Catholic Faith Formation

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info or just, JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing Religious Education! Let's get started with this week's questions:

Do your children attend your parish’s religious education program? 

Yes! My children do attend our Parish Religious Education Program. They have been in attendance since they were in Kindergarten. My oldest is now an Altar Sever and both of my boys are participating in the Children's Christmas Choir this year. We are blessed with an active parish and they are hosting Parish Faith Nights ever couple of months to increase family participation in the Religious Education Program. 

I do believe that Faith Formation has to be part of the home atmosphere as well. My boys seem to grasp more faith concepts that we have incorporated into our family time and traditions than the concepts that they learn about without being able to put their faith into action. 

Do you or have you ever taught religious education?

Yes I have! And I am currently teaching my 4th graders Religious Education Class. I have taught for several years and have always enjoyed it. When I was in high school, my best friend even taught a preschool class with me! I really enjoy being a Catechist and hope that I am able to continue to volunteer and help in my parish. I also love when I see my students outside of class and they are excited to see me!

What is your favorite religious education resource for kids?

For the classroom, I would have to say that I rely on my Catechist book a lot but I take a look at Pinterest and Holy Heroes too! I am always looking for great resources so I can't wait to hear about everyone else's ideas on this subject!

At home, I am utilizing the Holy Heroes Advent Adventure for the children while we celebrate the Advent season. In addition to that we are creating a Jesse Tree Garland and much more... If you are still in need of ways to get your Advent on track check out my Advent Series. It contains links to many resources, crafts, books and movies!

I have also been blessed with a gift of the Little Catholic Box and I just won a FREE box from the Mass Box! I'll share more on these lovely gifts later!

You have all week to answer this week's questions that are all about Religious Education:

1. Do your children attend your parish’s religious education program? 

2. Do you or have you ever taught religious education? 

3. What is your favorite religious education resource for kids?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

God Bless!

Hospitality: Mankind is divisible into two great classes: Hosts and Guests

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info or just, JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing Holiday Hospitality! It is the holiday season and I do love it! Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas and New Years! So many traditions to share with friends and family. Let's get started with this week's questions:

What's your go-to "someone's coming over" recipe? 

I really enjoy quick and easy appetizers for when I have guests over. Meat and cheese tray, a vegetable tray with dressing and hummus and some delicious spinach dip! I like to throw things together to make my recipes and almost never "measure" the ingredients so the recipe I am about to share is a rough guesstimate. This is a basic recipe and I do add mushrooms, water chestnuts or other goodies to spruce this up at times.

Crockpot Spinach Artichoke Dip:

1 lb Frozen Spinach

1 Can Artichoke Hearts (diced)

2 Jars Cheese Alfredo

1 Package of Cream Cheese

1 Tbsp Minced Garlic

Pepper to taste

Drain and cut the artichoke hearts and dump all the other ingredients into the crockpot. Cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 3-4 hours. Serve with tortillas chips or fresh veggies. Enjoy!

You have 5 minutes to tidy before guest arrive. What are your tidying shortcuts? 

This one is a toughie! My house is normally in a state of disarray, especially because I have two crazy kids and I have been working more due to the holiday season. So if I only had 5 minutes, I would try to hit the areas that would be used by my guest with a quick wipe down and moving articles that may get in their way. These areas would include the main bathroom, living room and if I had time, the dining area and kitchen. I don't expect things to be pretty but at least clean enough to use comfortably. 

What sort of music sets the mood for the perfect gathering?

I like to play the sounds of the season! Normally when I have people over it is for a holiday or specific event so I will normally play something that is similar to the season. If there is no special music for the season, I am a HUGE fan of Celine Dion and similar musicians. Honestly, I prefer playing party games so most of the time there is no need for background music. 

You have all week to answer this week's questions all about Hospitality:

1. What's your go-to "someone's coming over" recipe? 

2. You have 5 minutes to tidy before guest arrive. What are your tidying shortcuts? 

3. What sort of music sets the mood for the perfect gathering?

Next week we will be discussing Religious Education:

1. Do your children attend your parish’s religious education program? 

2. Do you or have you ever taught religious education? 

3. What is your favorite religious education resource for kids?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

God Bless!

Thanksgiving 2016

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info or just, JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing Thanksgiving! I'll also be sharing some of our fun activities we have been doing during this fun family holiday! Let's get started with this week's questions:

Do you have to cook for Thanksgiving? If yes, what’s on the menu? If no, high five!

Yes! I always cook for Thanksgiving! I love to do it and I hope I am able to do it for years to come! We were lucky enough to enjoy a Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving feast at the kids' school this past Friday, a Friendsgiving in my cousin's home this past Sunday and an amazing Thanksgiving with new friend's yesterday. We like to cook a lot so we have leftovers to make soup and casserole over the week after Thanksgiving. Here was our menu:

Appetizers:

Crockpot Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Meat and Cheese Tray

Vegetable Tray

Dinner:

Turkey

Cranberry Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Macaroni and Cheese

Peas and Onions

Green Bean Casserole

Cranberry Sauce

Gravy

Drinks:

Cranberry Apple Cider Sangria

Sprite

Cranberry Sprite

Sparkling Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) 

Desserts:

Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Fruit Salad (Brought by our friends)

Pumpkin Roll (Brought by our friends)

Ube Cheesecake 

(I purchased this homemade dessert from a coworker who makes this dessert from scratch!)

I am still in a food coma and exited about leftover meals this week! I am also excited to start my new workouts starting today! I have to get back to where I was so I am healthy for myself and my kids. Want some of my recipes? Just comment below!

What famous person would you like to invite to your family Thanksgiving?

If I could invite any famous person to our family Thanksgiving, I would love to have Pope Francis over! How amazing and life changing of an experience that would be! I could imagine that there would be no better Thanksgiving!

Excluding family, health and basic needs met - what are 3 things that you are thankful for?

Well since I am not suppose to mention my husband, kids, health and my basic needs.. this list may seem weird to some but I am truly thankful for my cats, coffee and time to make memories! These aren't things that I need to survive, unlike my family, health and home, but they definitely make life more amazing!

1. My Cats: Lemon, Shadow and Cloudy

I know that's probably funny to hear but these little fur balls of pure love really keep me sane sometimes. As I am typing this, Lemon is snuggling with me on my heated blanket and purring. It's an amazing feeling feeling of relaxation and love combined into one. You like our holiday accents for our fur babies? 

2. Coffee!

Coffee is a life-saver for me! I live off of it. With juggling the kids crazy schedules (sports, therapy, cub scouts and friends) with my work schedule, household work and the million other things I find myself getting into, the caffeine pickup is a necessity! Plus it tastes amazing! Pumpkin Spice, peppermint mocha, hazelnut flavors ... lattes, cold brew or a cup of french press... so many options and I love them all!

3. Time to Make Memories

Making memories and enjoying experiences are the MOST important to me. I love having time to celebrate things, even if it's not super exciting to anyone else. For example, the boys had a Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving celebration at school and I decided to make Turkey T-shirts and masks. I think the whole family had a blast! All the stuff I needed to make these fun turkey costume pieces I found at the local craft store. Even the shirts the boys are wearing in the first picture at the top of this post. 

For the masks:

Plain white mask

Brown felt (Turkey mask base)

Yellow Felt (Beak)

Red Felt (Wobble)

All I did to make the masks was place the felt over the brown felt and layered it with a second mask to draw the outlines of the mask. I should have drawn the eye outline as well instead of guessing as you can see from the white part of the mask showing through. I hand drew the wobble and beak in the corresponding felt and used fabric glue to stick it all together! If you have elastic, you can skip the white mask all together and  just add the elastic to the felt mask itself. Super easy and super cute. 

For the shirts:

Plain T-shirt (I wanted to find brown shirts but could only find black shirts)

Red, orange, yellow felt (feathers but you can use any colors!)
White Felt (Eyeballs)
Black Sharpie

Yellow Felt (Beak)

Red Felt (Wobble)

Draw some feathers in the colored felt, cut them out and fabric glue them on the back of your shirt to be able to make the 'Shake Your Tail-feather" Shirt. If you like the one pictured at the top too you could add it to your tail feather shirt or by itself! Just cut some white felt circles for the eyes (Sharpie to make the pupils). Yellow felt for a beak and red felt for the wobble. 

You have all week to answer this week's questions all about Thanksgiving:

1. Do you have to cook for Thanksgiving?  If yes, what’s on the menu?  If no, high five!

2. What famous person would you like to invite to your family Thanksgiving?

3. Excluding family, health and basic needs met - what are 3 things that you are thankful for?

Next week we will be discussing all about Holiday Get-Togethers:

1. What's your go-to "someone's coming over" recipe? 

2. You have 5 minutes to tidy before guest arrive. What are your tidying shortcuts? 

3. What sort of music sets the mood for the perfect gathering?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

God Bless!

{JEI}: What's in Your Closet?

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info or just, JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing Clothing! Let's get started with this week's questions:

If you had to wear the clothes from another time period, when would it be? 

If I could wear clothes from any time period it would be from the 1940's-1950's time period. I love the classic looks and the beautiful dresses of the era. The only problem I have in finding dresses like this nowadays is that they are always too short. I am a pretty tall woman (5'7") and most dresses are made too short for me to feel comfortable to wear on a regular basis. The dress I am wearing below is the closest I own to a 1950's dress. 

What are you embarrassed that you wore but used to think was cool? 

I have to say that I have never worn any clothes that have really embarrassed me because I have always been a t-shirt and shorts/ jeans kinda gal or workout clothes. I never really got into fashion because my family has never had a ton extra to spend on clothes and I was and still am happy rocking the same stuff I've always worn. The outfit below is a normal workout/ hanging out outfit for me. I love my crazy lime green socks too. 

Now I will admit, I did put a RIDICULOUS amount of hair product, clips and other hair accessories in my hair though and that IS embarrassing. 

What's your favorite article of clothing in your closet right now?

I'd say it would have to be this beautiful green dress I got at JC Penny's for my cousin's wedding this past September. I love the price (under $10!), color and style... I do wish it was a tad longer but It is my favorite!

You have all week to answer this week's questions all about Clothing:

1. If you had to wear the clothes from another time period, when would it be? 

2. What are you embarrassed that you wore but used to think was cool? 

3. What's your favorite article of clothing in your closet right now?

Next week we will be discussing Thanksgiving:

1. Do you have to cook for Thanksgiving?  If yes, what’s on the menu?  If no, high five!

2. What famous person would you like to invite to your family Thanksgiving?

3. Excluding family, health and basic needs met - what are 3 things that you are thankful for?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

God Bless!

{JEI}: The Year of Mercy

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info or just, JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing The Year of Mercy! Let's get started with this week's questions:

1. What did you do (or can in these last few weeks!) to mark the Year of Mercy?

For my family we will be attempting to complete as many Spiritual Works of Mercy and Corporal Works of Mercy as possible! It is November so praying for the living and the dead are easy to remember since the entire month is dedicated to the Souls in Purgatory. We also collect food and go through our clothes and other belongs and donate those items to shelters and food pantries. Check out the lists below and start brainstorming with me.

Here are the Corporal Works of Mercy:

To feed the hungry.

To give drink to the thirsty.

To clothe the naked.

To welcome the stranger, also known as shelter the homeless.

To visit the sick.

To visit the imprisoned.

To bury the dead.

Here are the Spiritual Works of Mercy:

To instruct the ignorant.

To counsel the doubtful.

To admonish sinners.

To bear patiently those who wrong us.

To forgive offenses.

To console the afflicted.

To pray for the living and the dead.

2. What Work of Mercy is easiest or most challenging for you?

Visiting the imprisoned is the hardest Corporal Work of Mercy. It's not that I am judging these prisoners, it is that I am afraid to visit. The imprisoned are not just the people in jails and prisons but this also includes those that are imprisoned in hospitals and nursing homes. I am just so empathetic that it breaks my heart to be with people that my heart breaks for. This is something I am working on and I am hoping to take my boys to visit a nursing home or hospital to bring some holiday cheer.

3. Do you have a story of mercy in your own life to share? Or do you have a favorite saint/quote/resource about mercy to pass along?

I do have a story of Mercy. I shared it in my post about Saint Vincent de Paul. He is a great saint to learn all about the Works of Mercy and Charity. I will leave you with this quote about Mercy from Pope Francis:

"God's mercy can make even the driest land become a garden, can restore life to dry bones (cf. Ez 37:1-14). ... Let us be renewed by God's mercy, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice and peace flourish."

— Easter Urbi et Orbi message on March 31, 2013 

You have all week to answer this week's questions all about The Year of Mercy:

1. What did you do (or can in these last few weeks!) to mark the year?

2. What Work of Mercy is easiest or most challenging for you?

3. Do you have a story of mercy in your own life to share? Or do you have a favorite saint/quote/resource about mercy to pass along?

Next week we will be discussing Clothing:

1. If you had to wear the clothes from another time period, when would it be? 

2. What are you embarrassed that you wore but used to think was cool? 

3. What's your favorite article of clothing in your closet right now?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

God Bless!

{JEI}: Sports and Exercise

Welcome to the weekly link-up recently turned Blog-Hop Just Enough Info: JEI for short. This lovely Blog-Hop is hosted by The Zelie Group and we would love for you to join us! This week we are discussing Sports and Exercise! These are my kind of topics that are close to my heart and dominate mine and my children's schedules. Let's get started with this week's questions:

1. What sports do your kids play?

A better question would be, what sports don't my kids play?! I have some EXTREMELY active children and I absolutely LOVE IT! We just finished football for Little Man (this was his 5th season!) and soccer for Goalie just two weeks ago and the boys are a little sad they don't get to hangout with their teammates as much but they are excited about the sports seasons to come! I believe there will be a basketball season starting up through the boys' school soon.

In addition to these two sports. Little Man has played basketball, t-ball, soccer and is actually running in two different running groups: The 100 Mile Club and Boys on the Run. Goalie has played many seasons of soccer and has been involved in karate and is also participating in the 100 Mile Club. They are both new members of the Boy Scouts too! To say I am proud would be an understatement! I am so glad that I am raising children that are active in sports to encourage team work, hard work and dedication. I believe these are important characteristics they will need to be successful and world-changing adults. I won't bombard you with tons of pictures of all the past and present activities because this post would take you forever to get through! 

2. What do you do for exercise? 

I was born with Spina Bifida, which is a neural tube defect that affects my spine. Essentially I have a hole in my spine. I have been blessed beyond measure that I was spared being in a wheelchair and that I deal with slight to moderate pain on a daily basis versus what happens to most born with this disease. I had surgery as a baby while living over seas and the doctors told my parents I would probably need braces or something to help support myself as I walked. Neither the doctors or my parents can explain how I learned to walk without assistance but I did and I have done everything possible to enjoy my life because I am reminded on a daily basis how blessed I am to have this opportunity. Any day I could wake up and need a wheelchair or be told I can't be active anymore so everyday is special to me.

Obviously being aware that I am lucky to be able to walk, health and fitness have always been important to me. I have always been a runner and a basketball player. I have to admit I haven't touched a basketball in many years but it will always have a particularly special place in my heart. As a mommy, I still run and I weight lift to exercise but since moving to Colorado I have also enjoyed going on many different hikes! I have participated in Mud Runs, Tough Mudders, Color Runs and several other races. I really need to find a good one to do now... I haven't raced since relocating. In addition to running I weight train. I like to lift with my husband but with my return to the work force that barely happens anymore.

3. In the Mom Olympics, what would your event be?

Now if I were in the Mom Olympics and we were being judged upon mommy skills, I would probably be involved in one that entails multi-tasking. I have to admit that I am amazing at multi-tasking. As I finish typing this post, I am currently juggling preparing dinner, Goalie in the shower, Little Man reading out loud (reading homework) and starting the dishes and laundry. I know that might sound a little crazy but I have had no choice in learning this magnificent skill. My kids are never able to complete things at the same time and between therapies, school events, sports and church events I have been forced to learn how to juggle a million things at once. I am also a server, so I get lots of practice at work too!

Thank you for joining me for another week of Just Enough Info!

You have all week to answer this week's questions about Sports and Exercise:

1. What sports do your kids play?
2. What do you do for exercise?
3. In the Mom Olympics, what would your event be?

Next week we will be discussing the Year of Mercy because The Year of Mercy wraps up on November 20th:

1. What did (or can in these last few weeks!) yWhat are you thankful for?our family do to mark the year?

2. What Work of Mercy is easiest or most challenging for you?

3. Do you have a story of mercy in your own life to share?  Or do you have a favorite saint/quote/resource to pass along?

The Zelie Group has some fun questions coming up in the next few weeks so make sure to follow us on Facebook and we would love to hear what you are interested in! What are you looking to learn about? Do you have questions about the Faith? Questions about the Liturgical Year? We want to help and learn and grow with you and your families!

Also stop by the new Page I created on my blog for new information concerning The Zelie Group. It is a work in progress but it has a good start!

#WorthRevisit: The Zelie Group

It is already November and I can't believe it! There are only 4 Sundays until Advent so it is time to start organizing and planning your Advent activities and celebrations. Keeping this in mind, I felt it would be a great idea to reshare some information on The Zelie Group. Have you heard about us? If not, I suggest you take a look at my Page dedicated to The Zelie Group and also take some time to go through our Facebook Page and other contributors blogs. With this special time of the year fast approaching, we are hoping to share about resources for your children and yourself to help grow your faith! Take a second look at The Zelie Group, you won't be disappointed! You'll have to checkout the original post to see the other posts that linked up for JEI: Just Enough Info. Here's my #WorthRevisit with Reconciled to You and Theology is a Verb:

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Introducing The Zelie Group and Just Enough Info

As my friend Alicia from Sweeping Up Joy says best," St. Zelie was the mother of St. Therese the Little Flower. Somehow, simple Zelie Martin raised a Doctor of the Church. It wasn't because she was extraordinary-- quite the contrary. She seems especially ordinary from what I've read. But she had faith. She did her motherly duties with great love even in times of frustration.

Does that speak to you the way it does to me? I can't tame dragons or found a new religious order. But I can kiss boo-boos, peel oranges, and read stories. I can pray with my kids and take them to Mass. I can cultivate my garden with patience, trusting that God will help my little flowers bloom in His time.

The Zelie Group is a place to share this journey of Catholic motherhood with others who are trying to raise saints in the modern world."

I'd love to introduce you to the other members of The Zelie Group:

Jessica (myself) – Pinot Noir and Prayers | Instagram | Facebook

Alicia – Sweeping Up Joy | Pinterest | Facebook

Kirby – Under Thy Roof | Instagram | Facebook

Kerry - Fishbowl Fortune | Instagram | Facebook

Kristina - Calidrab| Instagram

Amy - Prayer Wine Chocolate | Instagram | Facebook

Christina - A Gentle Mother | Instagram | Facebook

Jennifer – Camp Homeschool | Instagram | Facebook

Brittany – Everyday Thoughts | Instagram | Facebook

Alicia has a way with words so I borrowed this little intro from her too! "In order to get to know one another, we in the Zelie Group are beginning a weekly link up called "Just Enough Info." It's an interesting paradox that in a time when people overshare on social media (TMI!), many are struggling to fit in and connect. Perhaps it's time to start sharing JEI: Just Enough Info."

This post may contain affiliate links. I would make a small commission if you click the link and chose to purchase something. I greatly appreciate your support!

1. What are you reading right now?

I 

I am participating in a Reading Challenge so I am reading an assortment of books right now. Currently on my night stand I have The Happiness Project and the Fringe Hours. The Happiness Project is one of those books that I have started and stopped several times. I added it to my reading list because in the Reading Challenge, one of the books I am suppose to read is a book I have started but not finished before. I have not finished this book not because it is not a good read, I just get side tracked and feel like once I pick it back up I should start over because it is full of great information. The Fringe Hours is more like a self evaluating journal and book rolled into one. There is writing and places to self evaluate yourself and your relationships. I really need to learn how to organize my time a little better and create time for me and my husband. This book is meant to help you see your time in a different perspective and teach you how to find time for yourself.

I am also reading two Kindle books. One is called Just Breathe and the other is Invisible Wounds: Hope While you are Hurting. I promised to read and review Just Breathe for the author. Sorry it has taken me awhile Elle! I am really enjoying the story of Just Breathe and can't wait to share my thoughts more when I have finished. The other I chose because I struggle with PTSD, anxiety and depression. I have a complicated story that I won't discuss here but you can check out My Cross: Surviving Domestic Violence. Invisible Wounds are things that we all deal with but sometimes reading about how other people overcome and deal with these wounds is highly motivational and empowering to me.

2. Which of your kids books do you wish would magically disappear?

Oh man! My boys have a never ending collection of books, it's crazy! I think my least favorite book that they own is called It's Hard to be Five. The story within the book is actually quite catchy and I actually do love the illustrations. I love children books with the flowing rhyming sentences like this one. The reason I wish I could make this book disappear is because Goalie likes to use this catchy phrase when being told to complete activities. For example:

I asked Goalie to put away his clothes last night and I received a great big pouty face and a long "Oohhhh moooommm.... Why?" I explained that everyone has chores and they might not always be fun but we still need to complete them. In return, Goalie violently grabbed his clean "under-roos" as he calls them knocking down his brother's pile of clean clothes as he marched away proclaiming "It's hard to be five!" This is one of many fun tales that I could share, because according to the book and my son, "It is the HARDEST to be five."He will only be five until October, maybe I can suggest the book no longer has a purpose in the house at that point? Maybe.. we will see but I won't hold my breath! I am sure you all have a similar book in your household that causes havoc. 

3. What was your favorite book when you were little?

Even as a child, I had a great love for reading. I don't think I can narrow down one particular book but I can definitely chose a series! The Boxcar Children! I read every book in the Boxcar Children series. All the stories in the series are mystery based and allows young readers to be introduced to a family of children that are orphaned. One of my favorite aspects of the books was that the children had such close relationships and each mystery that they solved was a missing piece to figuring out about their family and each other.

I was blessed to have parents that wanted to encourage me to continue reading so they signed me up for one of of the Boxcar Children Book Clubs. I would receive a book or two each month along with little trinkets. I would beg my parents to check the mail at the beginning of each month so I could rip open my Book Club packages. I don't think they offer book clubs like that anymore unfortunately, but there are many resources for parents, teachers and homeschoolers who love this series too.

Please Join us and Link Up with your answers to this week's questions all about books:

1. What are you reading right now?

2. Which of your kids books do you wish would magically disappear? or Which of your kids books have you made magically disappear?

3. What was your favorite book when you were little or If you wrote a book what would the title or genre be?

Next Week's Just Enough Information questions all about back-to-school:

1. What is your best school memory from your childhood?

2. Do you have any back-to-school family traditions?

3. Markers or colored pencils?