~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~
Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!
Have you seen Spotlight, the movie about the Boston Globe's breaking of the scandal involving priests and bishops in 2002? Usually the Chief and I don't go out to see movies, but this time we did. I will confine myself to saying that it's a deeply flawed yet very good movie. I cried. He felt kicked in the gut.
But if you want the whole story, you need to read the book written by my husband, Phil Lawler: The Faithful Departed: The Collapse of Boston's Catholic Culture. The year it came out, many people gave it as a Christmas gift, which I know seems weird, but honestly, although it's the hardest-hitting, truth-tellingest book you can read on this subject, in the end it's hopeful. The late Fr. Richard Neuhaus called it “the best book-length treatment of the sex abuse crisis, its origins and larger implications, published to date.”
It's also not just about Boston, although like any good analysis, it uses the details of one place to illuminate the universal issues. Phil knows the story from the inside out. He wasn't just a reporter — he was there.
Since the subject is again in the… spotlight, you need this book. And to answer the question of “what can we do,” you need The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home — because what else can we do but get closer to Christ. So we are giving both away today! (Giveaway is closed.)It suddenly struck us that we've never given away both our books together, so we are remedying that, and the timing is good.
Details are at the end of the post.
Yesterday the world, as we say, was in “thwart mode.” When I look back at our archives, I find that the second week of Advent is like that: I noticed that two years in a row I got a flat tire! At least that didn't happen.
But, as I was getting a third-floor bedroom ready for Deirdre and the Artist, who were coming back this weekend for a wedding, I pulled away the covers she had left after Thanksgiving. They were piled up on this armchair. Neatly, piled.
And underneath all of it…
And then I yelled OMG (apparently when startled I shout out acronyms).
And Chipmunk was like, “What. You wanted to live in the country. Trying to sleep here.”
And I called for Phil (pausing only to take a picture), who came with a basket, when we should have thrown a towel over it, we realized later, because it ran around the room so fast, and we pulled out the furniture, and these fell and broke:
In the grand scheme of things, I would call all this more of a “micro-thwart” than a full-on “thwart.”
Still.
There you have it.
How has your Second Week of Advent gone? Link up and let us know!
Christmas is coming! Enter to win so you can give these as gifts! Keep them for yourself! One winner will get both these books, and we will sign them!
The Faithful Departed: The Collapse of Boston's Catholic Culture
The Little Oratory: A Beginner's Guide to Praying in the Home
Leave a comment. We will have another really fabulous giveaway of something wooden and handmade and gorgeous this Saturday. Should we use Rafflecopter? Or just comments? Let us know. Here's the thing: We need to spread the word about Like Mother, Like Daughter. It's no secret that Rafflecopter can help do that. If you just share, we don't have to use Rafflecopter… unless you prefer it.
So if you share your favorite LMLD post on Facebook, telling your friends about us, leave a second comment (for a second chance to win). And let us know what you think about how we can do the giveaways and share the blog. We will announce the winner next week.
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Tamara @ This Sacramental Life says
Thank you for this timely give-away. I would very much like to win Phil’s book. We are not Catholics (in the capital-C, definition), but we are involved with healing prayer ministries for the sexually abused, my husband is becoming an Anglican priest, and we are so grateful for the steady faithfulness of the Roman Catholic church. We also went to see the movie and cried. May Christ have mercy.
Laura says
Wow, I never would have noticed that chipmunk if you hadn’t pointed it out! How funny/not funny!
I love the pine cone garland. Did you make it?
Joy says
Oh dear. My cat brought a chipmunk into the house one time so I have had the fun of chasing one out, too. We are woefully behind in Advent/Christmas preparations here. School and work take so much time and then my family still wants clean clothes and meals every day. However, I’m finding much joy in reading advent devotionals and listening to music even if decorations and cookies and gifts will be less this year. So it is still lovely.
Did you eventually get rid of the chipmunk or is it still hanging out somewhere in the house? It seems a shame to lose a pretty thing for nothing.
Ilse Cardelle says
I love your posts, Leila. It also helps that I am also a mom of 7 (3 are grown)-you always give practical, down-to-earth wisdom for our everyday lives, no matter what season we are in! Thank you! (Would love to get both books, especially the Faithful Departed; I already have the Little Oratory, so I would give it to a friend.)
Dixie says
Please don’t do rafflecopter! It puts those of us who don’t use social media at a disadvantage and it makes me feel shut out. But then, I know I’m in the minority and it’s just one of the results of my decision not to use these things. So of course you must do what is best for the blog, but I like that you have not gotten so very commercial around here.
Leah says
Dixie, you are not alone. I don’t do social media either. I am always excited when a giveaway gives me a chance just for commenting 😉
Mrs. B. says
Same here!
Sarah says
I just sent your blog to an Orthodox friend of mine whose sister needs homemaking help. I told her your blog is my absolute fav. resource for inspiring and helping Christian wives and mothers (esp. the young ones). I am old fashioned with no blog or Facebook but I spread the word when inspired to do so. My Dad and whole side of his family resides north of Boston and has been scandalized by the faith crisis in Boston. I think only one aunt still believes. Your husband’s book would be an interesting read and I could pass it on to my Dad. I have your Little Oratory and love it- fun giveaway! Overdue with baby #7 (9 days this morning!). Trying to stay patient in this second week of Advent. 🙂
Taryn B says
Ack! A chipmunk indoors?!? My nightmare. And thank you for the giveaway. Two important books.
Carly says
My friend recommended the Little Oratory. I have it on my Christmas wish list.. I don’t know how to do all that sharing stuff. I will just share the link on facebook. Thanks for the giveaway. I am finding myself overwhelmed and in a rut this week!
Mrs. F says
I love living in the country as well, but sometimes the critter neighbors make me want to run far far away! I would have never kept my composure to take a picture! 🙂
Carly says
I just shared it on facebook.
Jennifer Hoots says
A chipmunk inside would certainly send me into a tizzy! I am neutral on rafflecopter, as I have never used it. As for my favorite post here, I would have to say the one with your amazing recipe for chocolate cake. I have enjoyed making it several times.
Kim F. says
Thank you for the giveaway. I would love to gift your book to a friend (I already have one for myself!). And I second what Dixie said, I’m not a fan of the rafflecopter. I suppose I should learn to adapt, but I’m trying to stay away from social media.
Corrine says
I look forward to reading both books. What a wonderful combination. I have a difficult time reading books without a strong dose of hope, and I know that’s just what your book will be!
God bless you and your family,
Corrine
charla says
When I was young and single and living in an apartment in Florida, I was brushing my teeth one morning and felt something looking at me, looked over to see a flying squirrel sitting on my bedroom floor. I’d say you handled your situation better than I did because I ran screaming from the room, tried to lock him in there and called animal control.
I did not know about this book of your husband’s …I need this for my husband to read. We are potential converts and one of the things holding us back at this point is his concern over the handling of the sexual abuse scandal.
Your family has many talents…how amazing that you use them all for God’s glory!
Jennie Cooper says
Oh! Don’t let the sins of people keep you away from the beauty and truth of God! It’s hard to make that distinction, but worthwhile if you can. We had an incident in our parish of a different kind, and it has taken me months to be able to smile at the people involved. Someday, I’ll make it all the way to forgiveness, but in the meantime, their behavior does not change the eternal beauty and truth of our faith.
Melissa AtLee says
I’m entering the contest! Thank you for this blog…you have no idea how much it enriches, educates and encourages my friends and me.
Cayce says
I do not use social media so am just leaving this comment. I look forward to and enjoy reading your blog. It is filled with such good, solid advice. You are a gifted writer.
Betsy M says
Thanks for the chance to win. I also already own a copy but would love to give this book to some new friends of ours {the Dad just turned Catholic and is trying to “convert” the mom. ;)}.
Carol says
I don’t have a clue what rafflecopter is, but let me just say that I love the fact that when I come to your blog site I am not bombarded by ads that s l o w the process down incredibley So, that said, if rafflecopter is something like that, PLEASE don’t go there!
Also, yes please…I would love to win the book giveaway. I am fairly new to your blog and to exploring the Catholic faith.
Thanks for how you share with us so openly…how refreshing!
Carol
Chere Mama says
Hee Hee Hee! Laughed out loud (sympathy laughter) at this one. To me, the smaller the critter, the scarier when they start running around. Would love to win the books!
Leah says
We don’t have chipmunks out here, but we do have ground squirrels, which are actually more closely related to chipmunks than tree squirrels. I guess every place has to have squirrels and with no trees out here, that’s what we get.
I would love to have The Little Oratory. I desperately need some help in making this place a little more prayerful and a little more Catholic.
Polly says
I love, love that chipmunk all curled up and cozy. That cracks me up.
I’m entering the giveaway b/c I think my sister would love both books. She converted to Catholicism at Easter Vigil this year. I think she’d love the practical encouragement in your book and would definitely appreciate your husband’s book as well. I’m so clueless that I had no idea a movie about the sex abuse scandal was even out! Thank you for the instruction to pray, pray, pray when faced with crises like this, especially in our churches.
ali says
Happy Advent. Blessed Christmas and New Year!
Ebere says
Happy Advent. I would love to win the giveaway
Robin says
Oh Leila, You crack me up! Living in the country myself, I can fully appreciate your little guest! We have had a few uninvited guests over the years here in South Texas; numerous critters on the porch, a chicken snake in the pantry, and what I thought was the biggest mouse I had ever seen in the pantry (which turned out to be a baby opossum)!! I would love to receive your books. I already have yours, but would love to have another to give as a gift.
Anel says
🙂 I don’t suppose you ship overseas??
[and – I simply cannot figure out what the reddish thing on the green bin is in the 5th photo!?]
Rebekka says
My guess is a bag of onions.
Anel says
I have shared you blog on numerous occasions with my dear friends.
Lovely
Cristina says
Very important books. Please add me to the giveaway.
Nina says
I just love this blog! My little family has lived in four states in 6 years and you are like a faithful friend that I can always turn to, even when we don’t have a community established. I could use some good reads as I am coming up on my fourth csection in Jan. Please keep us in your prayers!
Mrs C says
I would love love love a copy of Phil’s book for my husband for Christmas!
You two are quite the Catholic literary pair!
Amber says
I know Rafflecopter is easier/better for a lot of bloggers, but I have a weird nostalgia about blog giveaways that let you just leave a comment. You know, like the good ol’ days of blogging? Before everything was monetized and advertized? I totally support people who need to make a living from their blogs, and yet… I still like the simplicity everything not having to bring in a 3rd party marketer.
Amy says
I’ve been wanting both of these! I actually found Phil’s book in the used section of a wonderful book store (before I knew who Phil was) and almost bought it. I wish I had now, but hopefully can get it and yours this way : )
William Bloomfield says
My wife and I love your book The Little Oratory! God bless you and David Clayton for producing such a fine book to help families grow in holiness.
Lacy says
Yes! The world does seem to be in “thwart” mode! I hadn’t thought about it like that. To be honest, I’ve been too busy trying to work around all the thwarts, but you’re exactly right. I had never stopped to consider that it was a yearly occurrence, but now that you say it, I do believe you have it pegged just right. Thankful for insight! Just last week, my husband and I discussed the necessity of a financial budget AND a family life budget that takes into account the expensive/difficult seasons that seem to occur at the same time each year, just so we can stop being caught off guard. Maybe everyone else already had that figured out, and we’re just slow, not sure. Now that you mention it, the 2nd week of Advent should certainly be accounted for in that family life budget.
dani says
Just used rafflecopter with another giveaway…it was way easier than I thought it would be, so I’m fine either way you want to do giveaways 🙂 Would love the Chief’s book!!! (and yours too 😉 )
Lisa says
Thank you for the giveaway! I’d love to read (and share!) both books.
jennybrown says
Thank you for the giveaway. Your book is my go-to gift for all new Catholics. It is wonderful and just what we need help with these days.
Laura says
I don’t do social media either.. would love a chance to win both books as our family has been considering conversion to the Catholic faith but have been road blocked with questions/concerns (i.e. sex abuse scandal.) Thank you for the giveaway!
CMerie says
I would love to win. How is it I didn’t know about The Cheifs book before?
I don’t mind Rafflecopter, but I always get a little sigh of relief when all I have to do to enter something is comment. So simple and satisfying!
I am not on Facebook, but can I share my favorite posts over email to my friends?
Kristen says
I love your posts! Thanks for all the advice and also for the awesome giveaway.
Kate says
Thanks for all the lovely advice and wisdom, and for not killing the chipmunk. Pests though they are, they are quite cute (particularly when outside of the house!).
I prefer commenting to rafflecopter; for some reason, it always gets glitchy when I’m on my phone, which is 90% of my online time.
Kate says
Shared a post on facebook!
Sharon says
We had a squirrel in our basement and also have 3 cats. I’m not sure who was more frightened, me or the cats. Thanks for the giveaway, I’d love to win both books. I really enjoy your blog and have learned so much from you about being a Godly woman in unsettled times.
Kelsey says
That chipmunk made my morning.
gwen says
Please enter me in the giveaway. Would love to win!I don’t blog or facebook, either.
Maureen says
Great giveaway! Thanks for hosting!
Ellen says
I would live both books. Not sure I could handle seeing the movie. Currently at home with a sick baby following her shots and am enjoying perusing old posts here for decorating inspiration.
Mona says
Your Advent posts keep me calm during this super busy time of year. Thank you. I have lots of adult children coming home for the holidays and want the season to be special for them. I have to say this week Advent was a bit eclipsed for me by the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the beginning to the Year of Mercy. I need so much mercy every day and I’m so glad Pope Francis has proclaimed this.
Lisa P says
I like just commenting! And I love your blog. Thank you for sharing your collective wisdom with those of us who have less “collective” in our lives.
Piper says
I love your blog! I have been thinking that going back and reading *all* your posts would be a fruitful way to spend my time. You are so inspiring.
Thanks for the giveaway! May God bless you and your chipmunks!
mary says
Have read your blog for years and love it! Thanks for the great giveaway; I’d love to win the books! (I’m not on any social media.)
Melissa says
I would love to win your book on prayer. My husband and I ( and 4 young children) are coming into the church this year after having been protestant our whole lives. It is a bit of a “culture shock” and we are trying to learn some of the more distinctly Catholic devotions with our family. Thanks so much for your blog. It is a great encouragement to me.
Melissa D says
I would love to win these… to give away as gifts, since I already own them. 🙂
Love Phil’s book. I just got it for myself a few weeks ago, and am still in early chapters, but the writing is so good (SO good), so clear, so *well-thought-out* compared to just about any other writing on the topic. So many elucidations of controversy (this one and others) either skimp on facts, or purposefully misalign them, or expect the reader to jump over crevasses of logic to reach a point, or assume the reader is already in their pocket and needs neither critical thinking nor solid argument to agree. I love that Phil does none of this and also treats the misguided efforts of others with the clarity of both rational thinking and educational faith.
His is one of the few books that make me read slowly and carefully for the best of reasons — to truly understand.
Megan says
Phil’s book looks great! I would love to read it. And of course your book is already on my wish list! Re: rafflecopter, I find it easier, but I think comments require more commitment and create more of a community in relation to a blog- so I feel like comments are probably a better fit for your blog. 🙂
kelly says
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway and the truth rather than the fiction! Love getting your emails and I am at the same stage in life with children and marriages and babies so you feel like my “friend”.
A blessed Advent to you and yours.
Anne Marie says
I live in the Twin Cities and I need to read your husband’s book! I already have a copy of your book and it is wonderful — but I know a very deserving person who would receive it as a gift. Thanks for the giveaway!
Mrs. B. says
Thank you for your giveaway – I always enjoy your husband’s writings at Catholic Culture: he seems so much more charitable than me!!
I dearly love chipmunks, and get very upset when I see hawks dining on them around here… But inside the house, oh my goodness! Your story reminds me of an episode I haven’t thought of in a long time! One summer we had to deal with what must have been Squirrel Nutkin – I have never, ever seen such a naughty squirrel… For some reason he really wanted to get into the house, and he worked hard at it, and one day he made it: the dining room window was open, and he chewed through the screen, and I found him on our dining table, feasting on the some breakfast food that we had left out – true story! He darted under the couch when he saw me, but I miraculously “convinced” him to run out of the back door. He wasn’t done with us, though: he kept trying to chew the kitchen window screen, so I asked my husband to help me open the top part of the window, instead of the lower one as usual. That house was old, with old window frames painted with so many layers of paint that are fine only for people who don’t open windows… My husband ended up breaking one of the glass panes and cutting himself badly! Now you tell me if that wasn’t Squirrel Nutkin! My husband calls squirrels rats with a bushy tail, but I’ve forgiven Nutkin and like squirrels a lot…
Mary Lou says
I know what I want for Christmas!! Love to you and yours!
Michelle says
My husband and I came into the church just as this was coming to light. Talk about major conversations. I would love to hear your husbands work on this. We enjoyed his Pope Francis book.
Thank you for all you do to encourage us.
Michelle Messer
Anna M says
I would, of course, love to be the winner of these books.
Thanks, also, for the lovely posts and heartening advice.
Jacki Weishaar says
I love that you both have books! And that you’re giving them away 🙂 We already own and love yours and would love to gift a copy to a friend.
I prefer giveaways that just use comments since I’m not huge on social media (with 2 under 2 I certain don’t have time for all that). That being said, do what works for your blog. I have no idea what goes into growing a blog. I do share with those I think would love you as much as I do. You’ve brought so much more peace to my parenting and homemaking!
Gwenny says
Auntie Leila, obviously I already have your book, but a signed copy would be wonderful. I remember when Mr. Lawler’s book came out. I didn’t buy a copy then. Maybe I should have. Sometimes I bury my head in the sand about those issues. I read Good Bye, Good Men and it devastated me. Very close to home, that one. Anyway, maybe Mr. Lawler’s book is a bit more uplifting?
And ix-nae on the rafflecopter. I have the hardest time getting it to work on my phone and really, who has time to sit down at a desktop anymore? I’ll share on Twitter and tag you in it, mmk?
Kate says
I cannot believe there was a chipmunk in the bedroom!
I prefer Rafflecopter because I find it easier to enter. Thanks for asking!
Gwenny says
I shared on Twitter and Facebook! 😄❤️
Jana says
There must be something in the air – we had a sparrow and a cowbird flying around in the sunroom, and what the children INSIST was a cuckoo-bird that flew all the way upstairs! Thankfully, no breakage and the oldest boy is something of a bird-whisperer, so everybirdy got out with no injuries!
Amanda says
I can’t help you out with spreading the word myself, as I don’t use social media. So I say if Rafflecopter helps you do that, then go for it. I’d be interested in reading those books.
Maria says
Your books together is a great idea! Thank you!
Also, second the opinions about no rafflecopter, but of course you do what you have to do. I share whenever I find it relevant or realistic to do so, but could share the specific post as well, if that’s requested as sort of the price for entering. ;]
And the chipmunk comments are funny :] At least it’s a cute unwanted guest!
Anamaria says
I just bought a copy of your book as a wedding present! I’d love to win another copy and your husbands book.
Please no raffle copter if possible! We don’t have the Internet- only on our phones- and it makes things like that difficult.
Catie H says
Please enter me!!!
I will continue sharing your great site on my Facebook page (my only social media).
<3
Catie
Anamaria says
Also I have shared the four secrets to marriage and the menu planning posts with a few people, including on Facebook, and the wedding planning ones with my engaged friend.
Kimberly says
I would love to win both of these books!
sibyl says
I fired Facebook, so I vote no to Rafflecopter, but whatever you decide is fine. I enter every dang giveaway on this blog, and one of these days I will win!
My second week of Advent has been fine from the outside, but a mess of spiritual tangles on the inside. Praying to be holier while living the most meager of Catholic lives. Also, it is raining here in MN and far too warm for December, so we’re all of us discombobulated.
Thank your husband for that book. I read it about three years ago — it was heartbreaking, to the extent that when “Spotlight” came out my stomach turned over. It is about the last movie I’d want to see. Still working on forgiving those men who damaged the souls and lives of hundreds of boys.
Candy Hartmann says
I love your holiday décor, including the chipmunk! lol
I don’t think I could see SPOTLIGHT. I always being accused of burying my head in the sand, but I felt “kicked in the gut” just seeing the previews.
I think the contest winner should just be picked from “comments”.
Merry Christmas!
Anne Marie says
The Little Oratory is definitely on my Christmas list!
Emily says
Thank you for this giveaway!
Mary Beth says
What a cute chipmunk!!
Tina says
Thank you for offering both books!
Jamie says
Thank you for sharing the chipmunk picture. It just is so real! 🙂
Sarah says
Thank you for this giveaway! I personally prefer to sign up for giveaways directly in the comments section of blogs.
Esther says
I actually do prefer rafflecopter because it’s easier for me, but I don’t like the long lists that some bloggers put on them: visit this site, twitter here, comment there, you have only entered one “ticket” out of 48… I do like the ease of simply clicking a button but I didn’t realize that those who choose not to use facebook can’t enter at all if the raffle is set up for a simple “enter contest” without all the extra entries.
Becky says
Oh, I have had your books on my wish list for a while now, but as an at-home mother and wife of a student, we aren’t buying much for ourselves these days. I am so excited about the chance to win! Thank you! By the way, your straw star is beautiful! I made one last Advent, and hope to make more this year…they are more time-consuming than I expected, but I love them in their apparent simplicity. By the way, I prefer entering giveaways via comments rather than raffle copter, since you are asking.
Nicole says
What a great giveaway! The Little Oratory changed our lives! 🙂 And I cannot believe you really had a chipmunk in your home! Yikes!
Katherine says
I hadn’t heard of your husband’s book before and I thought I knew of all those books. My husband was writing for the Catholic press at the time the scandals were breaking and I got so sick of it all. I don’t think I could bring myself to watch a movie about it. Still, knowing your husband’s excellent work, his book would be worth reading. I keep giving away your book as gifts, so I haven’t had one long enough in my hands to read it cover to cover.
Barbara says
My first two weeks of Advent have been seriously thwarted — too sick to attend Mass either Sunday and the Solemnity. I want a do-over!
I own your book, but my husband would enjoy reading Mr. LMLD’s book!
PS My daughter said she would definitely have kept Mr.Chipmunk as a pet — at 13, she still thinks if she sings, little wild animals will come out of the woods.
Stephanie says
I’m not commenting to enter the giveaway (though the opportunity is appreciated!), only to say that I LOVE the name “Mr. LMLD!” Gave me a laugh! Auntie Leila, do you think the Chief would accept it as a secondary nickname? Or perhaps it could be combined as a title… like “Mr. Crawley, Earl of Grantham,” or “Mr. LMLD, The Chief!” 🙂
P.S. Get-well wishes from a fellow reader, Barbara, and thank you for the laugh! 🙂
Faith says
I thought the chipmunk was dead!
I prefer giveaways via Rafflecopter. For those of us who don’t use social media, or who don’t like to expose ourselves in the comments section of a blog, Rafflecopter makes it easier to keep our lives private 🙂
Ann says
What a great giveaway
Tamara says
Thanks for the chance to win. I already have a copy of your book but I love to give it as a wedding gift. I’d be interested to read the Chief’s work as well.
If possible, I would prefer no Rafflecopter. I will do my best to get the word out about LMLD. This has been my favorite blog for ages – ever since The Secret to Getting Up On Time 🙂
Clara says
Entering the giveaway. I would love to gift these two books if I win. I love your blog! I cannot tell you how much it has helped me as a new housewife and a Catholic convert! This is one of the few blogs I never miss reading. 🙂 Thank you for all you do!!
The chipmunk story is hilarious! We had an incident years ago, when our cat brought a seemingly dead chipmunk into the house and proceeded to try to “teach” the kitten how to hunt…IN THE HOUSE! My mom and sister ended up corralling the chipmunk in a basement room and after many failed attempts caught him in a shoe box. I hope you were able to get him out of the house eventually.
As for Rafflecopter, I’m sort of neutral, but don’t love it. I’m not on many forms of social media, so I usually only get one entry.
Kristi says
I would love both of these books!
We’ve had several sicknesses here. I don’t expect Advent itself to be peaceful — that’s for Christmas itself. Still, I haven’t had chipmunks in the house so no complaints.
Kristi says
Posted a link on fb to the first of the Reasonably Clean House series — the post that got me hooked on LMLD.
Jess says
I have SO much trouble with the middle weeks of Advent . . . I sort of dread it each year. But I had a Carmelite nun tell me once (from behind the turn!) that Advent is a time of spiritual warfare since Christmas is the feast of the restoration of our lost human dignity. It helped me greatly to think about this as I cleaned up the dry oatmeal that the children spread across the kitchen, waited an hour on the phone to fix my broken wifi, and searched for my lost keys, and nursed sick kids back to health!
Suzanne says
Thank you for the giveaway!
Lisa says
I love books! Have a blessed Advent –
Jessica F says
I might have to order Phil’s book for my husband for Christmas.
I prefer leaving a comment over Rafflecopter. I am more than happy to share on Facebook. This time I shared the Third Secret to Destruction Proofing Your Marriage, which is one of my absolute favorites. That series should be required reading for all couples in marriage preparation!
Maureen says
My condolences for your unanticipated house guest! What a good idea to give away the Lawler set together though – I think I’d prefer yours and my husband would prefer his!
Theresa Anne says
I prefer to enter through commenting and would love to win your husband’s book. Thanks!
Sydney Anderson says
Would love to add this book to my collection thanks for the chance
Karen says
Been longing to read both books since they were published. Would love, love, love to have my own copies.
Perfer blog comments because I do not use social media. Do refer friends to your blog whenever it seems relevant to their lives.
Love all the great writers in your family.
Lynn Osborne says
I prefer the comments option over Rafflecopter. I would enjoy reading both books. Thanks for the chance to win.
Erin Rush says
I have been reading your blog for years. It’s like sitting at the kitchen table with a good friend, having a cup of coffee and getting great parenting support and advice. You make me feel like I CAN do this. And do it well. Most days. 😉 Thank you!
Kristen says
I would live to read these books! I do not use social media and don’t have a blog to link to…sure limits chances of winning :). But life is good and I love your posts. Thank you.
Rebecca says
What a wonderful giveaway! I have just finished reading The Little Oratory– loved it 🙂 Your blog is my absolute favorite, it gives me so much hope and is a treasure trove of great advice!
My favorite posts are the ones about divorce-proofing your marriage. My (used to be “uber-Catholic”, their words) parents got divorced last year, the same time as I got married, and my mom has already gotten fake remarried again . . . anyway the whole thing hit me pretty hard. It’s good to remember that divorce is not something unavoidable that just happens to you!
Sharing on Facebook, best wishes from Poland!
~Rebecca
p.s. I want to be Auntie Leila when I grow up, haha!
Mary Ann Van Atta says
Thank you for offering your books! I would love to give yours to my daughter (I already have a copy) and do want to read your husbands. I am sure the new movie will inspire conversation and I would like to be better prepared.
Karen in SC says
Is that a chipmunk or a flying squirrel? With its’ tail wrapped around it, it looks like a squirrel.
Barbaral says
Let me just say that living in the country , I would never
1. Put my foot in a boot without shaking it out first
2. Put my hand into a dog food or chicken feed canister without looking first….
Thanks for movie review and chance to win books….I hope I win.
Enjoy your thoughts and info so much. Good stuff!
Mary says
What a generous and wonderful giveaway! And I feel better now knowing that I’m not the only one on not on social media.
Mignon says
Thank you for your blog and for the encouragement it has brought to me. A great blessing! As are, I’m sure, the books in your giveaway!
Mignon says
Also, I’ve shared my favorite post, The Secret to Planning Meals, one of my favorite blog posts of all time!
Mary K. says
Thank you for offering this giveaway! I will add another vote for comments rather than Rafflecopter. So many blogs have slowly morphed from simple on-line journals to bells and whistles websites. I usually stop reading them when that happens. Let it grow naturally – that’s my two cents.
Nina says
I never know how to answer when the subject of the abuse comes up. Would appreciate the books; our copy of The Little Oratory is much loved.
Jennifer says
I’ve been reading your blog for quite a few years now. You have inspired and helped me so many times. Would love to win these books. Thanks for your wisdom and your sense of humor!
Ann says
I would really like to read both books, and it would be exciting to win!
Julianne says
I gave away my copy of TLO to our priest so he could share with other parishioners. I need my own copy again! I would love and hate to read your husband’s book. Love: I have read his articles on Catholic Culture and enjoy his style. Hate: The topic is so hard and close to home for so many. Thanks for blogging! Your fan club in Seattle continues to grow.
Amada Beatriz says
I’ve been meaning to get a second copy of your book for a friend to read. And your husband’s book has been on my Amazon wish list for so long! Please count me in for the giveaway!
I’m not on social media, but I can imagine rafflecopter being a good tool to broadcast to a larger audience. Do what’s best for the blog, and that will be what’s best for all of us too. Thanks for writing!
Heather says
Both books sound fabulous and definitely like must reads! Thanks for offering the giveaway. I like Rafflecopter, but I’m equally as likely to enter with this set-up.
claudia says
I would love to win both books. First, for myself to preview, then to give to my canon law professor son at Catholic University and his wife and family. How great that you do these give aways!
Getting my hopes up this time!
Heather says
I shared your 12 Days of Christmas post on Facebook. I’ve shared about your blog a bunch on a NFP forum I’m a part of (http://livingthesacrament.com/ in case anyone is interested), but Facebook is tricky because as a convert, I’ve got a lot of very anti-Catholic family and in-laws!
Jennifer says
Yours continues to be my favorite blog. So much good stuff. I’m not a fan of rafflecopter, I think mostly because I don’t really understand how to use it, and I’m not much into posting on social media.
I have The Little Oratory, so would give as a gift to my sister. Thanks for all you do!
Christine Drechsler says
my daughter makes picrusts – even though I dont know how – she would love to win this rolling pin!
thank you for all you do for us ! teaching, inspiration, love!
Betsy says
Would love to win these books! Thank you for the chance.
julie says
that chipmunk freaked out me and my entire family when i showed them just now. rafflecopter is fine, whatever helps!
Katie says
I actually asked for your book for Christmas! Entering the giveaway in case I don’t receive it. And if I do, then I’d be able to pass one along!! Thanks for all you do.
Ann-Marie says
I have The Little Oratory, but would love the chance to read the second book. I’ve shared your blog many times with young, new moms who just need some real life help and encouragement.
Amy says
I would love to read both books! The Little Oratory has been on my wishlist for a while. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I once worked as a a dorm mother at a girls’ boarding school and one night we had a baby squirrel running around the common room. There was a fair amount of shrieking that evening until my husband finally captured the animal in a garbage can and released it into the night. Never a dull moment in that job!
Ivy says
I’d love to read your books! Thanks for all of you are doing!
Kiera says
Thank you for this giveaway! I would love to have both of your books.
Pam says
I’m reading The Little Oratory right now. Would love Phil’s book, too!
Denise says
I didn’t know about your husband’s book, we have yours. I look forward to reading his.
Jenny B says
I’d love to win the books!
Using raffle copter tends to give me a disadvantage since I don’t use social media but I can see the convenience of it. I probably prefer the comments only method.
Julie says
What? How did I miss this one. Apparently I am hibernating already!
FarmAndAway (terese) says
I can’t tell if this is still going on, but if it is–I’d love to win! I have a copy of The Little Oratory, but I have not yet given it to *every* Catholic I know, just most. 🙂 The Faithful Departed looks good, and turns out to be the book which my sister was referring to earlier this week (turns out she was in some Catholic group with Deirdre in college–small world).
Cheryl Heschmeyer says
I am a relative newcomer to LMLD, but I think we must all be “kindred spirits.” I always feel so uplifted by what I read here. Thank you for a wonderful site, and please enter my name in the hat for the books!
Patty G says
I love your book and now look forward to giving it to others as the perfect gift.