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Sunday, April 13, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Traveling Thursday~ Hello Arizona
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Well, hello there! It's been a while since I've shared a Traveling Thursday post. We've traveled a bit since my last post. I figured I'd start sharing some of our recent trips. A few things have changed from when I posted last. We have officially completed our homeschooling journey. Both Michael and Therese have graduated high school and both have earned an associate's degree from the local community college. They are both currently working on the next step in their journey. Therese is continuing her education, while Michael is currently in the hiring process as a firefighter/paramedic. Life goes by so quickly!
So what does that mean as far as our traveling journeys?
It means the last few trips have been just my hubby and I. It's been a little weird to travel without kids again. It's nice but completely different. There have been many times during our trips that I stop and think how much they would love to see what we are exploring. I miss experiencing new adventures with them, but I am loving the time with my hubby.
So first up... Arizona! This past September, we traveled to Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. We spent 2.5 weeks exploring this beautiful area. We had never been to Arizona or Utah before so it was amazing to see these stunning states. We both had been to Colorado as children, so it was a different feel for both of us.
My gf free meal on the plane.
I got sick so I didn't eat my meal on the return flight.
We flew into Phoenix, Arizona. It was hot, hot, hot! It was a city. Not a city like New York City, but still a city. Nothing too spectacular to me.
We picked up our rental car...a Jeep!
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It was a fun ride. It was great to take the top off when we were sightseeing.
The pictures don't do the sky justice. Coming from the east coast it always amazing me how blue the sky is out here. The difference is drastic.
From Phoneix, we drove straight to the Grand Canyon!
Stay tuned for our adventure there!
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Wednesday Hodgepodge~ April 9, 2025
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Hello friends! I'm joining Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond for Wednesday's Hodgepodge. Each week, she hosts a weekly link-up that is a collection of questions for bloggers to answer. It's to help bloggers get to know each other better and have a little bit of fun! It's a great way to hang out with friends. So grab a cup of coffee or tea if you prefer and join in on the fun.
So, what is a hodgepodge? A hodgepodge is an unorganized mixture of various things, a jumble of items that don't seem to belong together.
Here are this week's questions and my answers for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge~
1. What's a lesson you learned from a mistake?
Wow, where to even begin. There are so many mistakes I've learned from over the years. Every mistake I've made while cooking has helped me become a better cook. When sewing all the little mistakes (and big mistakes) I've made have made me a better and more confident sewer. The mistakes I've made as a parent have helped me grow as a parent. I know during our homeschooling years, I felt like I was making tons of mistakes when planning my children's education, but I now see how successful they are as college students and I know I did my best and it worked.
But one of the biggest lessons I've learned from making mistakes is to love myself. When I was younger, I doubted myself. I didn't love myself enough. I didn't believe I deserved to be loved for who I was. I felt and believed that I had to be what everyone else wanted me to be for me to be loved. Sacrificing myself and my beliefs didn't help me or the people who were in my life. They never got to know the real me because I never allowed them to see the real me. I was too afraid that they wouldn't love me. Over the years, I've struggled with this and still do at times. I now try to be myself and if people don't love me for me then that's their loss, not mine.
2. Do you salt food while you're cooking or let dinners add their own? What's a food you think must be salted? Do you like pepper?
I use salt when cooking. Salt brings out the flavor in so many foods. The amount I use depends on the recipe. I don't over-salt either though. Mashed potatoes need salt (and butter). Without salt and butter, they just taste bland. I do use pepper, but not a lot of it. I don't like it too much.
3. Your favorite shade of purple? What's your favorite purple flower?
I love purple! All shades of purple. In the summer, I love the lighter shades like lilac. I'm also a huge fan of the pinkish/redish purples like magenta.
My favorite purple flower would have to be lavender. I love the smell!
5. Share a favorite spring travel memory.
We don't travel too much in the spring. During the Covid lockdown, the kids and I went on a little day trip to an Iris farm. It was one of the only things open. It was outdoors so no masks were required. It was so wonderful to get out of the house and see something new.
6. My own random thought~
Source~ Pinterest
I love cottage gardens! I dream of creating a stunning and enchanting Irish cottage garden in my backyard. I'd love a white picket fence, but that won't happen since we already have a fence up. That's okay though. My plan is to add flowers each year until I have a beautiful garden along my fence and porch. I want to be able to sit on my back porch and relax while looking at all the pretty, colorful flowers. I've added daylilies, irises, roses, and gladiolas so far. I have a box of seeds my hubby ordered for me. I can't wait to add them to my garden.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Teaching Tuesdays~ The Battle of Jericho
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Good morning and welcome back to another edition of Teaching Tuesday! We are still reading through the Old Testament stories in our children's Bible. We started class by praying the Our Father and Hail Mary.
Our saint this week was Saint Kateri Tekakwitha the Lily of the Mohawks. Her feast day is July 14th. We read a short story about her, Kateri Tekakwitha: Model of Bravery by Barbara Yoffie.
The kids colored a picture of her while I read the story. You can find it here. Her virtue was piety. Piety is the quality of being religious and reverent. We talked about how they can practice the virtue of piety.
Having a respectful behavior
Showing love and care for others
Showing a genuine interest in practicing their religious teachings
Behaving in Mass
Being respectful while they pray
Learning more about their faith
Practicing their prayers
This week, my first-grade class about the Battle of Jericho. We read the story about the Battle of Jericho. We then acted out the story. I had the children walk around the 7 times while blowing their horns. I picked up inexpensive party blowers at the store.
We then played a fun game of Knock Down the Walls of Jericho. I took solo cups and made a pyramid with them. I then divided the kids into 2 teams. Each team took turns throwing a ball at the cups. The store with the most towers knocked down completely wins. This is a great way to get the kids active, have some fun, and learn about the Bible stories.
If you need some more fun ideas, check out the Battle of Jericho lesson from Trueway Kids.
Monday, April 7, 2025
Happy Homemaker Monday~ April 7, 2025
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Happy first Monday of April!
Now if only the weather would realize that it's April and should be warmer. We have been getting plenty of rain, though. It's like the old saying goes... April showers bring May flowers!
Good morning, dear friends. I'm so glad y'all have stopped by. Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat for a bit. Last week was a slow week here. I did have a vet appointment for Maddie girl. She hates the vets, so going is always an ordeal. She has to get medication to stay calm. Her old vet was not great and we found out that they muzzled her so she's a little traumatized by the whole thing. Her new vet is amazing and treats her so much better. They love her and say she's a sweet old girl. There's not a mean bone in this dog's body. The vet says she looks great for an almost 12-year-old lab. Her leg mobility is still good. She does have some arthritis, so they gave her some meds for that. Her blood work showed her thyroid was off, so they are sending it away for more testing.
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 hi.
The Weather in My Neck of the Woods~
It's a cold, dreary, wet, day here today. We need the rain, especially since dear hubby planted some grass seed. I just wish it was warmer.
Monday~ Rainy, 42*
Tuesday~ Sunny, 43*
Wedenesday~ Partly Sunny, 52*
Thursday~ Cloudy/Rain, 55*
Friday~ Cloudy/Rain, 56*
Saturday~ Cloudy/Rain, 52*
Sunday~ Partly Sunny, 57*
It's not a pretty week here at all. Hopefully, next week has at least some more sunny days. I love sunshine!
As I Look Out My Window~
It's gray and dreary out. It's a light rain, so that's good. We had thunderstorms a few days ago. This is a nice steady rain which will be good for the flowers and grass seed.
Thinking and Pondering~
I need to get back into a routine. When the kids were younger and we were homeschooling, we had a routine and things worked well. After they started college, my routine became none existent. I really had no clue what to do. Of course, I knew I needed to do all the regular house stuff... laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc. It was like I didn't know what now that I was no longer a full-time mom and teacher. Coops ended. Moms get together ended. Life got a little empty and lonely. Over the years, I've had friends through the kids, but they didn't last once the coops ended or when the kids went to public school. Life got busy with other things. I miss talking to other women and getting together. Why is it so hard for women to make friends at this age?
Right Now I Am ~
I am typing this post up and enjoying my cup of coffee. I'm sitting on the couch with Maddie. Ruby is on the loveseat all stretched out.
How am I Feeling~
This is day two of a migraine. The meds my primary doctor prescribed don't seem to help much. My gut health is better. I've added more fruit and veggies to my diet. I've cut out most of the junk. I've been exercising more. Last week I walked on the treadmill or took the girls for a walk. I did this on 5 of the days last week. My goal is to exercise 6 days a week and then rest on Sunday!
What's on My Nightstand~
My Kindle, a bottle of Tums, a wrist brace, and my wax warmer. I currently warming Black Raspberry Vanilla. I just finished reading Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods. It's book one in the Sweet Magnolia series.
What's for Breakfast~
I'm going to do a protein shake this morning. I'll probably do a chocolate and peanut butter one.
Looking Around the House~
The house needs to be vacuumed and mopped. With the few days of warmer temps, all the animals are shedding like crazy. I need to clean the bathrooms. I'm going to start spring cleaning for Easter this week too. I'll go room to room and do a deep clean. I'm starting with the kitchen.
On My To-Do List This Week~
Wednesday~ Chiro appointment for my shoulder
Thursday~ Bible Study
Plan the Easter dinner menu
Plan Therese's cake
Plan grocery list
Happening This Week~
I finally have a week with not much going on! The only appointment I have is a chiro appointment on Wednesday.
On My Reading Pile~
I'm currently reading a book I checked out at the library, The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff.
I'm still reading Hour is Come by Victoria Tait.
I'm still working through 52 Weeks in the Word and Discovering Our Dignity. We have two more lessons in Discovering Our Dignity before Bible study ends for the year.
I'm also reading, Eat Fat, Lose Fat by Sally Fallon and Mary Enig. My chiropractor recommended it after I told him about my cholesterol levels.
On TV this week~
Netflix
The Resident
Call the Midwives
The Night Agent
YouTube
Crochet Videos
Quilting Videos
Exercise videos
On the Menu this Week~
Monday~ Leftovers- Pulled Chicken
Tuesday~ Stuffed Peppers
Wednesday~ Chicken Stir Fry with Brown Rice
Thursday~?
Friday~ Fish
Saturday~?
What I am Sewing, Quilting, and Creating~
My Simple Pleasures~
I love being outside when the temps are warm and the flowers are starting to fill the world with their vibrant colors. Spring is one of my favorite seasons.
Lesson Learned this Week~
Good healthy food and exercise definitely make a difference in how you feel.
From the Camera~
Praying For~
My dad and his health
My Aunt Betty
Pope Francis
My health
My kids
Our country
Friends and family
Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~
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Sunday, April 6, 2025
Sunday Inspiration~ April 6, 2029
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Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Wednesday Hodgepodge~ April 2, 2025
Please note that posts 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.
Hello and welcome back, friends! Today I'm trying out something new. I'm joining Joyce over at From This Side of the Pond for Wednesday Hodgepodge. Each week, she hosts a weekly link-up that is a collection of questions for bloggers to answer. It's to help bloggers get to know each other better and have a little bit of fun! It's a great way to hang out with friends. So grab a cup of coffee or tea if you prefer and join in on the fun.
So, what is a hodgepodge? A hodgepodge is an unorganized mixture of various things, a jumble of items that don't seem to belong together.
Here are this week's questions and my answers for this week's Wednesday Hodgepodge~
1. No foolin'! April is here. What's one fun thing on your April calendar?
I have a couple of fun events planned this April. My daughter's birthday is this month. I need to shop and plan her cake. I've made her cake for years and l love challenging myself to try something new. I have a surprise party for a family member to attend at the month's end. It should be fun. It's out of state and I haven't some of these family members for a few years.
2. It's often said, 'A fool and his money are soon parted'...what's the last thing you wasted money on?
Wow, I really had to think about this one. I don't tend to waste money on frivolous things too often. I just ordered a new warmer for Easter. I already have an Easter warmer, but I thought this bunny butt warmer was too cute to pass on.
3. April 2nd is National DIY Day. Are you a do-it-yourself kind of person or maybe you're married to one? If so, what's the last thing you DIY-ed. If you're not a DIY-er what's the most recent job you had to hire someone to complete?
Both my hubby and I are DIYers. We come from a long line of DIYers. My grandaddy made me a doll house when I was eight. He made it exactly how I wanted it. We recently redid our master bathroom and bedroom. We gutted the bathroom and reworked the area. For me, I make all my holiday wreaths. I love creating things for my home. The last thing I made was a cute Easter dish towel to hang on my stove.
4. Do you eat lamb? If so do you have a favorite dish that calls for lamb?
Nope, no lamb. I actually have never tasted it and I really don't have any desire to. I don't eat beef, pork, or seafood (except tuna). The only meat that I currently eat is chicken and turkey. I stopped eating beef after a family vacation when I was 8. We visited a farm and I fed a baby cow named Lucky. She was so cute. After that, I was afraid that I would eat Lucky one day so I stopped. My parents were not too thrilled with my new eating habits. Now, I don't like the taste or texture of it.
5. Do you fit a stereotype in some way? Explain.
I can't think of any that I fit completely. I'm short and can be kind of feisty at times. I am a mom, so I definitely feel like I've been nurturing and loving with my family. I've tried over the years to be there for them and provide a stable home life. I guess in a way I do fit the stereotype of the traditional stay-at-home mom. I'm okay with that. I love being home with my family.
6. What do I love about spring weather? What do I not like about spring weather?
I love the warmer temps. I love it when the days are sunny and warm. I love the feel of the gentle breeze on my face. The sweet smell of the blossoming trees makes me happy. There's nothing like it. The colors that come alive with the warm temps are stunning and beautiful. It reminds me of all the beauty God has created for us. The only thing I hate is the up and down temps. One day it's 80 degrees and the next it's 45 degrees. It drives me batty., I just want the warm temps to come and stay!
Thanks for stopping by!
Be sure to stop by From This Side of the Pond.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Teaching Tuesdays~ Moses and the Ten Commandments
Please note that posts 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 and Happy Tuesday! I hope y'all had a very blessed week. This week we jumped into our last week learning about Moses. We talked about Moses and the 19 Commandments.
We started class by praying the Our Father and Hail Mary.
Our saint this week was Saint Teresa of Avila. We read about Saint Teresa of Avila in the Loyola Kids Book of Saints. The children worked on a Saint Teresa of Avila coloring page while we read about her.
Her virtue was temperance. Temperance is enjoying things in a proper, balanced way. We don't indulge, overdo, or get selfish. We added her picture and the virtue to our posters.
After our saint and virtue lesson, we moved on to our final lesson about Moses~ Moses and the 10 Commandments. We read about Moses receiving the 10 Commandments from God in our children's Bible.
We then went through the 10 Commandments with the help of our book, The Ten Commandments: I Obey God from Father Lovasik.
I love how this book breaks down the Ten Commandments for children. They can understand them better and it helps them prepare for the sacrament of First Reconciliation.
The children then worked on a craft. They created a mini figure of Moses holding the Ten Commandments. You can find the craft and instructions here.
You can print it out already colored in or you can print it out and have the kids color Moses.
The only supplies you need are empty toilet paper holders, copies of printouts, scissors, glue sticks, and crayons.