Thanks to Paul at Thoughts of a Regular Guy for the reminder of this Christmas classic. Read more

  “At this season of the Winter Solstice, may reason prevail. There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. “There is only our natural world. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds.” So reads a sign in the state capitol building of Washington state. It may surprise you to know that I don’t really have a problem with the sign. If the state is going to allow religious displays, then I... Read more

So many people are fascinated with my fertility. It used to shock me when people would ask if we planned to have more children or if I were pregnant already (I’m not, so don’t ask me!). I just couldn’t understand the preoccupation that friends, family and complete strangers had with the private workings of my body and my marriage. While I could go blissfully through my day without ever asking that mom of two at the store if she’s contracepting,... Read more

Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception! I so much that I wanted to say, but then realized that I had pretty much written it last year, so go read that. Read more

Pro-Life and Pro-Abortion people in this country will never come to an agreement on this issue. It’s not going to happen. We are fundamentally different in our value systems, and I don’t think that that is going to change anytime soon. One side thinks that life is valuable, all life in any form, no matter how inconvenient or unattractive it is. Even if that human life can’t speak or wets its pants or drools uncontrollably. Even if the caretakers are... Read more

Lilder at Ummm, where am I? and Soul Pockets have tagged me for the Six Things That Make Me Happy meme. Thank you so much! According to the rules, I have to post six things that make me really happy … and pass it on to give six more people a reason to be thankful! Here are my six things (and I’ve been told I can’t duplicate my Thanksgiving list): 6. My cell phone. Those who know me in real... Read more

On my list of things to be thankful for, I listed the “Little blue plastic thingy that’s helping #3 read”. Some of you asked for clarification (two of you really, but who’s counting?), so here it is at long last the explanation. #3 has trouble reading. It’s not that he’s unintelligent, it’s that he can’t see the words. We’ve had him evaluated and tested and been told that he is well below grade level on everything that requires visual input.... Read more

When bad things happen, do something. It maybe that you need to change course later on, but it’s easier to change directions while you’re moving than to get going from a standstill. -the Mom’s Mom Read more

The Ennui of Henri Except that sometimes I have days like this. h/t to the Ironic Catholic Read more

Freedom is something that only exists within the rules. It’s when you break the rules that you become bound by the consequences. -G.K. Chesterton (love him!) Read more