Pigs of Few Words

Oink by Arthur Geisert

I happened upon this book at the library today and Caleb loves it! He asked me to read it four times in a row and then read it to himself while I rocked Reva for a while. I could hear him oinking away in his room with two doors closed between us. I have a feeling this little book is going to appear in someone's Christmas stocking (if not his birthday pile).

Go Outside and Play

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv

Parts I and II were the most interesting parts of this book. (Later parts presented interviews with some people with crazy ideas like decreasing all cities to around 40,000; in his defense, the author doesn't condone the craziest of ideas.) Anyway, in the first two parts, we see some evidence that suggests interaction with nature (trees, bugs, etc.) has measurable positive effects on our intellectual performance, emotional well-being, and even physical health. I was most intrigued by the use of nature therapy to treat ADHD. I'm not sure how well the evidence would hold up (and will hold up if more studies are done), but it seems to make sense to me that kids need time outside to run around and interact with the natural world.

If you need any more reasons to turn off the computer, TV, or game console, check out this book. Of course, your time might be better spent on a hike or fishing.

Daily Inspiration

The Little Flowers of Saint Francis translated by Raphael Brown

I love reading books like this. I feel like a daily dose of the saints helps guide me toward living a better life in my attitude and actions in every day life. Some day I expect to make the time to really read a bit like this every day.

As enlightening and uplifting as the stories of St. Francis were, my favorite part of the book were the vignettes on Brother Juniper. He was so enamored by the love of Christ that his Brothers had to command him to stop giving away the very clothes he was wearing. He obeyed the command but not quite the spirit of it by allowing and encouraging a needy man to "steal" the habit right off his back.

Don't Bother

The Pact: A Love Story by Jodi Picoult

I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised, but the book treats suicide as a reasonable response to depression and teenage sexual activity as a given. There's no hint that anyone in the world thinks suicide and assisted suicide are immoral or that many problems could have been avoided if only Emily and Chris had not had sex.

The Church in a Destructive Age

A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr.

This is not a new book; it was written in the late 1950s, but has been appearing in new editions ever since. It is one of the few science fiction books to treat the Church seriously and faithfully within the present and future depicted in the novel. St. Leibowitz (who is not a saint when the book begins but is already long dead) joins the church at a time when mobs are destroying all places of learning and all learned men and women in a misguided effort to find restitution for the devastation and destruction of a nuclear war. He forms an order charged with collecting, memorizing and saving what remnants they can of learning for future generations.

The most interesting part of the book in my opinion describes the Radiation Disaster Act in action. The Green Star Relief establishes mobile units to humanely and expediently kill those who have received a lethal dose of radiation. The Church disagrees with these centers and all they represent.

Here are a few quotes relevant to issues our society currently faces. When asked why he cannot allow the Green Star Relief doctor to counsel individuals to travel to the euthanasia center, the abbot says:

Because if a man is ignorant of the fact that something is wrong, and acts in ignorance, he incurs no guilt, provided natural reason was not enough to show him that it was wrong. But while ignorance may excuse the man, it does not excuse the act, which is wrong in itself. If I permitted the act simply because the man is ignorant that it is wrong, then I would incur guilt, because I do know it to be wrong.

Below is a quote of the priest's thoughts as the relief doctor leaves:

Seeing misery everywhere and detesting it, and sincere in wanting to do something about it. Sincere--that was the hell of it. From a distance, one's adversaries seemed fiends, but with a closer view, one saw the sincerity, and it was as great as one's own. Perhaps Satan was the sincerest of the lot.

Late in the novel, Father Zerchi pleads with a young women who has been convinced by the Green Star Relief doctor to take herself and her baby to the euthanasia center. Imagine the struggle of this poor young mother, broken and sick herself, watching her little one, barely recognizable and whimpering in pain, knowing there was no way to save either life. I can understand how she feels when she says "I cannot understand a God who is pleased by my baby's hurting!" The priest answers:

"No, no! It is not the pain that is pleasing to God, child. It is the soul's endurance in faith and hope and love in spite of bodily afflictions that pleases Heaven. Pain is like negative temptation. God is not pleased by temptations that afflict the flesh; He is pleased when the soul rises above the temptation and says 'Go, Satan.' It's the same with pain, which is often a temptation to despair, anger, loss of faith--"

Later, he changes tactics:

"No! I am not asking you. As a priest of God I am commanding you by the authority of Almighty God not to lay hands on your child, not to offer her life in sacrifice to a false god of expedient mercy. I do not advise you, I adjure and command you in the name of Christ the King."

Dom Zerchi had never spoken with such a voice before, and the ease with which the words came to his lips surprised even the priest. As he continued to look at her, her eyes fell. For an instant he had feared that the girl would laugh in his face. When Holy Church occasionally hinted that she still considered her authority to be supreme over all nations and superior to the authority of states, men in these times tended to snicker. And yet the authenticity of the command could still be sensed by a bitter girl with a dying child.

Even in the most difficult, horrific circumstances, we must protect and cherish the lives God creates.

As a side note, a little blurb I found here reminded me that the threat of annihilation remains, but now they can destroy an entire city without fear of environmental repercussions. That's right: Throw those weapons all you like, then move your citizens right in. No consequences. It's comforting to believe Christ will come again in glory before terrorists or governments could destroy the world with weapons such as these.

Snuggle Puppy, but Little Snuggling

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton

Of course, all the Boynton books are fun for kids and parents, but Reva's taken a special liking to Snuggle Puppy. She loves it when I sing it and even blows kisses at the right times (and a bunch of other times, too; it's fun to blow kisses).

She does not, however, want to be held while I sing it. In fact, it's a good thing I've got the song memorized because usually I'm not allowed to hold the book either.

A Place in the World

I've never read this blog before, so I can't recommend it in its entirety (though it may deserve to be recommended), but I loved this post which I found linked on a blog I do read.

Moms and Dads, enjoy (especially moms)!

What Will She Do Next?

Thursday Next: First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde

The fun never ends. I've posted about Mr. Fforde's excellent alter-reality here and here, so there's no excuse not to be ready for the newest Thursday Next novel. It should be no surprise that books are rewritten to become the books we've always known, characters are erased and time travel is never discovered. Even Mr. Fforde is at a loss for words in chapter 37.

I've already written too much. Read this book and watch out for the Danverclones!

Reva's Favorite Book

I Love You Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak

Reva doesn't actually let me read very many books to hear, but she loves to play with them and page through them on her own. Unlike Caleb, she does not treat books lightly, so we've had to do many repairs since she discovered books, even on some of the board books. This book is one of the few I can read to her. It was a gift from Aunt Emily for Reva before she was even born and I've always liked it. I read this to Reva every night before she goes to bed and it's always a joyful experience. Literally. As soon as I pull it out, Reva giggles with glee, starts kicking her legs, and generally makes the happiest baby noises.

It's a very sweet, short book and so far has proved very durable despite Reva's obsession.

Caleb's Current Favorites

It's been a while since we heard from Caleb, so here's a look at what he's reading now.

Cars books still figure prominently.

Winnie-the-Pooh CD storybook. This was actually a gift to Reva for Christmas, but Caleb has become obsessed. We listen to the CD during the day and for naps and nighttime. It's too bad the stories are adapted from A.A. Milne's classic. I tried to get him interested in the real book (which I have), but this is the one he wants.

Olivia by Ian Falconer, another gift for Reva that was co-opted. It's a good thing she's too little to understand just yet.

Ben Hurry: A Lesson in Patience from VeggieTales. At least we get to use the line, "Patience is a gift from God" often throughout the day.

If You're Happy and You Know It! by Jane Cabrera. We like this one because we can sing along. It also encourages all of us to come up with our own voices (and to get up and move around).

The Loudest Lion by Paul Bright.

It's Over

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Yes, I'm a big fan. Josh and I argued (not seriously) about who would read the final book first. (He won, because I was in D.C., but he had to finish it before I got home).

This final book was a fitting end to the series which I highly recommend. I love reading these books and I do not worry about my children becoming obsessed with the dark arts. Of course, they're much too young for these books. We'll have to figure out how to space them, too, since Caleb will still not be able to read through the whole series when he's ready for the first one.

Anyway, I'm impressed by Ms. Rowling's creative mind and her dedication to her characters. We're looking forward to the "encyclopedia" she's tackling next so we can learn more (backstory and more) about each of them.

If you haven't allowed yourself the pleasure of reading these books, please do not fear the stink of popularity. This is a tremendous series that I predict will fare well the test of time.

The Books that Changed Our Lives

The Unsettling of America: Culture & Agriculture by Wendell Berry

The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan

First, a confession: I haven't read Mr. Pollan's book. I imagine I'll read it eventually, but there are only so many pages a working mother of two can get through.

I did just finish the Wendell Berry book. Josh urged me to read it now that he's become a great believer in the small family farm, including convincing me it should be our family goal. I have no problem with the small family farm; perhaps because it's already in my genes, but I agreed to read the book because he was so excited about it. I found it a convincing argument against commercial agriculture at the expense of the small farmer. I can understand how Josh feels because having read it, I'm now anxious to begin our little family organic farming experience, complete with draft animals. (The desire for draft animals may die down, though Josh and I have discussed keeping a horse once we're established, for riding and other fun.)

I'm not going to write much here simply because I haven't the time, but if you're interested in the Papsdorf family dream, these books will give you an idea where we're headed.

What Dreams May Come

Lying Awake
by Mark Salzman

The mystical visions of a cloistered nun bring her close to God in a real way for the first time in her vocation. She's even published a book of poems and essays. But migraine headaches force her to see a doctor who suspects she has epilepsy, known as the "holy madness". In the novel, Sister John of the Cross struggles with the decision to cure her "disease", which will likely end her visions and her intimate connection to the God she loves and serves.

I loved reading this book. I loved the interjections in the story of praise, thanksgiving and petition to God. That's how I'd love to live my life. I also love reading of the orders. When they are present to me, I can more easily remember to pray for them. But I don't want to give anything away, so I'll leave it at that.

More Catholic Education

The Salvation Controversy
by James Akin

This is an excellent little book written by a man who converted to Catholicism. I highly recommend it for Catholics who talk to non-Catholic Christians and for any non-Catholic Christians who talk to Catholics (though the latter will have to be prepared for a book that teaches why the Church is correct). I'm only sorry I don't have time to give a better description.

Now It's Everywhere

It seems everywhere I look now, I see new support for homeschooling. I suppose it's a combination of looking for it more and actively seeking it out. Here's a link to that great journal I've mentioned before, First Things:

Homeschooling and the Christian Duty

It's a good response to those (none of whom have spoken to me) who argue parents who coose to homeschool their children are withdrawing from the world. Now that we're living in a little house in a neighborhood just as she describes (including a large number of older residents who complain about the "young set" down the street), I understand exactly how we could develop stronger relationships with our neighbors by being home all day. Since I work, it's not quite the same, but my mother-in-law has been out and about meeting people often.

I've Known It All Along

All those big corporations really are evil.

Born to Buy: The Commercialized Child and the New Consumer Culture
by Juliet B. Schor

This book has made me realize the evils of marketing and advertising are even worse than I had imagined (mostly because I try not to dwell on them). I was shocked to read about the studies showing negative impact of advertising on kids that are just being ignored by politicians and even educators. Josh and I didn't need any more evidence of the benefits of homeschooling, but this book provided more. Compulsory schooling is forcing our kids to attend schools that allow marketing agencies in (for a fee, of course) to insinuate themselves into kids' lives. And that doesn't even count programming like Channel One (which I'm sorry to say was in my high school though I only remember watching it a few times).

Josh and I aren't big into brands and don't even watch a lot of movies or TV, but reading this book has opened my eyes to some of the "advertising" we've allowed in without even realizing it (examples: the Oreo cookie game, Cheerios books, Elmo clothes, and all the clothes with brand names like Old Navy). I don't think we're going to get rid of them altogether (seriously, the Lightining McQueen toothpaste has changed toothbrushing in our home much for the better), but some things will find their way out the door never to return and much more will never make it home.

Especially if you are considering sending your kids to public schools (and perhaps even private or parochial ones), read this book (or one like it).

[Update: Apparently, there can be good in advertising.]

So Sad

I don't usually link to newspaper articles, but this one just broke my heart:

Prenatal Test Puts Down Syndrome in Hard Focus

Since Josh and I would never choose to abort a child, we recognize the possibility that our children may grow up in the world as a distinct minority, if we were to have a child with a disability. I worry about resources being diverted from treatments for conditions that often lead to abortions. It's already happening. The March of Dimes, for example, uses abortion as a way to decrease the incidence of birth defects. As if killing the child is a better way to address the problem than researching ways to treat a disease or providing support to enable a disabled child to reach his or her full potential.

I apologize if you're reading this after the article is no longer accessible.

The Importance of Gratitude

The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less
by Barry Schwartz

This book was another of Josh's finds. It's a fascinating look at why having more choices can actually make people more unhappy. It touched on everything from choosing a career to choosing a pair of jeans. (I've always had a problem myself with the toothpaste aisle. Why in the world do we need so many options?)

The first 10 chapters presented a convincing set of studies and reports that having too many options does indeed make an individual unhappy, and has contributed to increasing levels of depression and stress in American society. I thought it was interesting to see how religion, faith and family values can help people deal with this particular kind of stress by limiting options to those that are morally acceptable.

The best chapter, in my opinion, was the eleventh chapter. Here, Schwartz gives some concrete ways to decrease the disadvantages while still enjoying the benefits of all the choices we have today. The eleven steps he gives are all directly related to the evidence presented in the preceeding chapters, but I will try to sum it up in laymen's terms:

Take some time to consider what's important in life. Pay attention to those choices and don't worry about the others. Go with what's "good enough" more often than finding the absolute best. Once you've made a decision don't give yourself the option to go back and choose something else. Be thankful for what you have. Don't waste time and energy on regret. Be aware that whatever you choose, eventually it won't bring as much pleasure as it did at first. Keep expectations within reason. Don't concentrate so much on what others are doing or buying. Embrace limits and constraints that eliminate choices for us.

If you're interested in how these strategies can combat the depressing effect of too many choices, read the book. It's a pretty quick read.

Caleb's Current Favorites

These are the books that are read, loved, carried around and slept with (currently).

The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Wiese

Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

Anything about Cars (the movie)

If You Take a Mouse to the Movies (and friends) by Laura Numeroff

47 Beavers on the Big Blue Sea by Phil Vischer

Horton Hears a Who and Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss (In fact, Caleb thinks everything is by Dr. Seuss. He'll pull down a book to "read" aloud, say the title and "by Dr. Seuss", then proceed with the story.)

A Well-Ordered Life

One of our favorite magazines (see previous post) had another little article I particularly enjoyed. It's one of the few they've chosen from the most recent issue to be available online to non-subscribers, so I wanted to post a link here.

Schooling at Home

Enjoy - and consider a subscription!

Thy Kingdom Come

Will Catholics Be Left Behind?
A Critique of the Rapture and Today's Prophecy Preachers
by Carl E. Olson

In a recent Bible study, I realized I didn't really know what the Catholic faith teaches about the end times, other than that Jesus will come again in glory (as we recite every week). I wanted to learn more so I could understand how my study-mates' vision of the Rapture fit with Catholic teaching.

Reading this book gave me exactly what I needed to understand my faith's vision. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to read, in very small chunks, because I feel like my understanding is a little disjointed, but that's the fault of my current reading time, not the book itself. The author, Mr. Olson, is a convert to Catholicism who once believed in the Rapture, so he has great insight into exactly what others believe. I do think it was a little harsh on the fundamentalists, not because I think they're right, but because I'd like to recommend this book to friends who don't understand the Catholic view but would be afraid they'd find it abrasive. (Though a lot of his comments are actually amusing.)

If you're Catholic, I highly recommend this book so you can feel confident in the beliefs of your faith and your ability to talk with someone who does believe in the Rapture without being overwhelmed. If you're not Catholic but have a heart to understand the Catholic faith, give it a try. You might be surprised at what you find.

I Guess We'll Have to Home-School

Dumbing Us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling
by John Taylor Gatto

Josh came across this book and I convinced him to let me take it on my trip last weekend even though he hadn't read it yet. (I'm interested to see what he thinks.)

The main points (and some interesting tidbits) of the book seem to be (much abbreviated because I don't have much time to chat nowadays):

1. Contemporary education is doing exactly what it was designed to do: teach kids to do what they're told, when they're told, as they're told, so they can work for the man (my paraphrasing).

2. Contemporary education doesn't need to be "fixed"; it needs to be thrown out completely. Apparently, Mr. Gatto believes the whole model doesn't work and will never work. He did make a good point. We've been "educating" kids in schools (age-based classrooms, teacher certification), etc., for 100-150 years. If we're to believe the media and politicians, it's failing our kids. If they haven't gotten it right, perhaps the problem is the whole model is flawed.

3. Between school and TV, kids don't have any time to learn anything about themselves.

4. No one cares more about your child's education than you, the parent.

5. Teacher certification is designed to make parents believe they are unfit to teach their own children.

6. As a society, we compartmentalize people too often based on age. Kids are "locked" in schools and the elderly are "locked" in nursing homes (or isolated in their own homes).

7. The main job of institutions is not the "purpose" for which they are created; it's to provide for a future for the institution itself. All the teacher colleges, textbook publishers, standards consultants, administrators, etc., have a vested interest in keeping schools running and giving them even more money - because that's how they stay in business.

It's a series of speeches and essays, no hard scientific evidence or studies, but I did find most of his arguments compelling. Josh and I have talked often about sending our kids to parochial schools or home-schooling them. My sister-in-law is going to home school her kids at least through 8th grade. (She's trained as a middle school math teacher and says administrators often require a certain number of grades so teachers would assign worksheets they hadn't even reviewed as homework, just to get another grade in the book - how awful is that?)

I'm still not convinced I'll have the patience to home-school, but I'm beginning to see the advantages may be worth the effort. In particular, I like the idea of making learning part of all life, not confined to 8 am to 3 pm. I also like being free of bells to end a class period, avoiding homework, covering topics with kids of different ages, family field trips (with other home-school families, probably), and decreasing opportunities for bullies, drugs and alcohol to hurt my kids.

The debate about how the Papsdorf kids will be educated continues; I'm sure you'll hear more about it. In the meantime, I'd like to know if anyone can read this book and not wish the tiniest little bit that you could home-school (even if you have absolutely no intention of doing so).

I also really liked that it's printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper. You don't see that very often.