Martianne

No Guilt Chocolate Pudding

February 4, 2013 by Martianne Leave a Comment

February is Chocolate Lovers Month. It is also time for celebrating St. Valentine’s feast day, which would seem ever so incomplete without chocolate, wouldn’t it? However, just because St. Valentine’s Day invites sweet indulgence does not mean that we have to abuse out bodies with unhealthy ingredients. Really. I am not kidding. We can have our chocolate and our health, too. This St. Valentine’s Day (or anytime that you and your kiddos crave some chocolate), try enjoying some gluten-free, casein-free, {Read More}

Filed Under: food, health and wellness Tagged With: St. Valentine, written by Martianne

14 Ideas for Hosting a St. Brigid’s Day Playdate

January 14, 2013 by Martianne 3 Comments

ideas for children on st. brigid's feast day

Despite the fact that I am of half-Irish descent, I never knew much about St. Brigid, one of the patron saints of Ireland, until I had my own children. In fact, it was not until I ran into the picture book titled Brigid’s Cloak that I really took note of this child-friendly saint. Since then, my children and I have enjoyed celebrating St. Brigid’s feast day together and, in honor of the Year of Faith, hope to invite friends to {Read More}

Filed Under: arts and crafts, children, food, holidays/feast days/liturgical year, play learn explore, saints Tagged With: St. Brigid, written by Martianne

First Holy Communion Preparation and Printables E-Book: Everything You, Your Child (and Even Your Parish) Needs for a Meaningful Milestone

November 5, 2012 by Martianne Leave a Comment

My oldest is beginning his formal two year preparation for First Holy Communion this year, so I was excited to have the opportunity to review Angie Kauffman and Rob Jensen’s e-book, First Holy Communion Preparation and Printables. It is a one-stop resource for preparing for, celebrating and, most importantly, enjoying the meaningful milestone of a child’s First Holy Communion. Authored by veteran First Holy Communion mother and writer, Angie Kauffman, and including 24 pages of original illustrations by artist {Read More}

Filed Under: Sacraments

Catholic Kids Construct: A How-To for Making Picture Books into Faith-Based Pre-Engineering Experiences

August 13, 2012 by Martianne Leave a Comment

If your children are anything like mine, they love to create! And, why wouldn’t they? We are all made in the likeness of the most amazing Creator ever, and He gifts each of us with imagination and inventiveness. One way I like to put my own sense of creativity to work is in developing faith-based connections for otherwise secular learning experiences. Because my children love picture books and pre-engineering activities, I often find myself creating plans which connect Bible stories, {Read More}

Filed Under: arts and crafts, children, education and schooling, homeschooling

3 Ways to Help Your Child Avert Future Mid-Life Crisis

June 25, 2012 by Martianne 5 Comments

A forty-something year old dad pages through What Color is Your Parachute, fills out Myers Briggs quizzes online and tries to excavate his true self in order to align it to a future work life that feels more authentic than his current 9-5, plus commute, does. A multitasking mom tries to discern if her call to being a wife, mother and homemaker can ever fully jive with her family’s need to balance their checkbook. Which gifts and talents – not to {Read More}

Filed Under: children, motherhood

Host a Pretzel Play Date: 10 Ideas for Speaking to Children’s Hearts During Lent

March 19, 2012 by Martianne 1 Comment

Pray. Fast. Give. Party! This may not seem like the most conventional motto for making a meaningful Lenten journey, but it is a reality in our home. For while I appreciate the more traditional, reflective and reverent aspects of the season, my children’s hearts respond best to joy and celebration. Thus, I tend to punctuate our observance of Lent with – don’t judge me, please – partying! Now, I am not referring to out-and-out irreverent festivities. Nor am I suggesting {Read More}

Filed Under: arts and crafts, children, church and faith, family life, food, Lent Tagged With: written by Martianne

Praising God throughout November: A Cornucopia of Thanks

November 17, 2011 by Martianne 1 Comment

Most would agree that gratitude is vital habit of a happy, faith-filled home. In our house, we certainly believe this is true. Thus began the first of our kitchen “bulletin boards” several Novembers ago. At the time, my oldest son had begun to show an increased interest in coloring everything in sight – including the kitchen walls. Instead of letting frustration overcome me, I decided to shape my son’s coloring interest into a lesson in gratitude. I made a paper bag cornucopia and printed out a {Read More}

Filed Under: children, holidays/feast days/liturgical year, homeschooling Tagged With: Martianne Stanger, written by Martianne

10+ Ideas for Celebrating St. Francis of Assisi with Young Ones

September 26, 2011 by Martianne 4 Comments

October 4th is St. Francis of Assisi’s feast day. Of course, this day provides inherent fun for children with the Blessing of the Animals (and stuffed animals!), which is done in some homes and at many churches. Because traditions, legends and inspiration regarding St. Francis is so prolific, it is also a day that offers an array of other ways to celebrate. For younger children, Whether you would like to host a full-day St. Francis Play Date or simply spend {Read More}