The other day I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw an image of a family. The caption added by my Catholic Facebook friend was the beautiful quote by Pope St John Paul II “As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the whole world in which we live.” This particular quote communicates a beautiful Catholic view of family, but the image accompanying it immediately made me hesitate. It … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: October 2017
I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
“Ugh. Why don’t people leave their kids in the nursery!”
It finally happened. After years of encountering only lovely folks in Mass we finally got a negative comment about our kids. And it wasn't even about our kids behavior, just that they were THERE. We sat down in the pew and the woman behind us immediately said (loudly) "Ugh. Why don't people leave their kids in the nursery!" Boy, nothing gives a great start to Mass like knowing the person behind … [Read more...]
Coming Fall 2018…A BOOK!
That's me on the left. That's also me on the right. I've been sitting on some exciting news about becoming a legit published author that I've been dying to share with the world. I've also been clapping my hand to my mouth so I didn't blab it before knowing it was actually, truly going to happen. It hasn't happened yet, you fool. Said me to me. If you didn't grow up with the Kevin Sullivan … [Read more...]
How a Lump in My Breast Gave Me a Very Memento Mori Lent
While the kids were putting their shoes on for Ash Wednesday Mass, my husband and I had a moment alone in the kitchen. I took a deep breath and said the words I’d been dreading to say out loud: “I found a lump in my breast.” I had known for a few days. How many days, I’m not sure. Something powerful inside me wanted to believe “this isn’t happening, this isn’t real. Everything’s fine. Just … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: April 2017 (Holy Week and More)
I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
Last-Minute Easter Basket Ideas (with Discount Codes!)
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. A well-organized blogger would have shared these ideas at the beginning of Lent. But alas, you're stuck with me. But surely there's other folks out there who remember a couple weeks before Easter that Easter baskets are a thing, right? (Just say yes and humor me.) Easter is an important season! So while we definitely don't go nuts with Easter … [Read more...]
Making Icons with Kids: Open a Sacred Window
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. When I shared an image on Instagram of the icon my eight-year-old made at our homeschooling co-op, I got TONS of requests for a tutorial. So my friend Renée Clayton who taught my son's class graciously offered to share all her wisdom on the blog for you. Enjoy! -Haley When my eldest was four years old, I decided that for preschool his chief education … [Read more...]
Lenten Resources and Liturgical Living at a Glance: March 2017
I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
Stained Glass Isn’t Irrelevant (Or, Why the Beauty of the Church Matters)
I've been thinking lately about what drew us to the Catholic Church. Long before I believed that the Church was true, I had fallen in love with it's beauty. The art, the music, the architecture, the prayers, the liturgy, the traditions. It is all so rich, so beautiful. It's beauty drew me, it's truth convinced me, and it's goodness began flowing into our lives. The True, the Good, and the … [Read more...]
