Home-schoolers Want to Play

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, February 09, 2012

Home-schoolers in Virginia wanting to play on public high school sports teams are getting closer to their goal—the Virginia House of Delegates passed the “Tim Tebow” law, as it’s being called, and the vote will now go before the Senate.

Our friend and colleague Elizabeth Foss was front and center in the debate—that’s her son pictured (this picture also ran front page at the New York Times coverage... READ MORE

Cookie Monsters

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Ahh, the mysterious cookie jar. That beautiful, magical creature that decorates our kitchen and fills our tummies with glee.

Or not.

I’ve been pondering cookie jars lately—ever since I found this amazing jar (five points if you can name what it is, fellow nerds!). And I’ve decided this: cookie jars are one of those things people either “do” or they just don’t think about. My sister-in-law, for example,... READ MORE

Boys and Bathrooms

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Mothering boys makes you an expert on all kinds of things, stuff you never imagined you would know or learn or even care to master. Random information including chief protagonists in all the Star Wars films, best way to make a Pinewood Derby car and the dollar menu at every fast food joint in town.

Some of this information is actually pretty useful and today I’m going to share how to keep your bathroom... READ MORE

Asperger Awareness

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, February 02, 2012

There’a an interesting article in the New York Times today written by a man who was (briefly) diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in his late teens. Benjamin Nugent, author of American Nerd: The Story of My People, writes that when he was 17, he was judged to “fit the bill” of Asperger’s based on the diagnostic criteria.

And then, he grew up and moved to the big city and suddenly all of his issues sort... READ MORE

On Fire for Jesus

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, February 01, 2012

I might not be called to minister to orphans in Uganda, but this video has me motivated to live out my own vocation to the fullest. Who can I be Jesus to today?

Have a Happy Marriage

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and that’s got me thinking about love. Love is in the air! Chocolates, roses, red wine and crab dip. (That last one might be specific to us?).

But what really keeps the love alive? Flowers and candy are all well and good but a happy marriage they do not make. Yes, they add an extra spark, but no amount of ornamentals can make up for a good foundation—and if... READ MORE

Virtual Cookie Swap

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Friday, January 27, 2012

Welcome to my cookie swap! Thanks for coming! Do you have a favorite (easy!) cookie recipe to share? Leave it here for others to enjoy!

Here’s my offering, our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe featuring Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chunks. Very, very good.

The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie
10 ounce(s) 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips
2 1/4 cup(s) unsifted flour
1 teaspoon(s) baking... READ MORE

Stuff Parents Say

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, January 26, 2012

A few years ago, when my babies suddenly got a little older, I found myself having to answer that age-old question: why?

“Why can’t we watch this?”

“Why can’t I go there?”

“Why can’t I stay up past nine o’clock?”

These and a million other inquiries started making the room spin and I felt I was always working on a small thesis to explain to my children the reasoning for our decisions. I’d launch into... READ MORE

Conversion of Paul

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the day when God knocked Saul off his horse, took away his sight and miraculously created a new man on fire to serve the Lord.

This is a painting by Caravaggio, Conversion on the Way to Damascus; a few years ago a good friend gave us a print of this for our home. I love how the artist keeps the focus on Paul, there on the ground arms extended... READ MORE

Sweet Victory

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, January 11, 2012

I appreciated Rebecca’s post about finding the bliss of the Christmas season. It always amazes me how I can so clearly remember the meltdowns and epic failures, but sometimes forget to note those moments of perfection, however brief they may be.

But her post did just that for me—it reminded me of one of the highlights of our Christmas celebration. It was actually during Advent, the feast of Our Lady... READ MORE

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