Best Gifts for Teen Boys--Music

 Teen boys can be tricky to shop for when buying holiday and birthday gifts. When our two boys, now 23 and 21 were little, it was no problem: Matchbox, Legos, tools, sports equipment--they loved them all. Then the boys hit adolescent and got complicated. We didn't want to buy gifts that would embarrass. Though they still liked toys, we had to be careful not to patronize.  Best Gifts for Teen Boys--Musical Instruments

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Activities for Children

Dec. 8 marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in the Catholic liturgical calendar. As this fell on Sunday in 2013, the holy day was moved to Dec. 9 and is not a day of obligation. I remember this was the first mass I attended when I started dating my husband. I was raised protestant.

Catholics believe that the Blessed Virgin Mary was preserved from original sin so that she could birth the Messiah, Jesus and honor her on this day. Here are activities for parents and children to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Advent, a Christmas preparatory season during which the feast falls.  Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Advent Activities for Parents and Children

Free Printable Advent, Feast of the Immaculate Conception Lessons

December 8 normally marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. For 2013, it's observed Monday, Dec. 9 because the 8th fell on Sunday. Immaculate Conception is one of six recognized Holy Days in the liturgical calendar. Here are free printable activities and lessons to celebrate this feast day. I've gone through all the noted Catholic websites and linked this article to children's liturgy activities that explore the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Blessed Mother.  Free Printable 'Feast of the Immaculate Conception' Activities

Advent Math, Writing Service Project Craft

So many of us have found Christmas to be far more about receiving than giving with our children. It's not that kids are so selfish, it's that marketing campaign target kids and bombard them with images of thousands of 'must-have' toys, gadgets and goodies. Who can blame kids for wanting all that cool stuff. To say, 'you're selfish' to a child is to state an obvious, but not necessarily negative fact of childhood. Telling them not to want things is pointless. But we can give them lots of positive, proactive opportunities to practice giving, sharing and caring.  Advent Math, Writing Project Craft