My Cup of Tea: Musings of a Catholic Mom

That's how this book came to me. I came across Danielle's Blog, became a fan of her work and was interested in reading her book but hadn't gotten around to ordering it. Then that following Sunday the Pauline Sisters were at church selling their books and they had 'My Cup of Tea'. I absolutely had to buy it at that point. When I started reading it, I got tears in my eyes because she understood exactly what I, a stay at home mom with small children was going through. I loved her story about not finishing her cup of tea and that's exactly what happens here day after day...but it is all so worth it. I had to E-Mail her right away after reading that and let her know that I had bought her book and knew exactly where she was coming from. Like she says herself in the introduction..."In trying moments, we want reassurance that our feelings are normal, shared by many women, and that we will survive them." Amen to that. I later joined an online Catholic mom's group and ran into Danielle again there...that really nailed the 'God-incidence' aspect of it for me. I was meant to read this book and be encouraged in my role as a Catholic mom and I know that you will be too.

I have long admired the wonderful writing of Danielle Bean, so it is a treat to own a collection of Danielle's inspirational essays. Her warm tone and the attention to the small blessings in the life of every mother remind me to thank God for my own role as mother. Danielle writes about the everyday occurrences in the life of a Catholic Mom with a voice that will sound familiar to you - it's your voice, my voice, the voice of my mom...the voice of all of us who are working diligently to love and raise our children to be wonderful individuals who know and love their faith. Somehow she manages to find words for the many situations that occur along life's path - the crazy ones, the sweet ones, the ones that make us cry and the ones that make us laugh out loud. Treat yourself or a special woman in your life - you will find yourself enriched by the experience and counting your own blessings along the way.

Danielle Bean truly captures the highs and lows of motherhood in this rare collection of honest and inspiring essays. I smilingly related to Bean as she explained how motherhood transformed her from mouse-like to bear-like in "Bear Instincts." I cheered when she described Laundry, Supermarket, and Dinner as Olympic events in "Mom Olympics." I found myself holding back tears as she described the loveliness of her home as it appeared to her one winter night from the outside, from a distance, in "A Joyful Noise." From the first essay to the last, Bean's perspective is as wise as it is endearing. Any mother who treasures her faith and family will find much in _My Cup of Tea_ to take heart in.

This book is a tremendous boost for all mothers, but especially for those who have been in the motherhood business for some time. When the day-to-day burdens of caring for children seem endless, thankless, and something less than glamorous, this book is a gentle reminder of the glorious vocation and the sweet reward that is motherhood. It is written in snippets, designed for busy people to read in small sittings here and there, but, I have to confess...I read mine in one afternoon.

As a long time fan of Danielle Bean's writings from Faith and Family Magazine and National Catholic Register I eagerly awaited this book. I was not disappointed. Mrs. Bean describes life, its ups and downs, as a faith-filled mother of six children through this inspiring collection of essays. I laughed at her toddler's antics, ached at her children's pain and empathized when she lamented the condition of her house. The essays are short and can be read quickly, perfect for the busy mother. This book is a must read for all Catholic mothers. I have been recommending it to all my friends.