(The book is done, but while I'm swamped setting up the logistics of launching it, my sweet friend and one of my favorite bloggers, Christy of fountains of home is here to share some beautiful thoughts. - Haley) When I think back and look over my spiritual journey as it were, there are many different experiences which make up my faith as it is now. There have been times of spiritual … [Read more...]
When Our Good and Holy Plans Fall Through…
(I'm honored to share this beautiful guest post from my dear friend, Mandi Richards. -Haley) I thought I woke up every morning willing to do God’s will. I made choices that others questioned (like marrying young and starting our family early - both without much money in the bank, giving up grad school for life as a stay-at-home mom) but I did so willingly and with great joy because I believed … [Read more...]
The Three Most Important Things I Do Before Having a Baby
(While I'm up to my ears in book edits and formatting, one of my favorite bloggy friends, Kendra of Catholic All Year, is here! I'm a huge fan of Kendra's blog, and although sometimes we don't agree *cough* Flannery *cough*, Kendra is fantastic, kind, funny, and occasionally astounds me with her amazing ideas (a devil pinata on Michaelmas?!). Enjoy! - Haley) If you're expecting me to say … [Read more...]
Pumpkins, Pink Eye, and Dealing with Disappointment
(Orc pumpkin suggested by Benjamin, executed by Daniel) Last year Benjamin was 3 and it was the first he'd ever heard of Halloween. Not that we're opposed, it's just that we're lazy we didn't see a need to load him up with candy or tear our hair out making costumes if he was just as happy not knowing. But last year, his toddler sleuthiness sniffed it out and he talked about nothing else. So, we … [Read more...]
Stop Doing, Start Being
From the day he was born, Benjamin, my four-year-old, has fought sleep. No season of my life has been as difficult as the newborn days of exhaustion we faced as we attempted to care for an infant who never slept. He had to be sleeping on one of us or sleep simply wouldn’t happen. When he was awake, he was crying , because he was just so tired. After reading a great piece by Auntie Leila over at … [Read more...]
To Lucy, on her Second Birthday
Oh, Lucy, Lucy, my Lucy, Nothing could have prepared me for how much I love you. From the moment I realized I was pregnant, I loved you more than I’d ever loved anything. I don’t mean I loved your brother less, I mean that my heart expanded in that moment and has never been the same. I loved you so when you turned one, but I know that I will love two even more. None of my pregnancies have been … [Read more...]
To the Bookish Mother of Littles
You knew having a baby would change things. Nights out on the town would be few and far between. You wouldn’t sleep much during those newborn weeks. But if you’re like me, you weren’t expecting your bookworm tendencies to be so thwarted. Maybe you were an English major in college. Maybe you studied literature in grad school. Maybe you’ve just always been a bibliophile. But now you find yourself … [Read more...]
Nosepickers, St. Peter, and the Greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven
Some thoughts from Daniel... After Haley’s “Kids in Mass” post was featured on Catholic Exchange, a few colorful commenters descended to share their opinions. Some were less than charitable. Maybe they mistakenly thought we let our children roam the aisles and regularly scream bloody murder through the homily. But most people were supportive. One positive comment that stood out to me was a … [Read more...]
A Day in the Life (With Three Kids Under Five)
So I realized that the last Day in the Life post I shared was over a year ago, so I thought it was time for another one: with a 4-year-old, an almost 2-year-old, and a baby. The day I decided to do it ended up being pretty typical for days we spend at home (about half of the time we go on outings and half of the time we chill at home.) Although, there weren't as many meltdowns from Benjamin as … [Read more...]
I’m a Mother, Not the CEO of My Household
The other day I was taking a walk with my almost 2-year-old, Lucy while wearing a sleeping Baby Gwen. The September sky was deep blue through the pines and the wind was blowing away the corners of the oppressive blanket of Florida heat. Lucy was carefully choosing spots to sit down on the nature trail and let the sand run through her fingers. She found leaves, flowers, and butterflies and asked me … [Read more...]
