"When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does." - Kathleen Kelly, You've Got Mail Three years ago one of my posts went viral for the first time. I shared about using good literature to raise strong daughters. I featured heroines that had a lot more backbone and a lot less vampire-obsession than Twilight's Bella Swan … [Read more...]
Every Story Has a Bellybutton
While we're on our adventure across the country, my friend Tyler is sharing a post on the blog today. Enjoy! - Haley Image source By Tyler Blanski Everyone has a story, and every story has a bellybutton. In the shadow of Planned Parenthood and what has been aptly called abortion’s Wilberforce moment, it could be said that bellybuttons are the most natural and prolific pro-life bumper … [Read more...]
Why You Should Take Your Kids to Caves, Monasteries, and Fancy Hotels
As loyal readers will know, my family of five is currently on a six week road trip around the United States before we begin our new life in Texas. We’re in week three and it’s been 90% wonderful and 10% sibling bickering, unexpected traffic, and unreasonable requests for snacks. We’ve camped, been hosted by friends, and stayed in hotels over the past 17 days. We’ve visited national parks, big … [Read more...]
That Time I Cut Gwen’s Hair (!)
So I did something this morning. Kind of on a whim. I cut my baby girl's hair. First hair cuts are always a pretty big deal but not everyone's barely 2-year-old has hair down to her hips. So it was a SUPER big deal. I've been pulling for a cute summer bob for awhile but Daniel wasn't ready to say goodbye to her baby curls. So I put him on hair washing/conditioning/detangling duty which he … [Read more...]
8 Picture Books for Lent and Easter
I'm usually on the ball with having great picture books to read during Advent, but this is the first year I've intentionally sought out Lent and Easter reads for the kids. So head on over to your local library and check 'em out! 1. Tomie dePaola's Book of Bible Stories Lent is a great time to read passages about the life of Jesus. We usually read a bit of the New Testament section of this … [Read more...]
9 Ideas for Observing Lent with Kids: Holy Heroes Review (and free coloring books for you!) {Sponsored Post}
This post is sponsored by Holy Heroes. Is it just me, or is Lent painfully early this year? I feel like I'm still recovering from Christmastide. On the other hand, I'm a big Lent fan. I love that the Christian Year offers us a time set aside to clean house. And no, I'm not talking about my dusty baseboards, although that would be a good thing to tackle during Lent, too. I'm talking about our … [Read more...]
When It Feels Like You’re Failing at Building Your Cathedral
The Most Important Person on Earth is a Mother. She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral. She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any cathedral-a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby’s body…The angels have not been blessed with such a grace. They cannot share in God’s creative miracle to bring new saints to Heaven. … [Read more...]
Seeing Through the Eyes of Love: Tiny Ballerinas and Fighting the Self-Image Battle
I think my daughters are beautiful. Last week I watched my oldest, Lucy (almost 3), tip toe across the studio of her third ballet class. (The class she’s been begging to take for months.) If ever my heart was in danger of bursting, it was that moment. She didn’t even smile or acknowledge us when we walked in for parent observation day, she was too focused on keeping her hands firmly on her hips … [Read more...]
A Few of My Favorite Things: Catholic Children’s Books and Forgiveness! (Guest Post by Nicole Lataif)
By: Nicole Lataif
Happy Tuesday, everyone! 
A special THANK YOU to Haley for featuring me as a guest! My name is Nicole Lataif and I’m the author of the children’s picture book, “I Forgive You: Love We Can Hear, Ask For and Give,” published by Pauline Books & Media.
Below are three Catholic children’s books that I think are divine (pardon the pun-I couldn’t resist!) … [Read more...]
27 Books for Your Mass Bag (And Tips for Dealing with Little Ones in Mass)
After I posted about how my kids didn't ruin Mass despite their best efforts, I often get emails wondering how we deal with having small children in Mass and what we do to get them to behave. Don't get me wrong. I'm not an expert and oftentimes our two youngest still give us a run for our money on Sunday mornings, but we have learned A LOT over the past five and a half years of parenting in the … [Read more...]
