The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy. You’ll find books all over my house and filling up my Kindle app in my iPad. We listen to audiobooks in the car, at lunchtime and even when I run. Need a list of great Catholic books to add to your summer must-read list? Here are some authors that I’ve read recently or plan to peruse by the pool in the next few months. 1. Kate Wicker I honestly don’t {Read More}
The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy. Want to know why you rarely see pictures of my house? I’ll let you in on a little secret. I stink at cleaning house. I was halfway decent when I only had one child. Now, with a teenage daughter and four children under the age of six, my house looks like a cyclone hit most days. I know that there are many of you out there like me — let’s {Read More}
It’s almost time for Easter, and that means we’re on the hunt for fun items for Easter baskets. I’m trying to stay away from candy this year – since it makes my children a little crazy. Here are my best ideas for non-candy Easter basket fillers. 1. Sandals and other Summer Gear In our area, Easter seems to be the turning point into warmer weather. It’s a tradition in our family to gift items such as bathing suits, sandals, {Read More}
I’m in the throes of children’s consignment sale season over here. I’m furiously going through my basement and closets, ironing, hanging and tagging. During the mundane task of ironing, my brain tends to wander. “What are you going to do for Lent?” I generally have a million lofty goals for Lent, and end up being about 10% successful. This year, I’m setting my sights for more reasonable achievements, and hope to clean my house in the process. It stands to {Read More}
The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy. One of my favorite things about being Catholic is our treasury of saints. Countless men and women have gone on before us, struggled with some of the same vices, and gone on to be models of our Catholic faith. They’ve finished their time on Earth, and are now prayer warriors in Heaven. Think of them as Church Alumni — they’ve been through the battle and now serve on the advisory {Read More}
The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy. Looking for Christmas crafts and books that keep Jesus in the center of our celebration? I’ll share my favorite Christmas and Advent books, crafts and recipes that you can use with your children. This Advent season, I’m going to create a Countdown to Christmas box, and wrap up some of our favorite books. We will unwrap one each day, and enjoy them as a family. Here are some of {Read More}
The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy. Whether you belong to a small church or a huge parish, participation from members is vital for growth and sustainability. Having the same people doing all the things, all the time gets stale quickly. How do you get involved in your parish? 1. Pray For someone with a choleric temperament like myself, this is something I’ve only learned to do in the past few years. I have a tendency to {Read More}
During the spring and early summer, you’ll see loads of advertising for homeschool conventions or conferences. I have two on my calendar for this summer – our local Catholic homeschooling conference, as well as the Memoria Press conference held locally. Why do I attend homeschooling conferences? Why should you attend? I’ll give you my best reasons. 1. Learn more about homeschooling Are you interested in learning more about homeschooling? Do the terms Charlotte Mason, classical approach, eclectic, or unschooling make {Read More}
