It's been a while...

I have considered giving up my blog.  But, I don't want to.  I am having a hard time finding time to write these days, but nonetheless, I want to keep trying to occupy this space with something meaningful.  Right now, though, I think I will just do a quick catch-up. 
*  I am working on a post comparing homeschooling to regular schooling....I've got an "insider's view" now, and new perspective I want to share.

* We spent last weekend in Steubenville, Ohio with college girl on paren'ts weekend.  She celebrated her 21st birthday a few days before.  It was so good to see her and, as always, fantastic to be back in that passionately Catholic atmosphere. 

* While in Steubenville, we attended Mass downtown and heard the BEST pro-life homily EVER!!!  This elderly priest dissected Roe V. Wade (he was a lawyer and did a paper on this faulty legislation!), pointed out that only the Catholic Church insisted that an increase in contraception would lead to an increase in abortion, NOT a decrease as is commonly thought, and this dear man left no doubt in our minds as to whether it is ever OK for a Catholic to vote for a pro-choice candidate.  He was forceful, loving, and very intelligent.  I wanted to stand up and cheer, but I settled for just thanking him for his words.  God bless him.

* This weekend, back here at home, we had a visiting priest who encouraged everyone to "come to the table of Our Lord....even if you haven't been a for a while....yes, I know there are rules, but say an Act of Contrition and get to confession ASAP....there are loopholes..."  Yeah, so not cool.  Pray for Fr. Dan.

* Fall foliage in New England!  What a privilege to live amongst all this beauty!

* We spent Sunday afternoon at an apple orchard, although there are NO apples on the trees.  Really, absolutely NONE!  We had an early spring with a late frost, which killed the buds on the trees resulting in a poor apple crop.  This is the first year in a loooong time, that we havent' picked apples.  Oh how I miss that first crisp, juicy crunch into a Macintosh fresh from the tree....mmmmm, nothing else like it.  We ended up going through the corn maze and doing a scavenger hunt.  It was a fun afternoon and we were blessed with glorious weather!

* Loving the fall weather, but am unable to fully abandon myself to the joy because I know what lurks around the corner....I am not a fan of winter...

* We are adjusting to our new school schedule.  Annie is struggling the most, although she is better and not as teary at school.  Speaking of which, I am way past my bedtime...so, good night, all.  I will be back soon!