With Screen-Free Fun set to release this week (Tuesday, April 3rd), I thought I would share a few sneak peeks from a few media outlets who have received advance copies. Special thanks to Mother Mag for highlighting their top 10 activities from the book in this article: 10 Screen-Free Activities to Try Now Also, Screen-Free… Continue reading Screen-Free Fun Spotlighted by Mother Mag & Jinxy Kids
Blog/Sample Work
Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do
Published March 2018: The Messenger Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do I’ve always been a dreamer, but a meticulous one. Although on the outside (and in my home of seven), you may not always see that I’m organized, but I believe that dreaming and planning go hand in hand. Recently, I came across the phrase: “Dreams… Continue reading Dreams Don’t Work Unless You Do
Big Announcement: New Book Launched April 3, 2018
I'm so pleased to announce the launch of my new book "Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family." The book is now available in local/national bookstores or on Amazon. Book Overview: Fight back against boredom and keep your kids busy and entertained—without staring at a screen—with this handy collection of family activities ranging from… Continue reading Big Announcement: New Book Launched April 3, 2018
St. George parishioner forges 64-year friendship with pen pal
Published November 2017: The Messenger St. George parishioner forges 64-year friendship with pen pal Article Excerpt: While many friendships do not stand the test of time, Marlene Fridley, a parishioner at St. George in New Baden, knows the exception. Fridley forged a friendship 64 years ago with Hawaii-native Theresa Silva, a friendship she credits to… Continue reading St. George parishioner forges 64-year friendship with pen pal
At Daystar, it’s the ‘most busiest time of the year’
Published December 2017: The Messenger At Daystar, it's the 'most busiest time of the year' Article Excerpt: What began as an effort to provide Christmas gifts for needy families by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ 40 years ago has evolved from a pile of presents in a convent basement to Santa’s Workshop at the… Continue reading At Daystar, it’s the ‘most busiest time of the year’
Newborn Essentials: How to Survive and Thrive the First Few Weeks
Published June 2017: BabyGears.com Newborn Essentials: How to Survive and Thrive the First Few Weeks Article Excerpt: As I was preparing for the birth of my daughter some years ago, I mistakenly thought that all I needed to do was to clean my home and stock her closet with clothing. However, what I failed to realize… Continue reading Newborn Essentials: How to Survive and Thrive the First Few Weeks
Volunteers Keep Food Pantry Stocked and Social
Published August 2017: The Messenger Volunteers Keep Food Pantry Stocked and Social Article Excerpt: While the stock of food fluctuates at the on-site food pantry at St. Augustine’s in Belleville, the volunteers are always constant. Every Tuesday and Friday, senior helpers stock shelves, pack bags full of non-perishable food, milk, and eggs while sorting donated… Continue reading Volunteers Keep Food Pantry Stocked and Social
Do You Sleep Enough? (15 Tricks for New Moms)
Published June 2017: BabyGears.com Do You Sleep Enough? (15 Tricks for New Moms) Article Excerpt: I can remember as a new mother being able to recognize other new moms while out and about. The disheveled hair and dark circles under the eyes stuck out to me as a clear indicator that these women were just as… Continue reading Do You Sleep Enough? (15 Tricks for New Moms)
Bouncing Back Memories
It was a grueling game of one-on-one basketball. The ball swooshed into the basket once and then twice and even though the rebounds bounced on a driveway instead of a court, the sound of the crowd cheering and chanting could be heard. Except, it wasn’t a crowd. It was a 40-year old mom pretending thousands of fans were cheering her on as she gained points on her 14-year old son who for 30 minutes, gave her his time, his laughter, his competitive spirit and a rigorous workout.
The Parent SOS
From the time I was a child, I was taught to work hard. This work ethic that was ingrained in me from the start has given me many opportunities to excel at multiple jobs. I’m a go-getter, a type “A” organizer and a loyal employee. I learned this from my mom who tirelessly worked two or three jobs at a time to put food on the table and expected my sisters and me to work just as hard at school, around the house and at our part-time jobs as teenagers.
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 