Advent – Page 4

Teaching Children Contentment

Here’s a snippet from an Advent-themed column that originally appeared at Faith & Family LIVE! and more recently was published over at Catholic News Agency’s Catholic Womanhood page. “I have a special treat for you,” I said, showing Madeline a bobbing helium balloon. “Oh! Thank you!” She smiled and took the balloon, but then myRead the whole post >>

Shell Angels and Poinsettia Princesses (And Cookies and Felt Bracelets, Too!)

Okay, so I’m really taking readers’ advice to heart and just covering the gamut of things – from eating disorder recovery to the futile search for a baby doll with special private parts (don’t ask). Today I’ve decided to share a triumphant moment for me in craft land! I love the idea of crafts, butRead the whole post >>

New Column: Peace Be With Me

An excerpt my latest Inside Catholic column: “I’ll never stop trying to find the quiet — especially during Advent, when we’re supposed to see past the holiday hoopla, the mass commercialism, the sing-song-y, overly synthesized Simply-Having-a-Wonderful-Christmastime kind of vapid lyrics, the chronic case of the “gimmes” that begins to plague children before the Thanksgiving leftoversRead the whole post >>

Birds & the Bees Meet Catechism

Throughout the season of Advent the girls have been working hard to make Baby Jesus’ bed soft and comfy come Christmas Day. Each time they show generosity, do a chore with a joyful heart, or refrain from smacking their sister in frustration and decide to share whatever toy is in demand at the present momentRead the whole post >>

Advent Traditions: Preparing Our Hearts and Our Homes

‘Tis almost the season for caroling, feasting, traveling, and of course, preparing our hearts and homes for Christ. (Advent begins in less than one week! Yes, I’m late in posting this, but we’ve had colds and plumbing disasters, and I was trying to get tons of Christmas stuff done ahead of time so Advent wouldRead the whole post >>