“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20)In January I mentioned that Joe has been going to therapy to correct a tongue thrust problem. One of the perks is that, provided he was faithful in doing that week’s exercises, he gets to choose a DVD off … [Read more...]
The Shortcut
I’m sure you’ve all experienced this. You’re herding your children back from Communion and one of them cuts into the wrong pew. Most kids look confused for a second, and then hastily beat a retreat when they realize the tall folks there don’t look familiar.Angela did this today. On our way back she mistakenly entered the pew 2 rows ahead of … [Read more...]
Assertiveness Training
One of the things that I love about our Felicity is her tender spirit. In terms of temperament, she is the polar opposite of…ahem…some of her other siblings.Having children is such a crapshoot, isn’t it? You never know with these little hybrids.Last night, filled with a spirit of conviviality and togetherness after watching American Idol as a … [Read more...]
Quote of the Day
“Alright, who locked the dog in the bathroom?!!” … [Read more...]
Too Cute to be Cursed
In the quiet moments before dawn this morning, I was at my desk reading the book of Sirach. (Thank you, dear Jamie, for the recommendation!) Joe and Jem came padding over, having set their alarm for an ungodly hour so as to get their schoolwork done. Admirable? Certainly. But they also just want to be done for the day.And was it such an ungodly … [Read more...]
Turn the Head
My husband is the head of our home, of course, which makes me the neck. This means that sometimes, when Daddy is being stern and/or unreasonable—in other words, when he says no—my children will come to me with this entreaty: “Turn the head, Momma! Turn the head!”That’s my cue. I will wheedle and smile and flirt if I have to…and nine out of ten … [Read more...]
On Sending My Son to Summer Camp for the First Time
Joe leaves for a week-long Boy Scout camp on Saturday. I know I’ll ache with missing him but I guess they’ve got to grow up sometime.And so do we.Here is a prayer from a book I love: The Christian Mother by Reverend W. Cramer.Prayer in the MorningMost Merciful God! Thou hast given me this day that I may serve Thee and work out my salvation by the … [Read more...]
Eins…Zwei…Drei Those Dishes!
It’s summer break which I thought would be great.Instead I feel like this guy.Make your bed!Walk the dog!Practice your piano! Clean up that mess in the kitchen! Good thing it’s nearly “Independence” Day. I’m thinking I’ll run to the store and get the kids some. ; )Ad Jesum per Mariam, … [Read more...]
Strange Encounters of the Sam’s Club Kind
I regret to inform you that I did not attend Joe’s game tonight. Did he make a catch like the gal below? Doesn’t matter; I wasn’t there.Nope, because we were basically out of food I had to swallow my guilt and ditch him. “I’m sorry, kid,” I told Joe. “How about I buy you some of those croissants you love?”I took our three girls with me rather than … [Read more...]
For Moms & Dads & Families: Three Great Resources for your Fun & Faith
Do you, like me, spend much of your summer planning out your fall agenda? Are you, like me, always in the market for a great Catholic curriculum? Have I got a link for you!Family Formation is a K-6 Catholic religious education program used by families and parishes across the U.S. and Canada. It is a family-based catechesis that comes complete with … [Read more...]
