#2 went to Mass alone this morning. He overslept and then chose to read instead of getting ready, so we left him here. (We’ve been late waiting for him before. This is not a first time problem.) When we got home from Mass, he was dressed and waiting to go to the next Mass when we walked in the door.. “Will you come with me?” he asked in the car. “No,” I told him. “You chose to not join us... Read more

We took #1 to look at the Business School at the University of Texas at Dallas this morning. She was up and dressed early. I’ve been dreading it all week. It’s no secret in our house that I’m not ready for her to be old enough to be thinking of college. Wasn’t she just 8 yesterday? Wasn’t I just adjusting her wig for an Irish dance competition last week? How can we be thinking dorm rooms and meal plans? I’m... Read more

You know you’ve been low-carbing it for a while when you’re praying with the kids and hear yourself say “forgive us this day our daily bread.” True story. ************************************************** You know you’re a Catholic mom when you say to the son who’s too busy talking to pick up his socks:“Hey! Hey! Get back on over here and pick up your socks. Don’t even start that ‘I was talking’ business. St Denis got his head chopped off and he didn’t stop... Read more

One of my favorite things about homeschooling is its focus on teaching children how to learn rather than just rote memorization. Learning is a lifelong process, I’ve heard many teaching mothers say, my goal is to teach them how to learn. While I agree with that statement 100%, I wonder how often we actually model this for our children. When was the last time your children saw you learning something? When are kids are very little and are potty training,... Read more

To quote my eldest son, “this video is just pure win.” I agree completely. Here’s a little video to start your week off right. Read more

A week and a half or so into Lent, and this penitential thing is hard but definitely do-able. Every year, I try to challenge myself. Some years I can really tell the spiritual benefit, like this year when my addiction to food is becoming very obvious to me. I had to fight not to daydream about doughnuts, ice cream, and bread all through Mass on Sunday. If I’m thinking about food it’s getting between me and God, so something needs... Read more

When homeschooling moms talk about socialization, we almost always mean something to do with their peers. We organize playdates, sign them up for sports teams, and find dance classes. We work overtime to make sure that our children’s out of school time looks like other kids’ our of school time. While it’s completely worth the effort to make sure they have friends and social experiences, it’s really easy to completely overlook the valuable social lessons that traditionally educated students are... Read more

The Computer Guy and I decided to go Paleo for Lent. For those who aren’t familiar with a Paleo diet, here’s a link explaining it. We are pretty hard core carb addicts, and sugar junkies. While I’ve tried to kick the habit on my own in the past, this time he’s doing it with me! (I hope the group effort helps!) While we’ve done pretty well since Ash Wednesday (a whole 4 days!), I was dreading Sunday. It’s kinda our... Read more

 (If you’re new to reading me, this might seem like a departure. If you’ve been around awhile, you know this isn’t.) I’ve never been shy about feeling about the right of the people to own and use guns. I’m a fan of the 2nd Amendment.  The recent actions of the State of New York concern me. The response of the gun companies make me so very proud. Six gun companies have announced plans to stop selling any of their products... Read more

It has become my tradition here at Shoved to Them to offer you a little Valentine to celebrate the day. As usual, it’s his head. If anyone knows where to find pictures of the rest of him, please let me know. Happy Feast of Sts Cyril and Methodius, Y’all! Read more