Orthodox Mother, Nurse & homeschooler

This weekend was quite eventful! I went to a choir workshop that the diocean held and boy was my voice lifted, literally. Multiple parishes came together to work on our musical prayers that we sing every Sunday. The conductor showed us voice and breathing exercises to prepare our voices, as well as how to postion our tongues, mouths, cheeks and eyebrows. I was so grateful to learn from someone with so much experience.

Music lights my soul on fire. It just does and probably for many others, too. To become better at something and spend the time doing it, makes an impact on the eventual outcome.

I was able to climb up on my long lost apparatus, the trapeze. I have been struggling with having the energy to climb, perform and learn tricks, to have enough stamina to get through an aerial class utilizing the silks. This time around before I entered into class for a private session, the trapeze was on my mind. So we met, once again!

This month, specifically the day before Thanksgiving a year ago, A had his final Neuro surgery. He had three within eight days if I remember correctly. It still pains me to just think about the pictures that appear on my phone from a year ago of him at the hospital. The tears form instantly. I am happy to say that he has been seizure free since his last surgery, about one year ago! AND St. Stylianos interceded! I just realised this around 230am this morning and I had to prevent myself from texting everyone!

On November 26th, 2024, A was discharged from the hospital after having his final Neuro surgery the day before. I was praying to St. Stylianos, the Patron Saint of Children, and had his icon in A’s bed during his surgeries and afterwards. Well, I realised a few days ago that it was A’s name day, meaning St. Stylianos’ feast day…..the SAME day we were discharged a year ago, (the day before Thanksgiving). A has been seizure free for a year! Glory to God and thank you to St. Stylianos for interceding! A miracle was performed and it wasn’t revealed to me until I could properly honour it, a year later.

What are you grateful for?

I had someone significant in my life struggling with anxiety, depression, overworking, a family who needs him at most times, and the list goes on. Being able to crawl up in a ball and not move was not an option, as much as it was wanted.

Feeling loved and respected can usually be received easily but not always given freely. Maybe it was hard to come by growing up, or feelings were sheltered? Maybe a child was mostly rejected and unable to view healthy love.

Being able to say, “I love you and I want to support you,” or “We need you and care about your wellbeing,” can make an immense impact on a soul. I believe this to be Christ’s greatest commandment and hope for all of humanity; To love, even when it’s difficult to do so.

It’s been difficult to sit down and write down anything inspiring, but I’ll share with you all that has been going on. Trying to take care of three young boys and staying afloat takes some effort. What has kept me sane is my garden and the fruit beared; The mini hike in the Appalachians; providing nursing care to my client and to the homeless. The list goes on of what there is to be grateful for. Oh, and delicious zucchini cake! I started viewing recipes and then improvised and I guess created my own!

Today we dissected a mini watermelon that stopped growing and discussed the different kinds parts.

Our church organized a pilgrimage to Hellenic College Holy Cross Seminary in Brookline, Ma and it was their church’s feast, the Exaltation of the Cross! Very busy but well worth visiting. The basketball court was a hit for the kids and adults alike. We greeted the Arch Bishops, which was a blessing.

This month we also learned how to make Prosphora or Qurban, which means sacrifice. It is the bread used during holy communion. It’s a prayerful process with certain rituals to maintain and ingredients that hold significance.

I’d love to hear from you! How is your fall?! I’m climbing a mountain this Saturday. Will you be visiting a mountain top or traveling to see the foliage? May God bless your fall adventures.

I’ve noticed how “noise” occupies most spaces and places. The roads, subways, cities, farms, and even our minds. I cannot forget the joyful howls and painfully loud cries of family life. How the thoughts invade like an aircraft soaring in the sky. Saint Paisios referenced thoughts the same way psychologists do today: ” Our soul is like an airport. Our thoughts fly like airplanes, but we do not have to let them all land.” Basically how much importance we give to a thought will fuel its fire or not.

Every so often I encourage myself to look for inspiration when I am struggling in the home, specifically, meals, children or homeschool-related. Asceticlifeofmotherhood on IG provides an abundance of clips on Orthodox family life and homeschooling. Sometimes I become overwhelmed viewing so much content the world has to offer, but I have to say, the last tip I used from her really made a difference in our morning the very first day!

Morning tea steeping slowed all of us down, rather than rushing around. We sat around the table, made our tea the way we liked it and showed some gratitude, written or oral, including myself. We usually have “morning time” reads around the table, but this made it more pleasant. I am excited to do it again tomorrow.

During a usual morning appointment, I introduced my almost seven year old to a manual juicer, some oranges (whatever the smaller ones are called), and a glass pitcher. He was busy squeezing and was satisfied with the results, somewhat. He saw how little juice came from all the hardwork his little hands put in. He ran to me excited to share that he had saved me some.

Our family has started a little garden out in the community. My husband planted with the boys, and I am so happy to see them loving beauty and simplicity.

Very grateful for the times we can pause and see pure joy. Oh, and happy seven years of marriage to us!

Lent has been a struggle for sure. The Sunday of John Climacus is a beautiful reminder and an important one. This icon has a much more thorough description than I can provide at this time, but basically the temptations have us fall, and the virtues towards salvation keep us climbing back on.

The struggle this Lenten season has me wrestling with my passions beyond belief, BUT being humbled by asking for forgiveness has been healing. The imagery in this icon is a beautiful example of how the demons poke at us and succeed at times, but our salvation HAS to be the finish line. The Goal. We must keep struggling with God’s grace and not give up.

Our beautiful church family blessed us with a family getaway to the mountains. It was our first time visiting the capital of maple syrup! 🍁 The mountain air was convalescing. My eldest son answered I experienced skiing for our first time! He complained that I was “too slow” while his skills surpassed mine. I conveyed to my ski instructor that the teenager is sound asleep while I’m up at night with a toddler! Watching youth gliding down the mountain fearlessly made me realize that fearlessness I once had.

Heck, it’s still there once in awhile, but being a parent means you can’t break a bone! You’ll be needed once your treading is over!

Hello and Blessed Lenten season!

A time to reflect and put away the distractions. I have temporarily, (I think) deleted the social media apps on my phone for a much needed break. How so much can fill our head and make us forget the live persons right infront of us.

I have to admit, this winter has been so trying. Our youngest boys had four surgeries in 2024, one GI related and the other three were neuro. The surgeries have very much improved his quality of life, yay! But, life still goes on with weekly appointments, daily efforts to feed, nourish, monitor, medicate, nurse,etc. The truth is healing and burnout go hand in hand.

We have been a homeschooling family for sometime and I have outsourced to support our family needs. We are also considering a small private school nearby that is Orthodox. It’s a lovely little school and much of what we aim to replicate at home, you know, in between the lack of sleep, meltdowns, (mainly the middle child who is having newer health issues), appointments, etc.

When I feel like I absolutely can’t give anymore than I have been giving, He hugs me at the end of someone else’s arms. I am praying for an open mind as we enter this season of Lent and upcoming Spring. Forgive me, a sinner.

Hello! It has been a while since I have sat down to write. I am so happy with my cup of coffee while the three roll around outside with my husband. I attended an aerial class this morning; unfortunately, my phone’s angle was not capturing my art successfully. I did capture a few angles that are pleasing enough. The movement of art in the air is compelling to me and I am thankful I had the time to exercise this practice this morning.

What moves and inspires you?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Christ is in our midst!

Hello all, It’s been awhile! The year 2024 was most eventful. I am currently writing to you, very late and while my youngest nurses, and plays the piano with his foot. Talk about talent! Anyway, to fill you in, my toddler has a genetic condition called Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, the TSC 2 strand. This causes his body to prevent suppression of tumours. Therefore, he has growths on his brain and heart.

The tumours or (growths because they’re technically not big enough to be called tumours) were causing him to seize daily, and preventing him from reaching his true potential developmentally. My husband and I made the difficult decision for him to have Neuro surgery.

November 19th he had his first procedure. He had two more procedures that same week. We were discharged the day before Thanksgiving. My youngest has not had a seizure since his last brain surgery. He is stronger, sharper and doing so many new things, Glory to God!

My family and I are trying to transition to life since little one’s surgeries. Stress interferes with relationships and it really takes constant prayer to stay afloat.

As far as homeschooling, I’ve been worried about being “behind” and also trying to embrace what this year has given us. We’ve handcrafted to the point that they’re needing a break from it. We’ve been enjoying nature walks, reading good literature, although my eldest has been reading “The Bronze Bow” ever so slowly. I may have to read it aloud to him. He is also re-reading Harry Potter, which he enjoys more. I did buy him “The Hobbit” for Christmas but he had trouble understanding it on his own.

None, the less, as Charlotte Mason says, is “ Do the next thing next.” My middle one has been working on self regulating, routines, coloring, reading and math. Piano here and there. We read aloud, often. Chores in our cozy space are challenging. I’ve tried lists, routine charts, yelling and complaining. Any feedback is appreciated. Don’t get me wrong, they do alot but it’s not smooth all the time. It’s not always orderly. It’s annoying. 😊

I’ve made sourdough discard crackers and bone broth that were a hit this year! Elderberry syrup and an onion and honey syrup made for immunity and sickness! I’ve been praying to be good at things again and discover other ways of staying healthy. Raising a family takes alot of time and effort. My husband and I have ventured in marital counseling. It has taken just that to bring about struggles that are quite obvious and not so.

I’m sure I have more to write about but I’m eager to post since it’s been awhile, and hope to more consistently! I welcome any parental tips, schooling tricks, and fruitful conversation!

My dear friend Suzie fell asleep in the Lord, suddenly. Her death reminded me of how precious my loved ones are to me. The boys, I, and another close friend of Suzie’s traveled to Jordanville, NY, for the funeral. I’ve heard about this monastery for a long time, and it meant so much to us to be there.

The chanting of prayer began within the monastery, then traveled down the road towards the cemetery, voices crying for mercy lead the way towards her burial site.

She rested in a simple, wooden coffin. Traditionally, the Orthodox throw dirt on top of the coffin after being lowered down, along with flowers.

Suzie’s loved ones kissed her goodbye, prayed for her, and assisted in burying her. The monastery was filled with so much love for our beautiful Suzannah.

As human beings, we hold on to routine and oppose change. We expect sameness to remain. Her presence made such a statement, and now there’s an emptiness where she once stood, directing the choir. May her memory be eternal.