Glory Stories and Homilies

We have been listening to Glory Stories since Patrick was a baby, possibly even a few years earlier.  As we drove to my parent’s house after Mass one Saturday, we heard the story Treasure in Heaven: The Story of Saint Katherine Drexel on Sacred Heart Radio and we knew we had to buy theses CDs (each…

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He Didn’t do it Without Compliance

Last night, I heard Finnian crying and went to see what was wrong.  I found him tied to a parking meter piggy bank in his room.  His brothers were trying to untie him.  He turned to me and cried, “Patrick tied me up.”  All I could think was, “He didn’t do it without compliance from…

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Apology Accepted

Daddy: “Finnian, apologize to Mommy for what you did.” Finnian (in the sweetest voice): “I forgive you, Mommy.”

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All Saints Day Party Games

Two games that I have not seen mentioned elsewhere are Practice the Virtues like the Saints Race and Find the Keys for St. Peter.  Both games are not my original ideas. Practice the Works of Mercy like the Saints Race requires cards for various saints placed around a table. Each card has instructions, manipulatives, and sometimes pictures…

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Promoting Reading for Boys (and Girls)

Recently, a friend asked me how I got my oldest son to progress past short books.  The key to my son reading chapter books was involving Dad in read alouds and finding books that grabbed my son’s interest.  Some of the books that Brendan really liked listening to his father read are: The Matchlock Gun by Walter…

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Where Did the Time Go?

Our little princess is already one.  I still remember how she surprised me with her slightly early entrance into this world and how thankful I was to be holding another baby in my arms.  Her early days, weeks, and months seemed like such a dream.  She was so quiet and peaceful, falling asleep every night around 8. …

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1000 Gifts

I had wanted to share these on Monday, but I never got around to doing so. Gifts #18-30 I am thankful for: 18.  the Catholic Church 19.  children who love each other. 20.  a pastor who visits his parishioners. 21.  homeschooling. 22.  an upcoming All Saints Day Party. 23.  the wonderful ideas that Jessica has…

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The Walls are Broken Down and I am on my Knees

It’s been a hard week.  By the time yesterday rolled around, I was ready to hold up a white flag.  As I worked on lesson plans, Finnian scattered flour all over the kitchen, the dining room, the hallway, and some of his siblings.  No one said a thing.  I knew something was wrong, when I…

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It’s All About Charlotte

Finnian:  “Mommy, I like going to Mass.  I like going to the potluck and I like playing on the playground.” Me:  “I am happy that you like going to Mass…” Finnian (before I could finish):  “I get to play with Charlotte.” Hopefully, in a year or two, it will be all about loving God.

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North American Martyrs: Solemn High Mass with Archbishop Brunett

This Solemn High Mass celebrated North American Martyrs’ first patronal feast. Archbishop Brunett assisted with the Mass from the throne, a ceremony not seen in the Archdiocese of Seattle for over 40 years. The celebrant, Fr. Gerard Saguto, FSSP, was assisted by Fraternity of St. Peter priests Fr. Erik Deprey and Fr. Dan Geddes from Vancouver,…

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