My Favorite Orthodox Jewish Gun Dealer (Not that I have ever met the man)

Although I don't actually post to it, I do read and keep tabs on what is going on in my neighborhood through the large neighborhood listserv. Although most of the my neighbors are far more "progressive" than I am, and the political discussions that sometimes pop up on the neighborhood list generally have me rolling my eyes, there is one voice on there that I almost always agree with. He's fearless and ruthless when he gets going, and skewers more than a few of the progressives when he gets going.

And as it turns out, he, Bill Bernstein, is an Orthodox Jew and the proprietor of the local gun shop.

I've yet to go gun shopping myself, but I know where I'd go if I wanted one.

So Skinny Dan, if the urge to get away from Noo Yawk ever gets strong enough, I know just where to introduce you around.

Quick Takes

--1--

I had the usually mid(ish) pregnancy ultrasound. Looks like a baby in there. Despite temptation to vary from my normal routine of not finding out the sex, I chose not to find out whether this one will be a wild boy or a high maintenance girl. However, if the temptation proves too great, I'll have another opportunity. Unfortunately, they did find one slight variation from the norm that they want to check on. Everything else was normal and from what I can tell on Google, usually with no other abnormal signs, everything will be fine. Not that I'm not paranoid, but it's not worth worrying over right now either.

--2--

Trying not to worry aside, I would certainly appreciate prayers that Adams 6.0 will be just fine.

--3--

I've been reading Catholic Home Schooling this week. Although there are some interesting points in the book, I'm getting very, very tired of the fact that it is mostly just one long advertisement for one particular Catholic homeschooling curriculum.

And I don't really agree with the premise that the best way to make religion part of all life is to throw in saint references in all books. I'm much more interesting in finding the sources that work best for my children and not ones that just artificially stick in Catholic references. It seems to me that if one is living a Christian life and making that a regular part of every day, that one can do just fine with a math book that doesn't want you to calculate the distance a nun can drive in five minutes and 33 miles per hour. It seems to me that making a visit to some Sisters would do more to make the Religious part of life than sticking them in a math problem.

There is probably a happy medium out there and I may just be squeamish, since I certainly didn't grow up in a Catholic home surrounded by these things. What do you think is the best way to make one's religion part of life and not just one class shuttled off into a corner?

--4--

Speaking of religion, I'm being a slacker tonight and keeping the two littlest home while my husband and the older kids are at Stations of the Cross. I found the first Friday in Lent that I got faint if I tried walking around and kneeling. The second week, I spent in the vestibule with the youngest who was being very loud. Since then, I've chickened out and stayed home. Today the two youngest got no naps, and I couldn't bear the thought of dealing with them.

--5--

Being a slacker, I'm letting the three year old watch videos until everyone else gets home. He chose Dora over Thomas, and is doing all the actions requested by Dora. Dora is most annoying, but watching the Boy is entertaining.

--6--

Why are new books so exciting? I put in an order for a few books for this school year and next and even though they aren't really for me, I'm excited and can't wait for them to arrive.

--7--

I passed by a Baptist church building today. On their sign was a cross, on the cross were written the words "There's a place for you." Does that mean you too can get crucified if you go to that church?

More Quick Takes to be found at Jen's place.

Fun Grammar Lessons

I bet you never thought to see the word "fun" attached to "grammar lessons," but indeed over here in the wild and crazy Adams' house, we are having fun with grammar. A while back I ran across references to a Google book called Grammar-land, which intrigued me enough to download it.

Instead of regular grammar text or workbook, Grammar-land is written as a story book to the children of Schoolroomshire. At the end of each chapter, Judge Grammar asks the children of Schoolroomshire to do a task, which, of course, is really the grammar exercise.

I've been reading a chapter or two each week for the past few weeks and the kids are enjoying it, especially the oldest. The five year old is having trouble with the exercises, but likes the story, which is plenty for a five year old, as far as I'm concerned. The oldest, being something of a nerd (if you haven't been following along here) is mostly disappointed that we don't read Grammar-land every day.

Although not strictly necessary, when I found that another homeschooling mom has been making worksheets for each chapter, so that the kids don't have to write everything on their own piece of paper (or slate, if you want to be truly Old School), that has made the book even easier.

Quite enjoyable!

Snapshots

Hey, it's like Friday Quick Takes on a Monday! --- The seven year old made it through her First Confession. On the day before, she typed up a list of everything she wanted to say to the priest. Afterward, she came out smiling and hurried out after saying her penance for the special sprinkle doughnuts we had waiting for all those making First Confession that morning. She says she wants to go weekly, which means we may all have to get up and out the door earlier on Sunday mornings, but it might mean I get to go more often too. Our parish is blessed to have Confession offered before every Mass, and I try to go twice a month or so, at least, but sometimes getting to church with enough time to spare, and hoping the line isn't too long, means I don't always get to. --- I survived the First Mass receptions for our new priest. We had enough food and almost enough seating. It was crowded and for about 5 minutes I regretted not renting a tent for the overflow, but most people were able to squeeze in and find a place to sit down eventually. I definitely couldn't have made it through without the help of my co-president in our Women's Group and all the other people I delegated work to. I think there is a lesson there -- don't try to do it all by yourself! --- Tonight the three year old was standing in the living room, holding a sheet of square note chant music and singing, "W, X, Kyrie. Now I know my Kyrie. Won't you come and sing with me." --- What can one really say after that image?