Lucky Fourth

May 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Three kids is the new two, right? And so now the fourth-born is the "extra" one, who lacks love and attention and tags along as the prime three enjoy the limelight. In fact, I think my fourth-born has a pretty sweet life. He's doted on by his three older siblings of course. But also, he has a mom who is better able to enjoy the toddler years because they pass, and who doesn't measure herself based on the whims of a toddler. Baking with a two-year-old used to be a mandatory part of baby … [Read more...]

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Sacramental Joy

May 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Our family had a lot of reasons to celebrate this past weekend... Proving to me life doesn't get any better than Christ and His Church, the beautiful Sacraments, and good friends and family.  Joy and love all around!  Thank you, Lord! … [Read more...]

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Images of Spring

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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The past few weeks have been very busy.  So busy, that we have had little time to spend simply enjoying the beauty in our own backyard.  And I almost missed this -- And this--- But this past week, we had time to enjoy it all, and plant some more.  Gianna used her birthday money to purchase some plants and seeds for her new garden, "a little piece of earth" as they call it in The Secret Garden.  Her garden isn't so secret, and sadly, her flowers are already taking some abuse from … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Children, Nature and the Environment Leave a Comment

Looking for a Great Bible Study?

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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For the past several years, the mothers' group at our church has offered a series of awesome Catholic Bible studies by Jeff Cavins, called "The Great Adventure" series and published by Ascension Press. If a group at your church is searching for a Bible study series, I would highly recommend any of the Jeff Cavins studies! Personally, I have participated in "A Quick Journey Through the Bible," "Revelation," and "Acts of the Apostles," and each has been wonderful. You can do them in the order … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Spiritual Life, The Catholic Church Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment

Mother’s Day Afternoon

May 17, 2013 By 2 Comments
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A picnic... An adventure... And an extra load of laundry!   … [Read more...]

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I Am Not Superwoman

May 16, 2013 By 4 Comments
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"When you reach the end of your rope, you will find the hem of His garment." -author unknown I have the above quote posted on a sticky note stuck to the outside of our sippy cup cabinet.  There it hangs, day after day, as I reach past it to fill the billionth cup of juice or milk.  There it hangs, reminding me that I am not superhuman, was never meant to be, and that His Power is a lot more sufficient than mine will ever be. So why do I repeatedly try to take it all on my shoulders? … [Read more...]

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Late Bloomer

May 15, 2013 By 8 Comments
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5 years ago we planted an artichoke plant. Last year, we came within 30 seconds of ripping it out and throwing it away. It had yet to produce fruit and was taking up  lots of highly valuable real estate in our garden...all show and no substance. As my husband went to rip it out he yelled, "We've finally got one!!" After that discovery last spring we had not just one, but dozens of homegrown, fresh, organic artichokes. So many that we were giving them away! But before the discovery that it is … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Motherhood and Parenting 8 Comments

Commenting Troubles?

May 14, 2013 By 2 Comments

Are any of our readers having trouble leaving a comment on the blog this week?  PLEASE contact me at rightsaidred.builder@gmail.com if you are unable to comment on this blog.  We need to let our smart tech people at Patheos know if our readers cannot comment. Last week, Patheos updated their system for site comments.  We switched to Disqus, and some of the Builders have been having trouble leaving comments and getting into their accounts.  I apologize if this was also problematic for our … [Read more...]

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A Mother’s Day Filled with Abundant Blessings

May 13, 2013 By 3 Comments
Releasing the balloons

After Mass on Mother's Day, our family drove over to the cemetery to bring pinwheels to Lucy and Annie's grave. As we drove into the entrance, a man from the cemetery staff stopped us and handed us a flower. He also asked us if we would like a balloon to release - he said that people were writing the names of their loved ones on the balloons and then releasing them. "The kids really seem to enjoy this," he said with a smile. "Sure, we would love that," I responded enthusiastically. Without … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Motherhood and Parenting, Spiritual Life Tagged With: , , 3 Comments

The Battle Lines are Drawn

May 9, 2013 By
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My family has an ugly history with mouse infestation. I largely attribute my first descent into postpartum depression (back in 2006) to the pregnant mice of West Philadelphia who set up their labor and delivery unit in our one-bedroom apartment right around the time I brought home my second newborn. But, praise God, the memories have faded. We have been living mouse-free since 2009. Until today. When I found mouse scat sprinkled in and around my baby's highchair (a midnight snack of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Keeping It Real