a cloud of witnesses

Our local area network isn't working, so online time has been erratic. Which works out just fine, because today is the first day of ...hmm.... homeschool? season of formal studies? lessons? Well, it's the first day, anyway. For Clare it is the second day, and it is also the second day of classes for Liam, who returned to college on Sunday and is now embarked on his junior year.

This quote, from Multa non Multum (excerpt from Latin Centered Curriculum by Andrew Campbell), made me laugh (love that "multum optimum in se"!) but also struck me as true.

The principle of multum non multa, which could be translated, “less is more,” has been subordinated in recent years to what may be termed multum optimum in se --”more is necessarily better.”

I keep reminding myself that our little homebrewed homeschool can still do OK even with its manifold limitations. More is not necessarily always better!

But of course, there are time when more IS better, so on that principle, here is the abundant Loveliness of Back to School carnival hosted by Starry Sky Ranch. (linking to it so I can come back to it when our internet is restored).

Also, Cindy at Dominion Family has been posting a series on Homeschooling the Older Child, as well as these entries on Teaching the Taught and The Devil's Mirror. I really appreciate the way she mingles realism and vision in her homeschooling posts. Speaking of vision, I also enjoyed reading these thoughts from Mrs Darling on Parenting with a Vision. (And I forgot this one on freshening the homeschool plan from Julie at Bravewriter)

I have to admit that after 15 years of homeschooling through all kinds of things, I have been feeling a bit like the ashes of a fire. I have no idea if this is the homeschool version of a mid-life crisis, or just part of the territory of opening that beginner's reading primer for the 6th time. But it's hanging on, and so I appreciate the words of those who are just starting the race, and the words of those women who have already stayed such a good part of the course.

And this reading from Mass last Sunday (as we said goodbye to our eldest son and embarked on the waning season of this calendar year):

Brothers and sisters:
Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us
and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.
For the sake of the joy that lay before him
he endured the cross, despising its shame,
and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God.
Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners,
in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart.