September 9, 2009

“Lost and Found Family” Today on Teresa Tomeo’s “Catholic Connection”

This morning I’ll be a guest on Teresa Tomeo’s “Catholic Connection” to talk about my upcoming talk at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The talk will be on September 17 at 7:30 pm, and will include representatives from area foster care and adoption agencies to answer any questions you may have. On the radio program, I”ll also be talking about a special family movie about adoption and foster care, called “Lost and Found Family,” starring Ellen Bry. The movie has a limited released (may be ordered on DVD) on September 15. I had a chance to interview Ellen by phone yesterday, and talk […]
September 9, 2009

Wee Cook Wednesday: Pastie Time!

Today I found this link for a wonderful lunchtime or quick supper (if made ahead and frozen) treat at Aussie Therese’s blog. Pasties are a popular dish here in Michigan … a fair amount of work, but worth it! I was especially intrigued by this recipe, which calls for puff pastry instead of pie dough (which can be a hassle). I’m “translating” the recipe into American measurements here: Ingredients: 1kg carrots (about 2 pounds, or 10-12 carrots) 1 kg potatoes (6-8 medium). 500 grams onions (3 medium onions). Curry. Salt Pepper 18 sheets frozen puff pastry. (For the carnivores in the crowd, you can also […]
September 1, 2009

Who’s My “Real Mom”?

Tonight I was reading to Christopher from one of my all-time favorite stories, The Velveteen Rabbit. Recently the subject of “real mother” has come up, as it almost inevitably does with adopted children. Something in one passage struck a chord, and comforted me. I hope it does the same for you. “What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they [he and the wise Skin Horse] were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?” “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin […]
August 31, 2009

Miracle Monday: “Aren’t I Beautiful?”

Today I stumbled on this story from columnist Joe Orso (LaCrosse Tribune), who talks about a teacher who finds a naked kindergarten child with Down Syndrome in a school bathroom . . . and who still remembers the inspiring encounter years later. I thought I’d pass along the joy! Click here: share Posted using ShareThis
August 29, 2009

New Theory Of Autism Suggests Symptoms Or Disorder May Be Reversible

“The central tenet of the theory, published in the March issue of Brain Research Reviews, is that autism is a developmental disorder caused by impaired regulation of the locus coeruleus, a bundle of neurons in the brain stem that processes sensory signals from all areas of the body. “The new theory stems from decades of anecdotal observations that some autistic children seem to improve when they have a fever, only to regress when the fever ebbs.” Read the full story here: New Theory Of Autism Suggests Symptoms Or Disorder May Be Reversible Shared via AddThis
August 28, 2009

Weekend Ponderings: Uncertainties and Surprises

At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom!  Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Today’s Gospel is a sober one. It is no exaggeration to say that I […]
August 27, 2009

Let’s Pray Today … for Adoptive Parents Everywhere

I’ve received several private e-mails this week from prospective adoptive parents whose children seem to be taking “the long way home” — their paperwork delayed, or the process disrupted altogether. Please offer with me today this “Prayer for Adoptive Parents,” for all adoptive and foster parents who are struggling in their vocation … won’t you? The “Prayer of Abandonment” for Adoptive Parents  Father, we abandon ourselves into your hands, to send a child … or not … as you see fit. You by whom the Word was made flesh, send us a miracle, if this is what you desire. Or lead us to her, if […]
August 27, 2009

National Council for Adoption Names Mary Robinson New President

The National Council for Adoption is an important organization to support if you are concerned about the thousands of children in the U.S. in need of permanent, loving homes. NCFA has consistently advocated for the needs of all three sides of the adoption triad with a truly pro-life position — I heartily endorse them. Mary Robinson Named President and CEO of the National Council For Adoption Alexandria, VA – Mary Fasenmyer Robinson of Bethesda, Maryland has been named president and chief executive officer of the National Council For Adoption (NCFA). The announcement was made today by board chairman Stan Swim, noting Ms. Robinson’s extensive experience in nonprofit development, […]
August 20, 2009

Simple Living: A Recipe for Life

Today I stumbled on a post by one of my favorite Extraordinary Moms, Sherry Antonetti, who has decided to close her blog “Chocolate for Your Brain.” I admire her courage — it’s not easy to stop doing (for the good of your family) something you’d much rather be doing (for yourself).  If it’s not writing, it’s something else … reading, showering, sleeping. You know what I mean. Sherry inspired me to do something that I’ve known for some time I should be doing, to make room for new challenges ahead: Conclude my tribute to the Blessed Mother, “Behold Your Mother.” I’ll also be blogging less often at […]