Rachel Balducci is married to Paul and they are the parents of five lively boys and one precious baby girl. She is the author of 
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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
Oh Downton Abbey!
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Was anyone else counting down the days to the premiere of Downton Abbey, Season 2 this past Sunday? What is it that makes this show so irresistible?
Last year, we stumbled across the weekly drama on PBS one evening, and I was hooked. I had been seeing little comments here and there about the show, but never paid much attention. Then I watched five minutes and I am now a devoted fan. Oh Lord Grantham,... READ MORE
Topography of Faith
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Here are the results of a Pew survey sorting religions in each state. It’s interesting to see the major denominational groups across the country—roll over each state to see the breakdown. Does your state look the way you expected it to? Mine did!
Saying Thank You
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, January 03, 2012
I saw this commercial today and I was inspired.
My dad, whose own father was in the military, never misses an opportunity to thank anyone he sees in uniform. I am oftentimes not so brave. But after watching this commercial, I decided I don’t want to miss the chance anymore.
Today I was out having lunch with my kids and when an Army soldier walked past us, I quickly (before I could chicken out!) told... READ MORE
Wonderful Christmastime
Features | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Sunday, January 01, 2012
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... READ MORE
When Hope Seems Lost
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, December 22, 2011
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Larry. He was a good boy, raised in a good family. But somewhere, somehow, Larry lost his way.
He wandered in the desert for many years, seeking solace in drugs and alcohol. In the midst of this, his parents prayed. They prayed and their friends prayed and they continued to hope for their son, even as he seemed to slip further and further away.
This boy, Larry,... READ MORE
Christmas Breakfast
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
I’m working on my shopping list for Christmas Day eats and wondering what everyone else likes to eat Christmas morning.
This year, I’m doing a make-ahead strata to pop in the oven before we start opening gifts, along with some bread and cinnamon rolls and fruit (for “balance”).
What works best for your family? If you have any delicious, easy breakfast recipes to share, please do!
... READ MOREPerfect Christmas Book
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Here’s something to add to your last minute shopping list—or tuck this away for next year: A Christmas Manger, featuring the illustrations of H.A. Rey and the sacred words of Matthew and Luke.
The book, originally published in 1942, features pop-out figures to complete an Advent scene—along with a handy pocket to store them all for next year.
Many thanks to Charlotte at Waltzing Matilda for this great... READ MORE
Whom Do We Seek?
Features | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Faith on Sunday, December 18, 2011
I lost Henry the other day.
We were on our way home from grocery shopping and I remembered that I needed to pick up something at a clothing shop for my son’s birthday. We popped in, I didn’t even load the baby in a stroller, so we could grab the item and get.
About five minutes into our trip a friend walked by, and in the thirty seconds it took me to say hello and hope to see you soon, Henry disappeared.... READ MORE
The Christmas Story
Faith and Family Live! | Posted by Rachel Balducci in Family on Thursday, December 15, 2011
This is really sweet.
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