Disclosure: A few of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click through and place an order. It's an email I get at least once a week - people in search of the "just right" gift for the "just right" kid for a multitude of sacraments. Since we've celebrated six baptisms, five (almost!) first communions and one confirmation, we've seen and been recipients of some of the ...

It's no secret I love Jesus. I've never wanted that love of Christ to make people run for the hills. I always strive to meet people where they are, and sometimes they just aren't even in the pew. And that's okay. I grew up Protestant and I am deeply grateful to my parents for such a rich, varied and loving environment. We may have changed churches, a lot, but I can honestly say there isn't a church around where I ...

March 27 is a good, good day. It's the day two of the most important men in my life celebrate life. My dad is 71 today and my oldest is 17. At 6 and 60 and 28 and 82 they share a reversed birthday. How fun is that? Seventeen years ago seems like such a short-long time ago. Does that even make sense? It's birthday letter today, so let's get to it. ----- Dear Will, Seventeen years ago I didn't ...

There aren't many benefits to getting the flu, but I did find one. Time. Time on the couch, snuggled beneath two blankets, with a hot cup of tea and Grand Hotel on Netflix. Time to think. Time to rest. I don't get much uninterrupted time these days with six kids, 3-16. But this week, God gave me some extra hours to ponder and pray. And, if I'm being 100% honest, to scroll through Instagram. And, truly, that's why I am ...

If you've been around these parts for a while, you know that my heart sure does love Catholic schools. It's worth noting that both Scott and I are the products of public education and I'm the daughter of a public school teacher. No one school is perfect for every kid, or every family. I can surely attest, though, to the blessing Catholic schools have been in our family's life. Below, I've rounded up my favorite posts. Later this week I ...

John Paul is fourteen. Repeat 5 times. Don't hyperventilate. These are the things I whisper to myself these days. All you mamas of littles, it happens faster than you think. I always love that I get to kick off a new year with a birthday letter to John Paul. Here goes, y'all. Dear John Paul, Since when are you an eighth grader? With Will it seemed like it took so long and with you, BAM, we're here. I must admit, ...