Well It's Done..

I sent in my Objectives for the 09-10 year. Summer is winding down. We start back to school Aug. 31st..This time has flown by so quick.. Pretty soon it'll be Christmas!! But I'm so excited to get back to the learning..Especially since this is Jen's senior year..It's going to be great!!

I will be posting more later on..God Bless..

Girls & Glasses

Well, we finally took the kids to the eye doctors. And the verdict was in. Jen & Ari needed glasses. Trevor has a slight astigmatism, but he doesn't need glasses now. Maybe in the future. So here are the girls with their new glasses. They both love them.

I think Jenna looks cute in these.

Close up of Jenna in her glasses.

Ariana in her new glasses.

Close up of Ariana in her glasses.

I am feeling better. I'm getting rid of my bronchitis alittle at a time. I will write more later.

Looking For New Ways

To fire up the kids for the new school year..Any suggestions? I am at a loss right now..I am trying to think of new ways to vamp up the year..I have seen alot of ideas on other blogs..I definitely know that with the new diningroom/schoolroom remodel that will help alittle, but I'm trying to find new ways to incorporate the Faith into our everyday lives, not just at school time..If you have any suggestions please feel free to leave them..

I am still nursing the bronchitis..Thank goodness for laptops!!

My Review Of Crafty Catholic Kids-Great Activities for Family Fun and Faith

Here is another review that I am doing. This time the book is Crafty Catholic Kids -Great Activities for Family Fun and Faith by Ann Ball..

The book is a very easy read..The activities in the book range in ages..Ms. Ball does a very superb job of giving directions on how to do these activities..She also gives variations of how you can do a activity..There are not only activities, but also recipes. It covers most or all of the holiday seasons..Ms. Ball lets you know if adult supervision is needed when doing a project..My favorite part of the book is that there is a page for notes to write in..

There is a Glossary of Craft Terms (which is extremely helpful if you're not very crafty). Ms. Ball has a section in the beginning of the book which explains Safety, Supplies, Patterns, etc..

My kids and I tried 2 of the projects..We tried the Jesus Beads & The Rosary Rescue..My kids are older, but they enjoyed doing the projects..

I would recommend this book Crafty Catholic Kids -Great Activities for Family Fun & Faith for kids of all ages, but mostly for the younger kids..Maybe it was just my kids, but they only liked a few of the projects..

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit the Catholic Company to find more information on Crafty Catholic Kids.

Today Is The Feast Day Of...

St. Bonaventure..

I think that from now on I'm going to post some of the Saints Feast Days on the calendar..I know that I have a Saint of the day widget box, but sometimes it's nice to actually see what the Saint looks like..

I am excited because tomorrow is the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel..It's my name day!! I will write more about it tomorrow..I have been sick since I got back from Ohio so that is why I really haven't written much..I have had a sore throat & possibly bronchitis..Bare with me..I will get to posting more soon..God Bless!!

Today is the Feast Day of

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

My girls love her!! Blessed Kateri Pray for Us!!

Getting Back to "Normal"

Well, we're trying to at least..We have been doing laundry (from the trip), and cleaning up around the house. I'm crossing my fingers that Bob will actually get the flooring done in the diningroom/classroom..

The girl's are volunteering up at our parishes Fun Flair..They don't particularly like standing on their feet all those hours, but they made a commitment & I'm making them stick to it..

Tomorrow the kids all go to the eye doctors to get their eyes checked. I know 2 out of 3 of them will probably need glasses..

I'm not sure if we'll do anything this weekend. We were thinking of going to the Carnegie Museum because we have a free pass.

I also have to get my Objectives sent to the Superintendent by the end of the month..

That's about it..Oh, here are some more photos from our trip..I'll post more tomorrow..

Ari, Jen & Trev @ the Cleveland Zoo

Ari & Jen near a dinosaur @ the Dinosaur exhibit @ the Cleveland Zoo

My Review for the 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free Set

OK..I have to admit that when I first got this set I was scared. I am not what you call the financial guru. Actually, Bob does all the financial handling. But when I started reading 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free by Phil Lenahan, I was totally amazed at what an easy read it was. I even had Bob read it with me. We went along with the handbook too.

The book is very well written, and the workbook is easy to go through also. Both Bob & I really loved reading the book and doing the workbook. It actually spelled out alot of things we were doing right & wrong with our financial process. The steps are laid out simply and even someone like me who is not financially savvy can do it. I would recommend this book as a gift for newlywed couples, or anyone who is in financial straights. After reading this book/workbook both Bob & I decided NOT to file for bankruptcy. The book also has encouraged us to tithe more. We weren't really comfortable giving so much, but we really feel that this is what the Lord wants us to do. I give this book/workbook a BIG 2 thumbs up!!

This review I'm writing is part of the Catholic book reviewer program from the Catholic Company. Visit them to find out more about this wonderful book 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free Set.

Good To Be Home

Yes, we're finally back from our "little" vacation. It actually wasn't a vacation, we were visiting Bob's family but it was different for us. We got to stay at a motel that had an indoor pool. The kids loved that!! We went to the Cleveland Zoo (I will post pics later). And we got to see most of Bob's family. It was a nice time, but it's sooooooo good to be back home. We missed our pets, and we missed sleeping in our own beds..

We also got to go to Rhoda Wise's grotto again. That was so nice. We also went to a Catholic Bookstore in Akron/Canton that I've been wanting to go to. It's called St. Raphael Bookstore. There is a chapel in there also. We stopped and prayed there. It's so nice when you can incorporate your faith into your vacation, or everyday life for that matter. I'm so happy to be Catholic.

This past Monday was Bob's birthday. We were out of town, but that's when we went to the zoo. He turned 39. I just wanted to let everyone know that Bob is the most sweetest, loving, caring, hard-working man I have EVER known. Well maybe besides my dad (of course). He is my best friend, my confidant, and the best dad to our children. I don't know where I'd be without him. I grow more in love with him everyday. He has been trying so hard to be a good & rightous Catholic man, and I admire him for that. Yes, we have gone through some rough patches but we have climbed out of that and we're just trying to be the best parents/spouses we can be. I credit that to Our Lord, and homeschooling. He has been my biggest supporter since day 1 of homeschooling. He helps me, and sometimes knows more that me. I thank God everyday for him.

Well enough gushing about Bob. He's off this week so we're going to try and get some things done around the house. Here are just some of the pics we took from our "mini" vacation.

Bob & Trevor

Grotto Entrance @ Rhoda Wise's

Jenna praying in the Chapel @ the Grotto

Stained Glass window @ St. Raphael's Bookstore Chapel

It's A Little Early..

But I wanted to wish you all a Happy 4th of July!! I'll be out of town for a few days..Hope you all have fun with family & friends..GOD BLESS AMERICA!!