Archive for ‘Happily Even After’
Rocket: Rights and Responsibilities
Josh and Stacey have acquired a dog and the children are thrilled. They’re also learning to “grasp fully the complexity of a relationship where another living being depends on them for his livelihood and thriving.”
The Biggest Mistake We’ve Ever Made
Josh and Stacey have finally found a buyer for their house in Oregon. But with the deal about to close, a major hitch develops. Will God show them a way through all this?
Priesthood
As the Church prepares to celebrate the feast of the ordained priesthood on Holy Thursday, Stacey reflects on the priesthood of all the faithful. She writes: “I have a priestly sacrifice to prepare in tending to this week’s details of family life and bearing hardships patiently.”
Working 9 to 5
Not only has Stacey started a new job, but it’s the first time she’s worked a regular 9-to-5 schedule. This means she doesn’t see the children as much, and she needs to develop a new set of mothering skills. Is she up to the challenge?
Homemaker
What does it take to create a home? Josh finds that it’s more than checking items off a “to-do” list. Ultimately, he says, it’s about the quality of relationships within the family.
Love Is a Verb
A year ago Stacey saw a t-shirt that read “Be Intentional. Love is a Verb.” She reflects: “It is not enough for me to love others the way I FEEL like loving them in a given moment. I need to love others the way that THEY feel love.” Stacey explains how this applies to everyday life.
My Week as a Homeless Parent
Josh and Stacey have said goodbye to Portland and made the week-long trek to their new home in South Bend. Josh reflects on the meaning of home and how God has called the family to be here.
The Sex Talk
With contraception in the news these days, Josh offers an alternative perspective that is built around the vocabulary of fertility.
The Capacity of God’s Love
How much does God love us? Stacey offers an insight, gained from her experience as a parent.
Godzilla’s Rampage
Josh is fuming after neighborhood pranksters wrecked the snowman that he and the kids built. He’s all set for revenge–until his thoughts take a decidedly different turn.
Liberation Dance
The stress of trying to sell their house is getting to Josh and Stacey. Then Stacey finds an unexpected way to bring a little joy and laughter to their situation.
Superstitious Home-Selling
In preparation for their big move, Stacey and Josh have just put their house on the market. And they’re looking for a little saintly help…
New Year’s Resolution
I have to admit, I think the resolution to try to make Joshua as happy as possible this year is a very worthy endeavor. So much so, that I have actually decided to adopt it as my New Year’s resolution.
There Is a God, and I’m Not Him
Stacey’s new job means big changes for the whole family. For Josh, it means leaving a beloved campus ministry position and grappling with an uncertain future. He observes, “I expect the answers to come in God’s time, which means that things will unfold and become clear when the time is right. No amount of worry or stress will change that.”
Dream Job
Not everyone has the chance to apply for–and be offered–their dream job. But that’s what happened to Stacey. She describes the incredible gift that she “could only dream about a few months ago.”
Squirrel-sprinting
Married life can go more smoothly if we learn to laugh at ourselves. And it helps to have someone with whom to share that laughter, as Josh discovers.
Christmas and Chaos
“[Our vocation] calls us to enter into diapers and runny noses and “did not, did too” screaming matches and basketball practice and giggles over knock-knock jokes. The trick…is how to stay connected to God in all that noise.” Josh offers some practical advice.
Advent Struggle
I am struggling with Christmas shopping. More to the point I am struggling with our consumerist interpretation of “preparing for Christmas” and its mass media displacement of Advent.
The Prayer of a Stoplight Nap
Josh shares his perspective on coping with and redeeming the disrupted sleep that comes with raising young children.
“And With Your Spirit”
How did your parish do with the new Mass responses? Josh reflects on the familiar and the new and how the Mass binds together Catholics all over the world.
Thanksgiving Litany
What are you thankful for as you gather around the Thanksgiving table? Stacey lists some of the many blessings in her life.
I didn’t blow up the house
Josh tackles repairing his home’s gas fireplace. A successful repair with no explosions prompts him to reflect on what else he has the capacity to do.
The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short
Stacey finds that she’s entered a new phase of parenthood, as the mother of three school-age children. She reflects on letting go of what she knows how to do and embracing a new identity.
Stoked for Sports
Ten-year-old Oscar has started to play organized sports. Josh believes that sports are “a way to grow in excellence through cultivation of habits.” He discusses three hopes he has for his children when it comes to athletics.
Mealtime Hang-Ups
Three children, three sets of ideas about mealtimes. As Stacey says, “After we work hard to put a good healthy meal on the table, it is incredibly discouraging to have one of them take their seat and immediately complain or tell us exactly what they refuse to eat.”
