Reading...

A lot of people talk about reading.

I was in a bookclub - that I actually started! But it was soooo tough for me to sit down and read.

I didn't even finish the book I chose!!

So yeah, thankfully, my kiddos love reading :)

Anyway, we've been going to church and praying and talking a lot more about religion, the church, where we fit it... all that stuff. I'm still debating the whole conversion to "Catholic" from the Episcopal Church. It's actually a silly debate I have in my head.

To be honest, I think that most of my beliefs are Catholic, but I remember the comfort of the smaller Episcopal Church. As I had stated previously, my grandmother taught us catechism at home for many, many years between making first communion and joining St. Peter's. I remember reading her book of "moral" stories, directed towards kids that always ended with a bible verse encompassing the meaning of the lesson,etc.

I also remember that every time she came, she brought Ring Dings!! wooo hooo!!

Anyway, I've drifted WAY off track... I remember having confirmation classes at St. Peter's and constantly being corrected on my beliefs. Apparently, even when I didn't think I was paying attention, it was sinking in. So, since these beliefs are ingrained in me, the answer should be easy, right???

NO!!

I started reading Catholic Answers and Catholics Come Home based on a friends advice and well, I freaked out!

I am the perfect little parishioner in the Episcopal Church, but if I convert to Holy Name, I'm doomed to hell by a mortal sin. How is that far??

So, I stopped reading those sites and decided to open the Bible.

OH my GOODNESS!!! How the heck does anyone get through that?!?!

I'm sorry, I tried to pick it up and read it... I tried. And to be honest, I even cheated a little. My grandmother actually gave me a copy of the Good News Bible. It's written in "today's language" so it's supposed to be easier to comprehend.

ummm.... yeah.

I understand the words, but the stories are pretty overwhelming. So I talked to Henry and asked him what he thought. He showed me that many people pick up the bible and turn to page each day and read from there. Wow, that's cool!

So I started doing that. I started reading random passages each day and it seems better. I feel like I'm getting something out of it. I have a question though... Is this cheating?? Am I playing the "magic 8 ball" with the bible?

Does anyone have any other tips? And, are mortal sins forgiven if you really are sorry, while at the same time, standing behind your decision??

This is definitely one time that ignorance is bliss!!!

Cryptic, I know...

Oh my goodness... I can't get my brain to stop!! 

I grew up with Calvin and Hobbes and

I keep trying to tell myself...

 

I hate transitions.

Every year I have a few sleepless nights about this time... Football starts tomorrow.

This year, there are a few more hurdles than I am used to and I am hoping to conquer them as easily as my brother used to in his hurdling days. 

I am telling myself that I rock. 

I have worked for everything that I have ever gotten.

Nothing worth it, ever comes easy.

And then I found this one...

I love this one!!

It drives me...

Don't take anything for granted and remember to spring through the finish line.

Our Summer...

I have to apologize for being so absent from the blog this summer. I really meant to stop in more to post about our adventures and stuff, but it's been going by so quickly that I was kind of lost in the whirlwind of events.

I will try to give you a small glimpse of what we've been up to :)

We went camping for an entire WEEK! Loved it!! Of course, we did have pretty much a full kitchen setup and a tent with it's own sun porch, oh and a basket ball hoop... lmao!!!

Ooohh yeah, and a portable DVD player for when they all just about had it...

And amazing friends to spend some time with... Thanks guys it was awesome (and Laurie, Dave and Audrey too!!)

 Rebel LOVES camping too... especially, because he usually helps clean up after dinner...

Then there were the playdates... this is right after Henry PAID them to clean the playroom. I do NOT do that... EVER!!!! So they were extremely excited. Can you tell??

 Then my big brother and niece visited... SOOO exciting... don't know why I can't fix the pics though... sorry

Most recently, we made our way up to Vermont to the MOST amazing place ever!! The Inn at Essex... It's a Culinary Resort and Spa and everything about it rocks! 

Check out the cake they made custom for Phoebe's birthday...

 Immediately following dinner, I got to enjoy a massage that Chef Hubby had booked for me :)  Then I tried out the eucalyptus steam shower AND the sauna, before heading to the indoor pool and hot tub with the family. Seriously, the best time EVER! Next time we definitely need to go with friends though... and spend more than 24hrs there.

  On the way back, we stopped at the Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shop for a tour and of course some samples!

 So now we are back home and Monday starts Phoebe's Suessical camp at the school in preparation for the drama club performance she will be in this year. As well as, the first day of Pre-season at school for me. Man oh man, I hate transitions and this year is turning out to be a little more dramatic than usual... more on that later ;)

 Will be trying to stay more on top of this - AGAIN! It seems I've been saying that a lot lately, huh??? lol