I’ve mentioned our family making a concerted effort toward improving our health over the past two months– we’ve been on a bit of a nutrition kick, scrutinizing labels for the fewest ingredients, seeking more whole foods, and trying to make more at home versus buying items ready-made at the store. So far, so good. I’ve talked about my love of Tra.der Joe’s. It is such a fantastic store with whole foods at a much more affordable price. Laziness (or “Blissful... Read more
As promised, here is my homemade play dough recipe. We make the stove top variety, as it tends to be a little more elastic and smooth than the no cook recipes. Ingredients– 2 cups flour 2 cups warm water 1 cup salt 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil 1 Tablespoon cream of tartar 5-6 drops of food coloring scented oils Stir all ingredients except the food coloring and scented oil together in a pot over low heat. Continue to stir as mixture... Read more
I suspect this will be controversial, but I want to be honest here — as we always are. I move a lot. Every few years I am confronted with a new place. A whole new crop of people. New neighbors, new homeschool moms, new parishes and parish groups. Heck, I even went to four high schools in as many years. Over the course of this journey I have become a bit of an armchair sociologist. I spend lots of time... Read more
“In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:33 “Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 Although we spend much of our time on this blog talking about our children and the beautiful vocation of motherhood, all of us know that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the gift of a healthy marriage relationship. If mom and... Read more
I enjoyed this recent post by our dear friend and sister Queen B. My husband and I spend a good amount of time discussing how much someone working outside the home should expect to love his/her work. I’d imagine most wives consider this question, as we encourage our husbands through the cycle of excitement and tedium of professional life. We’ve all encountered the individuals who profess repeatedly, “Man, I love my job. I just wish everyone loved their job as much as I... Read more
Along with the discussion of providing meaningful work for little ones, I though this newsletter recently sent out by Catholic Heritage Curricula was thoughtful and also has some great ideas. I really enjoy CHC’s E-newsletters, which I think can apply to bringing up children in the faith whether or not you homeschool (you can subscribe here). Also, a lot of their books could make great First Communion gifts! The Dignity of the Child and the “I’m Bored: Entertain Me” Syndrome The... Read more
Homeschooling moms are routinely overwhelmed with how to occupy the little ones while the big kids are doing their schoolwork. (And since many families opt to keep their toddler and pre-school aged kids at home, this post isn’t just for homeschooling mothers.) Like many of you, I was overwhelmed as well, until I started a daily toddler circuit, and now our mornings are flowing much more smoothly. I have only one child of actual school age (Gianna–1st grade), and while... Read more
…But today, I will once again be sharing someone else’s work. Today’s post features a video on the differences between men’s and women’s brain and is, of course, not as substantial as last week’s list of Scripture quotes on parenting. However, it is very funny and I just had to share 🙂 I feel pretty good about sharing this video for a couple of reasons: first, a great priest shared it with us on a marriage renewal mini-retreat this weekend,... Read more
Introducing Holly, MaryAlice’s oldest daughter and my Goddaughter. We took this video footage at the conclusion of my son’s recent birthday party. The party involved a lot of bouncing and an intense game of dodge ball, so please excuse Holly’s adorably flushed face. Enjoy! Read more
With the one who taught me how to be a mother. In a mere 7 days, we will be celebrating our son’s birthday. His sixth birthday. Birthdays are joyous occasions, no doubt, but it is this birthday, the birthday of our oldest child, that always hits me like a load of bricks every year. It is a birthday that marks my beginning of motherhood and how long I’ve been in this treasured role. It is a birthday that summarizes all the... Read more
Building Cathedrals
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