Election Night

Another change of living in a new state is understanding their politics. Although Delaware did not have any important races, I was still able to work on election night. I was a reporting agent for Reuters. They launched a nationwide effort to collect voting results as the polls closed with agents covering all counties (well almost all counties). I got paid, and I got press credentials!

Sebelius Resigns

Last week, Kathleen Sebelius resigned from ObamaCare. I was a little surprised, but I shouldn't have been. The Secretary of Health and Human Services stepped down the day after the enrollment period ended (which had been pushed back so many times in order to reach a respectable number) some three-and-a-half-years into the project. Sebelius was overdue for walking away from the whole disaster. I have covered the native Kansan before, since she is one of the figures left from my political days in Topeka in the early 90s. We are glad to be making our last COBRA payment of $1700 and joining the group medical insurance provided at Captain's new job.

Sarcasm and Victories

The twins and their Thunder team have kept up a 17-game winning streak. Tomorrow they will play for the Championship in the U16 American bracket in Minnesota against their rival, Belle Tire. They have enjoyed spending time this weekend with Aunt Mary, cousins Charlie, Kara, Sophie, and Pam. Charlie hosted a taco bar for his birthday for everyone. Tomorrow will be the sixth time they play against their rivals. They have beaten Belle Tire twice and lost to them three times. Two former match-ups went into overtime! Winger is so nervous he didn't want to go to bed. But earlier he had the funniest Tweet: "Oshie has done more for America in eight rounds of shoot-out then Obama has done in eight years."

A Catholic President

The only Catholic president of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, will be lauded tomorrow upon the 50th anniversary of his death. I cannot help but acknowledge that JFK was an idol among Catholics in his day. I wasn't around to witness 1960 or 1963. But I can just imagine. Never before had the nation seen a first lady wearing a chapel veil,

nor a President attend mass with his two young children.

He came from a large Catholic family in Massachusetts. His mother, Rose, had 9 children: many of whom had public service in their blood. His father was a state senator, and his grandfather had been mayor of Boston, etc. etc.
Mostly he is remembered in Catholic circles for his "separation of church and state" campaign speech to a group of Protestant ministers in Houston. Apparently he convinced them. It only proved to Catholics that he had phenomenal diplomacy. One man wrote his remembrance of the speech by saying: "He stared down the anti-Catholic know-nothings and won the hearts and minds of more than a few WASP and Jewish voters, as well as the admiration of Roman Catholics whose ancestors did not hail from the Emerald Isle."

Why was his religion the crux for many voters? Did they really think his Pope would dictate to him?
And if so (gasp), what would any Pope have said: Stand opposed to artificial contraception since it is un-Biblical? (Pope Paul VI actually said The Pill was wrong anyway, in 1968.) Stand against abortion? Stand up for traditional marriage? Stand for equal rights regardless of race or creed?
How is it then that a Catholic platform would be bad policy for America? It's ironic that Catholics and Protestants stand together today for these same principles and value a "whole fabric of harmonious society."

Home, Sweet Home

Been back for three days in our "own" beds, which is always nice after lots of driving. Captain calculated 90 hours in the past few weeks, but I didn't want to check his math. Instead I calculated hockey stats for twins, proofread two papers for Dorito, and worked the polls all day Tuesday. The ballot only contained a tax measure, so the turnout was low. I don't mind working 13.5 hours when I'm allowed to read! I finished three magazines and half of the PD James novel "Death Comes to Pemberly."

What Does it Mean to be American?

The Government is more afraid of
Unborn Babies
and
Religion of Homeschoolers
than
drugs,
nuclear weapons,
extremist terrorists,
or rising deficits borrowed against the future.
Dangerous culture war.
Really biased.
and Sad.
I can hear Lesa saying:
"You Republican."

Lincoln's Viewpoint

The best part of homeschooling is diving so deeply into history. In recognition of Lincoln's birthday today, I add a few quotes from a man I greatly admire for his fortitude, self-effacing humor, and sacrifice to the greater good for the glory of God.

(from the Capitol Bldg. in Washington, D.C.)
"Surely God would not have created such a being as man, with an ability to grasp the infinite, to exist only for a day! No, no, Man was made for immortality." - A. Lincoln
"Intelligence, patriotism, Christianity, and a firm reliance on Him, who has never yet forsaken this favored land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our present difficulty." - A. Lincoln (First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1861)

Trouble with Babies

The idea that a baby is a burden is so ironic during this Christmas season. As good Christians we are ever-prayerful about the HHS Mandate. Last week, Justice Sonya Sotomayor ruled that Hobby Lobby didn't have enough grounds to make an appeal. Currently there are 42 separate lawsuits challenging the Obama Administration's HHS Mandate. Hobby Lobby is the largest business to file such a lawsuit. It is also the only non-Catholic business to do so. Welcome to the ranks of Ave Maria University, Belmont Abbey College, and EWTN business.


(According to National Catholic Register) Hobby Lobby sought relief from enforcement of the mandate because as of Jan. 1, the company will face potential fines of $1.3 million per day if it declines to provide coverage of the so-called "morning after” and “week after” abortifacient drugs in its health insurance plan. Hobby Lobby appealed to the Supreme Court after the Tenth Circuit Court denied its request for relief from enforcement of the abortifacient mandate Dec. 20. The circuit court rejected the motion on the grounds that the religious burden to the Green family was “indirect and attenuated.”

While religious nonprofits are not required to comply with the mandate until Aug. 1, 2013, while the Obama administration works out the details of changes it has promised to make to the mandate to address their religious objections, other religious employers were required to begin providing co-pay-free contraceptives and related services by August 2012, or whenever they subsequently updated their health plans. A press release said, “the Green family’s religious convictions prohibit them from providing or paying for the abortion-inducing drugs, which would violate their most deeply held religious belief that life begins at conception.” This lawsuit acts to preserve the business's right to operate free from government coercion.

Gotta Find Something to Laugh About

Here at the end of the week, I am exhausted. There was that 5 a.m. work day at the polls, and college exam prep when I was quizzing Dorito for two late nights in a row. There were also two scheduling nightmares with KCYC and AGD to endure resolve. Plus Captain's sister is nearing the end of her battle with cancer, and he is helping arrange flights for Kathy and Rachel to get to Alaska on time. But I also want to list the good things in my week such as Captain substituting my Adoration Hour. And a victory over "Goliath" in the Suzuki Parent Fund battle. The boys have each memorized a concerto through consistent violin practice at home. And I found three pennies on the ground in the past two weeks reminding me that "In God We Trust."
This afternoon, I played cards with the "old ladies" at Vintage Gardens, and we had lots of laughs. Imagine these kind ladies playing cut-throat at "Hearts" over tea and cakes?! TGIF!

Crosses on Display

Every October, our family erects a pro-life display of crosses at our church. This is the 2nd set of crosses, which we made and painted as a homeschool group several years ago. The first set was on display at the Catholic high school this month. Each crosses represents 1 million aborted babies since the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. There are more than a few crosses. It is a staggering reality to view 46 crosses and think that more babies are killed EVERY DAY in the US than the total who died in the Twin Towers bombing and TWO DAYS equals the total killed in the Iraq War in the past nine years....

This year, my twins did the work of hauling all the crosses down from the attic, repairing a few, and hammering away during the installation as part of their Confirmation service hours. Who will drive by and rethink their philosophy of life and death? Maybe 3315 per day?

Vote Today

Because it matters.

Catholics, Politics, Memories, and Dinner

It was Priest Appreciation Sunday, so we took the chance to tell Father Matt Benjamin of our admiration and support. Over a good dinner. Lasagna, red wine, homemade French bread, lavender butter, my famous sweet green beans, and a salad made from butter lettuce and English cucumbers. My blogging fingers can barely keep up with all the paths this story entails.
First, Megan and I love the lavender butter at Cafe des Amis, but always forget to make it at home. I even have lavender saved for the occasion! Hooray! So I softened some butter and stirred in a small amount of buds, which look like dead ants but taste lightly floral and thus heavenly on crusty bread fresh from the oven. So proud that I remembered. But then all the men at my dinner table chose the plain butter with lots of jam instead. Isn't that typical? I'll save the rest for when another female is in the house.
The salad was also a treat because I decided to join the modern world Costco this week. It is better than my grocery store for fresh produce. I won't say anything else bad about HyVee. Plus Costco is right next to the rink in Independence where I spend three hours every Wednesday. Plus Costco has organic items that I can no longer get from the monthly co-op truck. I am still solidly adhering to the organics, especially in light of the genetically modified foods on the shelves in modern grocery stores. Don't you wonder at the increase in gluten allergy? Needless to say, the cost is only slightly higher to buy real food that tastes delicious.
Thirdly, the lasagna is from a Pi Phi friend when I was first engaged. So rich. Makes enough for an army. So I made a large pan for our family and guest. Then I made a small pan to take to a new mom. And I sent a big piece home with Father, and froze a portion for our college daughter to have as leftovers. The new mom is one of our former babysitters. Stefanie had her first baby--and it was a girl! Captain and I spent time holding the baby and reminiscing about the escapdes of our 2-year-old-twins when they were under Stefanie's charge.
Lastly, the discussion of politics and the Catholic Church was carried over from the homily. Father does an excellent job of preaching with the right mix of morality and practicality. The election has him concerned. His former career as a Marine has him very upset about the Fox News inside reports about Benghazi. I try not to blog all the political turmoil in my own head and circle of influence. But Captain keeps me updated daily on the world news, and I pray daily for the right outcomes.
Junior-League-Style Lasagna
Meat portion: simmer together
1 lb. hamburger
1 lb. Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 T. basil
1-1/2 t. salt
1# can tomatoes
26 oz. tomato paste
Filling portion: beat together
3 c. cottage cheese
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
2 T. parsley
2 eggs
2 t. salt
1/2 t. freshly-cracked black pepper
Noodles: one pound preboiled
Mozzarella Cheese: one pound sliced or shredded
In 9 x 13 pan, make three layers of Noodles, Filling, Meat, Mozzarella. Bake at 375' F for 30 minutees until bubbly. Let set 10 minutes before serving.

Who is Radical?

Alison sent me this "National Review" article, which is likely in the issue on my coffee table.... and Dorito wrote his Sociology paper on "labeling homeschoolers" so this has been on my mind lately. Largely, I tend to ignore labels as I'm too busy Occupying my Schoolroom with three high schoolers :-) I'm having fun being intellectual and moral, and my kids don't realize how far from the mainstream we are (sometimes). Good stuff
There is exactly one authentically radical social movement of any real significance in the United States, and it is not Occupy, the Tea Party, or the Ron Paul faction. It is homeschoolers, who, by the simple act of instructing their children at home, pose an intellectual, moral, and political challenge to the government-monopoly schools, which are one of our most fundamental institutions and one of our most dysfunctional. more...

It's About Principles, Mr. President

President Obama pledged to continue to fund Planned Parenthood in last night's debate. Was anyone else sickened by his emotive tone of voice as if PP was a benevolent charity that actually cares for women? They receive $487 million in government grants and reimbursements. That impacts the deficit, certainly. But there is a bigger picture. For me, a politician cannot lead if he isn't to willing stand upon virtues and moral principles. It is a blatant falsehood that PP offers mammograms and screenings for cervical cancer or STDs. They sell abortions and are willing to cover up incest and rape to boot. And that is not OK with my tax dollars. Clearly, ObamaCare doesn't respect my Catholic conscience nor any other Christian's.

3rd Place at Truman Library

The St. Joseph Homeschool team won 3rd place at the annual Truman Trivia Contest! The theme of this year's competition at the Truman Library was "Presidents, Primaries, Conventions, and Campaigns" and included 50 questions. The team originally tied for 2nd place, but then lost in a tie-breaker round of 5 additional questions.  As 3rd place winners, they received individual $10 iTunes gift cards! I was so proud of them

Congratulations to team members: Rebekah Mohn (senior); Jacob Brooke (junior), Ben Brooke (sophomore), and my three sons: Polar Bear (freshman), Winger (freshman), and Dorito (senior).

This was my 4th year being sponsor for the team and leading their weekly study sessions. How exciting that my boys are growing their love of politics!  (Note: Last time our team won, Meggar was on the team, and they also took 3rd place.)

Fall Break for College Girl

Meggar is home for a couple extra days of fall break. I am excited to catch up on news and craft projects. Why is sleeping in always the first thing on the agenda? In the first two days, Meggar went to a friend's garage sale, had tea with Vee and Constance, voted at the Courthouse, enjoyed a massage, got a root canal done, and interviewed Mic-o-Say tribesmen for her Folklore project. Then we did a little shopping in Kansas City and met her high school piano teacher for a special meal at the "Cafe De Amis" French Restaurant. Gotta take the good with the bad, I always say, and enjoy the tea cup even when it is half full.

2012 Nobel Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize has been politically motivated at times, but the Nobel Prizes in other categories are more than respectable! Hence the good news from "National Catholic Register" that the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine honors a scientist who conducts stem-cell research ethically. His work on stem-cell generation proves that human embryos do not have to be used for studying diseases and the advancement of successful treatments. Yamanaka found that by inserting a combination of four genes into mouse cells that they could be reprogrammed, and they would actually become pluripotent and redevelop as stem cells. (Note: this Japanese scientist has two daughters!)

First Presidential Election Debate

Obama was flat, failed to prepare(?), and foggy-sounding.
Romney was policy-centered, prepared, and polished-sounding.
Glad we could watch as a family. Maybe politics is not a lost cause.

Weekend Wrap-up

Like the radio news programmes do, I would like to offer a variety of all things considered:
1. Ann Romney has a Pinterest account. And among her first 25 pins were two books, including "Anna Karenina," which my book club is currently reading! The Tolstoy classic addresses a bad marriage (Anna), an average marriage (Dolly), and a good marriage (Kitty).
2. Group checking accounts are problematic. The balance belongs to the whole group, so the whole group should have a say in where the money goes. Just because the Suzuki Parents deposited their fund at Missouri Western State University thirteen years ago and haven't added to it in the last two years does not mean we intend to let MWSU have the $1,529 for spending willy-nilly.
3. Red flags are worth noticing. Pay attention to your motherly intuition, too.
4. Volleyball is a fun. Dorito's robotics class is vying for the Hillyard School championship as a fun way to raise money for their Skills USA competition. I really won't feel bad next time we have to "skip" a day of homeschooling for fall yard work.
5. Co-ed volleyball is also fun. Meggar and Spencer have a rec team at Truman and are undefeated after the first two weeks. She also helps with the sorority's A team.
6. Killing an ambassador on Sept. 11 should be considered a terroristic attack against our nation.
7. Handwritten notes mean the most, like Robin said. Dorito received one from Dr. Bosco (on purple paper with purple ink).

Remembering Obama's Speech

I predicted Greek columns at the Democratic Convention (oh well). Four years ago, Obama wanted to be seen as being as smart as the Greeks, but I remember they were pagans as well. My favorite quotes from yesterday's speech:

"Eight years later..." --really? I remember four years ago he said he would end the war in Iraq and close Guantanamo Bay immediately, and several of my relatives voted for him simply because of that promise. But neither promise was fulfilled, nor any apology made for Obama's lack of foreign policy experience (which the media accuses Sarah Palin/Mitt Romney/Paul Ryan of lacking). Three years later, our armed forces who left Iraq were subsequently deployed to Afghanistan (war zone since the time of Reagan), and military spending increased 50%, for a total of $93.8 billion in 2010 alone.

"Less dependent on foreign oil than any other time in history..." --really? The price of gas is twice as high? I guess it's because George Bush wants to make million on his oil wells. I remember the media said that four years ago, and voters believed it.

"We have advanced the rights and dignity of all human beings--men and women; Christians and Muslims and Jews." -- really? Pity about the rights of unborn men and women aborted with tax money at Planned Parenthood clinics. And I remember Muslims being the enemies of the Greeks.

"...gays or any other group we are told to blame for our troubles." --really?  I don't remember any Republicans blaming gays for our deficit, unemployment, failing economy, global warming, forest fires, or the hurricanes.

"...if you believe in a country where everyone gets a fair shot, and does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules..." -- really? The rules for unemployment benefits and welfare benefits keep extending the time you don't HAVE to work.

"And while I'm proud of what we've achieved..." really? proud.