…in your backyard, and in full view of your school room, school for the day is canceled. It is completely IMPOSSIBLE to get any formal schooling accomplished under these conditions. Instead, we are talking about trees, ropes, climbing, chainsaws, and physics–and I will say, even as an adult, I am amazed at what these tree guys are able to accomplish with a few ropes and a chainsaw. The excitement from last months lightning strike on our 150 year old tree... Read more

We have 3 rules in our house– 1. Love God2. Love People3. No Whining Several months ago, Mr. Red hung this sign next to the upstairs bathroom– I have since wondered whether this was for my own benefit, or that of the children. Either way, we can all use the reminder on a Monday morning. Read more

What could be better than supporting a Christian-based business (Tegu) that creates these amazing wooden magnetic blocks as a cool plaything for kids? Being a part of a mission to change the world. Tegu’s altruistic mission is an impressive one–to support and encourage a depressed city in Honduras, Tegucigalpa. The company employs workers there to make the blocks and also donates part of the proceeds toward sending town children to school or planting trees within the community, your choice. Today... Read more

During this day, Lord, stand beside us Let us think of You often and Our Lady with you. Let us think of others often with love and gratitude. Let us take this day as coming from You to give it back to You with Your Will complete. Dear Lord, let us be kind, let us never feel discouraged or feel sorry for ourselves Because you stand beside us every day. Every morning before my husband leaves for work, our little... Read more

Parents, if you are looking for a great family reading experience you must get this book. I just witnessed the most touching reading of this book by my eldest daughter. Her wide-eyed 20-month old brother was so enamored of the pictures that he was willing to sit through her slower speed of reading and everyone felt enriched and empowered at the end of it. I hope you can get your hands on it. Our small overseas library had it, so... Read more

Is there nothing better than the first day of school? (Especially with a bag around one’s neck, threatening to choke the life out of you before you even arrive?!) Read more

Today, I am feeling grateful. Grateful for my wonderful husband, who smiles and asks me about my day when he walks in the door. Grateful for Christopher and Maria, who are full of life, giggles, and curiosity, and healthy at the moment 🙂 Grateful for our little saint in heaven, Lucy Rose, whose intercession we ask for every day in our family prayers, and whose intercession I evoke very often for the intentions of those who I know especially need... Read more

Slacker Builder reporting in. You all know that less blogosphere time usually means more real-life insanity, and that has definitely been the case here. At 33.5 weeks of pregnancy, my prenatal “must-do” anxiety has taken our family of four on trips through 3 European countries in the last month. After all, we are only stationed in Germany for three years and any trip would be easier with two children than three, I assured my overworked Army husband. Most recently we... Read more

In our vibrant history curriculum Rome is crumbling. In the Story of the World, the Celts are painted blue, the Huns are eating raw meat, the Angles and Saxons have moved into Britain. My children are running around the house this rainy day grabbing for each other and screaming “I am Beowolf and I am going to tear off your arm!” I’m hiding the blue paint. *This picture came from an awesome online history resource by the Woodlands Junior School. Read more

“Be not afraid!” John Paul II began his pontificate with these words ringing across St. Peter’s Square. Yes, he was speaking to those behind the Iron Curtian, but, as always, his words were also personal. He was addressing each of us, every member of the flock of Christ–soldiers, business leaders, stay at home moms and the poor and lonely. In this Sunday’s Old Testament reading, the Lord says, “Be strong, fear not!” The angel addressed Mary in the same way... Read more