Raising 8: A couple of sinners trying to raise saints

Michael and Lori talk about some exciting projects that Lori is working on, new milestones in their lives, and the importance of helping children become independently dependent on God. Also, Michael teaches Lori a new word.

Ice cream for dinner, broken brackets, and helping kids to unplug, especially at restaurants.

Lent, sleep test, British accents and more are covered by Michael and Lori. No, this is not the last episode.

It has been a month since the last episode, but Michael and Lori are back talking about all that has transpired.

Lori and Michael are tired but wanted to wish everyone a Happy Balaclava New Year!

Lori and Michael finally found some time to record again after a busy November. They talk about recent happenings and Advent.

Michael wanted to watch some football and Lori had some smelly issues. They talk about the virtue of modesty.

Lori offers a couple of apologies to Michael. They discuss how parents can - and should - be involved in helping their children discern what type of music is good for their souls.

Michael triggered a kerfuffle getting his morning coffee and Lori is allergic to hamsters. They discuss which of the 6 listeners could be the number one listener. Somehow they find their way into a real discussion on feeling at home when you to church. 

Michael is trying fix his snoring and did the laundry. Lori discovered a new social media application. They discuss an article by a family counselor in which he discusses the dangers of high-fiving others.

Michael has a new t-shirt and basketball sneakers. Lori is sore from a new workout program. They discuss the topic of a different podcast (per the suggestion of one of the 6 listeners): "the 3 great untruths".

The world is back to "normal" which means the Lavignes have a cold in the house. Michael and Lori discuss the stress that comes with the beginning of the school year and share some practical strategies that has helped them manage all the activity.

After a long, long, long break Michael and Lori are back in business with the podcast. The reason(s) for the long break, the summer, the crazy culture, and more are discussed. Show note: Michael gave the wrong email address for the show. It is raising8podcast@gmail.com 

Michael and Lori were able to get away by themselves for the weekend. They discuss this weekend's Gospel with a focus on discovering Christ in suffering.

Michael and Lori reflect on the Gospel reading for Good Shepherd Sunday and discuss how parents can talk to kids about recent news.

It has been a while but Lori and Michael are back. They explain the reason for the lack of episodes recently, discuss this Sunday's Gospel reading, and look to the future.

Michael went away for a work trip last weekend, which led to a lost key card and a flat tire.

Raising 8 is back after Michael survives another man cold.The Lavignes are excited about the Providence Friars making it to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. Lori and Michael discuss some issues they have with a recent or all the episodes of the show "This is Us."

Michael and Lori almost didn't record an episode this week and Michael is confused about what time of year it is. They take some talking about God's providence and the importance of teaching children about being aware of God's movement in their lives. 

Lent has begun! Michael and Lori do not have a lot to banter about, but they do spend some time talking about spiritual attack.

Michael and Lori have low energy from poor sleep and water quality issues. As we approach the season of Lent they talk about bearing crosses in our lives. Show note: Lori confuses her children movie references when talking about the phrase "be prepared."

An underwhelming Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Driver's Ed for Parents, and preparing our families for Lent. Michael and Lori cover a lot of ground in this week's episode.

Brady the cat makes his debut and Michael had to give a talk to parents, on the easiest topic of all, at the Lavigne's parish.

Tom Brady has retired, which means he has some extra time to be a guest on the podcast...according to Michael's dreams. Lori and Michael talk about navigating the teenage years as parents.

Michael is excited about a great win by the PC Friars basketball team and not so excited about a potential blizzard. Lori and Michael talk about the importance of helping children grow good friendships, especially in light of the past couple of years. 

Lori and Michael started recording their weekly videos reflecting on the upcoming Sunday Gospel reading. Michael recognizes Lori as a "cribbage master" due to her constantly beating him at that game. This week's episode focuses on the dignity of human life and intercessory prayer.

After a delay in recording due to technical difficulties earlier in the week Lori and Michael offer a completely useless episode. Actually, they talk about the holidays, New Year's resolutions (or a lack of), and whether children should watch Cobra Kai. Happy New Year!

Michael and Lori talk about The Voice finale and Lori's upcoming 1st anniversary of her 40th birthday party. They finish their Advent reflection series.

Lori is happy with the outdoor Christmas lights and Michael is battling a mild cold (a severe man cold). They continue their weekly Advent series.

Woonsocket has made all of Lori's dreams come true. Michael and Lori reflect on the Gospel for the second week of Advent, though Michael struggles with one of the words. 

Lori is excited to be more organized at the sink and in her closet. Michael is not excited to have been beaten by Lori in fantasy football. Michael and Lori begin the series on Advent. 

The Lavignes are dealing with an unexpected home improvement project again, but they have a lot to be thankful for this year. And Michael cannot make a turkey sound. Happy Thanksgiving from Raising 8!

Lori performed her civic duty...that is jury duty...for one day. Michael is excited about reading the 2022 Farmers Almanac. Michael and Lori talk about the great feasts of All Saints and All Souls.

Lori and Michael talk about the importance of praying the Rosary though it might not always be easy. They share some strategies for doing so as individuals and with our children.

A lot of losing going on, including Michael losing sleep due to one of the cats. Lori and Michael talk about being intentional spending time with each child in the family.

Michael and Lori had to say "no" to recording an episode last week due to life's demands. In this episode they talk about the importance of saying no to our children, to others, and to tasks in order to keep proper order in our lives.

Michael and Lori can't figure out how to record earlier in the week. They discuss the simple way to draw closer to Jesus and to help children do the same: by spending time with the Eucharistic Lord.

Lori and Michael have to move on to a new plumber in order to get the bathroom done. And they talk about an essay on large families by Theresa Olohan, from USA Today.

A crazy weekend led to Michael and Lori recording later in the week than usual, but they pulled off an episode. They talk about sibling rivalries and how they have dealt with them in the Lavigne home.

Michael and Lori are using the beginning of the school year to create better eating and exercise habits. Also, they started a new weekly segment: Raising 8 Weekly Football Picks! Lastly, they spend some time talking about using this time of the year to bring new order into our homes, especially how we pray as a family. 

After three weeks off due to vacation and their battle with COVID, Lori and Michael are back. They had a lot to talk about including still learning lessons as a couple all these years into marriage.

Michael and Lori have a great conversation about marriage with Ryan and Mary-Rose Verret. They are the founders of the Witness to Love apostolate. 

Michael and Lori are slowly moving into vacation mode, which led to them not having a topic for this week's episode. They touch upon a variety of topics including the Olympics, the new pool, pushing kids to work, and Michael stealing objects from Lori's office.

Lori told a participant at a conference she spoke at that we would talk about how we met on our next episode. So that's exactly what Michael and Lori discuss in this episode.

The youngest Lavigne children caught a cold at a birthday party, which leads this week's banter. Michael and Lori talk about a "top ten" list for beginning homeschooling as a family.

Michael has nothing for banter and no topic. Lori has to carry the episode as they begin season 2. They talk about teaching finance basics to children.

Lori and Michael celebrate the first anniversary of Raising 8 via Facebook Live. They discuss an article about what children don't and do need. 

Michael and Lori begin to celebrate the one year anniversary of Raising 8. Some of the Lavigne children make a cameo appearance (translation: barge into the studio while the episode is being recorded).

Michael is back from his fishing trip and Lori survived the weekend without him. They talk a little about summer time and look forward to celebrating the 1 year anniversary of the podcast.

Michael is going fishing and Lori will be cleaning a closet. They wrap-up their series on the Church's teachings on human sexuality and how parents can pass them on to their children.

It is the Lori show for banter because Michael was "tired." Michael and Lori talk about growing in virtue. They focus on the chastity and modesty in light of their ongoing discussion about the Church's beautiful teachings about human sexuality.