Funtastical Blog
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Ways to Honor Your Mother After She Passed Away | Mother’s Day Tribute
One special day meant everything to my mom: Mother’s Day. It was her day, a time for her to be celebrated once a year. She always made sure to spend that day with her family. Even though I was a mom too, it was her moment to shine. In my world, Mother’s Day was usually spent on the soccer field. One thoughtful coach acknowledged mothers' sacrifices to be there for the game and throughout the year. He honored us by giving each player a rose. The boys would run across the field with a flower in hand, not only for their moms but also for their grandmothers. This is a cherished memory of a rose, particularly because it was my mom’s flower.
Mother's Day can be one of the most emotional days for those who have lost their mother. While others celebrate with hugs and gifts, you may navigate a wave of grief and remembrance. However, this day can also serve as an opportunity to celebrate your mother’s life, her legacy, and the love she gave. Honoring her memory can be a beautiful and healing way to keep her spirit alive. Although it has now been ten years since she passed away, I decided to share some unique ways to memorialize the mothers we have lost but not forgotten.
Celebrating Easter: Faith, Family, and Friendly Competition
Easter is a time of faith, renewal, and cherished family traditions. For my family, it's more than just a holiday—a beautiful blend of spiritual reflection, joyous celebrations, and a touch of friendly competition! From the Polish Catholic tradition of blessing Easter baskets to our long-standing Easter egg hunt (yes, even for my grown children!) and our beloved Lamb Cake competition, Easter in our home is a time of laughter, love, and meaningful moments.
I Survived the '80s Without TikTok®—Don’t Tell Me I Did It Wrong!
Let me tell you something—back in the '80s, I was raising a kid, holding down a full-time job, and still managing diaper duty, dinner (okay, mostly reheated), and everything in between. I didn’t have a parenting app or a social media guru showing me the ropes. Gourmet meals? Please. The microwave was my best friend, and the local takeout spot knew me by name. And through it all, I rocked shoulder pads like a boss and prayed my Farrah Fawcett perm held.
Easter Egg Hunts with a Twist: Learning Through Play
When I was growing up, Easter was one of my favorite times. We created bright Easter baskets for our family business to sell, filling them with sweet treats like chocolate bunnies, peeps, and colorful jellybeans. Additionally, we had delightful Easter egg hunts, searching for plastic eggs brimming with even more delicious candies. These sugar-filled traditions may have caused a cavity or two.
Although Easter egg hunts are a beloved tradition, why not add an educational and meaningful spin to this year’s festivities? By incorporating elements of magic, learning, and teamwork, you can create an Easter egg hunt that is not only fun but also enriching. Here are four unique twists on the classic egg hunt that will encourage learning through play.
St. Patrick's Day Through the Ages: A Family Tradition
The year was 1909, and thirteen-year-old Edward McLaughlin clutched his mother's hand as they walked through the crowded streets of Belfast on St. Patrick's Day. As the church bells chimed, Edward joined the procession through the village. They marched solemnly, reciting ancient Gaelic prayers and singing hymns in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. On their walk home, Edward's father shared tales of leprechauns and mythical creatures that danced beneath the moonlit skies. The air smelled of fresh bread and damp cobblestones, and the sound of fiddles and tin whistles was heard from nearby pubs. It was a bittersweet day—soon, Edward and his family would board a ship for America, leaving behind the only home they had ever known. But for now, they celebrated. His father pinned a fresh shamrock to his coat, symbolizing their Irish pride. After Mass, they shared a simple meal of soda bread and lamb stew that evening, singing songs of the old country late into the night.
St. Joseph's Day: A Polish Kid's Guide to Tradition, Food, and Hilarious Memories
Ah, St. Joseph's Day—March 19th—the often-underappreciated sibling of more mainstream celebrations like Christmas or Easter. For Polish families, though, this day is a big deal. It's not just a feast; it's a full-on cultural performance complete with polka dots, pierogi, and more red clothing than a Valentine's Day clearance rack.
Let's explore the quirks and chaos that made St. Joseph's Day unforgettable for us as kids.
Beware of The Ides of March: The Importance of Being Intentional in Life and Family
Nearly twenty years have slipped by since we lost my father, the steadfast patriarch of our family. That fateful day in March is forever etched in my memory. I can still hear the haunting ring of the phone in the early morning as my mom delivered the heart-wrenching news that he was gone. Tears well up in my eyes at the thought of it. He had just been welcomed into hospice care, yearning to spend his final moments by the serene lake he loved, surrounded by the warmth of his family. But God had other plans.
Valentine's Day Traditions Around the World
Did you know, sweethearts, that Valentine's Day didn't always sparkle with chocolates and roses? Long ago, it began as a Roman festival held in mid-February to chase away evil spirits and encourage fertility. As centuries passed, this ancient tradition blossomed into the romantic holiday we now cherish, celebrated in countless delightful ways worldwide.
Intentional Grandparenting Series
These insightful books are designed to strengthen the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, offering a fresh and humorous perspective on grandparenting. With a mix of wit and wisdom, CJ Corki addresses the common challenges faced by grandparents today, providing practical advice and engaging activities that make grandparenting both fun and meaningful.
