When you are a firstborn one-year-old, your mom feeds you square meals at home and remembers a sippy cup of organic whole milk when you leave the house. When you are a fifthborn one-year-old, your mom drags you to an evening event after neglecting to feed you dinner, and forgets your sippy cup, and so your dinner consists of 16 little half-and-half containers sitting at room temperature by the vats of coffee. Poured into your mouth one by one while you... Read more
On September 11, we pray, we grieve, and we remember. Just the words “World Trade Center” bring tears to my eyes, I remember those who were lost but I also remember the shocking feeling of vulnerability in the city which I love, and the way that so many people came together to honor those who were killed and those who were working in Ground Zero. I remember flags at half staff and fire departments draped with purple bunting. I don’t... Read more
I called today to arrange for some home maintenance work that I need done twice a year. The time frame they gave me was not specific (they might come anytime, all day, until it gets dark). My gut reaction is anger, that is such a crap way to run a business, but on the other hand it is seasonal work and they are trying to do as many homes as they can in the next two or three weeks, so... Read more
Last week was the big back to school week around here. Every time I checked facebook I saw adorable photos of children in Catholic school uniforms (and some without) smiling and marking the milestone. As a homeschooling mom, I felt just a tad bit jealous. Not that taking a cute back to school shot is a reason to send your child to school (it isn’t)…but I thought about all these moms with less kids on their hands, moments of quiet... Read more
Pope Francis has announced for the whole church a day of fasting and prayer on 9/7 to prevent war in Syria. Excerpt from His Holiness’s address: To this end, brothers and sisters, I have decided to proclaim for the whole Church on 7 September next, the vigil of the birth of Mary, Queen of Peace, a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East, and throughout the world, and I also invite each person, including our... Read more
Far removed as we are from extreme poverty in our often sanitized portion of the world (though, of course, poverty in all its forms exists close at hand), my boys are truly moved by Mother Teresa and her care and love for the poorest of the poor, as am I. On September 5th we will read Mother Teresa by Demi and contemplate how each person is infinitely loved by God. We will color here and eat some traditional Indian food. When... Read more
Today is a day marked with mixed emotions as I send my older two children off to school. Next week #3 and #4 head off to preschool as well. It has been a brilliant summer–one of new experiences (belonging to a pool and swim team!) and adventures (to the caverns, to Maine, to museums and theme parks!) I love having my kids home. I call myself a wannabe-homeschooler because I send my kids to school during the year, but then... Read more
As we get older, we know more and more people who are hospital or home-bound for a period of time for one reason or another. I would love some advice from those of you who have experience on how best to support loved ones who are seriously ill, and also on how to support their caregivers. Is there anything that is specifically helpful for people who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment? Both suggestions for hands-on help and help from... Read more
My preschool set has a new vocabulary, and my older ones are thinking about math in a different way as well after reading this great book many times. I can’t recommend it enough. I got it at my local library, and hopefully your library has it too! My philosophy of elementary education involves picture books for every subject, but I think that Math is sometimes neglected. The fun pictures and real objects in this book make the lessons accessible to... Read more
I live in New Jersey, so almost every family I know spends a lot of time at “the shore” during the summer. Some take day trips and others are lucky enough to have a week long rental with grandparents, but everybody loves the beach. I have to tell you, I feel a little “meh” about the beach. I have fun when I am there, but it is not the vacation I would choose. I am a woods and mountain girl. ... Read more
Building Cathedrals
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