Adventures of a Catholic homeschooling family in Alaska.
As Christians, we are called to serve. One thing my boys have learned over the past few years is that serving can be fun and fulfilling while helping others. Rather than hearing the “I’m bored” cry this summer, why not plan a summer of service for the family? Thanks to Adventures in Odyssey (Day by [Read On]
I have often loved to listen to the elders in my life to glean some of their pearls of wisdom. Sadly, so many seem to be neglecting or discounting this wonderful wealth of knowledge from lives lived well. Thankfully, I have a little book on the shelf now titled Papa’s Pearls by Diane Flynn Keith [Read On]
A few years ago, I was blessed to ‘meet’ through the Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew, Mrs. White. I have always appreciated her spirit and call to be the best wife and mother she can to God’s Glory. When she began the Christian Home Magazine blog ezine, I was happy to jump on board and then [Read On]
Maybe I’m unique with challenges of parenting my boys in our world. However, I think that’s not the case. Otherwise, there’d be little market for books on parenting lining the shelves of the bookstores and libraries. Knowing I can always use some gems of wisdom to help be become a better parent with [Read On]
Many thanks to LitFuse for allowing me the opportunity to review the new book, Lead Your Family Like Jesus which is co-authored by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges, and Tricia Goyer. When it comes to Christian parenting, where can you turn for guidance on how to raise your children? Do you look towards the “parenting [Read On]
As much as some staunch Christians might want to deny it, the topic of sex is a biggie for most people. While they might not question that God gave us a drive to reproduce, what some stumble upon is integrating this primal desire with their Christian faith. Thankfully, there are some great authors who can [Read On]
As we can not always take the time to watch when it is being broadcast, our family has been recording the new series, The Bible on History Channel , on our cable’s DVR. We are watching a past week’s episode tonight, but are eager to see the upcoming ones, too. While the episodes can not fully cover [Read On]
I enjoy listening to music that inspires me or just helps point my eyes towards God. Loved by JJ Heller is a new release on CD that does help me reflect more upon our Heavenly Father while providing a soothing backdrop of music. About Loved by JJ Heller When JJ Heller and her husband/co-writer, Dave, [Read On]
The gang at Veggie Tales is back at it with a new DVD released this week titled The Little House That Stood. My boys were thrilled to have it arrive last week in our house to review and it’s definitely one we’ll be watching multiple times. About The Little House That Stood When the [Read On]
Do you ever struggle in your faith as fear gets in the way? Does fear ever get a real stronghold in your life so that enjoying life seems impossible? If so, then keep on reading about Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate a book that addresses our propensity for fear. About Fear, Faith, [Read On]
I love the stage of life when a child is so curious to learn about God and eagerly listens to Bible stories and enjoys learning some basic prayers. While I have been teaching J several of the ‘standards’ of our faith (e.g. the Our Father), I also want him to learn that you can go [Read On]
Week 4 of Lent 2013 is here and the Holy Week will be here before we know it. Mass this morning was yet again on the crowded side with the parking lot almost overflowing, but we were able to still get a decent seat in the section I prefer for sitting. Hubby was traveling [Read On]
Sunday is here and we’re starting the second week of the 40 Days of Seeking Him in Lent meme has arrived. I hope that everyone is finding their footing with any sacrifices or additions of activities to help you grow closer to Christ this season. I’m enjoying reading the posts submitted and was kept so [Read On]
Every so often, I sign up for a blog tour and have the book arrive *after* the scheduled tour date. You’ll find my review at the end of the standard FIRST Wild Card Tour materials. It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog [Read On]
I can hardly believe that as I type this post Lent is about to start. And, my fragile human nature knows it as my stomach has been growling all night in anticipation of fasting for Ash Wednesday! Even though Lent seems to have snuck up on me, I am thrilled to begin this Lenten journey [Read On]
The second reading at Mass this weekend is 1 Cor 12:31-13:13. Part of this reading is a standard selection for weddings as Paul talks about love. Of course, when taken as part of the whole Scripture you can see how he is referring to the body of Christ rather that just marital love. It seemed [Read On]
Last October, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Apologia’s Real Refreshment Retreat in Alaska. Unlike the ones held in Baltimore and Atlanta in the spring, this one had just a few of the Apologia speakers in attendance. While the size might have been scaled down, the impact of the sessions was not. While I [Read On]
After reading a few titles for review, I really enjoyed taking a ‘break’ to watch a family friendly film with my boys. Abel’s Field looked interesting from the description. Seeing the line up of previews on the disc (e.g. Facing the Giants and Courageous), I suspected I’d really enjoy this film as I enjoyed all [Read On]
Back when we were expecting our first son, I recall hearing about the diagnosis of Hunter Kelly on the news. We lived in the suburbs of Rochester, New York where the Buffalo Bills were news and this real life drama was definitely ‘news worthy’ for the media. Being told your son has a disease with [Read On]
I can hardly believe that the Advent season starts today! November flew by quickly and I suspect that December will be over quicker than I would like to to be. Today is the first day of Advent which means that Trish (A House Upon the Rock) and I are kicking off the first week of [Read On]
Several months ago, I shared our thoughts about the movie, Courageous. It is one that I’d love to watch again and still feel that there is so much IN the film to be discussed and digested. While the primary ‘target’ of the message might be adult males, much of the message is applicable to any [Read On]
After a string of books for teens and adults, I am so happy to share one perfect for the younger kids. About The Christian Alphabet In 1999, the Lord inspired me at a church choir event. As I sat in the back pew, listening to the awesome Christian music, an incredible urge to draw came [Read On]
This past summer, I was incredibly blessed to meet Jesse Manibusan at the Alaska Catholic Youth Conference in Anchorage. He gave a few talks for the teens which I attended as well as a concert. I also had the privilege of chatting with him for a bit between his sessions. I loved the few songs [Read On]
For years, I have loved to read mysteries. I especially love mysteries set in England. This particular title fits that bill and was well received by me. About The Hunter Hare The hamlet of Pennant Melangell consists of a church and a few cottages and lies in a mountainous part of North Wales that is [Read On]
I love having the chance to study Scripture a bit more. Having an author compile not only a group of verses to delve deeper into, but also take stories from the Bible and expand them with their own insight into how life may have been for them, is a blessing for me. [Read On]
Today I have a film that can best be described as a documentary. Not knowing how the boys would receive this particular show, I elected to watch it on my own. However, they have a way of coming in and out of the room to see what I am doing which had the boys seeing [Read On]
Almost 4 years ago, I was early in my pregnancy with J and had the fantastic opportunity to attend Apologia Live! in Baltimore. This was the first time they held a weekend conference aimed towards the homeschool mother with the primary purpose being to provide a way to ‘recharge our batteries’ and not focus on [Read On]
Do you suffer from ‘supermom’ syndrome? I know that I feel that way sometimes with pressure (often in my OWN head) to be the ‘perfect’ mother. Check out this new book (with my thoughts at the end.) It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to [Read On]
When the opportunity to join the blog tour for Women in High Def came into my inbox, I wasn’t entirely sure what I’d find. I have to admit that I’m loving this title more than I thought I might. Once you have read the short introduction by Diane Markins, you are able to treat the [Read On]
For anyone that knows me well, they know that I have an extreme love of music. I love music in almost any form, but am especially enamored with wonderful pieces that can be used in liturgy. Having the opportunity to review Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers from Christian Liberty Press was a [Read On]
