Building Cathedrals
in an all-boy household: Use to secure ice packs on heads of daredevil little boys! Read more
in an all-boy household: Use to secure ice packs on heads of daredevil little boys! Read more
We prayed this prayer over a green pancake breakfast this morning – happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone! A Prayer of St. Patrick I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of the sun, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of the wind, Depth of the sea, Stability of the earth, Firmness of the rock. I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me; God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look... Read more
The NYT says it is about immigrants, not Irishness, and sure as we celebrate the hard work and sacrifice of our Irish ancestors, and respect those immigrants from another nations working to build a better life for their families, in our house it is also about the faith that our forefathers brought with them from Ireland to New York, and the Saint who brought that faith to Ireland and taught about the Holy Trinity. It is about the Church that... Read more
We had one of many “big family” exchanges on the playground today. A man and his children were playing and he gestured to my youngest three, all playing, and asked, “I assume this (baby) is your fourth?” “Actually,” I replied, “I also have another who is in tae-kwon-do class at the moment.” “Five?” he questioned, smiled, and shook his head. “Yes, soon to be five,” I proudly agreed, “and they are the best of friends.” This type of exchange is... Read more
Here is something to think about: what if our child-centered parenting culture creates adults who are too self-indulgent to child-centered parent themselves? In other words, when we think about how our great grandmothers did it, with so much less in the way of household conveniences, is the answer that they were tougher, and also that they did less for their children, so in some ways it was not so demanding on them? I don’t mean to romanticize the pioneer days,... Read more
When playing outside the library with my kids awhile ago, another mom noticed that our littlest guy was wearing a cloth diaper. She introduced herself and let me know about a cloth diapering co-op and support group in the area. Then she reached into her diaper bag and pulled out a “business card” with her name, email and the google group info for the CD group. I admit that I was a little taken aback. A business card? For her... Read more
your youngest son (3) comments, “Wow, Mommy, that is BIG!” and he’s not referring to your tummy! Lord, have Mercy! Read more
Good morning! I hope your week is off to a blessed start. I just looked at the 5 day forecast and saw temperature predictions in the 70’s, and that gives me a spring in my step! In the past month I have had 5!! people ask me for help in going gluten free. After writing and sending 5 variations of the same e-mail to these friends, I decided to just type up a post for those starting the GF diet... Read more
Daylight savings time and a croupy toddler interrupted our weekend sleep, and a late start on a long drive meant that we did not get home last night until after midnight. I flung my pregnant self into bed, while my husband unloaded the car, went through the mail, and set himself up for Monday. It is 9:30 am, and he just called me. He got up around 7 to shave and dress in a suit, left the house around 8... Read more
What do you mean I can’t go running six days a week? Can’t continue my quest to read all the Bronte Sisters and Charles Dickens? If I am being honest, these are the selfish questions that, all too often, creep into my young mother psyche. I used to chalk all my quasi-deprivation feelings up to the fact that I must have the wrong disposition for motherhood. Especially the brand of motherhood I have chosen (large family, homeschooling). Why don’t I... Read more
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