Here we are finally to Holy Week, approaching the Sacred Triduum and now just days away from the great celebration of Easter. I cannot help but think of my mother in-law who passed away just ten days ago. The heavy cross of dementia she carried during the last months of her life and the suffering she endured in her final days. My heart mourns her loss as I think of her strength, her constant support and the unending outpouring of prayers she had for her family. I grieve the time my children will never have with her and the loss of truly knowing Grandma. If you read her obituary you will not see a title, degree or ... view the post
The Things They Say
This past weekend my mother in-law passed away. Needless to say this week has been a whirlwind and I haven't found the time or energy yet to sit down and write a meaningful reflection on her passing. So for this week I thought I would just share another edition of the things my kiddos say. If you haven't done so already I encourage you to find a notebook and record some of the sweet quotes and quips from your children. Not too long ago I sat down with my older sons and read them some of their words from five years back, it had all of us laughing. Hope these make you smile. Happy weekend!! While driving for ... view the post
Easter Baskets
This Lenten season has surely gone by quickly and now just a mere two weeks away from the greatest celebration of the year, Easter! The children's sacrifice jar is half-way full and I know there will be lots of acts of kindness the last week, because they can't wait to see it all become jelly beans Easter morning. The running phrase during Lent has been, "don't say the A word!" (Alleluia, just to be clear) My mind is starting to think about filling Easter baskets, we always try to include one item for each child that encourages them in their Christian walk. I want to share with you some beautiful finds by Catholic ... view the post
Empowering My Daughters
I never thought I would be a girl mom, let alone times two. There is such a difference when it comes to raising girls verse boys. I have already seen in my daughters' young ages how they imitate me. Grace watches so carefully as I put on my makeup or curl my hair. She watches me as I look at myself in the mirror or tug at my shirt to hide the leftovers from my last pregnancy. I realize more and more the importance of modeling to them the dignity of women. The importance of censoring what I say about my own weight or image and emphasizing the beauty of the feminine genius. This week the world celebrated ... view the post
Midweek Musings
1. After what seemed like an arctic freeze for two weeks, it is suddenly feeling like we are on the brink of Spring! When it is 45 degrees in Wisconsin at the end of February you open a few windows and dig out the bikes. My older boys are asking when they can start wearing shorts. 2. With the warmer weather I start dreaming about green. Green grass, green leaves on the trees, green plants, etc. With my track record of killing an aloe plant and a succulent, I stick with the faux version for inside the house. Thankfully they make some great look alike options, green grass stems and artificial plants. 3. At Mass on ... view the post