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’
Category: Sample Work
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.
Top Kids Books for the Holidays
At a time of the year when the holidays bring magic to your child’s world, the gift of a special book can take them on a trip of magical fantasy. “Books stimulate a child’s sense of curiosity, creativity and imagination and validate their feelings,” said Dr. Donna Housman, founder of Beginnings School in Weston, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Choose just the right book as a gift to stir your child’s imagination this holiday season.
Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Published November 2014: The Messenger - Faith: A Fresh Take Once a Parent, Always a Parent Once my children reached teenage status, I was entered into a whirlwind journey that I can clearly admit that I was not prepared for. It’s no secret that teenagers can be moody, more opinionated or even combative and know-it-all human… Continue reading Once a Parent, Always a Parent
Raising Informed Kids
Published November 2014: The Messenger - Faith: A Fresh Take Raising Informed Kids Although it may seem like as parents, we have it all together and have prepared our children for every situation, there are times when we realize that something has slipped through the cracks. I remember the shock I felt when my children told… Continue reading Raising Informed Kids
The Perfect Plan
Published October 2014: The Messenger - Faith: A Fresh Take The Perfect Plan On a daily basis, I catch myself repeating the word “perfect” over and over again. When a meeting or plan is finalized, I respond with “That’s perfect.” When my children leave in the morning with beds made and rooms ‘somewhat’ picked up, I… Continue reading The Perfect Plan
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 