UPDATES FROM THE QUACKSHACK

2012-01-10T21:54:00.004-06:00

Some highlights from the last few months...

2012-01-10T21:09:00.008-06:00

Jeremiah's graduation from high school

2011 Senior Prom

2011-05-16T12:20:00.004-05:00

Jeremiah and long time friend, Courtney, attending the Senior Prom together this past weekend.

I didn't even have a limo for my wedding!

I would love to have Courtney for a daughter-in-law (someday)!

Look at all these pretty girls.

So sweet.

Music Memory Champ

2011-05-16T11:56:00.002-05:00

For the last 3 years, Abby has participated in a Music Memory competition though the Private School Interscholastic Association. Each year she has placed a little better, but this year she won 1ST in District for 5th grade. She then went to State and placed 6TH! Great job, Abby! I think I have learned as much as she. We enjoy recognizing the tunes we have studied in movies, commercials, and on the radio. Even after the competition is over, we listen to our Music Memory CD over and over. Can't wait until Rebecca can start competing in 3rd grade.

My baby is 18 today!

2010-07-10T10:06:00.005-05:00

The 50 Days of Easter

2010-05-28T09:50:00.008-05:00

One of these days I will actually post an event while it's happening, but for now here are some of our spring activities.

The Church celebrates Easter for 50 days concluding with the Feast of Pentecost. Our children's school always has Spring Break during Easter Week. So it is usually a very fun and festive time for us.

We launch into Easter with a Holy Thursday "Passover" meal - lamb, unleavened bread (pita), bitter herbs (spring mix with vinaigrette), apples with cinnamon and raisins (to resemble the bricks that the Israelites had to make), and of course Kosher wine. :-) After 40 days of giving up wine for Lent, that glass of grape wine tastes really good.

There can be no resurrection without the crucifixion. We love celebrating Easter Sunday, the Holiest day of the Church Year, after we have fasted, prayed and given alms for 40 days.

Then, it's Spring Break. This year we went to Fredrickburg for a few days. We climbed Enchanted Rock, shopped, and ate delicious German food.

We also toured the newly updated Museum of the Pacific War. It was very well done and could take many hours to see the whole thing. Surprising for such a small town. I highly recommend it if you are ever in that area.

The wildflowers were amazing this year as we had a lot of rain during the Spring. The Willow City Loop outside Fredricksburg was a beautiful drive.

Now, maybe I'll get around to July 4th in the near future.

BFF (Best Friends Forever for you non-texters)

2010-03-29T07:00:00.008-05:00

Last week, Abby and I went to visit one of my dearest friends from high school, Kim Gilchrist Nisbett. Kim was always light-years ahead of the rest of us. She was class valedictorian, married her high school sweetheart, Keith, (while still in high school) and put us all to shame with her artistic, musical, and theatrical talent.

(Please forgive me for posting this pic, Kim)

Almost 30 years later, she has 10 children (plus one son-in-law) who are/have been home schooled, a family farm, and a beautiful life in a small, idyllic town in Missouri.

Kim and Keith have founded a local theatre group. When I learned that they were going to be performing Pride and Prejudice I knew it was time to make a visit. Abby and I were not disappointed! It was a top-notch performance. Ever since we returned, we have been unable to pull ourselves away from watching all the various adaptations of Jane Austen's works.

You can see some more of their work at:

www.Finelinendrama.com

Our 10 year old daughters, Abby and Anna, quickly became new BFF's.

Thanks to the whole Nisbett family for hosting us and giving us such a memorable experience.

We love you!

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’

2010-03-28T23:51:00.005-05:00

"LET US GO TOGETHER TO MEET CHRIST ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES. TODAY HE RETURNS FROM BETHANY AND PROCEEDS OF HIS OWN FREE WILL TOWARD HIS HOLY AND BLESSED PASSION, TO CONSUMMATE THE MYSTERY OF OUR SALVATION."

St. Andrew of Crete, from The Liturgy of the Hours, Office of Readings, Passion Sunday

Christmas cookies at Easter

2010-03-28T19:53:00.004-05:00

I was going through old pics and realized that I never posted these beautiful cookies that John made with the children at Christmas time. When I returned from Christmas shopping I came home to trays and trays of these.

They tasted as good as they looked!

Haircuts

2010-02-28T09:02:00.003-06:00

The girls got tired of detangling spray and tears so we opted for cute classic haircuts. It's been such a timesaver, and they are really enjoying their new looks.

All basketball, All the time

2010-02-03T11:15:00.005-06:00

3 teams, 8 practices and 6 games a week. We are up to our eyeballs in hoops. It's so much fun to watch the Crusaders, but I'm glad it's almost over.

VARSITY

MIDDLE SCHOOL

4TH GRADE GIRLS

And here we have the Crusader rock band. They'll be playing at the school Valentine's Dance.

The cutest nephew on the planet

2010-01-14T11:51:00.005-06:00

We had the privilege of visiting with my sister, Kim, and her adorable son, Nathan, numerous times in 2009. Life is not dull when they're around! We're looking forward to more fun times with them this year.

Double trouble! The giggling between these two is priceless.

Surprise Christmas gift

2010-01-14T11:35:00.003-06:00

Animals have a strange way of entering our lives on unusual days. This little girl showed up in our garage on Christmas Day, obviously hungry and homeless. Our dog, Ignatius (Nacho) really needed a companion as he is an outdoor dog. So we decided that "God" sent this one to us, and we named her Joy. After several weeks, I'm convinced that God would never intentionally do this to me. Is there any messier, more destructive creature on Earth than a puppy? Good thing she's cute.

Christmas Greetings and Happy 2010

2010-01-03T19:26:00.004-06:00

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

2010-01-03T19:11:00.004-06:00

we finally made our Gingerbread Houses.

Masterpieces!

Pyromaniacs

2010-01-03T18:56:00.002-06:00

After our long burn ban was lifted, the guys couldn't wait to get out there and burn everything in sight. I think all males are pyromaniacs.

Horse Lessons

2010-01-03T18:33:00.006-06:00

My friend Kristyn and her daughter Emma gave the girls some much sought after horse lessons recently.

Luke and Luke.

It was a fun but HOT day. Thanks, Rohde's!

catching up - Leah's first day of Kinder

2010-01-03T18:03:00.007-06:00

I thought it would be a good start to the new year, if I update the blog with activities from the last 6 months. I'll try to do better in 2010.

The beginning of school also means the end of long hair days - boo hoo.

We've caved!

2009-06-27T19:51:00.002-05:00

Two things that I swore would never enter our home have arrived. Be sure and bring your earplugs if you come to visit.

Day trip to the coast

2009-06-27T09:09:00.006-05:00

The kids and I went down to Port Aransas yesterday. Our sweet friends, the Rohde's, graciously allowed us to share one day of their vacation with them. The ocean was the bluest we have ever seen it, and although is was over 100 degrees, the breeze and canopy by the water made it a very comfortable. No one wanted to come home.

The kids were catching little fish and putting them in this bottle.

Kristyn and I have been friends for 15+ years.

Mark Rohde and his "flair hair."

It was also a good day for catching hermit crabs - big ones.

We love the coast!

Three dancing princesses

2009-06-22T18:41:00.005-05:00

We rented "Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses," and for the last few days we've had ballerinas twirling around our house.

Our little peanut is 2!

2009-06-15T21:16:00.003-05:00

She's enjoying her favorite meal of spaghetti and broccoli.

Elizabeth plopped down to read one of her new books.

I think her older brothers and sisters enjoyed her new toy more than she did.

Last day of school, and we love summer!

2009-06-13T18:37:00.004-05:00

Rebecca graduated from Kindergarten.

Abby's hanging around with some of her friends.

Time to relax for a while.

School's out for summer ! (name that band)

2009-06-13T18:20:00.004-05:00

We started off our summer break with a trip to the nearby coastal town of Rockport.

And we were lucky enough to have BOTH grandmas join us.

Be there or be square

2009-06-13T10:51:00.001-05:00

SURPRISE IN OUR GARAGE

2009-06-13T09:26:00.004-05:00

Recently we were all out in the yard, and our then 4 year old, Leah, exclaimed, "Look, there's a baby bunny in the garage." Knowing that we were having a problem with mice, I quickly dismissed the comment. However, I went to get a look at the mouse, and this is what I found.

We played with him for a while and then let him go in the woods behind our house to let nature take it's course.

Tax Day Tea Party at the Alamo

2009-04-16T12:46:00.005-05:00

Some snapshots of our entertaining protest of big government.

Don't know these ladies but got a kick out of their tea bags.

Don't know him either - but very patriotic.

ALLELUIA! HE IS RISEN

2009-04-16T12:18:00.000-05:00

We spent a lovely Easter weekend at the Ranch with my Mom, Dad, Kim and Nathan.

Easter Triduum

2009-04-09T10:50:00.000-05:00

We sang a song to this melody at the "Spy Wednesday" Mass yesterday (the day we recall Judas' betrayal of Jesus). I knew I recognized the tune, but it took me a while to realize that it is a song from one of our favorite movies and soundtracks, "Master and Commander."

Take a few minutes to listen and meditate on the next few days. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful and moving pieces of music ever written.

There can be no Easter Sunday without a Good Friday.

New Dresses

2009-01-11T21:38:00.000-06:00

John's sweet aunt Anna made these dresses for the girls for Christmas. Since our camera broke during that time I didn't have authentic Christmas poses of them. They wore the dresses to Mass today for the last official feast of Christmas - The Baptism of Jesus.

Please overlook the condition of my house in the background - sigh.

Poor Leah's been sick with fever for days. She really tried to smile.

Treasure hunt

2009-01-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

Anyone who knows me well is aware of what a garage sale/Goodwill/Salvation Army fanatic I am. I just love hunting for bargains and can't bear to pay retail for anything. Yesterday I was looking for bunk beds for 2 of my boys and didn't find them but found these pretty winter dishes. I've been using plain white for several years now - boring but practical. I'm so excited to have found 8 place settings for $0.79 each piece. They're not too Christmas-y so I can use them through winter. It was such fun to set the table tonight.

JUST TESTING

2009-01-04T22:44:00.001-06:00

John got me a really cool camera for my birthday. My son Josh is helping me figure out how to upload pictures. "WHY SO SERIOUS???"

Thanksgiving at the Ranch

2008-12-04T11:30:00.001-06:00

Our family has a ranch in the Texas Hill Country which my generous brother, Chris, purchased for our use over 10 years ago. It's a peaceful, relaxing place to get away from the world. I actually read a book while we were there over Thanksgiving weekend!

Grandpa Tommie (Vietnam vet) taught the boys some shooting and gun safety.

We did a lot of sleeping.

Grandma Pat helped Josh with an architecture program.

CRAZY COUSINS

2008-11-17T13:58:00.000-06:00

Our cousin, Tatum, went hiking with us.

After we got home the girls decided to go swimming in November! 10 minutes later they were in the hot tub warming up.

Fall Foliage in Texas

2008-11-16T17:47:00.001-06:00

Lost Maples State Natural Area has fall color that rivals New England on good years. We've been trying to get up there for a hike for several weeks. We finally decided to take the kids out of school last Friday and go before the big wind storm was due to come in Friday night. It was a beautiful and tiring 4 1/2 mile hike. (I realize that my photograpy skills need some work.)

YUMMY VEGGIES!

2008-11-16T17:14:00.000-06:00

We belong to a produce co-op, and every two weeks we receive a huge order of fresh fruits and veggies for just $15. The last few orders have had an abundance of peppers, so I made some stuffed peppers. They were as delicious as they look. Sorry you weren't here to have one, Dad.

PRESS RELEASE!

2008-11-12T12:37:00.000-06:00

The Atonement Academy Named to
Top 50 Catholic Schools List!
On Monday, November 10, The
National Catholic High School Honor
Roll announced its fifth selection of the
best 50 Catholic secondary schools in
the United States. Dr. Richard Arndt
submitted our criteria for the
competition, and we were considered
along with over a thousand other
nominees for this prestigious award.
Congratulations to our faculty and
students for their work in the early
grades through high school for their
work so critical to our overall success!
Dr. Arndt commented, “It is wonderful
for the academy to be nationally
recognized for excellence so early in its
short life. With the number of other fine
schools competing for this spot,
maintaining our place on the list will
be a worthwhile goal. I believe that
the Atonement community, however,
is up to the challenge.”
The purpose of the Honor Roll is to
recognize and encourage excellence
in Catholic secondary education. It is
a critical resource for parents and
educators that distinguishes those
schools that excel in three categories:
academic excellence, Catholic
identity, and civic education. To see
a list of the top 50 schools, as well as
lists of the 10 honorable mention
schools in each category, visit
www.chshonor.org.

ALL HALLOW'S EVE

2008-11-02T20:16:00.000-06:00

is the night before we celebrate the great Feast of All Saints. On All Saints' Day we honor the great men and women who have gone before us and now enjoy the beatific vision. This feast has been celebrated since the 8th century. On Halloween the Rodriguez family eats chili, hoards candy, and has friends over.

And this year a black cat showed up on our door - eek! So we had to adopt her. We appropriately named her Halle.

MORE FALL BREAK...

2008-10-26T15:52:00.000-05:00

We visited a pumkin patch, celebrated Abby's birthday, and had our last soccer game (Luke and Abby) of the season. John, his brother Mark, and our older boys installed our new Texas style front door.

3rd Day - Enchanted Rock

2008-10-23T18:21:00.000-05:00

Even 4 year old Leah climbed to the top. We left S.A. in short sleeves and were freezing 2 hours later after a cold front blew in. When we got home we needed a bonfire (with smores, of course.)

Fall Break - 2nd Day

2008-10-23T10:27:00.000-05:00

John took the younger children to "Pump It Up."

Then they worked on some old woodworking projects that needed finishing.

FALL BREAK - First Day

2008-10-21T14:57:00.000-05:00

The children have this week off for their annual Fall Break. John also took some time off work. We went to the San Antonio Botanical Garden to see the tree house exhibit (not nearly as impressive as the one John built for them.)

Their first Homecoming game

2008-10-21T14:43:00.001-05:00

2008-10-13T16:21:00.001-05:00

For those of you who haven't seen us in a while...

2008-10-13T11:58:00.001-05:00

Jeremiah,16 Joshua,14 Luke,10 Abigail,9 Rebecca,6 Leah,4 Elizabeth, 16 months

Any guesses as to whom we're supporting in this year's election?

2008-10-13T11:39:00.000-05:00

This has been fun to have on my car. It has gotten so much attention. Strangers at red lights have honked and asked me where I got it.