Teaching Tuesdays~ Another Year of Sunday School

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Another year of Sunday school teaching has begun. This is my 16th or 17th year now. I've lost count and have no clue anymore. It's been a long time. This year, I have the largest class at church and the largest class I've ever taught. 22 little ones! 7 girls and 15 boys. Prayers for a smooth and successful year are greatly appreciated!

Our theme this year is 

God's Love is Deeper than the Ocean!

I decorated the door and our main wall with fish and sea life animals. The children each got their own fish on the wall.

For our prayer tracking, I created a Jelly fish wall. Each child has a jelly fish on the wall and has a bubble with the prayers we are learning this year. 

We'll work on the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the Guardian Angel. 

During class, before we have our snack, we'll say the blessing before meals prayers.

I still have most of the same areas up in my classroom. We'll use them at different times throughout the year. 

When should I pray wall.

These little posters are great for when I we talk about why, when, and how we should pray!

Our Bible map. This map is great for showing the children where our stories took place. We focus on the Old Testament, and this is a wonderful addition to our lessons. 

We have our poster board up to add our saints and virtues to each week. Each week I introduce the children to a new saint and a new virtue that goes along with our saint. We add a picture of the saint and virtue to the posters. AT the end of the year, they are filled. 

Underneath our saint and virtue wall is our pray table. 

I just used an extra table and covered it with plastic tablecloth and added a few items to the table.

Angel statue

Holy Family Statue

Saint Francis Statue

Madonna of the Streets picture

Mary Statue

Monstrance craft (ideas here)

Green Ivy

Felt Rose Rosary  (learn how to make)

I have posters up for the Armor of God. It's a lesson we will do later on in the year. 

The children always enjoy looking at it, especially the boys. 

Last but not least, Jesus and the twelve apostles wall. I made these years ago using basic construction paper and my trusty laminator. They've faded over the years, so plan is it redo them this year. 

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Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ September 21, 2026

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, friends! How is it already the middle of September! It still feels like it was just June to me. We had some warm, muggy days this weekend, but the temps are dropping this week, so I guess fall is right around the corner. 

I hope y'all had a wonderful. Of course it flew by again. It always seems to do that, doesn't it? Saturday, we ran errands. We needed chicken feed and I got some beautiful mums for the porch. On Sunday, Peanut and I went to church. He was so well behaved. After Mass, I had my first Sunday school class for the year. I have 22 little first graders and mostly boys! This is going to be a fun but chaotic year I'm thinking. Prayers would be greatly appreciated!

After class, I came home relaxed a bit and just hung out with Peanut. He's starting to crawl or butt scooch. Either way, he's on the move.

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, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and say hi.

The Weather in My Neck of the Woods~

It was so stick and muggy this past weekend. The temps were lower, but we still couldn't turn off the air. I did turn it off this morning. It's nice and cool. The temps drop 20 degrees today. We are getting a few days of rain. All day rain, but we need it. 

Monday~ Cloudy with rain, 63/55**

Tuesday~ Rain, 58/48*

Wednesday ~ Rain, 55/46*

Thursday~ Rain, 58/41*

Friday~ Sunny, 63/45*

Saturday~ Sunny 66/49*

Sunday~ Sunny, 67/51*

As I Look Out My Window~

It's still pretty dark out. That's one thing I hate about the fall. I hate getting up when it's dark out. I prefer the beautiful colors of the morning sun. I can just start to see the outline of my flowers on the porch. The crows are calling to each other. We have a flock of about 8 that have lived here all summer. They're loud, but they've kept the hawks away, so I don't mind. 

Every now and then, I hear the call of an owl. I can hear the grasshoppers too. They have started to make their grand appearance. I hate walking through the grass when they arrive. They flew up and always seem to fly at your face.

Thinking and Pondering~

Oh my, there is so much to do. We have to baby proof the house. I'm cleaning and organizing the basement. There's so much to do, but it gets tricky when you have a little one to take care of. I need to figure out how to keep my Sunday school class engaged and yet have fun. With so many boys, I know it's going to be rambunctious in there. 

I've already started planning for Christmas. The days just seem to be slipping by. 

How I'm Feeling~

 I'm feeling pretty good. We went to Lancaster, Pa for Labor Day weekend. Therese had to work, so my hubby, Peanut, and went. We went to the Green Dragon Market in Pa. They had some great produce and baked goods. Unfortunately, I felt a lot of the stands were junk. If I lived local, I'd probably go for the produce but that's about it. We did do some antique shopping and enjoyed the drive through the country. We took Peanut to a petting zoo that was on a local Amish farm. It was very cute. They were also selling homemade cheeses and baked good. 

What's on My Nightstand~  

Nothing but my lamp at the moment. The cats were chasing each other, so they knocked everything off yesterday. Blue is a crazy kitten.

What's for Breakfast~

Right now, I'm drinking my coffee with my collagen and a splash of milk. I'll probably have eggs later or maybe a protein shake. 

Looking Around the House~

I need to vacuum and mop. We have to finish baby proofing the house since Peanut is scooting around the house. We put out fall decor last week. Peanut loved the window clings I bought. 

On My To-Do List This Week~

Laundry (lots and lots of it)

Clean the bathroom

Organize sewing room 

Organize the pantry

Babyproof

Vacuum

Mop

Weed the front flower bed (it looks like a jungle)

Happening This Week~

Monday~ Watch Peanut

Tuesday~ Watch Peanut

Wednesday~ Watch Peanut

Thursday~ Bible Study

Friday~ Run errands, Visit Michael at the firehouse & Watch Peanut

Saturday~ Watch Peanut

Sunday~ Mass & Sunday school

 

On My Reading Pile~

I have ARC books to read by the end of November. 

The Empty Nest Experiment by Poppy Corn

The Amalfi Wish by Rosie Donlin

The Long Way Home by Helen Dwyer

Moonlight Shadow Mysteries  by Blake Rivers

I finished Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain by Dr. Mindy Pelz. There was a lot of hype about this book, but I honestly wasn't impressed. I gave it 3/5 stars. 

I started my Bible study group on Thursday. We are doing Ordering Your Priorities from Walking with Purpose. I'm excited about this one!

What I'm Listening To~

Dolly Parton

Fall sounds on YouTtube

Children's music

On TV this week~

Netflix

Grey's Anatomy (for the hundredth time)

The Closer

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Chicken Piccata and pasta

Tuesday~ Leftovers

Wednesday~ Not sure

Thursday~ Baked Ziti with salad and bread

Friday~ Night out

Saturday~

Everyone's schedules are crazy, so I need to sit down and see whose home and figure out dinner menus. 

What I am Sewing, Quilting, and Creating~

Still nothing. Things are still crazy here and there just hasn't been much time to focus on sewing or crafts. I did find some fabric to work on Peanut's quilt while we were in Lancaster. They have so many nice fabric stores. I wish we lived closer. 

Things I want to work on...

Fall wreath

Hem Michael's pants

Peanut's quilt

Fall table runner

My Simple Pleasures~

The crisp cool air on the morning. I love the feel of fall after a hot summer. I just don't like the fact that winter follows. 

From the Camera~

Praying For~

My parents

My sister and her family

My husband and son

My daughter and little Peanut

Our country

Friends and family

My 22 first graders

Myself... that this year goes well with so many little ones

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ September 20, 2026

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Monique

 

Sunday Inspiration~ September 13, 2026

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Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ September 6, 2026

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Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 31, 2026

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Good morning, my dear friends! Happy last Monday of August. Can you believe tomorrow is the first day of September? I honestly have no idea where summer went to. It always seems to go by way to quickly for me. I hope y'all had a wonderful weekend. My hubby was off on Friday, so it seemed like a 3-day weekend here. We worked around the house on Friday and Saturday. 

On Sunday, Michael and Hubby went fishing. Therese had to work. Peanut and I went to church and I had a Sunday school meeting for the upcoming year. He was so good. He is such a sweet baby. 

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, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and say hi.

The Weather in My Neck of the Woods~

Yesterday was beautiful in the morning. The temperature was so nice. It got more humid as the day went on. When I left the church, it started to rain and then it poured like crazy. The heavy downpour scared poor Peanut. Thankfully it didn't last long since I was driving home. 

We have a few days of high heat this week and then it looks like it cools down again. I'm sure we'll have a few more high temp days. This is Virginia and our weather can be a little crazy. 

Monday~ Thunderstorms, 88/70**

Tuesday~ Sunny, 93/73*

Wednesday ~ Sunny, 92/71*

Thursday~ Sunny, 94/71*

Friday~ Rain, 88/66*

Saturday~ Sunny, 81/59*

Sunday~ Sunny, 78/56*

As I Look Out My Window~

It's overcast right now. I guess the storms are slowly rolling in. I was hoping for a sunny day today so I could wash and hang out the bedding. I guess that will have to wait until tomorrow. My flowers are a little droopy. I guess we got some rain last night. The porch is wet. I don't see any birds flying around so I'm not sure where they all are. Normally, I can see yellow finches and cardinals in the morning. 

What am I Doing Right Now~

The dogs and cats have all been fed. Poor Maddie had an accident in the house, so I've cleaned that up. I had to clean up a potted plant that one of the cats knocked down. I grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down to type of this post. I did check my phone and saw a text from my niece who is traveling through Italy right now. She sent me a picture of the St. Peter's Basilica.  

Thinking and Pondering~

I'm trying to figure out how to get everything I need done... lol. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get it all done. I keep telling myself one day at a time. 

I've been praying for the Parton family. I have to admit when my hubby texted me Dolly had passed; I was shocked. Most celebrities passings don't bother me much, but hers did. She was known for her generosity. We were just in TN last month. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg hold a special place for us. We've done so many trips there over the years. My late father-in-law was from the mountains of Tennessee too, so the area has special meaning to us. We once stayed in a cabin that was near where Dolly was born. The Tennessee mountains truly are a beautiful place. All the times we visited Dollywood, I always hoped we'd see her. I would love to have met her. There will never be another Dolly. Rest in peace, sweet Dolly. 

How I'm Feeling~

I have a slight headache. Perimenopause is driving me crazy. I'm debating on making an appointment with Mid-Heath to talk about my options. I hate taking meds and I'm not 100% trusting of HRT, but I need to do something. You would think after puberty, years of a menstrual cycle, and childbirth women would get a break as we aged. Nope, not happening!

What's on My Nightstand~  

My kindle, a lamp, a burp cloth, and a few baby toys. 

What's for Breakfast~

Right now, I'm drinking my coffee with my collagen in it. I use a chocolate collagen to give it some flavor. I'll have eggs and toast later while I feed Peanut oatmeal and applesauce. 

Looking Around the House~

I need to vacuum again. I've been using Rosie, my iRobot everyday but she vacuums like a drunk person. I watch her go from room to room and wonder what type of pattern she actually does. If she has a pattern at all! She does help but, I still have to do a thorough job 2-3 times a week.  I saw a few outlet covers that I still need to plug. I really need to get on my hands and knees to baby proof the house. Peanut is getting up on his hands and knees rocking, so I don't think crawling is too far off. 

On My To-Do List This Week~

Laundry

Clean the bathroom

Organize sewing room 

Organize my Sunday school files

Happening This Week~

Monday~ Watch Peanut and my mom is coming down for a few days

Tuesday~ Watch Peanut & Visit with Mom

Wednesday~ Mom leaves

Thursday~ Vet appointment for Blue & Ruby, Watch Peanut

Friday~ Watch Peanut

Saturday & Sunday~ Watch Peanut

 

On My Reading Pile~

A Match for Katie by Reese Marley (ARC Read) I'm almost done. It's not a bad book, but I wouldn't say it's a great book either. I'll share a review sometime next week. 

I finished Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain by Dr. Mindy Pelz. I know a lit of people recommended it. I didn't find it that helpful. It talked a lot about finding yourself, finding things to do for you, finding quiet time for yourself. That's all great and sounds good, but not everyone can do that. Some of us in Perimenopause are still raising kids or taking care of families. It's probably a good book for a woman who is an empty nester, no longer works, and is trying to figure out what to do with their time. That is not this woman!  I'm still trying to figure out how to exercise with Peanut. 

What I'm Listening To~

Dolly, of course

Country music. I've been focuses more on female country artists lately. 

On TV this week~

Netflix

Grey's Anatomy (for the hundredth time)

Found (I just finished) 

I need a new series to start. Any suggestions?

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~

Tuesday~ 

Wednesday~ 

Thursday~ 

Friday~ 

Saturday~ 

I have no clue. With my mom coming down, I haven't really planned anything yet. Maybe, I do that in a bit. With Michael moved out, Therese working nights, meal planning and cooking is a little weird now. It's hard to go back to planning and cooking for just 2 again. 

What I am Sewing, Quilting, and Creating~

I wish, I was working on something. I can't seem to find the time. I need to clean off my craft and sewing tables before I can do anything. 

My Simple Pleasures~

Finding time to sit down and read quietly for a bit. 

From the Camera~

Praying For~

My parents

My sister and her family

My husband and son

My daughter 

My little Peanut

Parton family

Our country

Friends and family

Something Cute~

I like 1 and 2!

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~

"The way I see it, 

if you want the rainbow, 

you gotta put up with the rain."

~ Dolly Parton

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ August 30, 2026

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.

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Monique

Happy Homemaker Monday~ August 24, 2026

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. 

Welcome back, friends! We had an eventful weekend. My hubby took off on Friday so Michael and he could change the oil in the cars and trucks. They also took a few of the vehicles to get their state inspection. Fun times! We then had a date night we ate at a local restaurant and then went to see the new Spiderman movie. It was pretty good. Out of all the Spiderman actors over the years, I think Tom Holland is the best. 

On Saturday, we watched Peanut since Therese had to work and then she headed out with friends for a night out before her nursing classes start back up on Monday. It rained during the day. 

On Sunday, Peanut and I were going to go to Mass, but he had a rough night with teething, and I was having stomach issues from eating out on Friday. I must have gotten gluten contamination somehow. I worked on my Sunday school lesson plans and reorganizing my files for the upcoming year. I still have to get into the classroom to set up and clean. 

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~

We've had cooler temps this past week and it seems to be the same pattern for this upcoming week. I was hoping it would be warm enough for Peanut to get in his pool one or two more times for we're done for the season. He can sit up now, so I know he'll enjoy it. Maybe on Thursday when it's 86.

Monday~ Sunny,78*

Tuesday~ Sunny, 81*

Wednesday~ Sunny, 81*

Thursday~ Chance of Thunderstorms, 80*

Friday~ Sunny, 83*

Saturday~ Partly Sunny, 81*

Sunday~ Partly Sunny, 84*

As I Look Out My Window~

 The sun is barely up. I see my flowers blooming on the porch. I don't mind fall, but I hate seeing all my flowers slowly turn brown and die. I hear the crows calling. We've had a flock that have hung out here all summer. I haven't minded them because I read one time that they help keep hawks away. We haven't had any hawk attacks this summer, so I guess there's some truth to it. The crows can be a little loud at times. 

Right Now I Am ~

The house is quiet. A pretty rare thing now a days with a baby in the house. I've given Maddie her meds so now the dogs have to wait an hour until they can have food. I'm glad here lab work is clear, and her kidneys are working perfectly, but having to give meds 3 times a day is not fun. She is starting to fight it. If you have a dog, you understand. Just a friendly reminder, do not leave chewable pills down. They taste good and dogs will eat them all up. 

Thinking and Pondering~

Our little Peanut is 6 months old already. It's hard to believe. He's sitting up and trying to scoot around the room. Crawling is probably right around the corner... that's kind of scary.  I know times flies when you have children, but I swear it feels like it's flying by even faster with this sweet little boy. He is such a happy baby and is always smiling. He really is a good baby. 

How am I Feeling~

I'm feeling pretty good. My stomach is still bothering me but that's nothing new. My eyes have been itchy, so there is definitely something bothering my allergies right now. I know our Vet says when the mums are out the allergies pick up for dogs so maybe there's something there. 

What's for Breakfast~

I'm drinking coffee as I write up this post which I spilled as I placed the mug on the end table. I have a feeling it's going to be one of those days. 

Since February, things have been a little off around here. I think we all have had to find our new normal with a baby in the house. I slacked horribly when it comes to eating healthy and exercising. So, I decided to simplify things. I'm going to eat 3 main meals for breakfast: eggs with yogurt and fruit, a protein shake, or oatmeal with fruit. So today I'm eating eggs and fruit. 

Looking Around the House~ 

I'm starting a deep clean and baby proofing. I figured I'd go from room to room and clean thoroughly and Peanut proof the house, so he'll be safe. You really do forget how much work little ones are gone. 

On the To-Do List This Week~ 

Monday~ Chiro appointment, watch Peanut

Tuesday~ Hair appointment, watch Peanut

Wednesday~ Therese has a doctor's appointment, trip to Trader Joes

Thursday~ Watch Peanut

Friday~ 

Saturday~

Sunday~ Mass and a Catechist meeting for the upcoming year, watch Peanut

Blue

On My Reading Pile~

I have 3 ARC books from BookSirens that I need to read and write up a review for. One is due in September. The other two books I have 90 days to finish. 

The Long Way Home by Helen Dwyer

Moonlight Shadow Mysteries Harvest Moon Book 1 by Blake Rivers

A Match for Katie by Reese Marley  (Review is due on September 19th)

I'm still reading...

Age Like a Girl by Dr. Mindy Pelz

Fascinating Womanhood by Helen B. Andelin

Buttons & Devotion Beyond Buttons Book 3 by Penelope Sky 

 

On TV this week~

I keep meaning to watch The Devil Wears Prada 2 on Disney. I just need to find the time. 

Therese and I were talking about watching the Marvel movies and shows to prepare for the movie that is coming out in December. There's a few we missed and lots that I have forgotten. 

Netflix~

Grey's Anatomy

Found

Rizzoli and Isles

Sullivan's Crossing

On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Chicken piccata meatballs with egg noodles

Tuesday~ Buffalo chicken rice bowl

Wednesday~ Shredded chicken tacos, rice, and corn

Thursday~ Chicken fried rice

Friday~ Pizza

Saturday~ Eat out

Sunday~ Lasagne

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

I honestly don't get to many free moments right now. After my hair appointment, I plan on doing a few returns, head to Hobby Lobby to look at fall and Christmas decorations. I need to find some kid friendly decorations since Peanut will be crawling and possibly walking by then. 

I'd love to get him the Step 2 My First Christmas tree

and the Step 2 My First Gingerbread House and the My First Snowman

                              

  

I just think they are just too cute for little ones. 

One of My Simple Pleasures~

A mocha latte from the farmer's market up the road from us. It opened up this year, and they have delicious gourmet coffee. It rather strange to have such good coffee close by because we live way out in the country. The next closest thing to us is a Sheetz gas station.  

From the Camera~

Maddie using a cat toy as a pillow

Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith/Funny Quote~

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Monique

Sunday Inspiration~ August 23, 2026

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.

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Monique

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.

The last time I flew anywhere was when we went to Disney World when the kids were 3 and 4. So it had been a while. Security is crazy now. The airport in Virginia was better and quicker with its security line. Phoenix was not good!

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. 

I tried to get the Welcome to Arizona sign but as you can tell I missed it. I missed quite a few along the trip. Oh well! We did see Sequia cactuses alongside the ride though.

We picked up our rental car...a Jeep!

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!

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Monique