the reluctant pioneer

I've been thrilled to be able to donate some of my rosaries to good causes. Pictured here is an amethyst one that was recently snatched up in a silent auction for  Saint Paul's Outreach . What is always surprising to me (though Mark is never surprised) is that they go for more than their value. This particular piece sold for over 60% more than its retail value. Another rosary in a different auction went for twice its retail value. It's pretty exciting to create something that is so highly valued!  Needless to say, this is a life-giving creative outlet for me. I know Mark would appreciate it if they sold as well as they auction. I'm leaning towards marketing them to brick and mortar Catholic stores. In the meantime, I have a small collection of completed rosaries (including a twin of the pictured one, which happens to be $42). Feel free to contact me and I can let you know what I have available. In other news, as the title of this post implies, I'm overw

It's that time of year, again. I can't handle seeing "First Day of School" pictures posted on Facebook when it's August. I'm a firm believer that school should not begin until after Labor Day. Fortunately for me, I can put it off until whenever I choose. I have yet to pick our official "First Day of School" but I assure you, it's coming...after Labor Day. Despite the term, The Lazy Days of Summer, our life has been going full speed ahead. I'm pretty sure I don't know anyone that has a lazy summer. For your enjoyment, here's our August photo dump. We celebrated Lydia's feast day at Culvers where, upon singing Happy Feast Day, we were asked by multiple groups of people if we were all in a choir. Standards low, much? We said goodbye to the Phillips, who are finally together as a family, and have moved to Kansas. Here, for your enjoyment, you can see the developmental differences between these cousins. Lucy's great at sit