Minnesota Mom

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If not now, then when? (Part II)

by Filed Under: Hearth & Home, Minnesota Me, Motherhood, Spiritual Growth 16 Comments

If this mom in Minnesota were to jump off a philosophical cliff, would you follow?Because I feel as if that’s where I’m going, first with that last post and now with this one.Hopefully this post will make more sense. I don’t think that Part I was as…cogent as I would have liked.Big sheepish grin. Let me explain.When I think of discipline, I think … [Read more...]

If not now, then when?

by Filed Under: Hearth & Home, Minnesota Me, Motherhood, Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

Part IThank you for all the feedback in my Puppies by Paula post. Wow. I wish I could say that it’s helped me to reach a decision, (my husband’s been in favor of getting a dog all along), but it hasn’t.This is a big decision—a huge decision—and it is up to me to make it.No pressure there or anything.Getting a dog is not like, say, getting a board … [Read more...]

I’m still here.

by Filed Under: Family Fun, Homeschooling, Minnesota Me 10 Comments

Would you be surprised if I said that all your advice about dog ownership has left me ruminating even more deeply than when I asked for your opinion?And speaking of dog ownership, is it truly possible to own another living thing?And if I start to love this creature after having “owned” it, will I need to set it free?If I set it free will it come … [Read more...]

Puppies by Paula

by Filed Under: Family Fun, Keeping It Real, Minnesota Me 36 Comments

It’s time you knew the scary truth.We are thinking about…considering, really…the possibility of getting...a dog.What is this homeschooling mother of five and wife to one thinking?!!I don’t know.Call me a crazy Frenchwoman and I’d agree. I think it’s because I don’t have enough to do with my time as it is.Check out these little furry faces, though! … [Read more...]

Ten Years Ago Today: Part II

by Filed Under: Gratitude, Minnesota Me, Special Events, Spiritual Growth 4 Comments

Ten years ago today I was lamenting the fact that I’d worn a dress that buttons down the back to my 9-day-old baby’s baptism.What kind of crazy, nursing momma wears a dress that buttons down the back? To a formal event? Followed by a reception at your mother-in-law’s?!A clueless nursing newbie, that’s who.Oh honey, you have taught me so much about … [Read more...]

Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope

by Filed Under: Living Liturgically, Minnesota Me, Moments of Incredible Joy, Motherhood 24 Comments

A year ago today I published the following story—a family favorite—on my blog.A year ago today I had, like, two readers:my husband and my cat.Just kidding.I’m allergic to cats.Anyway, true story. The following really happened and for that reason I’m re-sharing it. (Re-sharing? Recycling? Really. Does it matter?)Here it is.* * * * * * *We have many … [Read more...]

Thinking Outside the (Bird) Box

by Filed Under: Homeschooling, Minnesota Me, Obnoxious Rodents, Real Learning 7 Comments

For the past month and a half, I’ve been lamenting the loss of our wooden bird feeder at the hands—or rather, jaws—of those obnoxious rodents known as squirrels.“I just have to get to store and buy another one,” I murmured wistfully. “I miss all my little birdies.”But did I get around to it?No.(I can be such a birdbrain.)This weekend, the boys went … [Read more...]