Category: Parenting

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My Story of Becoming a Mom, Part One: Aching Arms

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As a registered nurse, I have patients who experience discomfort in different regions of the arm for a variety of reasons:  frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, the list goes on.  Some of these conditions are very difficult to treat, and I’m very blessed that I don’t suffer from these or any other debilitating medical […]

The Blue Nail Polish, Saint-Making and Stepping Out
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The Blue Nail Polish, Saint-Making and Stepping Out

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Amidst their other literary interests, our children invariably return to their various saint books and Glory Stories CD’s (etc.). Of course, we’re delighted. More and more often I see in them glimmers of virtue that put me to shame. Sports’ metaphors work in our home: while they all get that our playing field is about […]

Chernobyl Diaper and Parental Joy
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Chernobyl Diaper and Parental Joy

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As a two-year old, our Grace had a certain “gift.” We were eager to get her potty trained, as were the garbage men (whom we’re sure drew straws every week, or received hazardous duty pay). Steph called from the other room: “Greg, do you want to change Grace’s diaper, or run to get some milk?” […]

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“But, Why…?”

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I have been nibbling away at a book titled, The Difference God Makes, by Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.  I say nibbling away because what Cardinal George has to say about the role of the Catholic faith in our modern word is so incredibly rich that to read it straight through would be like trying to […]

Dressed in Matrimonial Grace
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Dressed in Matrimonial Grace

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As our eldest daughter perched on the cliff of entry into adolescence, I found myself perched upon a dangerous cliff of my own — that of seeking modest dress for teenage girls. I slowly awakened to the truth (I was somewhat in denial) that taking a teenage girl shopping for modest clothing is nothing less […]

More than Just Apparent: You’re the Parent!
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More than Just Apparent: You’re the Parent!

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A couple days ago I had great consternation over my kids’ less than virtuous attitudes, tones and dispositions, wondering where it was coming from.  Once again I turned inward toward my soul and inquired: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, help me understand from whence it comes, before I drop-kick them all!” And the “mirror” spoke […]

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Saintly Survival of the Teen Years

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There’s a bit of a theological disagreement when it comes to heaven. Some believe we will understand all of life’s mysteries and have all our questions answered there. Others expect that basking in the glory of the Almighty will satisfy all desires. Curiosity will simply not exist. My guess is the latter theory is most […]

Beyond the Power of Angels
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Beyond the Power of Angels

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Like a lot of other people, I have been very busy this season, and even though I’ve taken time off from my usual homeschooling schedule, I’ve managed to find plenty to keep me just as occupied as usual.  I have to watch my use of time, as I sometimes treat it as something that needs […]

Catch Me Now, I’m Falling
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Catch Me Now, I’m Falling

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We enjoy the sport of rock climbing as a family.  Because granite cliffs are a bit hard to come by where we live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, we most often climb at a world-class, indoor climbing gym about 40 minutes from the house.  Upon first glance, the gym is an intimidating place.  A towering […]

Teaching Catholic Children about Islam
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Teaching Catholic Children about Islam

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Catholic Book Review: My Muslim Friend: A Young Catholic Learns about Islam by Donna Jean Kemmetmueller, FSP In today’s complex world, we have an ever growing need to learn about and understand other cultures and religions. Images of war and terrorism enter into our homes on a daily basis. Stereotypes abound, frequently leaving children fearful […]

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Scattering Seeds

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I plant seeds for a living. Every plant I’ve ever watered has died. People give away dead and dying plants to my husband Tom and he resurrects them like they were Lazarus. Me? Put a plant in my charge and it will turn brown. But I plant seeds, none the less. I don’t sow seeds […]