My sister-in-law and her husband have always given 10% of their income to the church. Four years ago, about 1 year into their marriage, their finances got very tight. With the arrival of their first baby, and some unexpected medical bills, they fell behind in their bills, and were forced to charge some expenses. My brother-in-law’s teaching salary (their only income) wasn’t able to pay off this debt, and for months they prayed as to whether they should give less... Read more
Running: The Type-A Workout “Running is ideal for type-A personalities who prefer routine, structure and a little self-competition,” says Jessica Smith. With a no-nonsense attitude and motivation to burn, you enjoy a no-strings workout that lets you enjoy the scenery (and solitude), anywhere at anytime. Plus, you can harness your own momentum to clinch that runner’s high. Make sure to invest in a supportive pair of sneakers. From: What Does Your Workout Say About You? By Melissa F. Pheterson Read more
1. Stayed caught up on laundry while in the midst of a family wide stomach virus2. Stayed caught up on school work by having kids read to me while folding laundry3. Produced one bland meal after another even though nauseated myself and out of groceries I have to be honest, and I’m not sure that I can count this as a success, a week of queasiness has made me NEVER, EVER want to be pregnant again. Is that wrong? My... Read more
We recently discovered, with the help of our son’s teacher, that he needs glasses. We survived the ophthalmologist appointment and will pick up the new specs in a few days. When the nurse walked me over to the wall of glasses and asked me what kind we would like, I asked for, “Whatever is the most indestructible.” She showed me ones that you can literally bend in half and they won’t break, thank goodness. Any tips from moms out there... Read more
As my due date draws nearer, I have been gathering all of the items that I know I will need immediately upon the birth of our next child. All of the neutral-colored baby clothes have been washed (but have yet to be folded!), the baby seat is in the minivan, and I’m gathering together my nursing-friendly clothes and other such things. I loved using the Ergo baby carrier when Maria was little (until she was about 18 months!), but remember... Read more
The Winter Olympics begin in just a few short weeks (February 12-28). I am planning to do an Olympic unit study with my oldest daughter Gianna (almost 6), and my pre-school age son Charlie (4). Our family loves sports, so the Olympics provide a great opportunity to learn about history, geography, sportsmanship, healthy eating, exercise, and even virtues like perseverance and discipline. My children are very young, so I’m not going to go crazy with the idea, but I do... Read more
Gone are the days when I enjoy a shoe shopping trip. I’ve never been much of a shopper, but shoe shopping–that was fun. These days, I dread both clothes and shoe shopping obligations. I know MaryAlice feels similarly, so she has started to purchase clothes for her children online at Lands End. We have made a move in this directions for Christmas gifts, for some limited clothes purchases, and now think I’m going to take the plunge on shoes. Previously... Read more
Another inspiring story, and shockingly, this time it comes from ESPN. So often our athletes disappoint us with their blatantly immoral and selfish behavior. Most recently, Mark McGuire let us all know that he would have told the truth sooner if only he was granted immunity. According to McGuire, speaking truthfully is not in itself a duty he owes to other people, it is only something he would do if we guaranteed to him that he would not be held... Read more
Today marks the 37th anniversary of the dreadful Roe v. Wade decision. Please take a moment today to pray for an end to abortion in this nation. Pray for all the women hurt by the terrible procedure and all those contemplating an abortion as the solution to their unplanned pregnancy. And please pray for all those attending the March for Life today in Washington DC. May it be a peaceful protest against the legalized killing of innocent children in our... Read more
26,166 = # of applications received this year for Princeton’s class of 2014 1300 = # of projected freshman to matriculate in the fall 4.9% = an applicant’s percentage chance of getting into the class of 2014 91% = the percentage increase in applications over the past 6 years 74% = the percentage of applicants indicating intent to apply for financial aid $113 million = Princeton’s budget for financial aid Source: Princeton sets application record for sixth year in a... Read more
Building Cathedrals
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