Pope Francis

Throughout our lives, there are many seasons:  birth, growth, sickness, sorrow, sin, repentance, redemption, vocation, love, tragedy, death, and, hopefully, eternal glory.   Our faith and our Church help us walk through these experiences through the practice of the seasons of the Liturgical Year and the mysteries of the Rosary.  When we walk each year through the seasons of Christ’s life or each week through the seasons of Mary’s motherhood, we are spiritually equipped for the journey of our lives as Christians.

And so, each Lent we practice repentance and sacrifice.  We remember the temptations and sufferings of our Lord, His mother and His followers especially during Holy Week.  Each Lent I feel the somberness, the seriousness, the immensity of the celebration to come, the horror of what my perfectly worthy Lord did for an unworthy me.  But I didn’t really do that this year.

Shroud of Turin

Don’t get me wrong, I practiced my Lenten devotions and sacrifices, but this was the most exciting, joyful Lent of my life, filled with anticipation and surprises.  As Lent began, the Church militant was abuzz learning about the history and procedures of papal abdication and we all began to pray for our Church and the Pope of our future.  The anticipation of what the Holy Spirit would bring us next felt more like Advent than Lent.  And then, before Lent was over, we had our gift, a new Holy Father who was and continues to be the first of many things.  While his humility and simplicity is surely appropriate to the Lenten season, getting to know him feels more like Christmas.  Before Pope Benedict left His public ministry, he authorized the television broadcast of the Shroud of Turin for Holy Saturday, another Lenten gift.

Strangely, my personal life followed the trend, with exciting changes at home and at work.  Special events postponed due to Superstorm Sandy suddenly filled our calendar and my son reveled in the lightness of experiencing his First Confession.  Our first Kickstarter project for Making Music Praying Twice made its goal early and we are trying to reach a new goal, funding even more of our new curriculum.

So, I can’t help but feel like Christmas and Lent got a little confused this year, but I’m not complaining.  God bless you all and merry…uh…Lent.

image credit

image credit

Copyright 2013 Kate Daneluk

Once upon a time, the arts were dominated by religious works.  Now, the arts are often perverse, sometimes with little artistic value beyond the blatant attempt to shock with yet more perversion.  Seen as trite and unoriginal, art that glorifies God and promotes the Catholic Church struggles for funding.  From personal experience, I can tell you that running a Catholic company naturally excludes you from many small business loan and support programs, funding sources, investor opportunities, and mainstream media attention.  Large corporations and studios seem to call all the shots as far as what is produced and marketed.

The information age and digital revolution have opened the door for smaller, independent artists who can now make professional films, music, books, videogames and other media on a small scale with smaller quality equipment.  Crowdsourcing allows lots of fans to make small investments in their favorite artists in exchange for good prices and advanced copies of products so artists can fund their projects without a large investor bank-rolling the process.  It has opened up the popular arts for the everyman both as artists and backers.  The two most popular are Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

At Making Music Praying Twice, we are launching a Kickstarter campaign to help fund our much-needed new, revised, bigger and better music education curriculum.  As I developed our Kickstarter, I checked “Catholic” in the search engine and there were a handful of projects and some of them got the modest funding they needed.  They were cool projects:  an alternative music album, a new pro-Catholic sitcom for Catholic TV, Catholic themed T-Shirts, a soundtrack from a musical about the life of St. Bernadette.  Wow.  How I wish I had a chance to help back these projects.  The window for investing in these projects is limited to a month or two, so it something you have to act on and some of the rewards will only be available for the life of the campaign.

To my delight, I found that Grammy-nominated Catholic songwriter and recording artist, Sarah Hart has a current project on Indiegogo:  a new album about faithfully walking through the grieving process, Above Earth’s Lamentation.  The CatholicMom project to provide spiritual support for pregnancy centers uses this same venue.  You can help the pregnancy centers and receive perks like books and coupons of your own.  More of us need to know about these projects.  Way more of these projects should be out there.

Crowdsourcing is revolutionizing the independent artists of our culture.  Why not the same for the Catholic arts?  This is a huge opportunity for us as a people and is largely untapped.  It is almost disturbing how few Catholic projects use it.  A good project is something you want to help, want to be a part of and it offers rewards which give you a valuable return on your investment.  These projects rely on word-of-mouth and social media so it’s important to help spread the word.

There is a resurgence of Catholic media and entertainment in our country and it will only succeed in its purpose if we all work together to move it into the mainstream.  I’m not saying you should back or support or buy things just because they are “Catholic”.  But if you find someone trying to do high-quality work that glorifies the Lord and supports His Church, get involved.  If you are capable of creating professional books or media, consider crowdsourcing as a way to make it a reality.  We are making ammunition!  It is a culture war!  This Lent commit to helping promote Catholicism in our culture.  The free market is a democracy and you vote with your dollars.  But we must take up arms and do more.  Spread the word.  Send a tweet or post it on Facebook or Pinterest.  Email your groups and loops.  Support the troops.

Copyright 2013 Kate Daneluk 

Easy and Special: Holiday Brownies

Holiday season is in full swing.  Left and right you are faced with friends’ and neighbors’ special, labor-intensive, holiday specialties.  Your grandmother’s Christmas farfugnugelkugel plays in your memory, but this year, you are lucky to get everyone in matching socks for Christmas Mass.  Diapers, ballet classes, pregnancy, college admissions, homeschooling, name your issue:  This year, you just can’t find the time to make home-made sugar plums and you dread showing up to a family party or New Year’s open house with a plate of marshmallow treats or store-bought cupcakes.

After years of bringing home-made bread, candy, and fresh fruit tarts to the party, I have solved my new time-crunch issues by keeping some high-quality staples on hand along with my favorite Brownie Mix (I buy a mega-box of Ghiradelli Brownie Mix at the club store.)  Brownies from a mix are easy.  Stir, pour, bake and it’s done in one batch.  But, I don’t want to look like I phoned it in, so here are the quick tricks to make a box of brownie mix into a special holiday dessert:

For all recipes:  Stir and bake according to package directions.

Coconut Brownies

(my favorite)

1 package of mix
1/3 C coconut oil
1/3 C water
1 egg
½ C organic unsweetened coconut

Looks fancier if you toast some extra coconut and sprinkle the top before you bake. 

Peanut Butter Brownies

1 package of mix
½ C chunky peanut butter
1/3 C water
1 egg

Top with crushed peanuts before baking if desired.

Almond Brownies

1 package of mix
½ C almond butter
1/3 C water
1 egg
1/8 tsp of quality almond extract (too much will make it taste artificial)
½ C toasted sliced almonds

Top it with extra almonds before baking.

Chocolate Orange Brownies

1 package of mix
1/3 C melted butter
Zest and juice (1/3 C) from a navel orange
1 egg

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk

• Buying from small, family-owned businesses?
• Giving gifts that reflect Catholic faith and values?
• Buying online to keep life simpler?

With all this in mind, we’ve compiled an online shopping guide with lots of Catholic businesses that offer great gift ideas!  Browse our virtual mall to find the stores you need and special coupons many have provided just for you!  By no means is this list complete.  Let us know if your online business is missing!

Great Gifts and Stocking Stuffers for Kids

Action Saints

Cool St Michael Action Figure is an awesome stocking stuffer!

Arma Dei – Equipping Catholic Families

Arma Dei, creates solid Catholic, fun teaching tools and gifts to celebrate and teach the Catholic Faith. They find activities and crafts that kids like to do…and convert them to be Catholic!

Catholic Child

Catholic families have been relying on Catholic Child for sound, quality resources since 1996. This family owned business offers teachings and treasures to guide and delight all the young Catholics in your life, from toddlers to young adults.

Free Standard Shipping (no minimum) to Catholic Mom readers through December 15th.
Use Promo Code:  179121

Chesterton Press

Chesterton Press is a place where you can find quality Catholic fiction: fiction that evangelizes the imagination by telling a good story. We carry original and contemporary stories which we find adhere to the highest storytelling standards.  We also have Gype, Fr. Brown murder mysteries for young readers, and more!

Right now, offering free shipping on orders over $100.

Frassencraft

We sell handmade, old-fashioned and saint dolls. We take special orders for any saints, and for color combinations. It usually takes about a week to get your doll to you. Please order by 12/5 for Christmas arrival.

Hair Bows for Life

We are dedicated to offering sweet, hand made hair bows made with the utmost quality, and up-to-date fashions. Hair Bows 4 Life aims to raise awareness and support for the unborn and sanctity of human life by giving back 10% of each sale into the Pro-life community!

Holy Heroes

Holy Heroes provides materials to help bring “the joy of the Faith to families.” Flagship products include Glory Stories (heard on EWTN, Global Catholic Radio, and many local stations), Holy Heroes devotional CDs (such as the Holy Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and Best-Loved Catholic Prayers and Prayers of the Mass), and The Altar Gang.

Free online “adventures” for Advent, Lent, and for summer vacation Bible school– all “led by kids for kids” — are also available on our website, with almost 12,000 families having participated in our most recent “Adventure.” Holy Heroes is a family-owned apostolate loyal to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and not associated with any particular congregation, order, or movement.

Right now, we also offer FREE shipping on orders over $35!!

We also have a 15% discount code we give to everyone who signs up for our Holy Heroes Advent Adventure 2012 which can be used for all orders from now through the 12 days of Christmas!!
Advent Adventure is a fun, FREE way children can learn about the Advent and Christmas season. By signing up, moms get an email every day that contains fun videos with children explaining different parts of the Advent and Christmas season, crossword puzzles, word searches, coloring pages, and much more!! Perfect for all children 3 and up! There’s something for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest!

Illuminated Ink

Illuminated Ink© is a small Catholic company that is dedicated to developing, designing, and producing high-quality Catholic educational materials for children all over the world. Our goal is to instill a sense of beauty and wonder in children, based on the teachings and traditions of our Faith, in a fun and educational manner.  Find crafts and projects to keep everyone busy and happy!

In honor of the Year of Faith, we’ve decided to have some Faith Filled Fun this Advent season, and on Sunday, December 2nd, we will be launching our Grand ADVENTure!

Every day, for 12 straight days, we will post one new clue on our website. Follow the clues and discover a different coupon code each day! We’re not telling what all the codes will be good for, just yet… but suffice to say, they will be worth the effort! Participants may use as many of these codes as they can collect on orders placed on or before December 18th. Complete details for those who wish to join us on our Grand ADVENTure can be found on our website, http://www.illuminatedink.com/.

CatholicMom Readers, here’s a special code for you: “NOAH”. This will be the solution to the clue for Day 4 of our Grand ADVENTure, and will give you 10% off your entire order!

Magnetic Catholic

Magnetic Saints and Catholics for your fridge! Cut out GK Chesterton, St. Therese of Lisieux, or Blessed Pope John Paul II and dress them up in saintly garb and accessories. Great for the younger Catholics and a fun educational tool.

15% off coupon for CatholicMom readers!   Code: catholicmom

Making Music Praying Twice

Children love our fun CDs and musical activities for the family.  Parents love that they grow in musical aptitude and skill, while experiencing their faith in a powerful, memorable way.  Let faith become a part of your child’s daily life on the wings of music.  A wonderful gift for young babies that will grow with them for years.

FREE ADVENT and CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES ON OUR WEBSITE!

Get up to $23 in savings and freebies!

1. Our best-selling Family Edition (1 parent manual, 5 seasonal CDs, 5 Children’s Songbooks) regualry $98.95 for $85.95 with promo code: Gregory
2. Automatically receive a Free Tote Bag (a $5.95 value) with every Family Edition purchase.
3. FREE SHIPPING through December on ALL orders over $50!

Nippert & Co Artworks

Craft projects, books and posters feature Brenda and George Nippert’s delightful artwork.  Fun and easy gifts, stocking stuffers, and Advent ideas for children of all ages.

St. Anne’s Helper

St. Anne’s Helper makes it easy to give gifts of Faith for Christmas. They have the Baltimore Catechism for First Communion and Confirmation on Audio CDs – great for learning and reviewing the Catholic prayers, the Ten Commandments, and the seven sacraments. Get both CDs for adults who are studying to enter the Church.  They have all the prayers and answers usually required to receive the sacraments. Each comes with a printable Text file of the same prayers, questions, and answers.

If you’re buying for yourself, you can save shipping and handling by buying St. Anne’s Helper downloads. The same Audio and printable Text files come with the download and there are also downloadable eCopybooks, eBooklets, and a Catholic eColoring book.

Receive a 25% discount with the coupon code: CatholicMom  (Expires January 15, 2013.)

There are many more free Catholic resources on the St. Anne’s Helper website at http://www.roman-catholic-catechism.com/order.html like Rosary diagrams and videos.

Wee Believers
FAITH CAN BE FUN. Toys from Wee Believers® speak to the most important aspect of children’s lives…their faith. From puzzles to plush, from placemats to role play, each item is carefully designed and crafted, and is filled with heart & soul.

The Young Catholic’s Bookshelf

The Young Catholic’s Bookshelf is a resource for Catholic parents who are hesitant to let their kids visit the often dark and depressing teen and young adult sections of most bookstores. The site features historical adventures, lives of the saints, high fantasy and fairy tales that are nowhere to be found in secular bookstores. Most of the books contain obvious nods to Catholic history, morality and spirituality, and none are hostile to it. We are happy to offer this selection of books in hopes that they may provide an alternative for parents who want their kids to read things that educate, build, and uplift rather than undermine, attack and destroy their Catholic values.

We are offering an additional 20% off everything on the site through December 17. To make use of the discount:

1. Visit The Young Catholic’s Bookshelf website.
2. Place an order prior to December 17, 2012.
3. During the checkout process, under “voucher” enter the code: GLORIA12
4. Complete the checkout process.

Jewelry, Décor, Art, and Apparel

Axis Mundi Shop

Jewelry, specializing in glass pendants, paper dolls, zipper pulls and more for unique and affordable handmade gifts.

Catholic Artwork

Many religious prints, Christmas Cards, note cards and Catholic Gifts for family and friends.

Please use BOGO code at checkout to receive the Buy One, Get One Free Special on all religious prints, note cards, prayer cards and Christmas Cards

Catholic to the Max

Catholic Art makes a beautiful gift!

Graceful Rosaries

Handmade Catholic Rosary beads Bracelets Chaplets and Jewelry.

Offering beautiful, unique designer quality handmade rosary beads including custom orders, jewelry, medals, chaplets, charm bracelets and more!

GraceMary

Jewelry with Catholic and Christian Elegance, Reverence and Tradition

GraceMary Design Studio in Atlanta, GA

On this Day Designs

On This Day Designs is a small, family owned jewelry company. We design and handcraft inspirational jewelry items that reflect the beauty of the Catholic faith, and we feel great joy in sharing this beauty with others. People not only can express their faith by speaking about it, but they can show their faith by wearing a simple necklace, pair of earrings or rosary wrap.This creative melding of our faith, family and fashion is who we are. Share your faith, wear you faith!!

Christmas offer: Free shipping on orders $25 or more

Coupon Code: use code “CatholicMom” to receive 10% off total order.

Proud Catholic Company

Tees, Hats, other apparel and car magnets with cool, proud Catholic messages!

Totus Tuus Rosary

Offers unique, handmade rosary beads, rosary bracelets and one decade rosaries. Visit them for a truly one of a kind Catholic gift.

Gifts for the Kitchen

Bee Holy Honey

Delicious gourmet honey and beeswax products…all natural…100% of profits go directly to support Catholic Radio.

Get an extra 15% off if you use coupon code: BEE15

Catholic Foodie

Fun gifts for the faithful cook or gourmet in your life!  Coffee, Coffee Mugs, Aprons, T-Shirts.

Amazing selection of faithful cookbooks!

The Catholic Foodie Recommends… Books & Cookbooks About Food & Faith

Monastery Candy

Candy made and sold by the contemplative nuns of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey in Dubuque, Iowa. Also known as “Trappistine Creamy Caramels” for our signature caramel candies, our candy shop also offers chocolate-coated caramels, mint candies, chocolate hazelnut candies, truffles, and caramel sauce. We support ourselves by manual labor, especially by the sale of our candy, which is made with the care and the loving attention to quality we try to bring to the whole of our life.

Monastery Greetings

Products from abbeys, convents & monasteries. Award-winning Trappist Preserves and much more. All made by monks and nuns! For your FREE catalog visit www.MonasteryGreetings.comor call (800) 472-0425.

New customers receive $5 off their first order when they request a catalog. (The coupon appears on the front of the catalog.)

Mystic Monk Coffee

Mystic Monk Coffee is small-batch coffee roasted by real Carmelite Monks in Wyoming. The monks put all of their drive for perfection into every roast of coffee and every coffee blend they produce. Their coffee is a favorite of many coffee drinkers

Pete’s Pecans

Farm Fresh Pecans & Candies from Georgia…20% off every order goes directly to support Catholic Education. Get an extra 15% off if you use coupon code: NUT15

Trappistine Quality Candy

Made with love and prayers by the Nuns of Mount Saint Mary’s Abbey

Brigittine Monks Confections

Founded in 1370 and dedicated to a life of prayer and work, the Brigittine Monks are completely self-supporting. In our Monastery located in the lush Willamette Valley in Oregon, the monks quietly go about producing some of the most delicious candy in the world.

We blend the finest quality ingredients including real chocolate, fresh dairy butter, real cream, the freshest nuts, and real flavors. We use only the best and freshest ingredients.

Trappist Monks Bakery

Assumption Abbey Fruitcakes are the dark, rich, traditional style of fruitcake. They are baked slowly and aged under the careful supervision of the monks. Everything, from marinating the fruit, to mixing, to baking, to packaging, to aging, to mailing is done right at the monastery by the monks.Assumption Abbey is not a commercial enterprise. It is a way of life, and that way of life, combined with the careful work of the bakers, insures a dedication to high quality that makes Assumption Abbey Fruitcakes among this country’s finest.

Books, Cards and Stationary

Ave Maria Press

Founded in 1865 at Notre Dame, Indiana, Ave Maria Press, a ministry of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is a Catholic publishing company that serves the spiritual and formative needs of the Church and its schools, institutions, and ministers; Christian individuals and families; and others seeking spiritual nourishment.

In the tradition of Holy Cross, we are committed, as educators in the faith, to helping people know, love, and serve God and to spreading the gospel of Jesus through books and other resources. Home to CatholicMom.com Books.

CatholicQuiz.com

Catholic Quiz is pleased to announce special pricing beginning with the First Sunday of Advent and good throughout the Year of Faith. Annual memberships will be discounted by 25% or more. Individual, Family, Teacher and Parish Memberships give access to over 7,500 Church approved Q+A organized into 16 games for Catholics of all ages to build the vocabulary of faith. (https://www.catholicquiz.com)

Individual Membership @ $14.95 (savings of $5)

Family Membership (scoring for 8)  @ $24.95 (savings of $10)

Teacher Membership (scoring for 35) @ $34.95 (savings of $15)

Parish Membership (shared scoring for the whole parish) @ $99.95 (savings of $100)

Catholic Year of Faith

Full line of over 400+ beautiful Catholic Holy Cards

Get an extra 20% off if you use coupon code: MOM20

Donna Marie Cooper-O’Boyle

Beautiful and inspirational books from EWTN’s star of Everyday Blessings.

Gerard Webster

Mr. Webster’s fiction is spiritually uplifting without being “religious” books.  Good gifts for anyone!

Michele Quigley’s Catholic Daily Planners

A beautiful and useful gift to start the New Year well-organized and spiritually enriched.

Personalized Holy Cards

Fully customized Catholic Holy Cards for any occasion…Keepsake Quality, Free Setup, Free Proofs, $1.99 UPS s/h, over 1000+ images to choose from. Prices start at only $39.95…Get an extra 15% off if you use coupon code: PHCMOM15

Sophia Institute Press

Sophia Institute Press publishes and distributes faithful Catholic classics and new texts by the great enduring figures of the Catholic intellectual tradition. Sophia was established to nurture the spiritual, moral, and cultural life of souls and to spread the Gospel of Christ in conformity with the authentic teachings of the Roman Catholic

A Special Mother is Born

By Leticia Velasquez

“Your daughter has symptoms that are consistent with Down syndrome.” The nurses were surrounding author Leticia Velasquez in the delivery room when they uttered these fateful words—words that hit her stomach like a sucker punch. She was frightened and overwhelmed, but she was not alone. Four months earlier, God spoke to her in the depths of her heart; He told her that Christina had Down syndrome and that she was a gift from His hand.

If you are faced with a prenatal diagnosis or are raising a child with special needs, this book is for you. Thirty three parents who have walked in your shoes share how they encountered Christ alongside them in the darkness. You are not alone.”

Price reduction on e-book this December.  A great deal in paperback, Kindle or eBook for anyone and especially a parent dealing with these issues.  Add to your to-read list or give as a gift!

The “Department Stores” of Catholic Goods

Adoremus Books

• Catholic Homeschooling Materials
• Classic Catholic Reading
• School Supplies

Aquinas & More

Aquinas and More Catholic Goods is centrally located in Colorado Springs, CO. We carry thousands of products ranging from books and videos to chalices and church furnishings.

The store name comes from two famous Catholic saints, Thomas Aquinas and Thomas More. The ox head in our logo is a symbol of St. Thomas Aquinas who was called “The Dumb Ox” because he was a very quiet student, and rather large.

The Catholic Company

The Catholic Company is the leading online Catholic books and gifts store. You’ll find everything you need to dive deeper into the Catholic faith, including a wide selection of Catholic bibles, music, rosaries, new roman missal, statues and more. Getting ready to prepare for a sacred Christmas and Advent season? Browse the advent wreaths, Oplatki wafers, Christmas cards, Kneeling Santas and nativities we have available.

Sacred Heart Books and Gifts

We are a family owned apostolate, dedicated to our Lord and Lady. We focus on serving the Family, especially single income families. On our website, you will find textbooks, workbooks, literature, activity books, media and gift items all available to strengthen and grow your faith.

Other Products from Small Catholic Business Owners

Beeghley Tech Innovations

50 – 60% off new blogs and websites!

MUGSYSGIRL tupperware

I will offer free shipping to any new customers between now and Christmas.  Contact me to get the free shipping deal. I also offer a free gift to anyone who sends me a new customer, so feel free to share with your friends. I can be reached at jenminson@gmail.com My website to look at the online catalog and sale items is www.my.tupperware.com/mugsysgirl

Rodan & Fields

This holiday season, all orders $185 or more will receive a complimentary 30 day supply of our popular ANTI-AGE Night Renewing Serum, valued at $44.  10% off. Free Shipping and Gift with purchase. Message me and I’ll send you mini facial sample.

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk

How many shopping days ’til Christmas?

Yes, the secularism, the retail racquet, the commercialism has taken over our American culture and it is never more apparent than in this final month before Christmas.  “Good grief!” you may despair.  But do not fear.  The true meaning of Christmas is still strong with people of Good Will.  The best way to effect change is to start with yourself and then even Christmas shopping can be a holy and beautiful experience.  Here are some tips:

1.  Remember that it’s a birthday party!  Well, yes, its much more than that, but essentially, and if you have young children, especially, it really is a birthday party.  Last time I read my Bible, Jesus went to parties and enjoyed a good meal, so putting in time to plan a great party including thoughtful presents is a perfectly lovely way to honor Him!
2. Consider Christmas in the gifting.  Certain gifts can build tradition, delight the recipients, and keep Christ in Christmas.  One of our traditions is giving a single piece to a growing Nativity set for each child.  As these grow over the years, our children will have a quality Nativity for their homes as they grow and leave the nest.  So many family-run Catholic and Christian businesses have creative and fun options for your family that are edifying as well:  Jewelry, books, games, toys, home décor, educational products, etc.  Google it and you will find it.
3. Be Christian even when you don’t feel jolly.  Kindness, compassion, generosity and gentleness are a precious gift to our Lord when done in His name and in the chaos and frenzy of a shopping center in December.  If someone is rude, pray for them.  When waiting in line, say a Hail Mary for those you are shopping for before checking your watch.  Do all things with Love.
4. Keep in mind that you are supporting businesses and workers who depend on this shopping season to earn an income.  Don’t grouch and humbug over the commercialism, consider the hardworking people who are able to make a living and be proud to be a part of it.  Make an effort to support small businesses, online and local, even if you may spend a few extra dollars.  You will feel the difference a little in your pocket, but a lot in your heart.
5. Don’t overdo it.  Easier said than done, but finding a plan or a rule for your family can help.

• Some families spread the celebration through the entire Christmas season, opening gifts slowly and getting together with different friends and family through the Epiphany.
• Some do a something to read, something to wear, something I want rule for each child.
• Some choose names from a hat for inter-family gifts to keep quantities and spending in check, or exchange homemade gifts only.
• Santa always brings 3 gifts per child (plus some stocking stuffers) at our house.  Why would he give you more gifts than Baby Jesus got?
• Don’t sweat it if you overdo a little in the spirit of giving.  On this day, God was excessively generous with His Gift, too.

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk

Halloween: To Partake or Not to Partake?

Editor’s note: Find archived Halloween and All Saints & All Souls Day resources here. LMH

Halloween:  To Partake or Not to Partake?

If you do Halloween are you supporting paganism and Satan worship?  Throwing away all that is holy and inviting the forces of evil into your life?

If you don’t do Halloween, will your children grow to resent you as over-protective and come to reject everything you’ve taught them to believe?

I’ve seen life from both sides of the fence on this one.  Here is where we found a comfortable middle ground:

YES to

1.  Trick or treating.  Argue the roots of this practice, but this is a normal part of our current American culture and not officially related to any worldview except that free candy is good.
2. Costumes.  Costumes are fun and good for the imagination.
3. Sweets.  For one day, they can eat relatively unlimited amounts of candy, and yes we all suffer for it.  After that, the candy is divided into personal bags and put where only Dad can reach so that it can be portioned in a reasonable way as a dessert after eating a healthy meal.  Personally, I think the fun size candy was a brilliant invention, if you eat just one.
4. All things All Saints.  Any opportunity to emphasize that this is All Hallows Eve is taken.  Parties, more costumes (of saints), essays, prayers, songs, Mass.  All are ways to honor all the saints on and around All Saints Day.
5. Halloween-related songs, movies, TV specials and parties that are in good fun.  I’m talking The Great Pumpkin here.

NO to

1. Horror movies of any kind.  I personally can’t take it and the USCCB guidelines clearly state that an entertainment film detailing the murder or torture of another is detrimental to the psyche and the spirit and objectionable for all.
2. Costumes that are gory or evil.  Anything that would scare a child or be reminiscent of the afore-mentioned horror film is off-limits as are costumes that glorify evil, the devil, etc.  We stick with superheroes, favorite characters from books and media, animals and household objects.
3. Mischief Night.  One night where you make uninvited, unnecessary work for your neighbors in the name of fun while wasting toilet paper and shaving cream at best.  Vandalism at the worst.   Even if “Everybody else is doing it.” -  No thanks.
4. Decorating the house in scary ways.  We carve some jack-o-lanterns with faces, religious imagery and silhouettes of moons, bats, etc.  Gory or scary decorations just emphasize the wrong side of the holiday.  Again, if little ones are afraid to approach your door, that’s too much.  We do sometimes indulge the kids with decorations that feature the Halloween animals like spiders, bats and cats, because there really isn’t anything intrinsically evil about those creatures.  Scarecrows, apples and pumpkins are good too.
5. Anything related to fortune-telling and the occult.  Most people approach these things jokingly at Halloween and don’t mean any harm, but Ouija boards, tarot cards and the like are instruments of the occult and we are instructed to stay away from it.  If these things are represented on television or in books or movies, this is an opportunity to discuss our Catholic faith as relates to these matters.

What are your rules and tips for a Christian family on Halloween?

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk

Teaching Children about the Angels

October is here and my mind turns to the angels.  As the fall leaves drop and remind us of our earthly transience, our thoughts settle on the spiritual world which is usually hidden from our senses, the world of Heaven, in which dwell the saints and angels.  And so, we celebrate the feasts of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael on September 29, followed soon after by the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels on October 2nd.   I try to focus on deepening my relationship with my guardian angel each October.  I invite you to join me in this and in the process, we can help our children to do so as well.

Children love the angels:  the beauty, the imagery, the mystery, the safety and protection.  Honestly, we don’t know and understand a lot about the angels who lead an existence so different from us.  But, let us ensure that our children know and understand the truth about who the angels are and what they do, so they are not misinformed by the popular culture.

Teaching Children about the Angels

Without getting into detail about the Heavenly hierarchy, here are some important points and misconceptions to discuss with your children:

1. Guardian angels are chosen for us by God, Himself, and remain with us constantly.  They are powerful enough to protect us from all spiritual and physical harm, although God may allow us to experience some harm or temptations caused by the evil of this world for His glory and our ultimate spiritual good.
2. Angels are NOT deceased human beings.  We can have relationships with our deceased loved ones who are SAINTS in Heaven.  They continue to love us, pray for us, and even help us.  Saints have been known to appear to us, but that does not make them ANGELS.  An angel is created as an angel.  When people refer to deceased humans as angels, they really mean that they are LIKE the angels now in the sense that they live as spirits with God in Heaven.
3. Angels are pure spirit.  They have no body.  When angels appear to human beings they appear in ways that serve the purpose for which they are sent, often in human form.  Physical depictions of angels in art are usually meant to be symbolic.  Wings indicate speed as angels are not limited by time and space and so they appear to move very quickly.  It also depicts that they have come to us from Heaven, high above.  Scripture often describes the angels as being bright or white, referring to the power and purity of Heaven.
4. Angels do not sin.  Angels don’t live in time and space as we do.  Their life is not a process.  They see good and evil clearly and choose or reject God outright.  Angels choose good.  The ones who reject God are devils.
5. Angels live in Heaven with God but can also be present to us when God commands.  Angels will never sway from God’s will, but when we pray to them for help, God will answer our faithful prayers.  God is very generous to us.  He allows us to help the angels protect and guide us.  All we have to do is ask and listen.
6. Angels are much more powerful, smart, and beautiful than we are.  They are innately greater beings than we.  But in God’s wisdom, by becoming one of us through the Incarnation, He has made us greater than these superior beings and through the Coronation of Mary has made a human being Queen of the Angels.  Once again, the last shall be first in the Kingdom of Heaven.
7. Angels do not experience gender the way we do.  They do not fall in love and marry the way we do.  When Jesus explained that there is no marriage in Heaven, he explained that we would be “like the angels”.  It is of interest that the angels described in Scripture are all male in nature.
8.  Angels are people.  They are individual creatures of God with a mind and a will.  They love us and want to be our friends in the Communion of Saints.

Teaching Children about the Angels

What can you do to increase your family’s devotion to the angels?

1. Reach out to the angels in your prayers.  Pray the Guardian Angel prayer and Prayer to St. Michael with your children daily.  Pray to your angel and to their angels, regularly.
2. When you are struggling with your child, ask your Guardian Angel to work with his Guardian Angel.  Pope Pius XI recommended this strategy when dealing with others.
3. Be open to the knowledge and possibility that angels interact with our world in supernatural and miraculous ways.
4. Encourage everyone to name their Guardian Angel and depict them in art.  Pray before choosing a name and look it up to see its meaning.  I prayed a great deal before choosing the name Olivia for my guarding angel, which I then discovered means “peace”.  At the time, I was greatly in need of peace in my life.  I continue to address my angel as “Olivia”.  This helps me remember that this angel is a real person who really loves and cares for me.
5. Talk freely and aloud to your Guardian Angel and encourage little ones to do the same.  “Teach the children that they are never alone, that an angel is at their side. Show them how to have a trusting conversation with the angel, who is a good advisor and intercedes for you and helps you in your needs.” – Pope John Paul II
6. Keep images and books about the angels around the house.  When our boys earned their Tae Kwon Do belts, we gave them Christmas presents of belt displays with an icon of St. Michael to accompany the display.

Resources:

PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL

Saint Michael Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls.  Amen.

GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER

Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here;
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

Angel Books for Catholics Big and Small
(Listed oldest to youngest)

All About the Angels by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan

Under Angel Wings by Sr. Maria Antonia

A Book Of Angels: Stories Of Angels In The Bible by Marigold Hunt

Angel in the Waters by Regina Doman

Angels All Around Us (Puzzle Book) from Catholic Book Publishing Co

Angels Surround Us (St. Joseph Rattle Board Books) from Catholic Book Publishing Co

Additionally, there is good Science Fiction/Fantasy with great angel characters.  L’Engle’s Wrinkle in Time Series, CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy, and Tolkien’s Silmarillion are some classic examples.

Angel Coloring Pages

http://karenswhimsy.com/free-coloring-pages-of-angels.shtm

http://www.scribd.com/doc/6148746/Guardian-Angel

What are your favorite angel resources?

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk

No matter what the calendar says, summer is officially over when the children in your neck of the woods go back to school.  Most of us are in the swing of the new school year.  For some families, changes are big with new students in high school, homeschool, kindergarten or college.  For others, the last weeks have brought a return to normalcy.  After homeschooling for the last 9 years, some of my brood are having a year-of-school experience in our wonderful parish school.  Definitely a change for the kids and for mom and dad!

The seasons and cycles of school years give each child an opportunity to start fresh again and again.  As we fall into new schedules, this is a great time to introduce new routines of daily family prayer and even weekday Mass.

How about an idea inspired by our own Lisa Hendey’s A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms?  There are so many saints who the Church has charged with the spiritual care of our childhood and academic pursuits.  Here are 35 of them!  Some are heavy hitters and others may be lesser known.  Why not get to know a new saint each week to help our students and teachers progress through the year?  I’m going to start with St. Acca, patron of learning, and by the end of the year, excluding vacations, I should finish the year with St. Vitus, patron against oversleeping.    Hmm, maybe I should go in reverse….

1. Acca
2. Agnes of Rome
3. Albert the Great
4. Aloysius Gonzaga
5. Ambrose of Milan
6. Benedict
7. Blandina
8. Brigid of Ireland
9. Cassian of Imola
10. Catherine of Alexandria
11. Charles Lwanga
12. Dominic Savio
13. Francis de Sales
14. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother
15. Gemma Galgani
16. Gregory the Great
17. Irene
18. Isidore of Seville
19. Jerome
20. John Baptist de La Salle
21. John Bosco
22. Joseph Calasanz
23. Lawrence of Rome
24. Margaret of Scotland
25. Maria Goretti
26. Martin de Porres
27. Nicholas Albergati
28. Nicholas of Myra
29. Osanna Andreasi
30. Philomena
31. Symphorian of Autun
32. Thomas Aquinas
33. Ursula
34. Vitus

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk

Finding the right balance for a refreshing summer vacation for your kids

Summer with kids is like lemonade.  It’s all about balance.

Too much sugar?   Not enough lemon?  It’s ruined.  But when properly balanced, it’s a lovely beverage of sweet and sour contrasts and it’s special.  That’s how a kid’s summer should be, special.

The problem with summer is it can be b-o-r-i-n-g boring, or it can be so jam-packed with every wonderful summer activity, that it is an exhausting blur.  Either way, we aren’t ready for a productive year of learning once schools resume.

I find that without some structure or diversion, kids do ultimately fall into fighting, making a mess, or nagging you with a never-ending status report of how bored they are.

Here are my guidelines for keeping summer balanced.  I will fully admit that some of these are being created as we speak and are not yet fully practiced in my home.  In fact, some have been written in response to the failure of some of our choices.  Summer isn’t over!  If your lemonade is too sweet, don’t throw out what’s left in the pitcher, squeeze another lemon!

1. Detox – One of the beautiful things about summer is the idea of having nothing to do.  Generally, this will begin with a few days of sitting around watching TV.  And, yes, I let them do that for a week or so after school ends.  The thing is, if your children aren’t accustomed to watching excessive amounts of TV and it hasn’t become a forbidden fruit, they get tired of it and start to look for more creative and constructive things to do.  Soon, free time will include more time for introspection, prayer, and pretend play.  Classical music in the environment encourages constructive play and discourages the need for electronics.
2. Experiment – When choosing some summer camp options, we choose a combination of an opportunity to intensely focus on an activity they currently pursue, like Tae Kwon Do, and to explore a new activity, like Lacrosse.  A good one week ice-skating camp gave my daughter enough skills to enjoy doing a few tricks when skating recreationally during the winter although she had no ambition as a figure skater.
3. Break it up – Avoid back to back camp sessions.   Allot for weeks off so kids can have lazy summer time.  A day trip to a park, shrine, or museum may be all some weeks need to keep things interesting.  If art supplies, Legos, pretend play items, sports equipment, and nature are available, kids will use them!  Plan for some recovery days after a family vacation before jumping into more classes.  This can be hard if you need childcare options in the summer, but if your child is in a highly structured active environment for most of the summer, make your vacation and weekend more relaxing and unstructured to add balance.  A week at the beach may suit your needs better than a Colonial Williamsburg experience.
4. Practice skills – Most children lose more than 2 months of knowledge over the summer.  Keep skills sharp while having fun.  Cook your way through math and consider computer game drills like Timez Attack (http://www.bigbrainz.com).  Join your library summer reading program.  Invest in some kids magazine subscriptions:  Kids Discover, National Geographic Kids, Highlights, and my new favorite, St. Mary’s Messenger (http://stmarysmessenger.com).  Instrument and voice lessons should most definitely continue through the summer.  This is a chance for extra practice time!  For us homeschoolers, it is easy to continue pared-down daily lessons or assignments, but be sure some full-fledged breaks, too!
5. Work – Chores should continue and maybe even increase during the summer.  Work brings balance to a child’s life with exercise and productivity.  Teens are experiencing their first real jobs and tweens can prepare for this milestone with simple entrepreneurial endeavors as mothers’ helpers, pet-care providers, and yard-work assistants.  Older children can volunteer at the parish Vacation Bible School or other camps for littler ones.  Even younger children can learn to do yard work, clean bathrooms and kitchens properly, and keep a garden as a summer project.
6. Prayer – Summer schedules may open up your day for weekday Mass.  Some parishes offer them at noon.  Also, investigate Adoration Chapels in your area and start a new tradition.  You don’t need to visit for long with young children.  Mother Teresa used to say that every moment before the Blessed Sacrament makes us more beautiful for Heaven.  Consider it a spiritual spa treatment, perhaps followed up with a trip to the ice cream shop for some positive reinforcement?

What have you learned this summer?  Do you need more or less structure in your summer plans?  How do you find balance?

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk 

Women are supposed to be naturally stronger at multi-tasking than men.  Well, that element of the feminine genius has eluded me.  Patting my head and rubbing my tummy at the same time is about the best I can do!  However, in the last year, the busiest year in my 40 years on this earth, I have actually found some creative multi-tasking strategies that don’t require the magic multi-task gene.  So, here are my multitasking-impaired tips for Mommies:

1.  Cleaning/entertainment/working:  With mixed results, a four year old can keep a baby safe, if not always happy, trying on all of his socks and sorting into “it still fits” and “outgrown” piles.  In the meantime, mom can catch up on emails, organization, blogging, on her computer from a nearby vantage point.  Be prepared to take 20 minutes to finish the sock job later.
2. Exercise/babycare/cleaning:  Adding a baby to your body in a carrier provides natural weight training, especially effective when vacuuming or climbing stairs!
3. Grooming/chauffeuring/mortification:  Avoid wasted time in the carlines by keeping a tweezer in your purse.  Offer up the plucking pain for the souls in purgatory.  I don’t know if I would ever pluck if it weren’t for my car’s vanity mirror!  I’m not kidding.  I really do this.
4. Cooking/educating/cleaning:  Ever notice how the kids have to be right in your way, I mean near you, while you’re trying to prepare dinner?  A disposable cleaning wipe in a young child’s hand can be useful cleaning lower cabinets and the garbage can, while another child reads aloud or practices spelling words with ABC magnets on the fridge.
5. Prayer/bathing/babycare:  This one is tricky in that it involves the presence of another adult.  It starts with taking a shower, something that may not happen at all if your children are young and that previously mentioned other adult isn’t home.  A good shower is just about the right amount of time to say an entire Chaplet of Divine Mercy.  Then, the other adult can hand you the baby for a quick clean up.  ( I keep baby wash right in the shower for these quick cleanings.)

I’m sure other Mommies have lots of great multitasking tricks.  Many involve keeping a few essential items on hand:  your Kindle in your purse, baby toe nail clippers by your favorite nursing chair, foreign language education CDs in the car, etc.  Please share some of your favorite tricks and tips!

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk 

Empty is usually considered a negative.  Pessimists describe the glass as half empty.  Someone who lets me down offers me empty promises.  A symptom of depression is a feeling of emptiness.  But this Wednesday night, empty is my goal.  Why would the significant relief of pumping not bring the same satisfaction of being emptied by a hungry baby?  Why does the balance of maternal hormones refuse to reward me until there is nothing left to give?

I turn to a piece of scripture I have found so difficult to understand.

“Who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness;
and found human in appearance,
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:6-8 NAB)

When God had unlimited possibilities and resources with which to save us, why would He do it Himself despite the horrible suffering He would endure? Why would He want to empty Himself?

My simple nursing of my son is nothing compared to God’s self-giving, but it makes me appreciate why God would want to EMPTY Himself completely out of love to keep us alive and with Him.  He, of course, would choose the most loving and selfless solution to save us, and He allows us mothers a tiny glimpse of this when we experience the satisfaction of emptying ourselves out of love for our children.  Nursing is amazing that way.

Breastfeeding also serves as a microcosmic example of how we were made to love.  When our bodies work as creation intends, emptying ourselves is natural, pleasurable, and mysteriously feeds and fills us as we pour out calories, hydration, and nutrition to our children that our bodies would have otherwise received.  Isn’t true love the same?  It is in giving that we receive.  (Can you hear the Song of St. Francis playing in the back of my mind?)

But it can be painful to establish nursing.   It can be difficult.  Our souls sometimes struggle in learning to love selflessly too.  After all, we began as the baby, in a fallen world, focused solely on our own needs and our own self.  There are growing pains when gaining spiritual maturity.

Consider too, that nature doesn’t always cooperate.  Many times low milk supply, infection, improper latching and other complications can make nursing painful, impossible, or ineffective.  But, when it does work, it is beautiful, comfortable, and rewarding for both mother and child with long-term health benefits for both.  And the mothers who often have to battle through painful and exhausting obstacles to breastfeed often appreciate and enjoy this the most, in the end.

Likewise, sin, both original and actual can cause our souls to be weakened, sick, or impaired and prevent us from loving as God intended.  But through the Grace of God, love does amazing things in this world, especially the love between a mother and child, one of the most powerful examples of human love.  My analogy falls short here, because for some mothers breastfeeding is not possible, but for all of us, God’s healing can overcome any sin or scar that may impede our ability to love selflessly.

As my mind ponders these things, I hold my baby close and enjoy the bond, the intimacy of motherhood, and the purity of the mother/child relationship at this early stage.  I have older kids.  I know it won’t always be this simple.  Then I think of the infamous Time Magazine cover of this month and I get why it disturbs me.  I believe that mothers should be able to choose attachment parenting without judgment, though I do not.  I am obviously pro-breastfeeding and agree that mothers should be able to nurse their children until three or more as is more common historically and in the rest of the world even though my children have weaned at younger ages.  The image disturbs me because it has sensationalized, politicized, and cheapened something sacred, special and intimate in a way that is as disrespectful as asking a mother to nurse in a bathroom or pump in a closet.  It is the other end of the extreme.  I think of what the media, feminism, and the sexual “revolution” did to marital love.  Is breastfeeding next?

We all understand that the cover was designed to get publicity, good or bad, and to sell magazines.  But at what cost?   In our media, “edgy” is now just a code word for lewd or offensive.  Dr. Gregory Popcak, noted pastoral counselor, marriage and parenting expert, and attachment parenting advocate, addressed this quite eloquently on his More 2 Life facebook page:

“(T)here isn’t anything psychologically inappropriate about nursing this long as long as (a) it is actually a response to the child’s need for comfort and closeness and not being forced on the child and (b) it is done privately and discretely so as to respect the intimacy communicated by this kind of relationship. The person is not a cup. Mom is not a cow. Nursing is not sipping from a water fountain, its a loving connection between mother and baby.”

And I thank God that I had the opportunity to experience this loving connection, to experience the fullness of emptying for my children.

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk

While my life is more moderate, I will be forever touched by the challenge of trying to live a more radically Christian life.  Lent is the time that this is most in my heart.  One Lent, our dishwasher broke.  It was small and old.  “Well, you need a dishwasher!” my mother commented in a practical, American, upper-middle class way.  I stopped for a moment.  My mother never had a dishwasher until after she was married, but I don’t remember not living with a dishwasher.  “No, no one NEEDS a dishwasher.”  I realized.  “Even having clean water pumped into my house is a luxury.”

And so, we washed the dishes by hand until Easter.   Now I’m not trying to pat myself on the back for washing a few dishes.  I do realize that owning a dishwasher is a luxury.  But it makes me think.  What else is a luxury that we take for granted?  Many of us have redefined this through the recent economic crisis out of necessity.  But I challenge you to take it to the next level, or even, to the extreme.

How little can you live on for 40 days?  Can you go to the wilderness?  Can you live on bugs and wild honey?  Well, maybe not.  But can you live without cable TV, movies, date nights, take-out, babysitters, haircuts, gym memberships, dry cleaning, bottled drinks, desserts, and prepared foods?  Can you turn down the thermostat, cut the grocery budget in half, reduce your water and energy bill, stop wearing makeup, buying clothes, toys, etc?  Can you try for 40 days to see what it is like to struggle to pay the bills?

I challenge you to cut your spending down to the leanest possible version of your household you can manage.  After paying the rent or the mortgage, and basic medical expenses, scrutinize every expenditure.   If you need a new notepad, consider the poor immigrants who washed and ironed butcher paper from their meats in order to make notebooks for their children.  If you need a razor, grow a beard.  Perhaps we won’t stop Becky’s ballet class or Joesph’s piano lessons.  Each of us will need to make specific decisions.  Take it to the Ultimate, worthy of a reality TV special, and do it with a heart worthy of our Lord.  If you accept this challenge please tell me about it.  I am anxious to hear all the ways we can sacrifice and the spiritual fruit that will result.

PS – Dave is still active in ministry and you can read his blog here

Copyright 2012 Kate Daneluk 

While the focus turns to New Year’s Eve, festivities continue for a few more days.  In the meantime, the discount bins start filling with Christmas leftovers and the radio stations go back to their typical fare.  Soon all will return to normal work and school schedules.  The secular world is closing up shop on Christmas.  After all, they’ve been celebrating since Halloween!

The Liturgical season of Christmas doesn’t officially end until the Baptism of the Lord.  Did you notice that the decorations at Church are still going strong?  Also, you may be singing Christmas carols for a couple more weeks!  We still need to celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents, Mary, Mother of God, the Holy Family, the Epiphany, and the Baptism of the Lord before the Christmas Season ends.  Yes, it is a whole season that just gets started on the 25^th.  We contemplate and celebrate the Incarnation (God becoming man), including his childhood with Mary and Joseph.  Pope Benedict has urged us to keep Christmas going through the season, long after Santa takes off his boots.

It’s so important to me that our family keeps Christmas through the season.  It’s a testament to the fact that Christmas is about more than shopping, TV specials, and yes, Santa Claus.  If we take time to enjoy our decorations and treats during the Christmas Season, we will spend Advent with more anticipation and less premature celebration.

What can we do, in our own homes, our own little ways?

1. Decorate!  Or at least keep them up.  The Vatican Decorations don’t come down until The Baptism of the Lord, January 8^th.  Follow suit even if your neighbors think you’re crazy or lazy.
2. Sing!  Keep those carols going.  They stopped playing them on the radio on December 26^th, but dig into your CD collection and sing Carols for mealtime blessings and bed-time rituals.
3. Eat!  After the leftovers run out, why not explore a traditional holiday meal from another culture, or even one of your own.  My husband is German, Czech, French, and Ukrainian.  We could go on for two weeks on that alone.  Why not bake a special batch of cookies this week?
4. Party!  When planning holiday gatherings for different sides of the family and groups of friends, schedule them throughout the season, instead of cramming them in the week before and after Christmas.  Plan some special treats for the family, a pilgrimage to your Diocesan Cathedral, a museum trip, even movies or a dinner out.  We send our cards out so they arrive during the Christmas Season, not before.  (Well, there may be a little procrastination there.)
5. Pray!  Let family Rosaries linger on the Joyful Mysteries.  Make extra time for a daily Mass.  Honor your Nativity Set each night with a candle and a special song or prayer.  Take time to show that this season is special.

So, please unite with me to keep Christmas up until the very last day.  I’m sure Mary treasured her last few days with Jesus before his public ministry just as much as she did the day of His birth.

God bless you and Merry Christmas,

Kate

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk

I battled my distraction with concerns over the traditions and social obligations as I tried to focus on the Advent readings.  “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”

Geesh!  I am nowhere near the desert.  I am so worried about how behind I am.  My head is at the grocery store, the toy store, work.  No wonder my soul fails to hear this call.  No wonder my soul fails to hear the rose-colored candle beckoning me to rejoice.

So I take a deep breath, and I let it go.  And yes, I continue to be distracted.  I mutter a few absent-minded “And also with you’s” as I hear, “And with your spirit” all around me.  However, this time the culprits are my four-year-old and five-month-old.  I’m distracted now by the present and the necessary, not the future, not the far-away, not the to-do list.

This doesn’t make the list go away.  It doesn’t change my desire to have Advent and Christmas become special times for my children.  It doesn’t make me want to abandon the Trees and the gifts and Santa.  What it makes me want to do, is not worry about it.  It doesn’t need to be perfect.  We can take our time.  We can let some things go.  My children can build traditions and learn to be flexible at the same time.

My ideal is to finish most of my shopping and planning before Advent, so I can focus more on the spiritual preparations for Christmas.  This year, more work outside the home, some extra doctor appointments for some of the kids, and a new baby have prevented that.  Likewise, my personal, spiritual preparation is also lacking.

Something’s got to give.  Maybe we won’t make peanut brittle for the neighbors this year.  Maybe the garbage man will be happy with a gift card.  If we don’t manage the Jesse tree this year, it will be more impactful next year.  I’ll just need to let it go.

There is still work to do.  I’m still going to need to take a few evenings out to finish some shopping and wrapping.  But, I’m also going to take some moments during each preparation to enjoy and to ponder in my heart, the deeper meanings behind all these traditions which lead us to this little Baby’s birthday, the day our God became Incarnate.

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk

My friend has the gift of seeing life in a saintly way, the result of prayer and devotion.  As I complained, she emailed back to me a beautiful sentiment, “Nursing is a labor of love, just like pregnancy.  ‘This is my body, I give it up for you.’  Sound familiar?  Just like marital love.  We are so connected to Jesus I just wish I recognized all that I should.”

Once again, I see the incredible economy of God’s creation, how His plan of salvation compliments our very essence.  At the Villa Walsh Chapel in Morristown, NJ, there is a lovely mosaic of a pelican on the altar.  Why?  A legend states that when food is scarce, this noble bird will tear its own flesh in order to feed her young.  In nature, we sometimes see the amazing instincts of motherhood, including unlimited self-sacrifice.  The beauty of being human is that we are a part of this physical creation.

Consider God’s choice to create us as mammals.  Our children require an intimate relationship to be created, unlike most fish.  They prepare for birth within us, unlike a bird.  We feed them with the power of our own bodies, unlike a reptile.  What a gift to women to help them better understand the power and depth of God’s love!  A truly intimate experience of “This is my body, given for you.”

Childbirth and nursing are natural ways to give of ourselves to our children.  We know of many women who have gone above and beyond in this way.  True story:  I have two aunts, unrelated to each other, who each gave birth to eight children, including a set of twins.  Both of them needed a hip replacement in their 60s.  St. Gianna Molla chose the life of her unborn child over her own when faced with medical decisions for treatment of a painful fibroid tumor which threatened her baby.  Even conceiving her fourth child was a sacrifice for St. Gianna, who always suffered through difficult pregnancies and deliveries.  My favorite example of sacrifice is a beautiful friend of mine, who was able to donate part of her own liver to save her adopted son.  She was a perfect match for him in more ways than one.

By God’s design, we learn of God’s love through our experiences as son, daughter, sister, brother, wife, husband, father and mother.  In His wisdom, He has allowed me to experience four of these roles, and the role of mother is one of the most humbling for me.  As mothers, we come to understand a true physical sacrifice for our children.  To know my Lord offered his body for me on the Cross, and continues to offer Himself to me in the Eucharist is more profound as I watch my small sacrifices contribute to the growth and well-being of my children.

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk

My job at coop is the PreK group.  I supervise, plan, and teach many of the classes.  Since the children are little and many are stressed by separating from their parents, I try to be in the classroom the whole day to add stability.  Then, I need to close up shop.  This means that I don’t finish my primary job until most of the cleaning team work is done.  Though I’m working for the coop, my cleaning team is basically down a member every time.

At orientation, I stood at the lunchroom door with my 2 month old, the youngest coop member out of the womb.  I saw that the raffle was underway.  A child stepped up to choose the name.   “And the winner is….Daneluk!”  Once I realized that I really won, I threw my one free hand in the air in celebration.

Several moms said to me, “God knew who needed to win.”  This is a humbling thought because many other moms there have infants and toddlers, many are pregnant, many have a lot on their plate.  I did pray that I would win, but I didn’t expect it.  I don’t necessarily believe that God influences our games of chance, but He can.

I’ve bought raffle tickets before for various fundraisers, and a few lottery tickets in my day, and I didn’t win.  Sometimes someone who really needs the money wins, sometimes not.  Some winners are great stewards of their treasure, others aren’t.   It does seem like some people win more than others.  Some have theories on how to win, including silly superstitions and karmic philosophies.  God’s role in the actual game is unclear, especially since when large sums of money are in question, the game can turn toward dangerous gambling.   But one thing I do know, is that God has a plan for each of us, and a plan for how He wants us to live no matter what trials or treats life brings us.

In Scripture, we see that when choosing between two qualified candidates to find Judas’ successor, lots were cast to decide.   Matthias became the next Apostle.  This was done with prayer and faith.  (Acts 1:21-26)

Then we can consider the story of St. (Padre) Pio’s mission to open a hospital for the poor.  He instructed his friend, Dr Guglielmo Sanguinetti, to come to run the hospital.  The doctor was willing but had to attend to his first vocation as provider for his family.  St. Pio assured him God would provide and the doctor won the lottery, allowing him to move and begin providing free services to the poor.

So it seems games of chance may sometimes be more than they seem.  If we continually ask God to guide our lives and provide for our needs, He will provide for us as He sees fit and protect us from dangers that could come our way, such as sudden, un-earned wealth.

It is very possible in our group of faithful homeschool families, that my prayer, and the prayers of others asking God to choose the right person, may have helped me win this one.  I am certainly grateful for the relief I feel when the cleaning team list was emailed later in the week and my name was absent.  In that vein, I think it is time to say a prayer and randomly select a winner of our little raffle.  To whom will I pass down this Lullabelly to now that my bun is out of the oven?  And the winner is….Roseann!

Wondering what a Lullabelly is?  Check out our review.

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk

Review:  Lullabelly ® Prenatal Music Belt

A few months ago I wrote about the easy-to-use Lullabelly designed to play music for your unborn baby.  Well our baby has now been born and has been listening to music through the atmosphere like the rest of us.  We have been interested to see how the Lullabelly effected our son.

Max has shown preferences almost immediately for certain sounds based on his experience in the womb.  Mommy’s voice is pretty much a trigger for hunger as he has quickly associated me with milk.  His favorite singer is his big sister, while Dad wins for speaking voice.  He does enjoy his brothers’ attempts to entertain him with their limited repertoire of pop music complete with dance moves!

Using the Lullabelly, I predominantly played music from the Classical and Baroque Periods.  Interestingly, Max doesn’t enjoy Classical music as much as the Romantic Period which grabs his attention and soothes him.  The Romantic Period followed the Classical Period.  It utilizes the same basic forms but with more emotion and variation throughout the piece.  Mozart is the quintessential classical composer, while Beethoven was part of the transition to Romantic.

Classical music is interesting to him when he has energy to listen, not when he needs soothing.  This is his same reaction to family serenades of simple folk songs which were heard originally in the womb.  Perhaps the music stimulates his brain more because of the longer level of exposure, demanding more work and attention, because Romantic music has the opposite effect.  This could be why he can’t handle Mozart when he’s overtired.  If he is well-rested, Classical music and family songs get his attention and keep him happy and active.

There is clinical proof that the Classical music is especially helpful in promoting healthy brain development, but I’m not ready to subject Max to any IQ tests!

Max has been coming to Making Music Praying Twice classes with me when I teach and stays conscious for over half an hour before becoming overstimulated, an impressive appetite for musical food for a two month old.

In my last review, I mentioned that I couldn’t hear the music from the speaker in my ears and questioned if it was loud enough for baby.  Turns out, it was the volume on my source, my laptop, that was set to low.  The Lullabelly was working perfectly.

I’d continue to recommend this product for expectant moms or a gift for a mom-to-be.  I’ll never know for sure all the benefits Max received from his pre-birthday music experience, since I don’t have a control Max, but I do believe in the research that shows multiple benefits in brain development, emotional health, and self-control.  The only problem with my Lullabelly is that now that my baby is born, I don’t need it anymore.  I’d love to send it to an expecting mom who would benefit.  Leave a comment below to enter to win my slightly used Lullabelly!

Learn more about the Lullabelly Music Belt

To win Kate’s Lullabelly, enter a comment below by midnight PT on Sunday, September 18, 2011. A winner will be randomly selected and notified.

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk

In these hard financial times, one of the greatest sacrifices we made turned out to be the greatest blessing.  I was very upset to find myself pregnant and unable to see my usual, pro-life obstetrician because of our insurance changes.  The new, low-budget, government-assisted  insurance continually pointed me to a pro-choice clinic that put me in line to talk to a nurse so I could talk to a doctor weeks later.  Already almost 3 months pregnant, my regular doctor began running tests and found that I had some serious complications and needed to get prenatal care ASAP.  The clinic’s biggest concern was that I was missing my window for “genetic counseling”, which translates to being able to get an abortion.  The distress of feeling like I could not take care of my unborn child, could not get the medical care I needed, could not find a pro-life option, was overwhelming.

Two friends urged me to investigate a new doctor at a new place, Gianna , the National Center for Women’s Health and Infertility at St Peter’s University Hospital.  I was so generally discouraged that I was sure that they would not take my insurance.  One friend called Dr. Beiter’s wife for me.  He quickly called me and discussed my initial test results with me, putting my fears to rest.  Then, we discovered that he just started accepting my plan the week before that.  God had answered my prayers.

The Gianna Center was new and unique.  It provides women’s reproductive healthcare in a way that is totally congruent with Catholic Social Teaching and incredibly respectful of unborn life.  From the latest research in Natural Family Planning, to treatment of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and other reproductive issues such as PMS or ovarian cysts, the doctors at Gianna prioritize the health and fertility of each woman.

Gianna had begun serving women in New York City in 2009, as part of St. Vincent’s Medical Center.  When St. Vincent’s closed, Drs. Anne Mielnik and Kyle Beiter brought a new Gianna Center to St. Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ.   These doctors sacrifice considerable income by focusing on natural methods of family planning and infertility treatments instead of turning to pharmaceutical options with harmful side effects and moral dilemmas.  They have fought their way through medical school, and the medical community with a vastly different philosophy.  They are bringing an immense gift to our Church and our culture.  Gianna is an oasis which offers real and practical alternatives to the medical options that otherwise devalue the sanctity of life, sex and marriage:  options that may seem like the only option to many suffering women.

NaPro technology looks to the underlying health of both husband and wife, and a woman’s natural cycle of fertility to treat infertility with the same success rate of IVF over 2 years (or 5-6 attempts at IVF).  More importantly, embryos are not created or destroyed, and the child is conceived through the natural act of marital love.  The Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System is the latest development in effective Natural Family Planning which helps a couple avoid or achieve pregnancy without harmful side effects of birth-control pills, surgery, or dangerous IUDs.  A recent study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine found this method to be 99.5% effective in avoiding pregnancy.

I loved my pro-life doctors in the past, but Dr. Beiter and the Gianna Center have taken the definition of pro-life to a new level.  The love for my unborn child and his value was unequalled.  The respect for my ability to cooperate with God in giving life, despite my “advanced maternal age” of 39 was refreshing and comforting.  The medical expertise that resulted in the birth of a happy and healthy seven-and-a-half-pound Max after numerous pregnancy complications was the best benefit.  My husband described the care and attention of the labor and delivery staff at St. Peter’s as “luxurious”.

I never would have traveled the extra distance to a new doctor if I hadn’t found myself desperate for medical care.  The desperation was the gift that led us to Gianna.  Max and I were some of the first patients of the new Gianna Center at St. Peter’s.  I hope more and more women and couples choose Gianna so it can grow and flourish.  I pray for more doctors and new centers all over our country to offer sound and moral healthcare for women.  Optimistically, Max was actually “caught” by resident, Dr. Nicholas Kongasa, who is studying Catholic reproductive healthcare.  God bless him in this journey and bless our nation with more holy, prayerful doctors who serve Him and their patients with respect and dignity.

LINKS to find Catholic Reproductive Healthcare and learn more!

http://www.saintpetershcs.com/giannacenter/

http://www.popepaulvi.com/fcco.htm

http://www.fertilitycare.org/

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk

Editor’s Note: Today, we welcome the mother/daughter team of Kate and Anya Daneluk who share their individual perspectives on the new line of books from Goosebottom Books. It’s so nice to share the comments of a bright young reader like Anya, which truly give us a great idea of how these books will be received by their intended audience. We thank the Daneluks for such a fantastic review! If you or your child would like to share a review of your favorite book, game or movie, email me for additional details. LMH

Mother/Daughter Review

The Thinking Girl’s Treasury of Real Princesses

By Shirin Yim Bridges, Illustrated by Albert Nguyen

Goosebottom Books

THE MOM:

This new series from Goosebottom Books features the personal stories of six princesses from Ancient Times through the Middle Ages who have risen beyond the usual limitations of their time into positions of power.  The books cover lesser-known historical figures from several cultures, providing a more interesting read.  As an adult, I was only familiar with two of the six, and certainly learned a thing or two!

Appropriate for girls in grades 3 – 7, depending on reading ability and interest, these differ from the more typical princess books on the market for this age range.  Rather than an in-depth novel format, these shorter, hardcover books combine the story with an encyclopedic –like presentation of the princess’s life, culture, and time period.  This makes for an easy read similar to a children’s magazine or the classic DK books.  In this vein, clear illustrations and photos with descriptive captions help us better understand the context.  While the books are too light to constitute a study of the subject, the short, digestible stories make it easy to expand your knowledge in one or two sittings and are conducive to perusing for review.

Each story gives some historical background, geographical and time period context, and fun cultural explanations of clothing and foods, along with a pronunciation guide to help with the foreign words and names.  The books are consistent with one another in format, but each carries the flavor of the princess’s culture with typefaces, colors, and backgrounds designed to enhance the story.  The stories include Hatshepsut of Egypt, Artemisia of Caria, Sorghaghtani of Mongolia, Qutlugh Cerkan Khatun of Kirman, Isabella of Castile, and Nur Jahan of India.

The books employ a nice vocabulary and a great effort is made to communicate a lot in the shorter format.  Occasionally, this means passages that are overly complicated, requiring some rereading to better understand.  Also, a girl with a basic knowledge of ancient and medieval history will have an easier time digesting the information meaningfully.  I would definitely recommend these books as additions to appropriate history or unit studies.

My main criticism would be the occasional and apparently random moral judgments found in the series.  These are few and far between as the author makes an effort to stay a bit more historical and objective.  While the Greeks are admonished for treating women like property, and Isabella’s role in the violent Inquisition is emphasized in a special feature, the Huns are painted as more tolerant and diplomatic than most people think.  While the Persian history of educating women is rightfully extolled, there is no judgment placed on the polygamy of the royal court or the property-like restrictions of purdah.  Most often, and more agreeably, the reality of violence through these times is explained with an attempt to help girls understand that while we are rightly shocked by the harsh violence and constant war, this was a reality for these people and a part of their culture.

The nice thing about a series is that your daughter could try one of the $18.95 books and if she loves it, you could add more to your family collection.  It may be worth shopping around to find a deal.  I’ve seen a couple on the web already!  Homeschoolers studying Ancient and Medieval times or parents of history buffs may want to invest in the whole set up front.   These are books I can see my daughter coming back to and they will still be relevant when her little sister shows interest in reading them.

-Kate Daneluk

THE GIRL:

These books are a great addition to a girl’s library.  They tell a lot about these women.  For instance, did you know that if it weren’t for Isabella of Castile America, as we know it, would not exist?   Nur Jahan of India invented the ever-so-popular perfume.  She is also said to be the one who started the use of white marble stone in India.  Sorghaghtani of Mongolia was married at the age of ten.  Qutlugh Terkan Khatun of Kirman was going to be sold as a slave but a kind merchant bought her as his daughter.  Hatshepsut of Egypt was the first woman to become pharaoh.  In Artemisia of Caria’s time, no one thought highly of women and they didn’t sail on ships or have jobs.  But Artemisia did.

This is just only a little bit of information about these amazing women.  Shirin Yim Bridges has brought stories to life through this book. It is very well written and I would definitely recommend this to people.  Even though they look like a younger child’s books from the outside, I am sure that many older children would enjoy them as well.  The pictures didn’t blow me away, but they did help me better understand the culture.  The stories and background information were the best part of the book, and the fact that it was true made it more exciting.

I appreciated how each book showed what they wore and what they ate.  These books will deepen your knowledge of history.  They are filled with information about the lives of these princesses.  It’s refreshing to see that there are so many good books for young girls and middle schoolers.  This series would definitely be one of the top on my list for book recommendations!

-Anya Daneluk

Order autographed copies of these books directly from Goosebottom Books or order them from Amazon and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase.

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk and Anya Daneluk

Review:  Lullabelly ® prenatal music belt

You may know that I’m expecting our fifth baby this summer.  I’ve written in the past about the benefits of music in the womb, but I’ve never really made a deliberate effort to play music FOR the baby.  I’ve seen the benefits for the children who were in the womb when my life included more music and singing, but I’ve never strapped the headphones to my growing belly.

It looks like this active little guy will be the guinea pig.  I received a Lullabelly® prenatal music belt for review and as I am approaching the third trimester, I am beginning a daily diet of prenatal music for him.  I plan to start with Mozart’s Piano Concertos, partly because I particularly love them, and partly because music of the Classical Period, and Mozart, in particular, has been found to provide the greatest benefit to a child’s brain growth.

The Lullabelly® definitely makes the experiment more attractive with a comfortable and easy-to-use soft fabric belt that simply wraps around my middle with Velcro.  If, like me, you think you may need more reach as the, er, baby grows, they will send you an extender quickly in the mail, for a $3 shipping fee.  The same reasonable fee applies if you need a replacement for a lost or broken speaker.

A simple wire can be pulled out of the zippered pouch and plugged into your PC, Phone, or CD player.  Or, you can plug in your iPod, pack it away in the pouch and walk around.  The belt stays in place and comfortable even while doing some housework or taking a walk, which means busy moms can multi-task.  The enclosed directions are clear, and include some succinct guidance on the use of prenatal music stimulation.

If you have the time, there are great benefits to listening with your baby.  Both your bodies will respond to the music similarly.  Your heartbeats respond.  Your serotonin levels respond.   With this in mind, the product includes an adapter that allows you to listen along with ear buds.  Baby and Mom each have their own volume control.

Safety is considered in the volume levels.  They claim that the volume control prevents levels from exceeding that of Mom’s normal speaking voice in the womb.  I can’t verify this, as the volume of baby’s speaker is almost inaudible to me.  I’m pretty sure it doesn’t get too loud.  Actually, it’s so quiet, that I wouldn’t be sure that the sound is actually getting through the material, my clothes, and my body, so I’ll have to trust in their assertions for now.

As far as general use, the only improvement I could recommend would be a section of elastic in the band to help it adjust if you are moving from a standing to sitting position, the only move for which I had to readjust.  The electronic components are easily removed for washing.  At this point, several colors are available which makes it more fun to shop for or give as a gift.

The $55.00 price tag is certainly more than you’d typically spend on a set of earphones (unless you are my husband), but the value is there as this product is customized to the needs of the unborn child from safety to convenience and comfort for mom.  This product is very well designed and would make a great gift for a mom-to-be especially experienced moms who don’t need a lot of baby gear.  Here is an idea for Dad to give his expecting wife for Mother’s Day, or a group gift from a playgroup or office crowd.  Lullabelly ® is available in limited stores, but can be purchased easily on their website.

So, we’ll see how this experiment plays out.  I’ll certainly want to include some Vivaldi and simple folk music in our new son’s repertoire.  Studies show that syncopated music can be detrimental to a child’s health at this developing age, so no jazz until he’s out and about.   Of course, we will not be featuring angry music or heavy metal proven to be extremely detrimental to brain growth and emotional development.  But for about an hour a day, in addition to the music of our home and from Mom’s voice, this young one will be literally swimming in beautiful music.  I can’t wait to see what will happen.  You can hear all about it in 3 months, when the experiment is over and part 2 of this review is released.

Copyright 2011 Kate Daneluk