A Swank New Book

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, November 03, 2011

I’m excited to announced (drumroll please) a forthcoming book, featuring several of the Faith and Family Live! writers.

The book is compiled and edited by Hallie Lord of Betty Beguiles fame. Here’s what she has to say about its contents:

In Style, Sex, and Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things that Really Matter, ten of the top Catholic female writers come together to offer tips, encouragement,... READ MORE

Parenting Pulls and Pitfalls

Features | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, November 02, 2011

One recent beautiful Fall afternoon, Paul and I loaded up the children and headed out to a Colonial-times festival at a local park. The event is a glimpse at life in that era and features demonstrations, re-enactors and lots of cool stuff for sale.

My boys, for as much as they seem to hate shopping, really rise to the occasion at these kinds of outings. The child who cannot stand to be within a three-mile... READ MORE

Small Favors

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, November 02, 2011

A good friend of mine told me she was getting a new vacuum today. I tried to suppress my interest because I have strong opinions about vacuum cleaners. I’m crazy that way.

“What kind are you getting,” I casually asked.

“A Miele?” she answered. She said her sister had recommended it.

I was embarrassed by how excited I was for my friend. It was all I could do not to ask her a million questions about... READ MORE

C'Mon Get Happy

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Do you ever have times where you’re walking around and realize you’re just in a funk?

I do, and I usually make it worse by fixating on the fact that I’m in a funk. “I’m feeling blue,” I will say to myself, “I wonder why I’m blue?”

Instead of thinking so much about it, maybe a better plan is to try getting out of the funk. It’s not that we shouldn’t try to figure out what’s bothering us—sometimes that’s... READ MORE

Escape Artist

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, October 26, 2011

I thought Arwen might want to watch this one…

Down Awareness Month

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, October 25, 2011

October is Down Awareness Month and I wanted to post about it mostly to give you the opportunity to see one of the sweetest videos I’ve come across in a while.

I met Amy when my family was out in Utah this summer and started reading her blog after that. Her son Frankie has Down syndrome and when I saw this video I knew you would love it. I think it represents clearly all the love and joy and beauty... READ MORE

Get Down the Pounds

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Friday, October 21, 2011

I came across an interesting article about a man who was in fantastic shape who decided to gain a bunch of weight and then after six months, work to get fit again.

I kept thinking how this story seemed vaguely familiar. And then I remembered why. I’ve done this. Six times.

Of course I appreciate this man’s motives. He wants to show people that you can lose the weight and get in shape. It just made... READ MORE

Handling the Holidays

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, October 18, 2011

I’m working on an article for our magazine and have a question for you:

What one thing have you learned to help make the holiday season peaceful and sane?

In terms of dealing with relatives and the stress of all there is to do for loved ones, what simple method of “letting go and letting God” helps you get through this busy and joyful season feeling sane and happy?

Please leave your answer in the... READ MORE

In This Moment

Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Monday, October 17, 2011

This essay in the New York Times took my breath away. It is heartbreaking and lovely and inspiring. It reminds me about what’s important—this moment—in the midst of all we strive for in our roles as parents.

Our parenting plans, our lists, the advice I read before Ronan’s birth make little sense now.  No matter what we do for Ronan — choose organic or non-organic food; cloth diapers or disposable;... READ MORE

You Gotta Have Friends

Features | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Just me on Sunday, October 16, 2011

My friend called the other day to invite me to hit the road with her. It wasn’t a play-date invitation so much as a call-to-arms, a survival outing in search of sanity. She was facing a long morning with two active toddlers and the last thing she wanted was to wander around picking up mess after mess for the next four hours.

The timing wasn’t perfect — I had just gotten back from an errand. I had... READ MORE

Page 1 of 62 pages  1 2 3 >  Last Page »