Sunday Inspiration- August 25, 2024

Twenty-Six Lists~ I'd Like to Learn

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Good morning, y'all! Happy Wednesday. I still can't believe that August is almost over. Where did summer go? Schools are back in session here, so I guess for many the summer has ended. 

Welcome to another edition of Twenty-Six Lists hosted by "A Fresh Cup of Coffe." Today's topic is what I'd like to learn. 

What I'd Like to Learn~

At first glance, I thought this was an easy one, but the more I thought about it the more challenging it was. When I was younger, I could have rattled off a list of 50 things now I find it hard to come up with just a few, It's funny how time changes things. How it changes your perspective on what you value. 

I did have one thing pop in my head and that was crocheting. I have always wanted to learn how to, but I just have never sat down and attempted it. Years ago, while on bedrest with Michael, I started knitting a baby blanket. I never finished it because he still decided to come a month early. Then when the kids were little, a lady from church was teaching people to knit and I attended that. I learned the basic stitches. I made a few scarves for Therese but never developed the skill anymore. Therese can crochet. She taught herself by watching YouTube videos. I just need to do that. 

I remember my grandmother doing granny squares when I was little. I remember her having blankets on the couch she made. I have a few other blankets my other grandmother made here. It definitely was a skill ladies from that generation learned. I know my mom knows how, but she never passed on that skill to me. 

I've been wanting to learn for years and keep telling myself I will. I just need to actually do it. I've looked online. I've bought books online and the used books our library hosts a few times a year. 

A to Z Crochet is one that I picked up and is easy to follow. 

I have plenty of yarn already. I'd buy it when I saw colors I liked. I just have never sat down and actually taught myself. I need to make it a priority this fall. 

Do you have any hobbies, you'd like to learn?

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Till Next Time,

Monique

 

Teaching Tuesdays~ The Lord is Our Shephard

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Good Morning and Happy Tuesday! It's hard to believe that summer is almost over. Schools are back in session and Sunday school starts on September 8th. Summer sure did go by quickly. 

I spent a few days last week cleaning and organizing my room. Yesterday with the help of Therese, I worked on getting all my displays and decorations up. I can officially say that my room is done!

After teaching for 15 years, I have decided to recycle my very first theme, The Lord is My Shephard. My little ones will be greeted by a door filled with cute little sheep with their names. They can look over the door and search for their name. 

Every year, they are so excited to find their names. The older students that I have taught tend to stop by to see what this year's theme is. It's become a tradition in our hall. 

I continued the theme on our classroom bulletin board. 

I went really simple this year and purchased a pre-made bulletin board set. It came with Jesus, all the lambs, the fence, and bible verse posters. It was easy to put up and I can save it for another year!

For our prayer wall, I went with frogs. I actually found the package of frogs and logs at my local thrift store for $1.00. I couldn't find them online, but here is a similar set. 

I made the lily pads out of construction paper. Each lily pad has the prayers were are learning this year: Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the Guardian Angel. As the students learn them, I place a sticker by the prayer to mark it off. At the end of the year, the students get a special goodie bag for all their hard work.

I added a new bulletin board to my wall this year... When Should I Pray?

This year I want to really encourage the children to pray more and rely on God for help. I think if we learn more about prayer this will help.

So far I have 11 students, I usually pick up at least 2 before the start of class, so it should be a good size this year, Last year, I had 6 students. This was difficult on days when half the class was sick. I'm excited to meet my new little sheep and help lead them to Jesus!

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 19, 2024

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you.

Good Morning, friends! I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend. We had a busy one here. Friday night we went to the county fair to watch bull riding. Saturday, I made a gluten-free strawberry cake for my niece's birthday. Sunday, I had Mass and a meeting for Sunday school teachers. I worked on my classroom for a bit and then headed to my sister's house to celebrate my niece's birthday. It'll be nice to relax a bit.

Let's get on with Happy Homemaker Monday with our beautiful hostess Sandra from Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Be sure to stop in and say hey there.

The Weather~

The temps had dropped considerably this week. Two weeks ago we were in the high 90s and now we are in the mid 70's. This summer has been so weird as far as temps go. It took forever for the temps to get warm, then it got scorching, and now we're cool again. Just strange!

Monday~ Partly Cloudy, 77*

Tuesday~ Sunny, 74*

Wedenesday~ Sunny, 74* 

Thursday~ Sunny, 78*

Friday~ Sunny, 83*

Saturday~ Sunny, 86*

Sunday~ Sunny, 88*

As I Look Out My Window~

 It's dreary outside! We had storms last night and more rain coming in later today. There's a mist that is lingering in the trees. I'm sure it's foggy over the river. It's quiet outside. No birds chirping and no squirrels scampering about.

Right Now I Am ~

I'm enjoying my cup of coffee(which I probably shouldn't have had) and typing up this post. 

Thinking and Pondering~

All the things have to get done. I need to get my classroom finished, the house deep cleaned, figure out what to pack, meal plan, etc. The list is never-ending it seems. I don't have much on the schedule this week, so I should be able to get a lot accomplished or at least I hope so. I need to up my exercise. I've been walking daily, watching what I eat, and doing weights here and there. I need to start doing weights daily. I've lost 5 pounds, but still have 20 to go. 

How am I Feeling~

A little better. It's been that time of the month, so I've had migraines and stomach issues. It's been a few months thanks to perimenopause, but it's still never fun. The migraines have been almost every day. Everything I eat has gone right through me and to top it off my gallbladder has decided to act up the past 2 days. Peppermint tea has been my best friend. Thankfully, I feel a little better this morning, so I'm hoping everything is winding down. It's fun being a woman!

What's for Breakfast~

A simple protein shake. It doesn't bother my stomach. 

Looking Around the House~

I need to vacuum. The dogs are shedding like crazy, especially Miss Ruby. Labs shed year round it seems. I need to organize a few rooms. I want the house nice and tidy before we leave for our trip that way I come home to a clean house.

On the To-Do List This Week~ 

Finish classroom set-up

Laundry

Clean the bathrooms

Cleanout the fridge

Vacuum and mop

Decorate for fall

Chiro appointment

Send out my welcome email to my kids

On My Reading Pile~

I just finished reading, Identity by Nora Roberts. It was a suspense-filled thriller. I loved it, but I'm a huge Nora Roberts fan. 

I'm just reading Black Hills by Nora Roberts.

My niece gave me It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. She told me to read it in two days, so we can all go to the movies to see the movie before she heads back to school. 

I also started my book for my women's bible study next year. I started it early. I'll miss the first 2 weeks. We are studying the women of the Bible this year. The book called Discovering Our Dignity can be found on the Walking with Purpose website. I'm on week two, so we are learning more about Eve. 

On TV this week~

Lost

Call the Midwives

CSI

Criminal Minds

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~

Tuesday~

Wednesday~

Thursday~

Friday~

Saturday~

Sunday~

No clue yet. I am sitting down today to meal plan for the next 2 weeks.

If I Have a Few Minutes to Myself, I Will~

Read the book, my niece gave me. 

One of  My Simple Pleasures~

Sitting quietly outside on the porch listening to the rain hit the roof.

From the Camera~

My sweet, old girl, Maddie

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pasture: he leadeth me beside the still waters."

Psalm 23

Praying For~

My family

For the repose soul of my great-aunt, Maryann (she passed away a week ago)

All the kids heading to college and their parents

Our country

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ August 11,2024

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

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 Till Next Time, 

Monique

Friday Book Review~ Moonlight Over Florence by Peter Palmieri

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Moonlight Over Florence 

Author: Peter Palmieri

Format: Kindle Edition

PaperBack: 256 pages

Synopsis~

Fifteen years ago, David had the perfect summer fling as a young college student in Florence, Italy. No, he's a best-selling author who is divorced, alone and has a bad case of writer's block. When a shocking discovery brings him back to Florence, David is determined to find the love of his life. The woman he could never forget!

Sleepless in Seattle meets Under the Tuscan Sun in this funny, yet heartfelt tale of love and family!

My Thoughts~

           I fell in love with Moonlight Over Florence within the first chapter. I immediately connected to the characters and wanted to learn more about them. The way the characters interacted with each other was fantastic and well-written. They felt authentic and real. The characters were witty, charming, and funny. I could easily imagine myself being friends with them.  Their relationships felt natural and genuine. The dialogue between the characters was natural, didn’t feel forced, and often was hilarious. There was a strong sense of family and the importance of having loved ones around us. I fell in love with all the characters and wanted them all to be happy in the end.

The setting of the story takes place in Florence, Italy. Florence is a wonderful setting for a romance story. Who couldn’t fall in love in Italy? The author’s descriptions are so stunning that I felt I was back in Italy. I could picture everything perfectly. I suddenly wanted to go back for a visit. The descriptions are very detailed, but not so much that you feel like they are dragging along, and you get bored.

The story is not just a simple romance. There are a few twists and turns along the way. Some are part of the romance theme, while others are not. It definitely surprised me along the way. I thought I had the story figured out, but I was pleasantly surprised by the plot twists. I honestly didn’t see most of them coming! The story was so well done that I didn’t want to put the book down. I finished the book within a day.

Moonlight OverFlorence is a beautiful romance story with a few plot twists. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance story. The beautiful setting of Florence makes this book perfect for readers who love to travel. Readers who love to experience a new place and a new adventure will love reading this story. I give Moonlight Over Florence five stars!

Thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Peter Palmieri for providing me with a copy for this review.

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 Till Next Time, 

Monique

Twenty-Six Lists~ Summer Playlist

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you. 

Good morning, friends! Today, I'm joining Kym over at A Fresh Cup of Coffee for her Twenty-Six Lists link-up. I've been following Kym for a while now, a fellow homeschool reviewer. I would read her posts and mean to jump on in but just never did. So here I am. 

Today's list is all about our summer playlists. When I first read her post, I chuckled because I had just seen the meme she was talking about. It basically said we Gen Xers were a little grouchy because we had to keep replacing our music collection. The meme wasn't wrong! We experienced a huge change in how we listen to music. 

I remember my parents listening to music on 8 Tracks. I never had any myself, but I do remember them. My first music collection was my kiddie collection of records. I had a Muppet soundtrack, Disco Mickey Mouse, Strawberry Shortcake, and Annie the Movie. Boy, did I listen to that one and I'm sure the neighbors could hear me belting out ALL THE SONGS. Of course, we had tons of books on records! Around middle school, I got my first cassette tape. I think it was the Go Gos. My first CD was New Kids on the Block. I got tons of CDs in high school and college through companies like BMG Music and Columbia House. Remember those ads where we could get 10 CDs for $1.00. I'm pretty sure most of my CDs were purchased that way. I skipped a few ways. I never had an MP3 player. I went straight from CDs to listening to music online. I currently have Amazon Prime Music and that's how I listen to most of my music now. I still have my CD collection though!

So what's on my playlist this summer? Mostly country, 90s music, and classics. Funny thing... the other day I clicked on a classic rock playlist from Amazon and my 90s music was there. I was a little offended. How did I get that old already?!?

Country Playlist~ Zach Bryan, Sam Barber, Luke Combs, Kenney Chesney, Koe Wetzel, Cody Johnson, Bailey Zimmerman

90s Playlist~ Honestly that list is all over the place. It depends on what I feel like.

Classic Rock~ The Eagles, U2, Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, Don McLean, 

I have a wide range of music tastes. It really depends on my mood and what I feel like listening to.

I have to admit that I've never listened to a Podcast! After reading Kym's post, I may have to check out a few!

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 Till Next Time, 

Monique

Teaching Tuesdays~ August 6, 2024

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. Thank you!

Good morning or afternoon depending on when you're reading this post. I'm typing it up after my morning chiropractor appointment and a few errands I ran this morning. Schools have yet to officially start here, but the counties will begin heading back next week. It seems crazy that summer is basically gone for the kids. Our county has 2 more weeks of summer break left. They don't go back until after the county fair. Small, rural county loves their fair.  Thankfully, we don't head back so early for Sunday school. CCD, or Sunday School, starts for us on September 8th. 

This will be my 15th year teaching 1st grade Sunday school. It doesn't;t seem like I've been doing it that long, but I guess I have. I started when Therese was in 1st grade. Boy has time flown by. 

I'm currently working on my lesson plans for next year. I've had to change a few things around. We got a new director of religious education a few years ago, and he's been slowly trying to get things set up in a different direction. He's been extremely flexible with all of us old teachers. I love the direction he's taking us in and honestly, I see why. The kids have changed quite a bit over the years. Sadly, I see fewer small children who know anything about their faith when they come to class. Many of them don't even know the basic Bible stories. Our new direction is changing that. The kids seem younger to me. Their attention span is less and their comprehension skills are not as strong as children in previous years. I have had to adapt and change how I approach the class. So some things have changed, but I definitely kept things that worked. 

This year, I'm breaking class up into segments of 10-15 minutes. Keeping them engaged and active will help them learn. I've switched out a few of my longer books to shorter ones to keep their attention. I've added a craft and a game to each lesson. Getting them up and moving helps eliminate those wiggles from boredom. I want class to be fun but I also want them to learn more about their faith and God.

So What am I Teaching?

Prayers~

We will work on the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the Guardian Angel Prayer

Saint~

We will learn about a new Catholic saint each week. We will read a brief summary about their lives and the children will each get a coloring page of the saint to color and take home. 

Virtue~

We will learn a new virtue each week that goes along with our saint of the week. We will talk about how to practice that virtue in our everyday lives. Years ago, I found an online virtue program for my kids. I have kept it and now use it with my class. It is called Virtues in Practice from the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecelia in Nashville. 

Old Testament Lesson~

We will start at the beginning and work our way through most of the main Bible stories. I tried to focus on the ones that are fun for kids to hear and learn about.  We will be using The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. Each student will be given their own children's Bible to take home and read.

Catechism Lesson~

We will learn about the basic beliefs of our Catholic faith. I'll use the Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism. I used it with my kids and it was perfect for little ones. 

Each week, we will do a craft, play a game, and have a snack that goes along with one part of our lesson. Next Week, I'll share about my classroom layout and what my theme this year is going to be!

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 God Bless and Till Next Time, 

Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 5, 2024

Please Note~ This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to click on a link, add it to your cart, and complete your purchase, I will receive a small percentage. We are very grateful for this additional source of income. 

Good morning, friends! It's been a while since I've blogged. I kept meaning to get back into it but then things would get crazy so, here I am. Things have finally settled down some. My plan is to be more consistent and be here more. I'll fill y'all in more about that tomorrow!

So let's get started with Happy Homemaker Monday with our beautiful hostess Sandra from Diary of a Stay-at-Home Mom. Be sure to stop in and say hello.

The Weather~

It's been a hot, hot, hot summer. It started off a little cooler than normal, but once the heat came it stayed. The worst part is we've had no rain. The grass is all dead. The only thing still there are the weeds. Wouldn't it be nice if the grass was as hardy as the weeds? That is all about to change thanks to Hurricane Debby. Weeks without any rain and now the rain is in the forecast all week. At least, I won't have to water the garden for a few days and our wells will get some water. With all the rain comes cooler temps, so I'm not complaining. 

Monday~ Sunny, 94*

Tuesday~ Thunderstorms, 93*

Wedenesday~ Rain, 78*

Thursday~ Rain, 74*

Friday~ Rain, 77*

Saturday~ Rain, 777*

Sunday~ Sunny, 80*

As I Look Out My Window~

The sun is shining brightly. This is the only sunny day this week, so I plan to get outside and enjoy it. The birds are singing happily. I love sitting out on the covered porch in the morning drinking my coffee, and listening to the birds sing. 

Right Now I Am ~

I'm typing up this post. I'm drinking my cup of coffee. The washing machine and dishwasher are both going. The petting zoo has all been fed...2 dogs, 3 cats, and all the chickens. Mornings are busy here. Everyone wants their food first thing.

Thinking and Pondering~

I need to get a few things put away. The hubby and I are taking a little vacation, so I need to pack for that. I hate packing. I never know what to pack and I tend to overpack which is fine normally but this time we're flying so I can't overpack...ugh!

How am I Feeling~

Better this morning. I had a migraine last night. Thankfully, it went away. I've also been having some stomach issues again, but that's normal for me. I found some new supplements for Perimenopause and they are working! So long hot flashes and night sweats!!

What's for Breakfast~

A chocolate protein shake

The hubby and I have been eating better and exercising. We both started back in May. I'm down 5 pounds(not that exciting) and he's down 40 pounds. Great for him but it really doesn't seem fair that men lose weight so quickly. I really hate menopause!

Looking Around the House~

It needs to be vacuumed and mopped. I've been going room by room and deep cleaning. 

Ruby, our 1 yr old lab, waiting for her toy to be fixed

On the To-Do List This Week~ 

Laundry

Clean the kitchen

Chiropractor appointment tomorrow

A few errands- I need some supplies for my Sunday school class

Plan and pack for our trip

Clean the chicken coop

On My Reading Pile~

A Secret at the Cottage by the Loch by Kennedy Kerr

52 Weeks in the Word: Your Guide for Reading the Bible by Courtney Joseph

On TV this week~

Netflix

I'm currently watching Grey's Anatomy. I'm in season 17 right now. It's the Covid season and I hate it. The show definitely went downhill after Derek died. Each episode is like an info commercial for some social agenda...good or bad. People want to watch TV for fun, not have the current hot topics in the news crammed down their throats. 

Lost

Hulu

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Ghost

On the Menu this Week~

No clue- I'm sitting down to meal plan today. I need to take inventory of what we have in the house. I'm trying to use the food we have. I hate grocery shopping. The price of everything is outrageous. You walk out with 4 bags of groceries and you've paid over $150.

Monday~ 

Tuesday~ 

Wednesday~ 

Thursday~ Celebration Dinner for Therese's pinning (She's officially an LPN)

Friday~ 

Saturday~ 

Sunday~ 

If I Have a Few Minutes to Myself, I Will~

Read a little bit

Finish up my lesson plans for Sunday school

Sit outside and enjoy the sunshine

One of  My Simple Pleasures~

Sitting outside, listening to the birds chirp, and feeling the warm sunshine on my skin. I'm like a cat. I love the feeling of sunshine.

From the Camera~

Sunflower Fields Warmer and Honeycrisp Harvest Wax

I think this warmer is so pretty!

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." 
~ Corrie Ten Boom

What I'm praying for~

My aunt

My parents

My kids

Our nation

The election

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Blessings,

Monique