More on that soon! :-)

In order to promote my humble little business, I though I should have a giveaway!

Up for grabs is one rosary for you, AND one for a friend/family member.  Sharing is always a great thing, right? ;-)

To enter, please leave a comment below, and tell me what kind of rosary you'd like.  Simple white, or standard black?  Aggie maroon or tea-sip burnt orange?  Do you like a mix of colors in a variegated rosary?  Or are you a 2-tone kind of gal?  (I'm assuming everyone who reads my blog is female, but guys are welcome to chime in too!)  Don't forget to tell me what your friend/family member would like also. 

Here are examples of a solid, variegated, and two-tone rosary in case you were wondering. ;-)

All entries will be accepted until Friday, May 25th, Texas time (that's Central time to the rest of y'all).  Winner will be announced later on that day.  

Good luck, and God bless!  

Crochet Rosaries for Sale

A few months ago, my team teacher and I were trying to figure out First Communion gifts for our home school formation class.  We had 9 kids, so even if we spend only $10 per child, it would still add up to nearly $100.  After some research on the internet, I found a pattern for a crochet rosary.  SWEET.  They were really fun and simple to make.  

After I gave them to the kids, I had a few people ask me to make them one.  So I've decided to start selling them.  These are a nice alternative to regular beaded rosaries.  They are washable, unbreakable, and best of all, they're silent, so they're perfect for little ones.  They are also great for military personnel stationed overseas.  From what I understand, regular rosaries are too noisy to carry into combat zones.  

Here are some pictures of rosaries I've made.  The one on the left is a solid purple, the middle one is a variegated yarn in shades of blue, and the far right rosary is 2 colors crocheted together (hot pink and teal).  

So, can make these rosaries in a solid, two-tone, or variegated yarn.  If you need a specific color, no problem.  So yes, I can make one in maroon and white for all my Aggie readers.  I've already make one in navy and orange for one customer who is an Auburn fan.  I'll make rosaries in burnt orange and white for all the Longhorns out there too...even though it will mean some sacrifice on my part, LOL.  I won't even charge you extra. ;-)

Solid color rosaries are $12, variegated rosaries are $14, and two-toned rosaries are $16.  Specialty yarn rosaries (like wool, silk, or bamboo) are $18.  Some children/adults have sensory issues, so if you need something specific, please let me know.  

If you'd like to place an order, please leave a comment below, or email me at kimberly.reisinger@sbcglobal.net.  I can have your order ready in 2-3 days.  I will be giving 10% of any profit to the Sisters of Life.  

Thank you, and God Bless!  

Christina's First Holy Communion

Our dear Christina received Christ for the first time last Sunday! Of course the anticipation has been building in our house for weeks.  I knew she was well prepared, thanks to me being her catechist for the past 2 years in our homeschool formation class.  It's been nothing but a joy...truly...to watch her and 8 other children grow in their faith, and prepare them for such an important event. 


Along with preparing Christina, there were other things to do.  We cleaned the house from top to bottom, rushed to finish last-minute laundry.  I made homemade granola, and 3 dozen muffins to feed the onslaught of family coming into town.  Christina decided to have pizza, fruit, cupcakes and cookies for her after party.  She didn't know how grateful I was to hear that!  All I had to do was pick up the phone and call our favorite local pizza joint. ;-)


Early Sunday morning, I helped Christina dress and fix her hair.  She had a beautiful floral halo made by our close friend, Lara from LZ Floral Designs (aka Theresa's godmother).  Grandma Reisinger gift of a cross and matching earrings completed her ensemble.  I know I'm biased, but I thought she looked so pretty. 

When we got to the church, I left my niece and Rebecca in charge of saving seats for the rest of the family.  We met my co-teacher Cathy, and the rest of the kids in our class.  If they were nervous, they didn't show it.  I was anxious myself, and tried NOT to let it show.  At one point, I got choked up when we had a group shot taken.  Cathy's son Jacob and Christina were baptized on the same day...and it brought back sweet memories.  Cathy took one look at my face, and said, "That's not allowed today!"  But she did pass me tissues during Mass. ;-)

After all the kids processed in, and we sat down, I finally started to relax a bit.  Because I was Christina's catechist, I sat with her and the class.   The rest of the family sat one section over and a few pews back.  That's how they do it in our parish.  Christina let me hold her hand a few times, and next thing I knew, we we saying the "Our Father."  It was time!


I watched Christina receive the Body of Christ, and then the Blood of Christ.  She did great.  David was able to discreetly come up closer to the front of the church and take a few pictures.  One of our parishioners, Julie took an amazing shot of the exact moment Christina took Christ.  I was so happy and grateful she shared that picture with us!  

Photography by Julie Nanni

The rest of our class received Christ, and did it perfectly.  I was so proud of all of them. :-)

After Mass, I was able to take more picture out in the narthex.
  

Christina with Grandpa and Grandma Reisinger

Godparents--Uncle Peter and Aunt Stephanie

With Mommy and Daddy. 

Me with my precious girl. :-)

With Fr. Norbert


Back at the house, everyone changed clothes, and I set out snacks while we waited for the pizza.  You should have heard the charge down the stairs when the doorbell rang...my goodness!  Kids!


All the family was gone by 2:30 (since most of them had to drive back to Dallas).  After some cleanup, David and I collapsed for a few minutes.  Hosting 9 adults and 14 kids for a weekend is hard work. ;-)  But it was well worth it to have them here for Christina's First Communion.

We love you very much Christina, and are so happy to share this day with you.  May Christ always dwell in your heart!