Catherine’s Column

By: Catherine Amaris Munoz

Hi there, all home-schooling teens! My name is Catherine Munoz. I am a “former” homeschooler from Monrovia, California, USA. I am a graduated homeschooling teen. This is my twelfth column for the “Homeschooling Teen e-zine,” and I am looking forward to sharing more with you all in the future.

“A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might.” ~Proverbs 24:5

How interesting it is to realize what the loss of a pet can do to ones sense of self… A pet can become so much like part of a family. In late June, my kitty passed away, and he took a piece of my heart along with him– wherever it is that his sweet, little kitty soul went to. I was at Disneyland celebrating my graduation with my boyfriend when I heard the news that my kitty (who had been unwell for a while) passed away. At the moment when my mom called me and said that he may not make it through the evening, my boyfriend and I both had the same thought: “Dear God, please don’t let this precious kitty suffer.” We prayed and prayed about it. No more than 15 minutes after the initial phone call, as we were leaving Disneyland and making our way back home to possibly prepare to say our goodbyes, I received another phone call… My kitty hadn’t made it. He was in “kitty heaven,” and although it pained me to understand that I would never have him back, I was comforted by the idea that God had heard our prayers. My mom said he went “to sleep” as peacefully as anything: even to his last breath he was in the loving arms of his owners who adored him, and even after his last breath he will be adored by us. I’m sure the feeling of loss after the passing of a pet is not uncommon. Chances are, if you are reading this right now, you can relate in one way or another. It was difficult to deal with, but as each day passes, I am able to recall more and more memories of my baby kitty; I was so blessed to have had his companionship for over 16 years. In my opinion he lived a purposeful life, and I am sure that in God’s opinion, he is being just as pleasant a pet up there in heaven with Him… Watch over our pets dear Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Francis of Assisi! Amen.

MUSIC CORNER ~


This month’s featured Christian music artist is: Mainstay

The Christian rock group Mainstay is comprised of lead vocalist Justin Anderson, guitarist Scott Campbell, bassist Dan Ostebo, and (last, but not least) drummer Ryan DeYounge. Their music is compared to the familiar artists: Kutless, Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse and Sanctus Real. They began in 2001 but have been on hiatus since 2008. Hopefully Mainstay will start up again, but until then you can visit their MySpace page at www.myspace.com/mainstay for more info!

August Recipe ~

Easy Blueberry Ice Cream Sandwiches

Servings: Makes 8-10 sandwiches

What you’ll need:

1 pint (about 3 cups) blueberries
3/4 cup sugar
Pinch salt
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
16 to 20 graham crackers

Directions:

(1.) In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine berries, sugar, and salt; cook, stirring often, until sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Add lemon juice.

(2.) Puree cooked berries in batches, filling blender no more than halfway each time. Strain into a bowl; refrigerate until chilled.

(3.) Stir milk and cream into berry mixture. Pour into ice cream maker, and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to freezer until firm enough to hold its shape, about 30 minutes.

(4.) To assemble, spread about 3/4 cup ice cream on one graham cracker; top with another cracker. Press lightly, and freeze again until firm.

August Movie Review ~

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted: 3-D (2012)

In my opinion, Madagascar 3 was the best of all three Madagascar movies, so far! Thought there was some innuendo which was unnecessary– I mean come on, we’re dealing with animals here!– but besides that, I’m sure kids of all ages will enjoy seeing the original “Furry Fab Four”– Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman– on the big screen as they venture to Europe. As usual, they find themselves away from their New York zoo home. Consequently, they encounter new animals as well as familiar buddies (i.e., King Julien and those unorganized penguins who somehow remind me of the green aliens from Disney’s Toy Story movies… What I find similar is their simpleminded way of going about things). Oh, and those pesky monkeys always wreak havoc too. Well, needless to say, a chimp in a costume turns an okay situation into a wild goose (or should I say “zoo animal”?) chase. In between these cuckoo situations, some European circus animals are found, and so the troop gains influence from the Madagascar crew. It was adorable to witness our Alex fall in love with the feline from the circus. By the time the Furry Fab Four reach their hometown, they aren’t as enthusiastic to return to the containment of the zoo. I enjoyed Madagascar 3 because it was pieced-together quite cleverly (and hilariously, I might add)! Any child would find it a silly, colorful 3-D delight; any adult would find the inside-jokes, wit, and the imagery to be entertaining as well! It was a treat to see at the movie theater!

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