Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts

Thursday, February 5, 2026

14 years ~ Why am I Still Blogging (Sometimes)

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I recently saw a post from a fellow blogger talking about why she was still blogging after 20 years. One I was a little shocked because I've been reading her blog for years. I've watched as her kids have grown up, and it definitely hasn't felt like it had been that long. Boy, time flies when you're having fun.

It got me thinking, how long have I been at this? How long have I had my little blog?

It's been 14 years for me. I started back in November of 2012. I first started on WordPress and then decided to switch it over to Blogger. I had no idea what I was doing, but somehow, I managed it. I started out just wanting to share the ins and outs of our homeschooling days. At that time, trying to find information on homeschooling wasn't as easy. I've seen the world of homeschooling change and grow over the years through the different platforms of social media. I love seeing the growth. I'm a little jealous of all the information out there. I feel blessed what I did find back in the day and I hope that my little corner of the blogging world helped a few people out over the years. 

I'm happy I started this little blog back in the day. I'm amazed at how I've grown, changed, and all that I have learned over the years. I love the friendships I've made through this little adventure. I still keep in contact with a few homeschooling moms that I met online. They were there through the highs and lows. Friends can help any adventure feel right.
 
I'm proud that I jumped in. I was scared and a little unsure at the time. There were plenty of days where I felt like giving up. I wondered if anyone really read my posts. Did anyone really care about what I had to share? Were they enjoying what I was sharing? I'm thankful I stuck with it. I'm amazed that I just didn't give up on certain days. Self-doubt can be a terrible thing.





When I started this blog, I was a young mom of two amazing kids. Therese (Princess P) was 7 and Michael (Lego Man) was 8. We had been homeschooling for a few years already and I decided to share what we were doing. I planned all of our lesson. I researched, printed, and planned every lesson for them. No boxed curriculum for me, well except math. I loved sharing the books we were reading, the unit studies we were doing, and all the fun activities were we using. I did share a few other things along the way... fieldtrips, food recipes, vacations, etc. It was a wonderful way to journal about our homeschooling adventure. 

I often wonder why I started this little project. I guess thinking about it now, I'd have to say I needed an outlet. An adult activity. When you're a stay-at-home mom, sometimes you feel like you're losing yourself. You're so focused on being a mom and a wife, you forget who you are. I needed this little space to regroup. A place to sit back and relax. A place where I felt like I was conversing with other moms. It felt like going to your favorite coffee shop and visiting with close friends. It was my me time. 





I started posting slowly that first year. In the last 2 months of 2012, I only posted 9 times. Nothing big, nothing fancy. Just a slow start. As I got more comfortable, I started to share more and more. At the height of my blogging, I was posting 4 to 5 times a week. 

At one point in my blogging journey, I joined the Homeschool Review Crew! I loved this online community of homeschooling moms. We got to review homeschool curriculum and share about it. We had forums where we could share ideas, recipes, friendships, etc. I was part of this fantastic group for 5 years.  It was such a blessing to our homeschooling. I still miss this amazing group. I do keep up with a few of the ladies since they still have continued to blog even after their homeschooling journey has ended. A few are even still homeschooling (I'm a little jealous about that). 




The last 5 years have been a little different around here. I lost my purpose and my focus. The kids grew up and graduated high school. Michael graduated college. Therese will graduate next year. The years seemed to pass in a blink of an eye. 

I wasn't sure what to post, now. I had no idea what I had to share. It's hard when your life takes a new path. You're suddenly unsure. I felt like a small child learning to walk. Stumbling down a new path. I honestly felt like giving up and at one point, I did walk away. I decided to not post anymore. I wasn't going to delete my blog. I couldn't bring myself to do that. There were too many memories here. All the photos, the laughter and tears, the ups and downs. How could I destroy a living journal of my years with my family. I couldn't. so, I decided to keep it up but not write. Well, that didn't last long. I missed it. I missed the community, I had built. 

I will admit it's been hit and miss the last few years. Between 2022 and 2024, I only posted 80 times! I'm slowly making a comeback. I'm still trying to figure out my new path. It's forever changing. I'm now going to be a grandma, so that's a path I am heading into. I can't wait to share a few things. Oh my, all the new baby stuff is amazing. I'll be sharing my daughter's and I's favorite things!

So, my plan is to continue to share my life with y'all! Recipes, thrift finds, book reviews, and all things grandma (a young grandma)! If this sounds like something you'd like, stick around. Sign up for emails and stop by for a visit!



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Monique











Thursday, September 11, 2025

We are lost....

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How did we get here? Twenty-four years ago, our world changed. Americans realized that they were vulnerable and that other countries could attack us. Now, we have a completely different attack going on here in America. Hate. Hate and a lack of empathy seem to be growing day by day. 

I look at the world we live in now, and I don't recognize it. How did we get this far gone? The horrible, senseless murders we have been seeing have no place here. Innocent people are dying. What is wrong with America? Nothing makes sense anymore. The world I knew and grew up in no longer exists. A world where we felt safe no longer exists. We shouldn't have to live in fear of being killed for having different opinions from others. I wonder what my grandmother felt raising her children back in the 1950s. Did she feel the same way I do know?

Yesterday, I spent the day cleaning our bedroom and vacuuming the house. I sat down for a quick break and opened up Facebook. I immediately saw a post asking for prayers for Charlie Kirk because he had been shot at an event on a college campus in Utah. I quickly did a search because you can never trust what you see on the internet. I turned on the TV and was immediately hit with the devastating news. I started praying for him and his family. 

After seeing the video, I knew it didn't look good for him, but I know God can do anything. What I saw today, I can't unsee. The sad thing is that many of us didn't get a choice in whether or not we saw it. It was plastered all over social media and still is. It was there, mixed in with dog videos and ads. Just another video adding to the chaos of our lives. It shouldn't have been there. Like so many other videos on social media. What have we become? This can't be real! This can't be the world we live in. Where is our compassion? Our love? Our humanity? I think we have forgotten what it is to be human. To love and respect one another. We have forgotten what it is to love one another, no matter what our differences are. We have lost God. I feel that this is the saddest part of our world and our lives. 

Last night, I sat there and was at a loss for words. I felt numb, confused, sad, and scared. Scared for the world our children live in. Scared for my sweet grandbaby that has yet to enter this world. The lack of respect for human life is disgusting. I sat there at the dining room table, and all I could hear in my head was the quote from Mother Terese, "We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, killings, of wars, or of hatred... If a mother can kill her own child but what is left but for us to kill each other?" 

I'm saddened we live in a world where lives are being taken simply for looking different, having different values, different faiths, and different political views. A world where being strong in your beliefs and standing up for what you believe in can put a target on your back. It's disheartening that we can be made to feel unsafe for expressing our faith, our culture, or even our own personal opinions. 

Why is it okay to hate others? Hate others just for their differences? How do we tell our children and grandchildren that there are people in this world who will hate them for who they are? People who will judge them without even knowing them. 

Charlie Kirk was just a man. A husband. A father. A friend. A brother.  A  son. A fellow Christian. A man standing up for America. A true patriot. He challenged young people to question, to think for themselves, and to stand up for what they believe. He wanted people to question the narrative. He was a role model for the next generation of young people. He was killed for encouraging peaceful debates. He was killed for expressing his own beliefs and values. Are we so far gone that we kill people who do not agree with us? Are we so morally lost that we no longer respect the sanctity of human life?

I grieve for our world. A world I no longer recognize. But I will turn to God. I will turn to my faith and pray! I will pray fervently. 


"When you look down in your arms and you see your child... 
everything that you're fighting for 
gets into absolute clarity."
~Charlie Kirk



Rest in peace, faithful servant. Eternal rest grant unto Charlie, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace with you forever. Amen. 

God bless y'all, and know that I am praying for all of you. 

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Till Next Time,

Monique

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Traveling Thursdays~ Outer Banks, North Carolina

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Traveling Thursdays


 
Good Morning, dear friends. I stopped blogging for a bit, but I'm trying to get back into it on a pretty regular basis. I still need to share our trip we took last fall to Utah, so I'll be getting those posts typed up over the next few weeks. 

Traveling with Dogs




But first, I'll share about our trip to Waves, North Carolina, in the Outer Banks. The beach we stayed at is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. 


Waves, North Carolina



Our house was right on the beach. We walked out the back patio door and up and over the sand dunes, and we were on the beach. It was a nice, quick walk, except in the middle of the day. The sand got so hot it burned your feet. A few of the kids (grown adults) used socks and sandals to get around, while a few ended up with blisters. 

Waves North Carolina

Waves North Carolina



We took both dogs with us. It was their first time at the beach. Maddie, our 11-year-old black lab, loved it. Ruby, our 2-year-old red fox lab, wasn't so sure at first. She quickly changed her mind, though. 

Black Labrador

Lab at Beach

Walking along the Beach

Red Fox Labrador

Red Fox Lab at the Beach

Walking the Beach


Since the sand got so hot during the middle of the day, I spent a lot of time with the dogs at the house. We stayed by the pool. I had a migraine for most of the trip, so it was easier to stay near the house too. We bought the girls a kiddie pool to cool off, since dogs were not allowed in the big pool. Maddie loved it. 

Pool

Tired Puppy

Feet in the Water

Pool Time

Labrador Xmen

Vacation

Clouds at the Beach

I did none of the touristy stuff. I hung out by the pool with Therese and the girls. We relaxed in the sun, read a book, One Golden Summer, swam, and played fetch with the girls. 


One Golden Summer




The boys went fishing and even went out on a fishing charter. They caught some Spanish Mackerel. 

Waves, North Carolina



Overall, it was a relaxing trip. It was a little different with the dogs, but we realized it wasn't that bad, and we would definitely take them on a trip again. They did exceptionally well and enjoyed themselves. 

Sunrise at Waves North Carolina



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Monique

Sunday, May 11, 2025

Happy Mother's Day!

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Wishing y'all a wonderful Mother's Day!
I hope you have a relaxing, joyous day.



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Till Next Time,

Monique

Monday, April 14, 2025

Happy Homemaker Monday~ April 14, 2025

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Good Morning, friends. Happy Monday! 
Saturday was a bust. I wanted to get outside and work in the garden but it was raining again! Thankfully, it looks like the rain will give us a break this week. I spent the day cleaning and doing laundry. 

I hope y'all have a very blessed Holy Week. This is a big week for us Christians. Yesterday, Mass was packed. We received Blessed Palms and did a procession into Mass. After Mass, I taught Sunday school. We learned about Holy Week and Saint Peter. 


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~

The temperatures are warming up a bit, but they still seem low for this time of year. The constant ups and downs are getting annoying. It needs to get warm and stay warm. 

Monday~ Cloudy, 75*
Tuesday~ Partly Sunny, 58*
Wedenesday~ Partly Sunny, 53*
Thursday~ Sunny, 59*
Friday~ Cloudy, 68*
Saturday~ Rain, 80*
Sunday~ Partly Sunny, 66*

I'm just glad we have a few days of the sun coming out. It's been a while since we have seen it and I'm like a cat. I need the sunshine to feel good. 






As I Look Out My Window~

It's gray and dreary out, right now. The sun is supposed to make an appearance later today. Well, see. 


Thinking and Pondering~

All the things I need to get down for Easter dinner. I'm cooking and we'll have my parents and my sister's family over. I think it'll be about 14 people. Even though I have a lot to do this week, I want to find time to sit and read the bible this week and really reflect on Holy Week. 

Right Now I Am ~

I am typing this post, enjoying my cup of coffee while I sit at the dining room table. I love looking at the tree in the front yard when it's in full bloom.




How am I Feeling~

I had a migraine yesterday. It has dulled some. I think it's weather-related. My stomach was bothering me a few days ago. I got a half-sweet/half-unsweet tea from Dunkin and it was really sweet. I diluted it but my stomach didn't like it. I hadn't been eating sugar lately, so I think my body revolted against it. 





What's on My Nightstand~  

My Kindle, a bottle of Tums, a wrist brace, and my wax warmer. I currently warming Lilac and Violets. 





What's for Breakfast~

I'm going to do a chocolate/peanut butter protein shake this morning. 



Looking Around the House~

The house needs to be vacuumed and mopped. I'll vacuum today but will wait until Thursday to mop. I have a few things to pick and put away. Overall the house is pretty tidy. I just need to dust, vacuum, and mop before Easter. 


On My To-Do List This Week~ 

Tuesday~ Baby's shot at the vet for her arthritis
Wednesday~ Grocery store
Thursday~ Mop and Dust
Friday~ Make Therese's Birthday cake and the other desserts for Easter
Saturday~ Make the sides for Easter dinner
                  Attend the Easter Vigil Mass






Happening This Week~

This week will be a busy one with it being Holy Week and Easter (and Therese's birthday) the following Sunday. Lots to do. I will be a busy, busy little bee. 


On My Reading Pile~

I finished The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff and I highly recommend it. 



Last night I started Here to Stay by Mark Edwards. Aso far I'm enjoying it. It's a suspense thriller. 
I'm still reading Hour is Come by Victoria Tait. 

I'm still working through 52 Weeks in the Word and finishing up Discovering Our Dignity




On TV this week~

Netflix
The Resident
Call the Midwives
The Night Agent

Hulu
Good American Family

YouTube
Crochet Videos
Quilting Videos
Exercise videos


On the Menu this Week~

Monday~ Sunday Dinner Leftovers
Tuesday~ Tacos, Rice, and Corn
Wednesday~ Stuffed Peppers I didn't do them last week)
Thursday~Korean Beef with Brown Rice
Friday~ Fish
Saturday~Something easy


What I am Sewing, Quilting, and Creating~

I started a new wreath for the kitchen door. I have a few finishing touches to add to it.




My Simple Pleasures~

Sitting outside in the sun and reading a good book. Therese and I went to the library's used book sale last week. We got 2 bags full of books for $20.






Lesson Learned This Week~

Don't lose sight of what's important. We never know when our last day will be. Say I love you. Appreciate everything around you. 


Something Fun to Share (a blog, video, or tip)

I saw these on Facebook and thought they were too cute. I'd like them without the feet.






From the Camera~











Praying For~

My dad and his health
My Aunt Betty
Pope Francis
Our priest, Father Paul
My health
My kids
Our country
Friends and family



Inspirational Quote/Bible Verse/Faith~





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Till Next Time,

Monique








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~


I have to mend a dress for Therese we got at Goodwill. I also have two patterns cut out. I just need to decide what fabric I want to use to make the skirts. 




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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Till Next Time,

Monique







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