Hey Guys, Frankie here. Adam from Equipping Catholic Families has written back to answer my question about Mass survival tips! Head over there to check it out, then check back here next week for my post about what our family does.This post is third in a series on...

Why We Wii
I have to preface this by saying I don't "get" video games. I don't play them myself. Not since my dad and I conquered Myst anyway. If I'm going to sit down and stare at a screen for two hours I at least want to have a blog post to show for it. I have...
DIY Worth It? At Home Haircut
Okay, the DIY haircut! Financially it's a no-brainer. A set of hair clippers, like the Wahl Haircutting System that I use at home, costs about $35. I have four boys, aged 1-10, and a husband. Let's say they average a haircut every two months, from age 1...
Notable and Quotable
Hey All, For today, you get a roundup of how things sounded around my house this week and the important lessons we learned. 1. I am not an acceptable substitute for Julie Andrews.Anita (3) in the car: "Mom, could you not sing? I'm trying to hear Mary...
The Myth of Me-Time
Thanks to Diana for sending in A READER QUESTION! It still counts if I know her in real life right? What things usually look like from where I'm sitting. So, the question is: How do I take care of myself in general, and specifically during the homeschool year? The...
My Favorite Parenting Books
It feels so easy now. The kids can still surprise me, and each one is different of course. One, in particular, is especially noisy. But mostly, I feel like I know what's coming, and how to handle it when it does. It's easy for me to forget now how overwhelming it...
Homeschool Holiday
Our "School Table" up until yesterday And mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again . . . Well, it's happened, school has started again. But, as a homeschool mom, I have to say that my perspective on school vacations may be a bit different than the folks...
How Butter Proves the Existence of God
The existence of God is proved by the existence of butter, and not (just) because it's so tasty. I was raised in the suburbs, with very little concept of where food came from. Although I remember earning my "I milked a cow at the Del Mar...
DIY Worth It? Pesto Sauce
If you've seen this post, then you know I've got a lot of kids. If you also have kids, or if you know someone who has kids, then you will know that kids like to eat. EVERY DAY. My mom was more of a defroster and/or microwaver (hi Mom,...
What Went Wrong With The Hobbit Movie, and How to Discuss it with Smart Kids
An illustration for the book by Greg Hildebrandt and Tim Hildebrandt A still from the movie. So far, so good. The Hobbit movie has gotten plenty of press for its shortcomings (and its long-drawn-out-ed-ness). Well, the husband and I saw it over the...
A Universal Experience
Thanks to everyone for your support and lovely comments. I guess just about everyone has had an encounter with my Church Lady. You guys have reported sightings at libraries, department stores, YMCAs, and even your own churches. She's a busy gal. Now...