Contrary to popular belief, Hallmark (nor the local pub) did not canonize St. Patrick. There is so much to love about this Irish man. He was imprisoned but escaped to tell people about Jesus – an evangelizer in the truest sense. Perhaps he’s most famous for using the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity. The word is still out if he’s actually responsible for banishing all snakes from Ireland! As we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Patrick, I pray {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}
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}
Raise your right hand if an inner Martha Stewart lives within you. Raise your left hand if today’s to-do list is holding you back. I’m here to tell you that anybody can have a kick tail holiday dinner and not lose her mind. You just have to refocus a bit. Below I’ll share a few things I’ve learned from hosting a big brood, as well as some sample menu items from one of my favorite magazines, the master of all {Read More}
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}
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}
Teaching your children the rosary may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a vital part of our Catholic culture and heritage. You’ll find six reasons to teach children to pray the rosary here, but I’ll be we can all come up with many more. In my house, we started out simple, by teaching the children how to pray the Hail Mary before bed. My 5 year old daughter now leads the prayer, which warms my heart. How about a Rosary coloring {Read More}
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}
