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A certain little boy experiences bouts of separation anxiety.  I won’t mention any names, but when his mother is out of sight, he aimlessly searches for her.  He wanders around to her old haunts, or where he thinks she is, and usually ends up in front of the open door to a darkened bathroom. When he doesn’t see her, he cries.  He stands immobilized by fear, just crying and screaming at …

According to History.com, Ireland didn’t allow their pubs to open on St. Patrick’s day until 1995, when they decided to use the guise of the holiday to promote tourism.  Before that, it was revered as a religious holiday, one in which the people were allowed to consume meat (traditionally Irish bacon and cabbage) despite the fact that it fell during the Lenten season.  After taking the time to read a little about St. Patrick, I have much more appreciation for this feast day.
He was not Irish, instead he was kidnapped …

Yes, it is time for that post. The “what are you giving up for Lent” post.
Except, I believe it is better for our family to add instead of give up this year.
So, we are adding a family prayer time, and additional family meal times with no distractions.
I am adding more reading (as in, Bible study) and DQ is going to learn her prayers.  She is great at memorization so I believe it is time she learned the Our Father at the very least.
Oh, and Cub knows the …

What better excuses for parties than the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and Valentine’s Day?  They are all coming up within a few weeks.  It is an exciting time of year.
Since the Super Bowl is first, I want to start with talking about tailgating and game day party ideas.  A great party is many things, but a casual football party is all about the food.  I have been to fun football-watching parties where the only decor was a futon, but when you add in a big screen viewing, some great food, …

Technically, today is not a holiday by federal standards, but it is definitely a holiday to millions of fans, who still remember and celebrate Elvis’s birthday.  Any Elvis fan will enjoy making his favorite foods and turning up his music in remembrance and celebration today!
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{We are eagerly awaiting another snow day today, though it probably won’t compare to our blizzard last week.}
I drove home in a blizzard!  Just kidding, Mom, I got home right as it was starting.  The kids enjoyed seeing the first snow flurries, even though it was so windy they could barely tell what they were.  The roads had not gotten icy, and for that I breathed a sigh of relief as I pulled into our driveway.
We made it!
I got out of the car and brought the kids inside and I …

This Holidays in Hand entry is going to be tough for me. I have to pick my favorite holiday song!
I love so many holiday songs. The Christmas Song, Winter Wonderland, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree…I could go on. And that short list doesn’t even mention all of the religious music I love. I think this is my favorite church season, too. The music is so beautiful and has a haunting quality, but at the same time is so expectant and joyful!
Can I pick a favorite?
No. …

DQ got a note from school about the upcoming Christmas program. It got me thinking about my elementary school Christmas programs. I have mostly fond memories of these events. Our daycare center allowed all 4 year olds to perform at a local mall. I still remember the words to “O Christmas Tree,” the carol we sang. In second grade, we did a Christmas Around the World. I have forgotten what country I had to research to present that day, but it sure was fun. …

I almost forgot to post Day 4 of the Holidays in Hand prompt today. Good thing I remembered this evening–I know everyone is just dying to read this holiday series.
That’s ok if you aren’t. My kids will LOVE it (in about twenty years).
Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled programming! The picture needed is a piece of favorite holiday decor. It just so happens I took photos of my new ornaments. Handy, huh. Now, are these my favorite holiday decor item, or was I just …

Day 3 prompt:  What does the word joy mean to you? Does it play a part at the holidays?
As usual, I’ll start with the picture: Take a photo that represents the idea of “joy.”

Joy. It is a word we hear often this time of year. Do I even know what it means? Happiness? Elation?
Let me look it up. Here is dictionary.com‘s take on the word joy:
joy??[joi]
–noun
1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation: She felt the …