7 Quick Takes: August 28 (Vol. 13)

This week, we took our first official field trip of the school year. We were thrilled to drive about an hour and a half to visit a priest who used to be at our parish (who we had really become friends with), but who was recently transferred.

Not only did we get a chance to catch up with him, but he also gave us what he called the “nickel tour” of his new parish, but it was certainly worth much more than that. He talked about all of statues, as well as many stained glass windows. He also kept the kids interested by quizzing them throughout. And, of course, it didn’t hurt when he took us on a “secret” passageway from the sacristy to behind the high altar.

Not only was it a great educational experience, but going to grab frozen custard and french fries afterward was pretty darn sweet as well.

And, one exchange reminded me of why I like this priest. I told him that the Mom of another family that had become close to him and myself, as well as the nine kids between us would come visit in the fall. And, after a sarcastic, “Oh yeah!” he followed it with a, “No, really, that sounds fun.”

~ 2 ~

I love to shop on Amazon.com. It’s probably a sign that my kids will talk about something they want, and immediately follow it up with, “We should look it up on Amazon.com.”

One thing that I enjoy doing is to visit blogs that I enjoy that have Amazon.com affiliate buttons (like I have on my sidebar, by the way) and I click through on them when I am about to buy something. That way, I spend what I’m going to spend anyway, but they also benefit from it. Win-win!

~ 3 ~

I can not get caught up on my laundry.

Seriously, I don’t know what my problem is, but I have been hopelessly behind for a couple of weeks now. Then again, “saying” that out loud made me realize that we started school a few weeks ago. Maybe that’s it!

Anyway, if I can’t keep up with my “economic stimulus” high efficiency front loading washer, then there would have been no hope for me with a washboard.

~ 4 ~

We started WorkBoxes officially today!

It was about time, considering that I actually spoke on “Organizing Your Homeschool” at our homeschool group’s meeting earlier this week, and actually spoke about WorkBoxes.

The kids loved it! I haven’t gotten to see it in action, as my wonderful saintly mother actually did a couple of hours of school with them this morning for me. But, she reported that it went very well.

My boys did have one worry about it though. “Did we only do this because Grandma was here? Does that mean we don’t get to use them again?” I figured that was as good as a thumbs up, even before they told me how much they liked it.

~ 5 ~

Jack has started violin lessons. He really likes it so far.

As if getting a free piano wasn’t a blessing enough (though we’ve sunk about $200 into the “free” piano thus far — wait for a post about that next week), our violin teacher had a 1/2 size violin that we can borrow (for free). So, until Jack needs the next size up, we’ll be using this one. What a blessing!

~ 6 ~

Speaking of lessons, Molly has continued with her ballet lessons this week. She loves it even more than she did last week!

Oh, and it was even cuter this week! That probably has to do with either the fact that she was listening to her teacher more (and watching me less) or maybe it was the ballet shoes and outfit that we picked up for her.

Size 11 Children’s Pink Ballet shoes: $16.99

Two Ballet Outfits (both with cutie skirts) — one in purple, one in pink: $10.00 (at Once Upon a Child)

Watching a Four at Ballet Class: Mind-blowingly Priceless

(You know, or $67.50, which is how much I wrote on the check a few weeks ago — it’s all relative)

~ 7 ~

Speaking of things that are too cute and cool, I have pre-ordered one of these 2010 Planners. I cannot wait to get it. I’m super psyched!

(Now, is that a “two thousand ten planner” or a “twenty ten planner?”)