German telecom has the AWOL family out of the loop for this Christmas season and into the new year. But I had 40 minutes of internet today and wanted to thank everyone for the lovely posts and comments of the last few weeks, and wish you all a blessed new year. Oh, and to (of course)give a hollar to MaryAlice's amazing family. … [Read more...]

An uplifting reflection from Opus Dei: I shall never tire of repeating that marriage is a great and marvelous divine path. Like everything divine in us, it calls for response to grace, generosity, dedication and service. (Conversations, 93)Christian couples should be aware that they are called to sanctity themselves and to sanctify others, that they are called to be apostles and that their first apostolate is in the home. They should understand that … [Read more...]

Subtitled: What Goes On While Bean is NappingAlso subtitled: You're Never Too Young to be Dressed Up By Bella … [Read more...]

On the second day of Christmas, “the most wonderful time of the year” gave to us:Five sleepless days and nightsFour violent stomach virusesThree cancelled Christmas partiesTwo ear infectionsAnd only one family member well enough to go to Christmas Mass (dad)I've never been so thankful that our faith gives us Twelve Days to celebrate Christmas! Is that God's gift to moms or what? (Well, that and Amoxicillin of course.) … [Read more...]

The builders will be going offline for a few days as we all prepare to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child with our families.May God's rich blessings be poured out on you and your families! Merry Christmas! … [Read more...]

Isn't it amazing how quickly time passes from one year to the next?! I can't believe that our little Maria was just a couple of months old last Christmas, and in the course of just one year she has grown into an active, curious, full-of-giggles little girl! Here's a picture of Maria in Christmas of 2007 with my mom, and then one of Maria just a couple of weeks ago with me, squirming to get free so that she could enjoy the Christmas party :)A blessed last couple of days of Advent to all of you! … [Read more...]

It is at times like these, particularly in seasons such as Advent and Lent, that I stand back in grateful awe of our Church's Liturgical Calendar. The ebb and flow of days and weeks, the significance of each Sunday, the timely Mass readings, the celebrations of saints, the faithful traditions: these among so many other wonderful details do so much to draw my soul in and keep me waiting in anticipation for Christ in each season. These times make me truly grateful for a Church that guides my … [Read more...]

Here is the message, please comment if you have experience with these books or others that have been helpful:I was wondering if I could have a quick bit of advice. I am a newwife and mother who is interested in creating a vibrant Catholic homein tune with the rhythms of the liturgical year, but I am a completeneophyte when it comes to all of this. I was recently given a giftcertificate to Borders and would like to use it to purchase aguidebook for cultivating a Catholic home. I came across … [Read more...]

Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support! We are home now and ready to enjoy a white Christmas and a January babymoon! … [Read more...]

We are in full Christmas-prep mode around here. Less than 1 week to go until the great Feast, and since Guadete Sunday we have been listening to non-stop Christmas music. I LOVE Christmas music, and there are plenty of great Christmas songs out there. A good version of O Holy Night literally makes me tear up EVERY time. But, there are few "Christmas" songs that drive me absolutely bonkers. With the help of Mr. Red, I have made a list of my top 3 worst Christmas songs ever. In the comment … [Read more...]