Bittersweet Christmas

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I've spent much of advent preparing--but not preparing in the usual way. Instead, I've been preparing paperwork, mountains and mountains of papers that are supposed to somehow stand for my eldest son's childhood.  You see, when you homeschool all the way through and when you believe that all of life is education, that transcript morphs into something much bigger than usual.  College application requirements vary, but the big stickler is actually surprising.  The NCAA Clearninghouse, that institution which allows barely literate public school graduates to play in college (I'm thinking of those oft-interviewed basketball players who are tall and strong and athletically gifted, but cannot answer a simple interviewer's question coherently), requires the following:

  • Standardized test score (must be on official transcript OR sent directly from the testing agency); 
  • Transcript (home school transcript and any other transcript from other high schools, community colleges, etc.); 
  • Proof of high-school graduation; 
  • Evidence that home schooling was conducted in accordance with state law; AND 
  • Lists of all texts used throughout home schooling (text titles, publisher, in which courses texts were used).

    • When we looked for clarification, explaining that we used few texts and many real books, they said to list them all. All.  Every single one.

    So, we are knee deep in portfolio construction and Michael has really gotten his act together in this regard.  I'm "just" tweaking and fine tuning and trying to remember everything we've ever read!

    Then, there are the essays.  The last few days, he's been reflecting on his education and writing essays that answer all the questions admissions deans might have about what he's been doing all his life. (Don't miss this one.) Yesterday, we settled into a familiar rhythm: Talk about it, write about it, edit together, go off and do something artistic, repeat the process, send it to Dad.  After the first round, he went down to the craft table to clear his head and to do something he's been promising me for three years.

    While I nursed the baby in my room, he crafted a nativity from Sculpey clay. I spent my time thinking and thinking about his latest essay, turning phrases in my mind and remembering the decisions that have brought us here. And I reflected on something I think might be unusual:  this process, however stressful it might be for all of us, has not been the slightest bit ugly.  Michael and I have spent day after emotional day together this fall, riding the rapids of the college soccer recruiting process and navigating the nightmare of the paperwork and we have not once argued.   We've worked together in a familiar, mutually respectful rhythm. Whatever storms are raging around us, we are peaceful together.

    Ironically, that makes it all so much harder.  I know that very soon, scenes like this, now so very familiar and ordinary, will become memories. And, oh, how I will miss them! 

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    I have a hunch I will never, ever be able to unpack this particular nativity set without feeling hot tears and a lump in my throat.

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    Prayers Answered!

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    Kim's husband writes:

    Therese Claire arrived at 1130 this morning.  Kim and baby Tess are doing wonderfully and both are absolutely beautiful.  I'm sure Kim will give you all an update later with more pictures.
    Thanks for your prayers. 
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    Don't you love husbands who think their wives are beautiful right after delivering?
    Be sure to check Starry Sky Ranch soon for more pictures.  Kim is an amazing photographer.  We are in for a real treat!

    Please Pray for Kim Fry

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    It's a big morning at the Starry Sky Ranch! Kim is in labor.  Please join me in praying the Infant of Prague Novena for her hourly today.

    INFANT OF PRAGUE NOVENA PRAYER

     

    O Jesus, Who has said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened," through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted.

    (Make your request)

    O Jesus, Who has said, "All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you," through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted.

    (Make your request)

    O Jesus, Who has said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass away," through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted.

    (Make your request)

    PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

    Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life.

    Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands.

    Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen.

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