So, we're halfway through January and I'm just now solidifying my goals for the new year. Clearly we should begin with with "stop being such a procrastinator, Haley!" Anyhow, I've never spent much effort on resolutions at the start of a year, but I've really been reflecting on what I want 2013 to look like. I've been very inspired by all the great posts about goal-making, particularly Mandi's of … [Read more...]
How My Kids Didn’t Ruin Mass
Confession: my kids are not typically little angels at Mass. ‘Typical” Mass behavior being our 3-year-old banging the kneeler open and closed and then dropping it on his own foot. Commence siren-like wailing. Or the kids tussling over who gets to hold the Baby Jesus finger puppet. And, to no one’s surprise, the preschooler throwing the St. Joseph finger puppet at his baby sister’s head doesn’t … [Read more...]
Baby Carrots Has a Name!
Like I said, this whole “having another girl” situation completely threw me for a loop. I was so convinced we were having a boy! We picked out an awesome boy name that we both loved. (But no, I won’t tell you what it was in case you are sleuthing the internet for the world’s best baby boy name and try to snag it before (if) we’re blessed with another boy. Because that’s the sort of folks my … [Read more...]
10 Ways to Avoid the Flu (And Recipe: Immune-Boosting Lemonade Jello)
I have a treat for you today, a guest post from Chef Karen, Catholic mama to an adorable 8-month-old baby girl, good friend, and certified natural chef. We were childhood friends and got reconnected when we both moved back to our hometown. Enjoy her awesome wisdom about avoiding the flu by strengthening your immune system! - Haley Hello, Carrots-For-Michaelmas-ites! I am so excited to be … [Read more...]
A Downton Abbey Children’s Book List
Since I'm bursting at the seams to start watching the new season of Downton Abbey, I thought I'd repost a wonderful guest post today from my dear friend (and new mama!) Katherine Grimm Bowers, children's literature expert extraordinaire. It combines two of my very favorite things: Edwardian Children's Lit and Dame Maggie Smith. Enjoy! - Haley I’ve been watching a lot of Downton Abbey, lately, … [Read more...]
Backyard Chicken Tips
Find me today over at Mama and Baby Love giving you the scoop on getting started with backyard chickens. Free, delicious, healthy organic eggs whenever you need them? A pet that can help teach your kids about nature, reproduction, and responsibility? There are so many benefits to having backyard chickens, but getting started can be a little intimidating. Here are some guidelines to get you … [Read more...]
The Big Reveal: This Baby Carrot Is a…
No, I didn't bake a pink or blue cake to show you. I don't have any fancy, crafty pinteresty reveal planned. This craft-challenged gal is just gonna straight up tell you the news! Well, after a little background story: Have I ever told you about how my husband is a gender prediction wizard? He was NEVER wrong until he guessed "boy" for some friends of ours a couple of months ago and we were all … [Read more...]
Getting Kids to Sleep Later
So here’s the thing: we did get our kids to sleep later. But I don't want to mislead you. Our kids still wake up way too early. However, the fact that they no longer wake at 4:30am is a huge success. In fact, they now sleep two hours later and get up at 6:30am. So, in comparison it’s a win but let’s not pretend that 6:30am isn’t obscenely early. So we couldn’t cure our kids of the horrid … [Read more...]
Orange Pomanders: A Festive Kid-Friendly DIY
One of my favorite festive scents is the combination of orange and cloves. I made orange pomanders once or twice as a little girl and decided to share the experience with my 3-year-old this year since it's such a fun and kid-friendly activity. And because I have no crafting skill and they're so easy to make. Basically, an orange pomander is an orange decorated with whole cloves. They've been … [Read more...]
First Advent
Something from the archives today. I wrote this little reflection soon after Benjamin was born. I was huge. Not just big—gigantic. Even before I entered my third trimester, well-intentioned old ladies would pat my shoulder and say, “Any day now!” encouragingly as I waddled my way through the grocery store. Considering the raging pregnancy hormones running through my system, I’m impressed that … [Read more...]
