Audiobooks are one of our family’s secrets to happy road trips AND peaceful afternoon rest time. For some reason, having to pay attention to the story of an audiobook keeps everyone so much quieter and happier than trying to play a movie in the car. As a homeschooling work-at-home mom, I desperately need my kids to have a consistent afternoon quiet time or else I lose my sanity (and it's not … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 155 (“Name That Saint” Edition)
We are having an awesome weekend with some of our best friends who made the long trek from Florida to stay on the farm with us for a couple of days. We live....ahem...simply out here and since our apartment is tiny, the only place we have to put people up is what's called "The Nicaragua House" which is modeled after one room homes in third world countries. The farm has a third world poverty … [Read more...]
The Story of Us (Who we are and what we’re doing)
photo source In the past few years Carrots has grown from one reader (my mom) to thousands and yet I often forget that not everyone reading today has been with us from the beginning of this blogging journey. So for all of you who are new and might not know our story, here’s a little post about who we are and what we’re doing. I’m Haley Stewart, a Catholic convert, and wife to Daniel … [Read more...]
Do You Miss Downton Abbey? Watch Poldark. Just Trust Me.
Downton Abbey is wrapped up with a bow (perhaps a little too perfectly, but I’m not going to complain about how happy the series finale made me). Obviously we all need SOMETHING British with fancy gowns and drama to watch, yes? Let me assure you that Poldark is that something. Here's why it's worth watching: 1. The costuming. I am convinced that this is the era for me. Sure, there’s no … [Read more...]
We’re All Screwing Up Our Kids
The other day I was telling a friend about some parenting challenges I was facing and how overwhelmed and inadequate I felt about mothering one of my kids. He said, “You know, I realized the other day that there is absolutely no way I won’t screw up my kids to some degree. It’s just going to happen. My parents are fantastic and I still have issues because of their parenting choices. My kids will … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 154 (First Holy Communion Edition!)
photo by Andrea Dahm The big news around these parts is that this handsome dude received his First Holy Communion last Saturday night. It was one of the best days of my life and definitely a red letter day in parenthood. Since I'm a convert, it's all new to me to go through this process with a child, but oh so special! Seven has been a great age so far. Benjamin has always been a … [Read more...]
Good Music Monday: Spring 2016
It's been ages and ages since Good Music Monday has shown up at Carrots! So, here's a Spotify playlist just for you to enjoy on this beautiful spring Monday whether you're making the morning drive, cleaning up the breakfast dishes, or whatever your day requires. Here's a mix of what I've been listening to lately when I need a boost. It's a pretty eclectic mix with some old songs and some new. I … [Read more...]
This Week’s Miscellany: Vol. 153 (Easter and more!)
Spring is absolutely flying by, friends! Let's hit the high points. We're trying to buy a house here in Texas! I already shared the news with the Carrots newsletter subscribers (psst! sign up if you want to get secret posts I don't share on the blog). It's been pretty stressful but our offer was accepted and there's no expected complications. So if all continues to go well, we'll have … [Read more...]
Friday Fashion Frivolity: Mostly Stitch Fix Fails with Two Big Wins
Every so often, we chat fashion at Carrots. I hope it feels like going shopping with a friend, but not having to try on jeans….or leave your couch. So here’s the drill. I share a new box of Stitch Fix items, tell ya my thoughts, get my husband Daniel’s take (which is really the only reason you're reading this, right?), and share what I kept and what I sent back. (I’m not gonna go into the … [Read more...]
New Catholics, Here’s Why I’m So Excited for You
The church was dark but I could see the faces of my children illuminated by the light of their candles, lit from the Paschal candle. And my breath caught in my throat at how beautiful it was. This is the night, sang the priest from the Exsultet, an ancient chant only sung once a year, the night before Easter Sunday. We have the ambitious, some might say foolhardy, tradition of bringing our … [Read more...]
