by Catherine | May 9, 2018 | Podcast
This past month, I started making some changes to how I approach my days. I used to jam-pack my schedule and rush from one thing to the next. Now, I’m bringing my planner to my prayer time, and I’m choosing my “Big 3” things that I hope to accomplish each day. Most days, I limit myself to my morning prayer, exercise, and 1 other task. I’m noticing that keeping my to-do list shorter and more focused is helping me to connect with the people in my life on a deeper level. I’m calling this my “Mother’s Ministry of Presence.” In this episode, I shared how I’m seeing that Ministry of Presence bear fruit at the grocery store and within my parish.
Links to things mentioned in this episode:
Questions for You:
- Are you like me and try to maximize your time and things off of your to-do list, running frantically from one thing to the next? In your rushing, are you treating people like speed bumps and barriers to rush past?
- Can you think of a person you encounter on a regular basis that you can make time to have a more meaningful encounter? Bank teller? Grocery store cashier? Neighbor? A child’s teacher?
- Does your parish have some sort of a Mentor Mom or “Adopt a Grandparent” ministry? What does it look like?
- I want to hear how you’re slowing down and having a Ministry of Presence for the people around you. Please send me your stories!
Get in touch! Send questions or topic suggestions my way. As always, you can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | May 1, 2018 | Podcast
If you had any doubts as to whether or not God has a sense of humor, listen to the story of how today’s guest and I met. Today, Brenda and I talked all things books, and we got to do a little literary matchmaking.
Some of Brenda’s Childhood favorites:
Brenda’s current reader profile:
- 70% fiction to 30% non-fiction
- fiction is mostly historical (favorite period is early to mid 20th century)
- Nonfiction is mostly parenting, biography, or memoir
- almost all e-books, mostly from the library
Topics covered:
- how Brenda makes reading happen as a mother of 3 young children (Libby, by OverDrive on the phone)
- how she finds the books she reads
- how we feel about being a “book breaker-upper” (and how Brenda wishes she were different in this regard)
- Brenda’s current roadblocks to having the reading life she wants
- how she feels about her endings and what she needs in her characters
Literary matchmaking with Brenda (format unabashedly borrowed from the What Should I Read Next? Podcast by Anne Bogel)
- Favorites
- What wasn’t for her
- Current reads
- What she wishes was different in her reading life
My Recommendations for Brenda:
Brenda’s Recommendations for me:
Closing Questions:
- Go back in time. What advice do you have for new mama Brenda?
- What’s something (big or small) that’s making your life easier lately?
Questions for you, listener:
- A Series of Unfortunate Events – what do you think about these books? Have you read them? Have your children? Would you recommend them for your kids?
- What do you think of my book recommendations for Brenda? Do you have any titles to add to my list?
- Do you celebrate May Day? What does your family do?
- Don’t you think Jennifer Fulwiler should add Lincoln, NE to her book tour for One Beautiful Dream? Me too!
For those who asked about it, here is the First Communion Novena we prayed with Jane leading up to her big day.
Get in touch! Send questions or topic suggestions my way. As always, you can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Apr 25, 2018 | Podcast
Jane received her First Holy Communion last Saturday, and she came on the podcast to share about her experience.
Hooray for helpers! Jenny and Bekah, thank you for everything you did to help make Jane’s First Holy Communion a peaceful, prayerful day!
Question: How does your parish handle seating during First Holy Communion Mass? Do the First Communicants sit by themselves? Do families sit together?
Our awesome find at the local Catholic bookstore – St. Joseph Daily and Sunday Missal (3-volume set, leather, zippered)
Prayer request: GodTeens finale Mass on Sunday. Please pray for our GodTeens and all of the graduating seniors as they discern their next chapter. May God keep them close and may they always lean on Him.
Husker Catholic Candlelit Rosary this Sunday, April 29th 8-9 p.m. (surround the border of UNL’s campus)
Get in touch! Send questions or topic suggestions my way. As always, you can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Apr 17, 2018 | Podcast
This week’s recap:
How We Did Disney
- Our luggage
- Where we stayed: Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort
- Airplane survival
- Pre-order groceries and had them delivered to the resort room from Garden Grocer
- Double stroller rental from Magic Strollers
- Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen
- Advice: Have a plan if you get separated!
- Memorize mom and dad’s cell phone numbers
- “Find a mom with kids like you guys, and ask them if you can call your mom”
- What’s your game plan?
- FastPass+
- MagicBands
- Get a Decision Game Plan: Who’s making the decisions?
- Make the decision
- Communicate the decision
- Support the decision-maker
- Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering through the Disney App
- Food is ready for you when you arrive. Ready food = happy little people (and happy parents!)
- HALT (Are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired?)
- Take care of all of those needs to avoid BIG emotions!
- Our favorite rides (keeping in mind we didn’t do a ton of rides and were with young kiddos)
- Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (Hollywood Studios firework show)
- Evening ritual anchor to end first day of travel (for us, that was our read-aloud time)
- Travel during Holy Week (pros and cons)
- Consider going during a cooler time of year to increase your little ones’ endurance!
- Pro of going with young kids: they’re into the magic of meeting the characters, and they get so much sheer JOY from the trip!
How do YOU do Disney? Any tips or tricks to share?
Get in touch! Send questions or topic suggestions my way. As always, you can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Apr 11, 2018 | Podcast
After giving my weekly recap, I shared about my annual visit to the dermatologist’s office. Our conversation about my hormonal acne treatment options led to a great discussion about NFP (specifically the Marquette Method) and how it works.
Links/Resources Mentioned in this episode:
For next time: Do you have any questions about Disney World or travel in general with young kids? Philip’s coming on the show next week to talk about our trip and answer your questions.
As always, you can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Apr 4, 2018 | Podcast
My weekly recap:
- General confession: awesome, emotional, healing. More details to come
- We took on Disney World during Holy Week/Easter. It was equally exhausting and amazing!
- How the donut debacle and my coming unhinged Easter Sunday morning gave me some beautiful insights into Jesus’ unmerited love for me
This week, I shared a conversation I had with my friend, Wendy Clark. We talked about what it means to be “unequally yoked” in a relationship (2 Corinthians 6:14), how she navigated those waters with her college boyfriend (who eventually became her husband), and where they are in their faith journey today. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I think you’ll be surprised by Wendy’s advice at the end.
Links/Resources mentioned this episode:
Get in touch with Wendy:
Questions for you:
- Are you or were you unequally yoked in your relationship? What advice do you have for someone in that situation? I’d love to get your input. E-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom so that I can share your advice on the next episode
Get in Touch!
You can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Mar 28, 2018 | Podcast
Today was a bit of a potpourri episode! I took some time strolling down memory lane to the day Philip and I met (Holy Saturday, 3/26/05) and the day our “baby” Dorothy was born (3/28/16).
I had a few recommendations this week, too:
New show – Somebody Feed Phil, on Netflix.
Recent book recommendations (I listened to all of these on OverDrive through my local public library)
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World by Dr. Michele Borba
- The Lucky Few: Finding God’s Best in the Most Unlikely Places by Heather Avis
Check out Heather Avis’ new podcast, The Lucky Few Podcast
Other links/resources mentioned:
Read-Aloud Revival
Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
Canva
Who Was Lucille Ball? By Pam Pollack
I Love Lucy clips:
Lucy’s famous chocolate scene
Lucy Does the Tango
Jane’s book club’s next pick: Who Is Pope Francis? By Stephanie Spinner
Questions for you:
- Have you ever participated in a book club with your child? Any tips or tricks to share?
- Title recommendations for Jane’s book club?
Get in Touch!
You can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
Have a blessed Holy Week and a wonderful start to your Easter season!
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by Catherine | Mar 21, 2018 | Podcast
Mary’s beautiful daughter, Courtney, had global developmental delays and lived for 22 years until she went on to her heavenly reward 3 years ago. In our conversation today, Mary and I focused on what Mary’s life looked like as a mother to a child with profound special needs. We talked about:
- a “typical” day with Courtney & her routine medical needs
- healing from woundedness and moving past guilt
- a change in attitude about self-care
- marriage and having a child with special needs
- grieving a child’s death with a spouse
- looking back & being honest
- parish support and general thoughts on how the Church is supporting families that have someone with special needs
- what’s making Mary happy lately (big and small)
Links/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Get in Touch!
You can e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Mar 14, 2018 | Podcast
This week, Jane made an appearance to talk about her first confession and I shared how our family likes to sabbath lately.
Links/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Spiritual Inventory
Chameleon (our new favorite game) – How to Play Video
Episode 005: Family Meetings With Philip Boucher
Your “homework” for this week:
- Keep sharing the show with your friends and leaving ratings/reviews wherever you listen!
- Share how you sabbath & your simple Sunday evening recipes
- Share your summer plans
Please e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Mar 7, 2018 | Podcast
Marian Servants of Divine Providence in Clearwater, Florida
Apostles of the Interior Life
The Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver, CO (Fr. Timothy Gallagher’s order)
Catherine of Siena Institute
Called and Gifted Workshop
The Way of Imperfection by Andre Daigneault
My favorite InstantPot recipe: Creamy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Get in touch with Angie via e-mail at angelamarieneumannATgmailDOTcom
Your “homework” for this week:
- Share this show with a friend!
- Leave a rating or a review of the podcast wherever you listen
- Send me your favorite Instant Pot recipe
Please e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom or find me on Facebook or Instagram
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by Catherine | Feb 28, 2018 | Podcast
Links/Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
OverDrive
Hoopla
GoodReads
What Should I Read Next? Podcast
Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies Quiz (Which one are you? I’m a Questioner!)
Your Homework this week:
- How do you track your reading? Tell me all of the details!
- Is there a way to make my GoodReads star reviews private?
- Send me your book recommendations (especially fiction)
- Keep sharing the show with your friends and leaving ratings/reviews wherever you listen! Thank you!!!
Get In Touch!
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, or e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom
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by Catherine | Feb 21, 2018 | Podcast
Sr. Mary Immaculata is a religious sister from the School Sisters of Christ the King. In today’s episode, Sister Mary Immaculata shared a bit about her vocation story and what religious life has looked like for her so far. Despite being a cradle Catholic, I knew very little about religious life prior to this interview with Sister. Aside from teaching me all of the steps involved in her vocation, I appreciate Sister’s candor and vulnerability in sharing her story. I know you’re going to love hearing it as much as I did!
Links/Resources From This Episode:
Please pray for Jane and her second grade classmates as they receive their First Reconciliation this weekend. I *know* Jane would be thrilled to share about it next week!
Get In Touch!
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, or e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom
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by Catherine | Feb 14, 2018 | Podcast
Books I read on our vacation:
- Your Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (and it’s All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, not “I”)
- Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski
- The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
- Welcome Homeless: One Man’s Journey of Discovering the Meaning of Home by Alan Graham
- Loved As I Am: An Invitation to Conversion, Healing, and Freedom Through Jesus by Sr. Miriam James Heidland
- The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids by Jessica Joelle Alexander & Iben Dissing Sandahl
My Lenten Plans:
- Be Healed: A Guide To Encountering The Powerful Love of Jesus in Your Life by Bob Schuchts in preparation for a general confession with my spiritual director
- Naptime Check-In With Jesus: Light a candle, sit down with a cuppa coffee, and journal for 10 minutes. Journal about how Jesus showed Himself to me already that day and thank Him. Ask Him to heal any wounds of the day and to show me how He was there in that moment and continues to be with me as I work through my wounds. Close the time in 2 minutes of silence.
- Meditation question: What would the devil tempt you with in the desert?
- With the kids: 30 minutes of undivided attention solo or with other siblings. Let them lead our play time. Tell them all of the positive inner thoughts that come to my mind. Tell them how they delight me.
- With Philip: Give him a warm welcome home every day. Give him my undivided attention after the kids go to bed as he tells me about his day. Receive his affection warmly. Lead in the area of giving affection. Work through a video series on FORMED.org using our parish membership code.
- As a family:
- Family Rosary with the parish on Thursdays. 1 decade of the Rosary (Sorrowful Mysteries) listening to Rosary Cast by Greg & Jennifer Willits
- Stations as a family on Fridays. We listen to the Holy Heroes Stations of the Cross CD
- Cover the Crucifix and other holy images with purple fabric during Passiontide (from the 5th Sunday of Lent through Good Friday)
What are you needing Jesus to heal in your life this Lent? Do you have any Lenten plans/goals you’d like to share?
Please get in touch!
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, or e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom
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by Catherine | Feb 7, 2018 | Podcast
Links/Resources Mentioned in this episode:
Article from the Southern Nebraska Register the about St. Joseph’s Inclusive Catholic Education Program
School Sisters of Christ the King
“Love Made Visible: A Pastoral Letter on Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist,” by Most Reverend James D. Conley, STL, Bishop of Lincoln
TEC: Teens Encounter Christ Retreat
UNL (University of Nebraska — Lincoln) Newman Center, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church
FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
SLS (Student Leadership Summit) with FOCUS
St. Joseph Youth Ministry
Totus Tuus (summer catechetical program)
Diocese of Lincoln Youth Ministry
Your “homework” for this week:
What are your Lenten plans? I’d love to hear about them! I’ll be talking about Lent in next week’s episode.
Please leave a rating & review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts. This will help the show to get in front of more listeners!
Get in touch!
I’d love to hear your feedback, questions, and topic/guest suggestions!
Find me on Facebook
E-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom
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by Catherine | Jan 31, 2018 | Podcast
I convinced my husband, Philip, to join me in the podcast studio to talk about our Sunday night family meeting. (Scroll to the bottom of the show notes to see our Family Meeting Agenda)
Things Mentioned This Episode:
Your homework this week:
- Please share the podcast with a friend, and leave a rating or review in iTunes if you haven’t already!
- What are your Lenten goals this year? Let me know! (Ash Wednesday is on Valentine’s Day, so you have a few weeks to decide.)
Get in touch! Find me on Facebook or e-mail me at podcastATcatherineboucherDOTcom
Family Meeting (Right after dinner, often while eating dessert at the table)
- Read from the Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- Discuss short lesson from story and challenge of the week (usually linked to something we struggled with the previous week)
- Praise reports
- Discussion of the weekly calendar
Menu Planning using Paprika App (After dinner while kids play/watch movie)
Couple Meeting (After kids are in bed)
- Renew Wedding Vows
- “I, ______, take you, ______, to be my wife/husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in
sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life.”
- Praise report to each other
- Planning
- Look at this week’s calendar
- Babysitter needs
- GodTeens
- Home Management Goals
- Catherine Priority project
- Philip Priority project
- Housework/Project days and times
- Weekly Big 3
- 2 topics from annual goals list
- Marriage
- What went well
- What to work on
- Date night in/out
- Intimacy
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