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How I "Do It All" (And Why I Don’t)

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Last weekend, my hairdresser paused, mid-snip, to stare at me through the mirror and ask, perplexed,

“How do you do it all?”

I get this question a lot. It usually happens right after they find out I homeschool four kids, tend a sprawling garden, write books, and host a podcast. I used to respond, “I don’t know,” with a laugh. Even to me, it sounds at least a little crazy.

But lately, I’ve been feeling the Holy Spirit tug at me, gently urging me to share on this topic, to invite others into the secret stillness He is teaching me. To hover midair, like a hummingbird whose wings never stop beating, and to find stillness in the perpetual motion of motherhood.

It’s not something I do perfectly (and maybe that is the simple answer to how I do it all: not well). But that is also part of the lesson that is unfolding for me in this season. That is part of what He spoke to me through writing Grow Where You’re Planted. I thought it was going to be a book about gardening. Turns out, the Lord was using it to invite me to have patience with the messiness of my soul. It is about growing in whatever space you have, but more than that, it is about letting go of perfectionism. Only if we draw on His peace first, can we progress in virtue.

And with that, I proceed to share with you the few bits and pieces that comprise my secret—if you can all it that—to “doing it all.”

1. I Don’t Use Social Media

When I first started blogging, I heeded what I now believe to be misguided advice: that I had to be on social media if I wanted anyone to read what I was writing. As it turns out, social media isn’t great for converting readers to book buying, and there are lots of other factors publishers look at when considering your “platform.” That’s not to say that a giant social media following doesn’t opens doors quickly—and lots of them. But from my perspective as a creator, it was stealing my time, peace, and attention, without giving anything back.

It took multiple attempts for my “goodbye” to stick; the steady dopamine drip has been intentionally designed to create behavioral addiction, after all. Now that I am on the other side, having broken the chains of digital enslavement, I say with zero exaggeration that I count giving up social media as among the best decisions of my life.* Detaching from that world has given me my life, peace, and presence back. Saying “no” to it has given me space to say “yes” to what matters most: prayer, my family, homeschooling, writing, gardening, and living in the present.

2. I Ask for Help

This one is harder. It’s vulnerable to admit I can’t handle everything on my own. But I’ve learned that asking for help—from my husband, from friends, from community—isn’t weakness. It’s humility.

“It takes a village” is a cliche for a reason. We were created in the image and likeness of God, who is Trinity—a communion of loving persons. Every time I open my hands to receive help, I’m reminded that my worth isn’t tied to self-sufficiency. And, often, I find that those who pitch in to help are blessed by their gift. After all, we “find ourselves in the sincere gift of self,” (a favorite quoted phrase of my favorite pope). When we try to do it all ourselves, 1. we will fail, but 2. more importantly, we may in fact be depriving others of the opportunity to answer God’s divine call to give of themselves. That favorite pope of mine also reminds us that every member of a family is called to become “a servant of the others,” (a challenging phrase when I am tempted to tell the kids that I am not their servant!) Receiving help is an act of humility intrinsic to God’s divine plan for humanity.

The desire to only ever be the one giving help? That is pride. True gift of self means all of us, offering what we have to give, yes, but also coming to one another with the fullness of vulnerability and learning to accept the concrete offering of love from one another. After all, if God is love, then refusing to accept help is refusing to accept God himself hidden in that act of love.

3. I Give God My Loaves and Fishes

Even after ditching the world’s most destructive time-suck and soliciting help from my husband and every friend’s older daughter to babysit, etc. I am still not enough. And, honestly, that is feature, not a bug.

The work of motherhood will bring you to your knees. Literally. And praise God for that.

I keep coming, time and again, to the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. God takes what we give Him, and He makes it enough.

When I think about it, five loaves of bread and and two fish actually sounds like a lot for one person’s lunch. But it’s nowhere near enough to feed a crowd. And isn’t that the story of motherhood? What we bring to the table, bountiful as it may be, just isn’t sufficient for what’s asked of us.

And yet, in John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” Not a little. Not not much. Nothing.

I’ve gained a deep peace by surrendering to that fact (that you, Fr. Jacques Phillipe!). Our job isn’t to be enough—it’s to offer what little we have, our own loaves and fishes, and trust Him to multiply them.

Becoming an Empty Vessel

Caryll Houselander wrote the best book I have ever read about Mary, The Reed of God. One of the many images she uses to describe Our Lady is that of an empty cup. The perfection of humanity, free from the stain of sin, is so glorious because she allows the Lord to fill her entire being. What people encounter in this living tabernacle is not the vessel herself, but God within her.

These days, when I return to the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist, I pray to become a hollow cup, an empty vessel—so that Christ can fill me, so that His abundance can pour out into my family, my work, and my life. Recognizing that I not only can I not do it all, but I can do nothing has been a great gift, the key to surrendering my own wil, my own plans, my own pride in anything that my hands may accomplish throughout the day. If it was good, it came from Him, period. And I can rejoice in gratitude for that gift of Him showing up in my life.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Cor. 12:9).

In other words, all He needs from me is surrender. The more we recognize our powerlessness, the more we’re able to do. Anything we’re able to do is only by His grace to begin with.

The Myth of Balance

I used to fret over trying to achieve the perfect balance between many competing priorities. But the reality is somewhat different. Balance is not a steady state; it requires constant adjustment (any my sweeping changes to our life and routine weren’t helping!) Consistent, small adjustments. Patience with myself when I fail. Being utterly unsurprised by own littleness and failings. Reaching arms up to my Father to allow Him to pick me up and kiss my boo boos once again.

Balance isn’t even really what I do. I juggle. Badly. And most of the time, “doing it all” is actually a constant practice in selectively prioritizing which ball I am going to drop this time.

And every time I drop it, 1. I hope I chose something of lesser importance in Heaven’s eyes, and 2. my failure is a gift because it sends me running back to my Maker.

Because our invitation was never to do it all. It’s about remembering time and again, that there is One who does it all. And we are not Him.

**Yes, Substack Notes counts as social media, at least in my digital rule of life, because of the biological effects it has on my nervous system. If social media works for you, great. We need missionaries in every corner of the earth. Still, I’d encourage you to create your own digital rule of life to articulate life-giving boundaries so that whatever tech is important to you will be governed by your prayerful decision, not the default settings its manufacturers give it to mine your brain for the precious commodities of your time and attention.

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Slow Motherhood, Or How I Found My Way Back to What Matters

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When I first started writing publicly seven years ago, I stumbled upon the trend of praying to receive a word for the year. I hoped it would be something exciting, something God would use to affirm and fuel my transition into the world of sharing my soul with readers.

Instead, I got: slow.

As usual, I was a little, ahem, slow on the uptake.

Years later, I see that that I have always been in rush, in a hurry to enter the next stage, receive the next thing.

Now, in this season of motherhood, I am finally starting to let this lesson, this discipline of slow sink in. There’s a reason “Vienna” by Billy Joel was my favorite song as a teenager, why Chardin’s “Patient Trust” won’t leave me alone, and why, when everything in my life—from homeschooling pace to the biotechnologies that I study to book publishing—seems to be accelerating at an unprecedented pace, the gentle whisper of the Lord continues to beckon me to a quieter, slower rhythm of life.

I am finally ready to listen.

Two years ago, I nearly lost the ability to mother at all. Chronic illness stripped me of my plans, my rhythms, my strength. It left me staring at the fragile edges of what I thought I could control. In the quiet that followed, I felt a new invitation—or rather, the old one—whisper back to me:

To return.

To rest.

To savor the fleeting beauty of these ordinary days.

I thought I knew what “slow” meant back then. But I’m learning now that slow isn’t stillness in the way I imagined. It’s more like the hummingbird: wings beating furiously, yet somehow hovering, motion and stillness held in tension.

That’s the vision of Slow Motherhood—not a promise of perfectly calm days, but a posture of peace inside the whirlwind. A way of noticing, of savoring, of gathering up these messy, beautiful, fleeting years while we still have time to make them.

What Is Slow Motherhood?

Slow motherhood is waffles and pancakes on Saturday mornings, sticky fingers and syrupy smiles.

It’s graham cracker castles collapsing in the backyard and late-night campouts under a sky full of stars.

It’s checking the milkweed for tiny signs of life—the fragile promise of butterfly chrysalises tucked beneath green leaves.

It’s playing in the rain, stomping through mud puddles, and baking a thunder cake while the storm rattles the windows.

It’s popcorn on the couch, family movies tangled in blankets, and jumping on the trampoline until the constellations come out.

Slow motherhood is pausing long enough to notice—the sticky kisses, the endless questions, the sacred ordinariness of it all.

It’s making memories we’ll one day ache to return to.

Slow motherhood is savoring the present moment so we can relish the good old days—while we’ve still got time to make them.

Slow motherhood is savoring the present moment so we can relish the good old days—while we’ve still got time to make them.

What You’ll Find Here

This newsletter has always been about sharing grace and raising saints, but with this shift, I want to give you something more intentional, more rooted. Here’s what you can expect:

• Prayerful Reflections: finding God in the middle of spilled Cheerios and endless laundry

• Joyful Rhythms: building gentle routines that nourish your home, your children, and your soul

• Practical Wisdom: tips, encouragement, and resources to help you savor motherhood—not just survive it

• Stories & Stillness: moments of wonder, awe, and connection, even when life feels chaotic

Slow motherhood isn’t about doing less. It’s about being more present in the life we already have.

A New Beginning

I’m so grateful you’re here. This community has been with me through many seasons—from the early days of motherhood to my first published book to now, when illness and uncertainty have rewritten my pace. This shift isn’t so much a change as it is a coming home.

Together, we’ll lean into the wild, messy, sacred gift of these ordinary days and learn to find the stillness of the hummingbird—the quiet center in the middle of motion. Here’s to savoring the “good old days”—while we’re still living them.

AMDG,

Samantha

PS Sign up at Substack to receive Slow Motherhood directly to your email inbox!

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Raising Saints in a Busy World

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Raising Saints in a Busy World

Parenting in today’s fast-paced world often feels like a constant battle against time and distraction. We want our children to grow in virtue, faith, and character, but the noise of modern life can make that feel impossible. Slow motherhood offers a way to create space for what really matters, helping children thrive spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Small, Intentional Choices Matter


Raising saints begins with simple, deliberate choices. Reading scripture together, taking quiet moments for prayer, or celebrating small family traditions are all ways to anchor your children in a life of meaning and faith. These practices don’t require perfection, just consistent attention to what nurtures hearts and souls.

Building a Home Where Faith Flourishes


Creating a home that fosters faith means looking at daily life as a series of opportunities to cultivate virtue. From bedtime prayers to intentional conversations about kindness and courage, each moment is a chance to show your children what it means to live with love and purpose.

Living Slow Motherhood in Everyday Life


Slow motherhood encourages parents to resist the pressure to rush through life. By slowing down, we create room for presence, prayer, and joy. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. Even small gestures, repeated consistently, have a lasting impact on the hearts of our children.

Join the Conversation


On the Slow Motherhood Substack, I share reflections, stories from my family, and practical ways to nurture a home where faith and joy thrive. Together, we explore how to slow down, nurture hearts, and raise children who understand love, virtue, and purpose.


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5 Gentle Practices for Prayerful Motherhood

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5 Gentle Practices for Prayerful Motherhood

Being a mother can feel overwhelming. There is always another task to check off, another obligation pulling at your attention. But creating a prayerful home doesn’t have to be complicated. Embracing slow motherhood means finding small, intentional ways to weave prayer, presence, and joy into everyday life. Here are five gentle practices that can help you nurture your family while cultivating your own heart.

1. Morning Offering


Start each day with a simple prayer offering your day to God. It doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Even a quiet moment with a whispered intention can set the tone for a calmer, more mindful day.

2. Family Table Rituals


Use mealtimes as opportunities to connect. Share gratitude, intentions, or a small reflection together. These moments teach children to notice blessings and cultivate a habit of reflection.

3. Seasonal Rhythm


Celebrate the changing seasons with small, meaningful traditions. This could be planting flowers in the spring, lighting candles in Advent, or taking a quiet walk to notice autumn leaves. These rituals help children feel grounded and give your family a shared sense of time and purpose.

4. Mindful Pauses


Pause intentionally throughout the day. Take a moment to breathe, notice your surroundings, or pray quietly. Encourage your children to do the same. These small moments of awareness help your family slow down and savor life’s ordinary joys.

5. Evening Reflection


Close the day with a brief reflection, like the Ignatian Awareness Examen. Share something you are grateful for, something you learned, or a moment of connection. This practice encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and spiritual growth.

These practices aren’t just routines. They are simple ways to live in the rhythm of slow motherhood, creating a home where faith, joy, and love can flourish. For more ideas and reflections, join me on the Slow Motherhood Substack where I share practical encouragement for prayerful, joyful family life.

ALL My Posts on Catholic Homeschooling!

Our Catholic Homeschool Rhythm 2025-2026

I’ve come to believe that rhythm is one of the most underestimated forms of love.

Not the rigid kind—where the clock dictates every move and there's no room for wonder—but the kind that holds space for both structure and spontaneity, for both wildflower walks and Tuesday’s laundry. The kind that lets you exhale.

Our homeschool rhythm isn’t flashy. But it is ours. It’s been carved out slowly, through trial and error and a lot of coffee. It’s a rhythm that leaves space for deep dives and rabbit trails, for books read aloud on the couch and muddy boots by the door. It’s a rhythm that tries—imperfectly—to honor the reality that learning is a way of living, not a series of boxes to check.

Here’s what it looks like.

Monday through Wednesday: Foundation Days

6:00–9:30 AM: Rooted Beginnings
I get up before the house stirs. That first light of quiet is golden. I walk, lift weights, pray, journal. Sometimes I don’t get to all of it. But I try. By 8:30, coffee’s in hand, breakfast is humming along, and I have one precious hour to write.
It’s not always seamless, but it’s sacred.

9:30 AM–12:30 PM: Tea Time
This is our main academic block. We begin with the prayer we’re memorizing that month (Memorare, Hail Holy Queen, Morning Offering, etc), and whichever hymn from our book that we are learning (my all-time favorite has been hearing the kids sing the Salve Regina, not in the book). Then, we practice our memory verse and any poetry we are memorizing.

Then, it is Bible story and coloring time, followed by our read aloud. I try to have our tea and some baked good available to make it feel special, but even a quick snack plate with cheese and some grapes or apple slices and peanut butter is a crowd pleaser. This is key for keeping little mouths quiet as we shift to Story of the World for History.

All of that is quite a lot for little attention spans, so we then dismiss the younger kids and switch to individual subjects (we use G&B for Math and Language) before wrapping up the morning for lunch.

12:30–1:00 PM: Nourish + Tidy
We break for lunch and clean up from the morning around noon—sometimes earlier, sometimes later. It really is a rhythm more than a schedule, but I have found that the kids thrive on consistency and knowing what comes next. The structure creates stability and helps limit behavioral problems as well.

1:00–2:30 PM: Science, Popcorn Storytime, and Art
In the afternoon, we snuggle around the fire and dive into science and seasonal picture books (the popcorn helps keep little mouths quiet), followed by an online program called Art with Lauren (this sweet 45 min-1 hr lesson is mom’s quiet tea and fiction break).

2:30–4:00 PM: Chores + Homekeeping
This is our pivot into tending the home—folding laundry (or at least trying to), wiping down surfaces, starting dinner. The kids pitch in. Sometimes cheerfully, sometimes with all the enthusiasm of a cat in a bathtub. But they’re learning it matters. I divide my tasks into zones to tackle so there is just a small amount of work each day (ex. Monday Kitchen + Parent Laundry, Tuesday Bathrooms, Wednesday Floors + Kid Laundry, Thursday Bedrooms + Sheets, etc).

4:00 Dinner Prep

5:00-7:00 Dinner + Family Time

Wind Down
Reading aloud. Karate some nights. Bath and bedtime. Family prayer at 7—except on those karate nights, when it shifts to 8. You can read about our family prayer routine here (although lately, we have been loving Compline/Night Prayer). It’s not perfect, but it’s ours.

Thursday: Co-op Day

Thursdays look different. We pack lunches early and get out the door for our co-op day—a day of shared learning and community, where the kids take classes and I get to be both teacher and student in ways that surprise me. We come home tired but full, and dinner is something I threw in the slow cooker that morning with my fingers crossed.

Friday: Nature Day

Fridays are for wonder.

We use the Slow Down curriculum and follow the seasons: bees pollinating, mushrooms unfurling, birds tracing loops across the sky. We pair it with nature walks—sometimes in silence, sometimes with a running commentary of questions I don’t always have answers to. But we look. We slow. We see.

Afternoons are for catching up and resetting the house. For making sure the socks have mates (somewhere), the Mass bag is packed, and the fridge doesn’t hold any science experiments we didn’t plan.

None of it is polished. But all of it is intentional.

We don’t aim to finish everything. We aim to be faithful. We aim to cultivate wonder and wisdom and the kind of resilience that grows when a child sees a problem, wrestles with it, and finds he is capable.

If you’re in the thick of it—figuring out your own rhythm, questioning if it’s enough—here’s what I want to tell you: it’s okay to go slow. It’s okay to pivot. It’s okay if some days feel like a beautiful mess and others just feel like a mess.

Keep showing up. Keep reading the books. Keep lighting the candle. You’re building something lasting—even if it doesn’t feel like it yet.

Our Catholic Homeschool Curriculum Picks 2025-2026

It’s that time again! As summer winds down, I find myself re-reading Sarah MacKenzie’s Teaching from Rest, which has quickly become a must-read for homeschooling moms. I first read it as we began our homeschooling journey. Now, with the lens of a few years’ experience under my belt, I am stuck by how true her wisdom all rings, and by the surprising joy of homeschooling.

As a former teacher and perpetual type-A perfectionist, I can get very caught up in the schedule, the to-do list, and completing the curriculum (which we have never done—at least in single year). In reading Sarah’s words, I realize that the best moments of homeschooling have all been the joyful, cozy, and spontaneous ones: sipping cocoa as we read about snowflakes on a snowy morning, diving deep on unexpected topics that capture the kids’ imagination as we follow a rabbit trail, hearing the kids beg me for just one more chapter of our read aloud, and snuggling on the couch reading science and seasonal picture books.

So, for this year, our theme is slow, cozy, curiosity and connection. Rather than a drill sergeant who ensures that every item of the checklist is completed to perfection, my role is to create conditions for us to explore in wonder and form lasting memories. Whether we finish every lesson is beside the point (did you ever get to the end of the textbook when you were in school, anyway?). Did we love learning? Did we love each other? Did we love the Lord? Those are the priorities in our home, and this year, I aim to make certain that our homeschool days are a resounding “yes.”

With no further ado, here are our curriculum picks for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Preschool

There are few changes from last year, except that my youngest is a bit more docile (but still prone to color all over the walls). To keep my little one occupied during school hours, I have gathered an arsenal in the form of busy bins. (For my best tips on homeschooling with littles, check out this post.)

I am curious to see if she wants to spend more time “doing work” at the table with us now that her older brother is in Kinder, so I also added a coloring book and some of the G&B PreK finger-tracing and wipe-clean books to her box in case she does want to be at the table with us.

Kindergarten

My most feral child is surprisingly eager to learn his letters and very precise with handwriting.

We are using The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts K, and The Good and the Beautiful Math K. This was the first curriculum I ever used, and after trying many others, I just keep coming back. We love the format, the simplicity, and the many built-in ways the author makes it fun and engaging for the kids. It is a winner, and like that old commercial says, kid-tested, mother approved.

First Grade

My other son is about halfway through the G&B First Grade Math and Language Books and we will buy the Second Grade levels when he is ready. I also bought him a Picture Bible and the Hey Jack series to encourage his independent reading.

My daughter loved the Princess in Black, Billie B Brown, and Junie B Jones series at this age before moving on to The Cupcake Diaries, which she devoured voraciously!) I do love investing in these sets because they can move easily to the next one (the library can’t be relied upon to have the next one on hand) and with 4 kids, will be used again by the younger ones when they get to that age. Are they the greatest books in English Literature? No. Do they help foster a love of reading and increase fluency? Absolutely. More than enough for me!

Fourth Grade

Language Arts

Our fourth grader reads voraciously of her own accord, so I don’t assign any reading other than what we read aloud together. We have fallen in love with The Good and the Beautiful Language Arts, and we will continue with that as long as they have her grade level available.

Math

We tried Math with Confidence and Teaching Textbooks, and they just weren’t for us. We circled back to G&B halfway through the year, and her dad did those lessons with her. For some reason, Mom is an easy punching bag for venting math frustrations, and with Dad it was smooth sailing. It was difficult to stay consistent with this arrangement given his work schedule, though. I am hoping that, since the Fourth Grade Level advances to video lessons, that she will be successful independently this year with only occasional help from me to clarify problem areas. Pray for us!

Typing and Handwriting

We are using The Good and the Beautiful. I honestly love their handwriting and so do my kiddos. They don’t always do the extra little connect the dots, drawing and coloring, but sometimes they are drawn to them and it brightens the day and takes the fight out of homeschooling (which I will say G&B does shine in that arena in general). She will finish early and move on whenever she is ready, and we both like it that way.

I never actually took a formal typing class. I learned in the wilds of MSN Instant Messenger. We use Night Zookeeper and that seems to be fostering typing skills without feeling like a drag. If you have a suggestion (that isn’t an online chat or forum) let me know!

Family Subjects

For more on how our days together “flow,” you can check out this post on our homeschool rhythm!

Hymns

We will continue using a selection from this hymnbook. I absolutely adore the historical blurbs. We usually take one verse a week, and by the end of the month we are familiar with the chorus and melody, which is my goal for my kiddos at this age.

Read Alouds

We read historical novels last year, which was fascinating, but with this year’s theme, I just want to indulge in the stories I loved most as a kid. We will read Holes, The Indian in the Cupboard, Flowers for Algernon, The Phantom Tollbooth, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and whatever else I can scrounge up. We might also pull from some of the American History novels I didn’t get to last year.

I have already purchased Little Christmas Carol to do Sarah MacKenzie’s Christmas School during Advent which I missed last year because it sold out. We also did all of the Herdman series last year which was pure hilarious fun, and a good cadence for the fall with The Best School Year Ever, The Best Halloween Ever, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Bible

We have loved using Bible resources over the past few years. The Jesus Storybook Bible is still my favorite, and the kids enjoyed the Read Aloud Bible (even if I have some theological qualms with minor bits of content).

My kids continue to love listening to Bible Stories and completing a coloring page, so we will keep doing that with Ascension’s Great Adventure Story Bible and select pages from this coloring book. I considered adding Seton’s Bible Curriculum and Tan’s Story of the Bible. For now, at these ages, simple is better.

Am I “doing enough” so that they can answer every Bible trivia question with perfect precision? Probably not. (I did add this Catholic Trivia game, though, as my 9-year-old is all about trivia games these days.) Is it “enough” that they learn Bible stories and fall in love with Scripture? Which is ultimately the goal? One day, I do want them to achieve the biblical literacy that was a special gift of my Protestant upbringing. For now, familiarity with the stories and the questions and curiosity they spark are, indeed, enough.

Science

I am continuing our K-3 living books curriculum that I created using the Let’s Read and Find Out Series (let me know if you are interested in receiving our lineup!). This continues to be our absolute favorite way to dive into science. I am adding the worksheets from this resource this year to submit for reimbursement purposes, and we are also using the Slow Down Nature Curriculum with our St. Francis Nature Co-op based on the book Slow Down: 50 Mindful Moments in Nature. Very Excited to dive in!

My oldest also chose genetics as her area of special interest this year, so I pulled this off the shelf (I just love everything about the Dover coloring books!) and requested a stack from the library. We will see how involved she really wants to get!

History

We are diving back into my all-time favorite history curriculum, The Story of the World. We are entering at Volume 2 this year and will cycle back through. I honestly feel like this is a treat for me, and the teacher’s manual is my favorite I have ever used, including when I was in the classroom. There are so many pictures books and activities suggested that everyone can find something that works for their family. I also have added in many of the Jim Weiss audiobooks for our car rides (not the audio of the text, which we like to read at home, but extra tall tales, myths, and historical biographies). You can purchase these at Well-Trained Mind or via the Apple Books app (which is the cheaper option).

Supplements and Electives

Both our older kids take karate and piano classes. I love being able to outsource these as my skills, interests, and talents really all lie within the narrow range of academic subjects. Lucky for me as homeschooling mom, and lucky for instructors of the “fun” things I can pay them to teach my kids. We are also loving this online art option Art with Lauren. The kids follow along and I get 45 minutes for a cup of tea and a good novel!

We are also adding in that nature co-op I mentioned, as well as an additional day where they can take classes like sewing, cooking, chess club, etc. And of course, Sunday School! I am very excited, but also wondering if I have bitten off more than we can chew. Our cup overflows with goodness, praise the Lord!

What are your curriculum picks this year??

Ignatian Wisdom for Moms

Motherhood has a way of stretching every part of us—body, mind, and soul. The daily tasks feel so small yet so overwhelming: slicing apples, wiping crumbs and tears alike, praying for patience. The tough moments can break us, or we can allow them to slowly shape us, like a river carves deep grooves of beauty into a canyon over eons. But only if we let them. 

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, didn’t live in a home bustling with toddlers or teens, and yet Ignatian spirituality seems built for motherhood. The Spiritual Exercises offers a vision that helps us to recognize that even the most ordinary parts of our vocation are in fact a sacred path of holiness.  

Finding God in All Things 

Finding God in all things is the central tenet of Ignatian spirituality. The Good Gardener sows seeds of contemplation at every moment, not only in quiet prayer time (which may or may not happen before sleepy footsteps descend the stairs in the morning), but in the spilled milk, the mismatched socks, the dandelion bouquets, and the nighttime questions that tug at our sleepy souls. 

The invitation is not to escape into some imagined spiritual life, but to meet God in the thick of this one. 

How do I see God in my child’s nagging? 
How did I fail to love well today — and how can I do better tomorrow? 
How is God using these moments to tutor me in my remedial subject of patience, generosity, humility, and surrender? 


AMDG: For the Greater Glory of God 

If finding God in all things is the central reflective practice of Ignatian spirituality, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam is its rallying cry: “For the greater glory of God!” 

One temptation is to associate this phrase with pressure—make it all perfect—but in truth, it’s the opposite. Knowing that everything is for God’s glory, and not our own or defined in the world’s terms, liberates us from self-importance. The phrase reminds us that we are not here to build our own kingdoms or perfect homes, but to offer what we have, as we are, to steward what we have been given in the task of raising saints for God’s glory. 

I once thought only the major moments mattered, or that I had to be out serving the poor like Dorothy Day and Saint Teresa of Calcutta to be radically following Jesus. Ignatian spirituality has helped me to recognize that the magnitude of the act is not as important as my posture of surrender, and that finally matching all the socks might be more important than submitting a perfectly polished article. In other words, AMDG is not about outcomes, but faithfulness.  

Ignatian Indifference: A Mother's Surrender 

The word “indifference” might conjure images of apathy, but Ignatius means something deeper: a kind of detachment rooted in holy freedom. He calls us to be open to whatever God wills—health or sickness, riches or poverty, praise or blame — so long as it leads us to love the Lord more deeply, with greater generosity. 

Ignatian indifference reminds me to hold my ideals loosely. To love what God gives, rather than grasping for control. To see the grace in the interruptions, the beauty in the mess, the sanctity in the sacrifice. Rather than grasping tightly to my preconceived ideas of how things should be, I can accept circumstances as they are, and look for the Lord’s will for me even in the rough messiness of reality.  

Does the carpet need to be shampooed again in this season of potty training? Are we still catching mice in these traps? Is the crawl space flooding again? Each of these real-life disasters has hit our home within the past few months. Perhaps, rather than despairing of my inability to maintain perfect order and control, the Lord is inviting me to surrender my idea of perfection, to come to him in petition for these needs and for whatever grace my soul requires to weather these seemingly endless storms.  

Contemplation in Action 

Finally, Ignatius calls us to be contemplatives in action: anchored in prayer, moving through the world with Christ. 

For me, this looks like a thousand silent prayers scattered through the day: 
“Jesus, help me speak gently.” 
“Mary, be a mother to me, so I can mother them.” 
“Lord, make me attentive to what matters right now.” 

Contemplation in action doesn’t require stillness, only awareness. If the basic posture is looking for God in all things, and the basic mantra is AMDG, then the basic tool Ignatius offers us is the awareness examen. This prayerful review at the end of the day is nothing more than asking the Holy Spirit to accompany us as we recall what happened, discerning the clues God has left for us to see Him at work in our day. Making this a regular habit is the transformational key that unlocks our minds and spirits to be attentive contemplatives in action throughout the day as well.   


On this feast of Saint Ignatius, may we mothers learn to see our homes as the domestic churches they truly are and our children as fellow pilgrims. May we live this calling, not perfectly, but prayerfully — for the greater glory of God. 

AMDG. 



This post first appeared at CatholicMom.com.

Cultivating the Garden of Our Souls

What is summer to you? Does it taste like watermelon and smell like sunscreen? For gardeners, summer smells like warm earth and tastes of homegrown tomatoes bursting with tangy sweetness. It also means a sweaty, daily battle with vicious villains: squash bugs and weeds.

When I first planted my backyard garden, I chose the “no dig” method of layering cardboard and compost right over our weeds. I hauled in wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow until our small patch of earth was no longer a snarled mess, but an unmistakable garden plot ready for planting. It was exhausting work, but each shovelful brimmed with the promise of homegrown vegetables, and that vision drove me on. I naively believed the no-dig promise that the cardboard and mulch would be enough to smother the weed seeds lurking below.

Confession and the Garden of the Soul

It was around this time that my daughter received her first Confession. When it came time for her second Confession (which held none of the excitement and glamour of the first to obscure the objectively nerve-wracking nature of bearing your weaknesses to a total stranger), I found myself coaxing and cajoling a fearful and anxious eight-year-old to our local parish. I couldn’t really blame her for her reluctance. I am an adult convert, and fifteen years later, I felt the same aversion when dragging myself to Confession.

During one particularly painful examination of conscience, I felt my shame spilling over into hot tears. I berated myself for failing to avoid those same sins that land me in Confession week after week. When will I stop needing Confession? I asked myself in exasperation. At this moment, a tiny drop of wisdom bubbled over from my head, soaking into my heart as the image of my garden popped into my head.

The Weeding is Never Done

I pushed open the gate to our back garden in July, after about a month of neglect, to find my once pristine vegetable beds entirely overrun by weeds. There was cheese weed with its deep taproots, nearly impossible to remove without the right tools. There were tall, bright green grasses with shallow roots that nonetheless reappear every year, and—worst of all—nefarious bellbind with its deceptively lovely white blooms wound its way up my crops, choking the life out of them. (Incidentally, this is the indefatigable weed that inspired the name of the demonic title character of my upcoming book, The Bellbind Letters, a creative take on C.S. Lewis’s spiritual classic for Catholic moms.)

I spent the better part of a week on my hands and knees yanking every last one out by the roots. When I finally stepped back to survey my work, my triumph was short-lived: Although my well-defined borders were once again visible, they were dotted with tiny specks of green from weeds that had either escaped my notice during the initial battle or had simply grown back in the time it had taken me to tackle the other beds. Tempted as I was to hang my head in shame at my utter inability to dominate this space, a fleeting moment of grace whispered deep in my heart like the fluttering of a hummingbird’s wings: Maybe through this garden the Lord is trying to grow patience with myself within me.

Like our sins, weeds are impossible for us to eradicate entirely. Continuous weeding is the fate of every gardener, and if we want to make our souls delightful gardens for our Lord, we find ourselves in need of constant cultivation. We will always need to diligently weed out vices. Frequent visits to the confessional will prevent the roots of more serious sins from penetrating too deeply and dissuade the deleterious effects of sin from choking out emerging seedlings of virtue.

What the Master Gardener Sees

The garden is rich with spiritual metaphors. Scripture is full of agricultural imagery that helps us unravel the mysteries of the spiritual life. Of course, tending the garden of our souls is not something we are meant to do on our own. We must consult the Master Gardener, sower of good seeds. What is His vision for this space? What fragrant varieties would He like to see planted here?

As gardeners and disciples both, we cannot become overly distressed when we see the weeds creeping in. The Master Gardener calls us to a life of joy and unceasing prayer. Of course, weeds cannot be permitted to flourish in the garden, but their appearance is not cause for despair. He expects to find weeds, and so should we. If we attend to them diligently, day by day, we will find that they can be managed. With His help, flowers will still blossom and trees bear good fruit.

If the Master still sees all the beauty in this garden, why shouldn’t we?

 


This post first appeared at Blessed Is She.

Finding Hope in Mary with Donna Marie Cooper-O'Boyle

This week on the Mama Prays podcast, I chat with Donna Marie Cooper O’Boyle, prolific Catholic author, EWTN TV host, and mother.

Tune in and you will hear:

  • The story of her friendship with St. Teresa of Cacutta

  • How to walk with Mary in our motherhood

  • How to find hope for trying times

  • What’s so miraculous about the Miraculous Medal

Donna Marie generously shares her heart and her wisdom, pointing us to Our Lady and Her Son in this Jubilee Year of Hope!


Carmelite Principles for a Peaceful Home with Tina Mayeux

Listen to the wisdom of Tina Mayeux, sorority girl turned Carmelite turned stay-at-home mom. Tina shares all about what drew her to the Carmelites, as well as the ordering principles of Carmelite spirituality that have shaped her motherhood over the years. You won’t want to miss Tina’s tips for creating a peaceful, Christ-centered home!


What the Saints Can Teach Us about Marriage with Caitrin Bennett

This week on the Mama Prays podcast, I am thrilled to be bringing you this interview with Caitrin Bennett, Catholic homeschooling mother of 3 and author of the book Holier Matrimony. We had an incredible conversation and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

Tune in and you will hear:

  • Stories of real saints who lived out holiness in their vocations to marriage

  • How to denounce some of the biggest lies in our culture about marriage today

  • How to connect with your spouse in an age of distractions

  • How to strengthen your spiritual connection with your spouse

  • The beauty of the graces available to us in the Sacrament of Matrimony

We have such a gift in the communion of saints, and Caitrin does a beautiful job of communicating their stories to us!


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The BEST Books for Catholic Wives, Mothers, and Homemakers

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Motherhood and homemaking are profound callings that require both practical skills and spiritual wisdom. Over the years, I’ve come across books that have enriched my journey, offering encouragement, insight, and inspiration. Today, I’m sharing my favorite books for motherhood and homemaking—each one a treasure that has shaped my understanding of what it means to nurture a home and family in alignment with God’s plan.

1. Apostolate of Holy Motherhood

This book beautifully captures the sanctity and responsibility of motherhood. It’s a collection of the experiences of an anonymous visionary that inspires mothers to embrace their vocation as a spiritual mission. The themes of prayer, sacrifice, and dedication resonate deeply, reminding us that our efforts as mothers have eternal significance.

2. Counsels of Perfection for Christian Mothers

This timeless guide provides practical advice and spiritual encouragement for mothers striving for holiness. Its focus on cultivating virtue in daily life and raising children in the faith makes it a must-read for Christian mothers who seek to balance the demands of homemaking with their spiritual lives.

3. In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms by Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Dr. Laura celebrates the invaluable role of mothers who choose to stay home and prioritize their families. This book is a heartfelt affirmation of the importance of a mother’s presence in her children’s lives. It’s a great reminder that our sacrifices as homemakers are worthwhile and deeply impactful. (A hard read if you are working but want to be home, however, listening on audio gave me the courage to tell my husband I HAD to quit working, and the consolation I needed when that transition ended up being a trying one).

4. Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters by Erika Komisar

Erika Komisar presents compelling research on the emotional and developmental benefits of a mother’s presence during the early years of a child’s life. This book underscores the irreplaceable role of mothers, offering both encouragement and practical advice for those navigating this critical season of parenting.

5. Let Me Be a Woman by Elisabeth Elliot

Elisabeth Elliot’s reflections on womanhood, marriage, and faith are profound and deeply moving. This book is a beautiful exploration of what it means to embrace our God-given identity as women. Her wisdom encourages us to find joy and purpose in the roles of wife, mother, and homemaker.

6. The Privilege of Being a Woman by Alice von Hildebrand

This book celebrates the unique dignity and vocation of women. Von Hildebrand eloquently discusses the spiritual strengths of femininity, offering a countercultural perspective that affirms the beauty of motherhood and homemaking as a divine calling.

7. The Eternal Woman by Gertrud von le Fort

Von le Fort’s poetic and philosophical exploration of womanhood is deeply inspiring. This book examines the timeless qualities of femininity and their relevance in every aspect of life, including motherhood and homemaking. It’s a rich read that invites reflection on the deeper meaning of our roles as women.

8. Holiness for Housewives by Dom Hubert van Zeller

This gem of a book is perfect for mothers who feel overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Dom van Zeller offers practical advice on how to find holiness in the ordinary tasks of homemaking. His insights remind us that our work in the home can be a path to sanctity.

9. Graced and Gifted: Biblical Wisdom for the Homemaker’s Heart by Kimberly Hahn

Kimberly Hahn’s book is a wonderful resource for homemakers looking to align their daily routines with biblical principles. She combines practical advice with spiritual insights, offering guidance on everything from meal planning to fostering a prayerful home environment.

10. Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life by Leila Lawler

Leila Lawler’s comprehensive guide to homemaking is a treasure trove of wisdom. She covers everything from managing a household to nurturing family relationships, all while emphasizing the beauty and dignity of home life. Her practical tips and philosophical reflections make this book a must-have for any homemaker. She is really a straight shooter and I appreciate that!

11. A Mother’s Rule of Life: How to Bring Order to Your Home and Peace to Your Soul by Holly Pierlot

Holly Pierlot shares her journey from chaos to peace by creating a “rule of life” inspired by monastic traditions. This book provides a framework for mothers to balance their spiritual, personal, and family responsibilities. It’s a practical and inspiring guide for anyone seeking greater harmony in their home.

12. The Domestic Monastery by Ronald Rolheiser

Ronald Rolheiser draws parallels between monastic life and the vocation of motherhood. This short but powerful book highlights how the daily routines of family life can become a form of prayer and spiritual growth. It’s a comforting reminder that our ordinary tasks have extraordinary value.

13. A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George

Elizabeth George’s classic book encourages women to pursue a life centered on God’s priorities. She provides practical advice on building a strong marriage, raising children, and creating a Christ-centered home. Her wisdom is both inspiring and actionable.

14. The Theology of Home Series by Carrie Gress, Noelle Mering, and Emily Malloy

This series is a visual and spiritual feast that celebrates the beauty and purpose of homemaking. Each book combines stunning photography with thoughtful reflections on how our homes can become sanctuaries that reflect God’s love. The series is a beautiful reminder of the sacredness of our daily work.

These books have been a source of encouragement and growth for me as a mother and homemaker. They remind me that our work in the home is not only practical but deeply spiritual. Whether you’re looking for practical tips, spiritual inspiration, or affirmation of your vocation, these titles offer a wealth of wisdom. I hope they bless you as much as they have blessed me!

If you are a lover of books in this genre, I invite you to consider picking up a copy of one of my books,

  • Mama Prays, a compilation of devotional-style stories from early motherhood

  • Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad, a guide to standing firm with the Church on marriage and family, while navigating the ethically fraught bioethical realities of childbirth, IVF, surrogacy, and genetic technologies.

    or by following along with my newsletter for pre-order information for my forthcoming books to be published in 2026:

  • The Bellbind Letters: Inside the Devil’s Plan for Your Motherhood, a creative take on C.S. Lewis’s spiritual classic (join me at CatholicMom.com for a Lenten bookclub!)

  • Grow Where You’re Planted: Reclaiming Eden in Your Own Backyard, a family guide to cultivating seasonal abundance and self-sufficient living (releasing early spring — preorder and get my gardening masterclass for free!)

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What Is Slow Motherhood? Choosing Presence Over Pressure

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Motherhood was never meant to be rushed.

Somewhere along the way, we began to believe that the measure of a good mother was how much she could manage, how many plates she could keep spinning without letting one drop. We fill our calendars, cram our days, and scroll through an endless feed of other people’s lives, and still we lie awake at night feeling as though we aren’t doing enough.

But beneath the noise, there is a quieter invitation.

Slow motherhood is not about doing less for its own sake. It is about doing what matters most. It’s about creating room to breathe, to notice, to savor the beauty that is already here. It’s about trading hurry for presence, anxiety for trust, and distraction for attention.

When we choose slow motherhood, we begin to live more intentionally. We begin to ask better questions: What deserves my time and energy? Where is God calling me to be fully present? What can I release so I can focus on the things that truly matter?

In my own life, slowing down has meant anchoring my days in prayer, building family rhythms that cultivate peace, and carving out space for faith to take root and grow. A slow home is not a perfectly quiet home—there are still dishes to wash, lessons to teach, and little voices calling your name—but it is a home ordered toward the things that last.

Our children are growing up in a world that prizes speed, productivity, and constant stimulation. If we are not intentional, the pace of modern life will sweep us along with it. Slow motherhood is a deliberate resistance to that pull. It is the choice to raise our children with care, to protect the sacred space of home, and to create an environment where faith, joy, and connection can flourish.

This shift requires us to recover the value of presence. When we slow down, we notice the details—the sunlight on the kitchen table, the laughter spilling down the hallway, the sacred ordinariness of a child’s hand in ours. We begin to see that these seemingly small moments are, in fact, the moments that shape a family and form a soul.

Slow motherhood is not a formula or a set of rules. It is a posture of the heart. It is choosing depth over distraction, savoring what is right in front of us instead of racing toward the next thing. It’s how we begin to build prayerful homes, nurture joyful rhythms, and cultivate faith that carries our families through seasons of both chaos and calm.

That is why I created Slow Motherhood—a space for mothers longing to embrace a more intentional way of living and raising their children. Here, I share reflections, practices, and gentle encouragement for those who want to slow down, savor the goodness of today, and plant seeds for tomorrow.

If your heart is longing for a different way—a slower way—you are not alone. You are welcome here.

Want more tips for cultivating joyful rythms of slow motherhood? Join me at the Slow Motherhood newsletter!

Amazon Gardening Favorites

My Favorite Garden Items from Amazon

Gardening has always been a passion of mine, and over the years, I’ve discovered some fantastic products that have made my gardening experience even more enjoyable. Here are my top picks from Amazon that I absolutely love:

  1. Elevated Raised Bed

    • This elevated raised bed is perfect for those who want to garden without bending over. It’s sturdy, easy to assemble, and provides ample space for growing a variety of plants.

  2. 8’x4’ Raised Beds:

    • These raised beds are ideal for creating a well-organized garden. They offer plenty of room for planting and are made from durable materials that will last for years.

  3. White Picket Fence:

    • Add a touch of charm to your garden with this classic white picket fence. It’s easy to install and provides a beautiful border for your garden space.

  4. T-posts:

    • These T-posts are essential for supporting garden fencing or netting. They’re strong, reliable, and easy to drive into the ground.

  5. Above Ground Pool:

    • While not a traditional garden item, this above ground pool is perfect for cooling off after a long day of gardening. It’s easy to set up and provides hours of fun for the whole family.

  6. Garden Netting:

    • Protect your plants from pests with this durable garden netting. It’s easy to install and can be used for a variety of purposes, including covering raised beds or fruit trees.

  7. Adjustable Garden Stakes:

    • These adjustable garden stakes are perfect for supporting growing plants. They’re easy to adjust and provide excellent support for tomatoes, beans, and other climbing plants.

  8. Mycorrhizae Root Growth Enhancer:

    • Boost your plants’ root growth with this mycorrhizae root growth enhancer. It’s easy to use and helps improve nutrient uptake for healthier, more robust plants.

  9. Organic Liquid Fertilizer:

    • Keep your plants thriving with this organic liquid fertilizer. It’s made from natural ingredients and provides essential nutrients for strong, healthy growth.

  10. Weed-free Garden Straw Mulch:

    • This weed-free garden straw mulch is perfect for keeping your garden beds neat and tidy. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil.

  11. Wood Trellises:

    • These wood trellises are perfect for supporting climbing plants like cucumbers and peas. They’re sturdy, attractive, and add a vertical element to your garden.

  12. Buckwheat Cover Crop:

    • Improve your soil health with this buckwheat cover crop. It’s easy to grow and helps suppress weeds, improve soil structure, and attract beneficial insects.

  13. Micro-clover Seeds:

    • These micro-clover seeds are perfect for creating a lush, green ground cover. They’re low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and provide a beautiful, soft lawn alternative.

I hope you find these garden items as useful and enjoyable as I have. Happy gardening!