Fight or Flight
by Kelly Dolin in Family on Saturday, January 21, 2012 3:57 PM
Adrenaline assists the human body in mounting a response in times of trouble. Fight or flight—that’s what we’re supposed to do when facing peril. But what if instead your innate response is pure paralysis?
I’m about twelve years old. I’m window shopping at the mall. I exit one store and stroll into the mall area to wander through a car show. A man walks up and starts reading a display out loud. He makes some kind of small talk—I can’t remember what he said exactly.
I move on. And so does he. He... READ MORE
Thriving!
by Arwen Mosher in Family on Sunday, January 15, 2012 9:13 PM
I’ll admit it: when I read the title and opening paragraphs of Jen Fulwiler’s recent post at the National Catholic Register blog, I stifled a sigh. The piece is called “Moms of Young Children: The Time to Thrive Is Now” and I was afraid I was about to read another screed about how mothers could be fit, organized, and put-together (with harmonious marriages and deep spiritual lives) if only we would self-motivate, prioritize, and Make Time for Us.
I’m a mom of young children. I exhaust myself daily... READ MORE
In Praise of Unknown Engineers
by Jake Frost in Family on Monday, January 09, 2012 10:52 PM
Who can name the geniuses who have wrought our modern world? The scientists and engineers whose imagination, sweat and determination created the artifacts of material culture we use and rely upon each day?
I’m not talking Thomas Edison, Henry Ford or the Wright brothers. Everyone already knows about light-bulbs and cars and airplanes. But how about the inventor of the zip-lock bag? The lowly but lovely Swifter? Those hardy and child resilient Corelle plates?
Maybe they aren’t as exciting... READ MORE
Wonderful Christmastime
by Rachel Balducci in Family on Sunday, January 01, 2012 6:26 PM
We got the prettiest Christmas tree this year. As part of our annual family ritual, we loaded up the kids and headed out to the country to our favorite tree farm, just like we’ve done every year since Paul and I were first married.
Our very first Christmas, Paul tagged along with friends. I was working my weekend shift as the obituary writer at the paper, so the two of us grabbed a tree in town and he went along that Sunday for the ride.
The next year, and nearly every year since then, we have gone... READ MORE
Making (Imperfect) Memories
by Colleen Duggan in Family on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 4:57 PM
For the last couple weeks, I have planned various Christmas projects so the kids and I can work together in a constructive, memory-making kind of way. I admit to grandiose visions of homemade goodness prepared in an atmosphere of familial calm, peace, and love but the reality is more reflective of preschool playhouse bar room fights (if there were such a thing).
Take yesterday, for example.
As soon as I had organized the three older children in their cooking aprons, Patrick started shouting at... READ MORE
Too Pretty To Do Homework?
by Kelly Dolin in Family on Sunday, December 11, 2011 1:35 PM
The Washington Post reports that JC Penney has been taken to task for marketing a t-shirt that reads, “I’m too pretty to do homework so my brother has to do it for me.”
To make matters worse, the description of the shirt on the JC Penney website reads, “Who has time for homework when there’s a new Justin Bieber album out? She’ll love this tee that’s just as cute and sassy as she is.”
My daughter is cute and sassy. We’re not going out of our way to encourage the sassy part. It’s coming along quite... READ MORE
Mass Distractions
by Rachel Balducci in Family on Sunday, November 27, 2011 10:17 PM
I’m not a big fan of Mass right now.
How can she say that, I hear you gasping. What is she thinking?
What I’m thinking, after a late evening, is how much I love Jesus and am grateful for the gift of the Eucharist. I love our Catholic faith and I love being Catholic. I love the universal church and I love you all! Life is good.
But in the midst of all that wonderful love I’m also thinking about a certain four-year-old boy who is also a gift from Jesus but who makes Mass feel like the longest hour... READ MORE
From Attitude to Gratitude
by Karen Edmisten in Family on Sunday, November 20, 2011 1:12 PM
“Why do I have to wear braces?” my daughter complained. “I’m so tired of them.”
“Well, y’know, you don’t have to,” I snapped. My teen battened her emotional hatches for the coming storm of lecture.
“You should be happy that you get to wear them. You have parents who love you, care about your teeth, and your health, and work hard to provide for you. If we lived in different circumstances, with no access to a dentist, you might be asking me why you have horrible toothaches and have to get all your... READ MORE
What To Say?
by Susie Lloyd in Family on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 7:08 PM
I think I’ll go out today and tell all the dog walkers I meet exactly why I think they’re nuts.
What do you think of this lead in:
“I had three dogs myself so I KNOW what it’s like. I don’t miss it. I am NEVER having another one.”
What? Why are you giving me that look? Oh, you have a dog? Well, I can be conciliatory.
“Once in a while, I think it would be nice to have another one. The kids want one. But then I see somebody walk by swinging that little bag of poo and I come to my senses. Sorry kids.... READ MORE
Return of the Siblings
by Daria Sockey in Family on Sunday, November 13, 2011 6:33 PM
“I can’t wait! Only four more days till Thanksgiving!”
This from a picky eater with little use for sweet potatoes, stuffing, or cranberries. I looked up from my grocery list to ask my 10-year-old what was the big deal.
“Duh, Mom! The big kids are coming home!”
She shook her head at my density, then skipped away, as visions of her two 20-something sisters and one college-age brother danced in her head.
My two resident teenagers were in pretty high spirits over the imminent arrival, as well. I paused... READ MORE
