Dominic's Patrick Henry Speech

In Dominic's writing class, they were assigned to pick a key figure in colony times to write, prepare, and present to our whole Classical Conversations Community. Each student had to keep the person they chose a secret from their whole class. We had to guess who he was right before the speech judged upon their costume and props.



He was beyond excited to get his costume together. I love the innocence he had trying so hard to hide his character from his writing class. I love that his sisters were in on the gig. When we thought of putting baby powder in his hair to age him, he was thrilled at the prospect and KNEW no one would guess him.



He and John attend writing class on Friday afternoons. They are following Andrew Pudewa's program of Teaching Writing: Structure and Style. This year, the focus was on U.S. History.




His attentive and interested audience.


You did a great job, Dominic! We were so proud of your composure and confidence when speaking.

The Champion of the Revolution

One day in the colonies, a baby was born in Virginia. This colonial son would grow to be a key figure in the American Revolution. Wholeheartedly, this colonist wanted to serve his country properly, before, during, and after the brutal revolutionary war. And this is how his fascinating life began.
Patrick was born in Hanover County Virginia in 1736. When he was older, he attempted farming and business. Both failed. After six discouraging weeks, he studied to become a lawyer and was successful. As a lawyer he argued for voting rights. In 1760, Williamsburg attorneys elected him to the House of Representatives, and he was successful in this endeavor. Henceforth, Patrick was known as a superb leader against British tyranny. Furiously and openly he argued in the defiance of Great Britain in the First Continental Congress. Some colonists surely believed that his stamp act resolution had started the Revolutionary war. Patrick Henry, who made a stirring speech about independence, inspired many colonists to pursue independence from the tyrant, Britain.
During the Revolution, Patrick was not just sitting around. When war broke out, Patrick returned to Virginia to protect the precious loads of gunpowder. But when he arrived in Virginia he was appalled to find that Governor Lord Dunmore had deposited the gunpowder on a British ship. Patrick forced Dunmore, who was loyal to Britain, to pay for the powder at an honest price. In 1775 he became the colonel of the 1st Virginia regiment. In 1776, he was elected governor of Virginia because he was an outstanding leader. He was re-elected. Then, because he was a pillar for the colonists, he was made governor a third time.
After the American Revolution, Patrick continued serving as governor of Virginia from 1784 to 1786. He was the leading anti-federalist, and joined with others to force the adoption of the Bill of Rights. Ardently, he criticized the U.S. Constitution. He voted against ratification. George Washington offered Patrick to be secretary of state but he declined because of failing health. John Adams offered him special emissary to France but he also declined. Patrick then died in 1799. Patrick Henry had served his country gratefully before, during and after, the long revolution. Even today we still marvel at his extraordinary accomplishments. After his death, Patrick’s wish for liberty was realized. His famous words still echo today, “Give me liberty or give me death!”

Dominic

I know you know you are my heart. I know you know that for now you are my only son. History knows the relationship between a mother and her sons is something special. We just click. We have the same interests, loves, passions, and personality. Our relationship is not work. I am grateful to God for you and for you being such a good son. I am blessed by you every day. Most of your qualities you get from your father. The constant reminder to the girls, "Make mom's job easier. Listen to mom." Believe you me, I notice all your good will. I notice every time that you ALWAYS listen the first time. You told me yesterday you want to work at Trader Joe's. "Mom, they wouldn't even have to pay me if they would just let me bring home my favorite foods."
It is not just me, Dominic. People who meet you always tell me what a pleasure it is to have met you. Your sacrificial ways, your awareness of others feelings, needs, and wants. You are always looking to help and make things easier for others.
This evening, I took you to Goodwill to look for a wig for the Patrick Henry presentation you've been preparing. We are like each other even in our Goodwill treasure hunting desires. You scanned each aisle picking up random objects and studying them all with a constant dialogue going on. "Mom, look at this!" "Oh, the girls would love this." "Maybe we should get this for Vianney?" Until you are a parent, you will never understand the joy you bring to my heart even at Goodwill. Also, you will never understand the small heartache that accompanies those precious events in our lives together. I stood watching your almost 10-year-old self half smiling from ear-to-ear and half wanting to cry. How are you THAT big? I know I just had you. I feel like I want to grab the time and make it stop.

My highlights this evening with you were the following:

1. You wanted to buy a plaster bust of Mozart to put near our piano. Although, you did point out that it might bonk Clairvaux on the head so you suggested we buy a small shelf to display it on above the piano.

2. You became enamored by a glass corncob pipe that would be a perfect completion to your Sherlock Holmes outfit. I told you that we could get the pipe to which you said, "Oh no, I don't want to spend your money." I reassured you that it was fine and you insisted. I said, "Honey, I want to buy it for you."

3. You casually walked by a musical carousel that had 80th engraved on the front. You said, "We could get this for someone on their 80th." Yep, we sure could.

4. My favorite-You and your sisters think the YMCA is pronounced YIM-CA. You found a small 2x2 inch marble plaque with a large coin glued to the top. There were several words thanking the recipient for their years of service. On the front of the plaque was a small name plate that said "Vern Braeburn." Oh my, you knew this would complete your treasure collection. You even told me later that your grandkids would love to find this when you were older. You said that you would tell them the story about how you got it and how their great-grandmother bought it for you. We didn't purchase Vern Braeburn's plaque but I will remember you looking at over and over.

I hope I tell you enough what a blessing you are to our family. I really do mean it when I tell you "I am privileged to know you."

Test Ready Dominic

We had left over curriculum books from last year that I had in a pile to donate. Dominic was milling through the stack when he found an old "Test Ready" book that we used for testing at each semester.

"Mom, Can I please have this?" Sure. You go right ahead and do that.

Later that evening, we were heading out to dinner. The kids were already in the car and I was inside wrapping a few things up. Dominic came back in saying, "I want to bring my testing book so I can work on it while we wait for food." Sure. You go right ahead and do that.

The fun continued all week. How little he knows how much we enjoy watching the innocence of his youth! I know he is 9 years old, but he still does such innocent incidents as these. It makes me feel like he isn't growing up "so" fast.
I was also sorting through our coloring books and throwing out those that were full. He approached me quickly saying, "Please don't throw out my Test Ready book."

Again, in the evening while watching his new favorite, Tim Tebow, play football. I love that he brought the test book out while watching his favorite football player. Two loves. Thank you for the joy you bring to our lives through your joy of filling out testing booklets.

Evangelizing

This was so incredibly hysterical that I called John at work to give him a play by play. It all started at a family wedding the weekend before. John was talking politics with somebody and they were discussing the politician Michelle Bachmann. They were discussing different facts about her and then somebody said, "I heard she was Missouri Senate Lutheran and they hate Catholics." ?????

I looked at John and then we see all the faces on our older kids drop. They have been playing all summer with these two wonderful neighbor children whom they found out were Lutheran. They love Alex and Noah and were devastated to hear they "hate Catholics."

We returned home from the wedding and the next morning they were outside playing with Alex and Noah. Long and behold, Lillie tells her the devastating news that "Lutherans hate Catholics." She then comes inside crying. I had to reassure her that they DO NOT hate Catholics and Alex does not hate you. Do you think that was the end of it? NOPE. Not by a long shot.

Rose then comes in to report that Alex said her church "doesn't have a crucifix" and "she didn't even know what one looked like." She then pleaded with me to take one out to show her. All I see from the window is lots of convincing andRose's hand pointing.




Next up, Dominic comes in crying. Man, this morning isn't going well. "Dominic, what is wrong?" "Noah said he's never coming over again because he said he doesn't believe in purgatory because he's never heard of it and it isn't even in the bible. I assured him that he would be back. He then grabs his bible and headed outside to which I see the following.



After all the scuffle, I decided it best that I call their mother to make sure she knew what was going on and where it all started. She's a real sweetheart and we laughed at the intensity of their discussions and agreed it was good they were talking about such pressing issues at the ages of 5,6,7, 8 and 9. First things first when your playing with neighbor kids.

*For the record: I KNOW LUTHERANS DON'T HATE CATHOLICS* ok Martin!

There's nothing like a Dollar Tree Birthday

I celebrated my 34th year of life in July in fine fashion. If you've not experienced a Dollar Tree Birthday, well you are missing out on all the good things in life. I've requested this now for a couple years and every year proves to be better than the last. The only strict instruction I give John is that he takes pictures and remembers the things they say.
I was greeted at the door and ordered to put on my party hat.

Lillie always organizes the banner making.


It is fun to me because they can pick from the whole store what they think "I" would like best.

Here is the run down the gift selection (not in order by favorite):

From Dominic:
Dom selected this angel bell. We pray the Angelus at noon and he thought this should replace our school bell. Perfect.




From Lillie:
She went through terrible distress trying to figure out what to give me reported the male parent. Lillie knows my heart so she couldn't figure out whether she should satisfy my sweet tooth or buy me something elegant.


Lillie got me lilies.
Two packs of M&Ms and Vanilla Wafers.


From Rose:
Rose is a simpleton. She is precise and decisive and always proud of her selection.
Good ole Aunt Rose.




From Zellie:
Zellie won the "Please let me take you to the Dollar Tree everyday" award. I guess she was unstoppable in the cute antics department. John said she was dropping lines left and right. I think she was shaking when I opened her gift due to proudness. She KNEW I had been wanting a watch so what better gift than a princess watch which I might add has a flip top (take that!!) and matching purple necklace and beads.








This was her first selection...ROPE which she thought was yarn. If only.


From Vianney:
A party hat. She was just glad to be there.



From Clairvaux:
Ole' Johnny he is a character. He had Clair's little note wrapped up and in her hand.







My dear Kristi took me to our favorite spot, The Oven. You are good to me.

I am spoiled. It was a wonderful day. Since I take them out to breakfast on their birthday, they each wanted to take me out individually on my birthday for breakfast. Oh my.

YDC-Young Detective Club

Dominic still is at the great age where he believe almost anything little kids should believe. You know, like he really is a detective if he dresses up like one. He loves filling out surveys on LEGO.com in hopes of winning a trip to Disney Land with 1 in 1,000,000 chance. He believes it though and checks the mail everyday to see if they picked his lego design.

I once created a fictitious handwriting contest that the winner would be awarded "A Golden C3PO." He diligently completed his handwriting everyday and mailed in entries complete with "stamps" that closely resembled stickers I found at a garage sale. :) I found a gold colored C3PO figurine at Target one night while shopping and couldn't believe my two blue eyes.
I wrapped it up, created an award certificate, and put it in our mail box. I had him check the mail that day. I recorded him opening the mail box and finding the manilla envelope. I'll never forget his expression from across the street. His hands were outstretched and I could read his lips, "Momma, Momma, I WON. I WON." It was our Willy Wonka Bar moment.


We've entered many LEGO design contests which have inspired his sisters to create. Even if Vianney clicks together two LEGO pieces she brings it to me to "take a pitcher" (take a picture).
His current phase happened after he discovered the book "The Young Detective's Handbook." He devoured the book and has been set on performing much of the desired requirements. Fingerprinting, tracking, taking notes, observing. He wrote down all our neighbor's license plates. We found spy kits at the Dollar Tree which provided hours of fingerprinting fun. I haven't figured out yet what the white fingerprinting dust we purchased for a dollar was.

This day, he was determined to sneak up on the girls playing in the backyard and wanted so much to go unnoticed. I bet they noticed his disguise being we were the only ones in the backyard together, but he believed he "blended in."
He sent letters to several of his friends to see if they wanted to join the club. They had to circle YES or NO. The circling was very important.

Dominic's First Pie

He is my baker. He asks me usually once a day, "So, what do you want to bake today?"

This great book "The Best of Country Pies" provides several different recipes to create all the pie goodness you want.


I was proud of him. He did the whole thing from start to finish.

How Sweet it is to be loved by You

I love this picture. Have I ever mentioned how I really don't mind at all that I have a bunch of girls in a row? I L.O.V.E. it. I have made a small hobby out of it. I enjoy their sisterhood so much.




Let's see. From the previous post, which daughter continues her elegance even when going to get ice cream in 237 degree weather?











Clairvaux was up to her usual light post sitting antics. Every time I turn around she has Jack-Jacked me and is up on another light post acting aloof to her uncanny ability at 12 months to scale 11 foot structures.


Oh, uh, me. Get down?



We then usually reward her behavior with the best seat in the house around Haymarket Square.