Hello blog, it’s been a while. My husband went away on a business trip and then cycling across the gorgeous Canadian Rockies. It was definitely a bucket list item for him, so I’m super happy that he got to do it. In his absence, however, I went into survival mode; my greatest ambition was to keep the kids alive and take the occasional shower. But now my knight in shining armor is back and all is well.
Anyway, happy warm weather season! While it’s been the coldest, rainiest spring in years, it hasn’t kept us from venturing out on family bike rides and stone-skipping adventures. That is, when we’re not working on our wayward garden, aka our character-building activity.
Here are some of my favorite things this past month:
The Arthur Brooks Show
This podcast is all about how to get along with those who don’t agree with our views. You have only to live on this earth a short time to know that”loving our enemies” is easier said than done. Check out Mr. Brooks’ series on what it means to love.
Are you homeschooling next year?
It’s homeschooling planning time, and my good friend Mary over at Mercy for Marthas has kindly shared her 2018-2019 curricula with the world. I highly recommend everything and anything she does. I know that if we tackle 50% of her suggested material, my children will have received a good education.
What to do this summer?
It’s also summertime; it’s time to close the books, relax, and learn the “fun” stuff. In our family, the kids enjoy day camps, camping trips with Dad (because Mommy doesn’t), biking, reading, road trips and yes, video games. I also have lofty ambitions to get the kids to practice piano, do math drills, and work on their abysmal handwriting. Why do I always forget that the secret to happiness is low expectations? If you are wondering what to do during summertime, here are some suggestions from the experienced and wise Auntie Leila.
Dating advice for Catholics (but equally useful for all singles of goodwill)
Yes, this short clip is aimed at Catholics, but I found the advice highly relatable to all. I have so many thoughts about how to date properly, which I hope to put into words one of these days. In the meanwhile, this video is most excellent:
Holy Hacks: Everyday Ways to Live your Faith and Get to Heaven
We love to hack our mornings, our workouts, even our schooling. Well, now we can hack our way to heaven! I got this book at my last spiritual retreat because I was tickled pink by its title, and it did not disappoint. Written by Patti Maguire Armstrong, a mother of 10, this book is a super easy read yet profound in its simplicity. If you find yourself with little time but a big desire to become a better person, then this book is for you. While it’s aimed at Catholics and contains the wisdom of many saints, I believe that anyone can benefit from it. Some “holy hacks” include: picking up someone else’s garbage, stop complaining, skip the ketchup, make amends with someone from your past, and pause when feeling angry. If we all practice a few of these, the world will be a better place.
For my fellow book lovers, some links for your enjoyment
24 Great books for boys in middle school
Book recommendations from a librarian
Why books are better when you talk about them
Happy summer, everyone!
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I think camping is a legit holy-hack 😉
Hahaha…that’s more like taking the long way to heaven. 🙂
Thanks for the links to that homeschooling blog. It looks really good.
You’re welcome, Craig!