Tag Archives: raising children

Is Believing Enough or Do You Need Hope and Oxygen, Too?

Surviving divorce, raising children and starting over is something Katie Kelley Detmer understands all too well.

San Antonio, TX (USA), September 25, 2015 — Katie Kelley Detmer is an emerging author and speaker looking to touch those around her with a message of faith, family and hope. Detmer always wanted to write, but it wasn’t until after her divorce, the loss of her parents and being a mother of three children that she gained the courage to share her personal story of love, struggles, faith, hope and courage.

In her debut novel Hope & Oxygen, Detmer touches readers and shares her motto of: “It is never as bad as it seems and even though it may be hard, it’s never impossible.” Detmer’s book is geared to women and single mothers, however, fathers will be able to connect to many of the personal journeys Detmer shares such as learning even if something seems dark, impossible, you just need to take the first five minutes…the first step and keep going. Detmer talks about how single parents, wives and husbands need to focus on the first few days, weeks or months and not focus on fives years out from the goal.

“My book covers the seven-year journey I took in getting back into the work force and the dating scene after my divorce as a single mother of three children. It wasn’t easy raising my kids on my own. I had to learn how to balance my life while making sure I kept my focus on myself, my kids and what I wanted to achieve at work,” shared Detmer. “My journey had many ups and downs. I made mistakes, and sometimes people in my life were not honest with me, and I had to protect my kids from it all the best I could.”

Hope & Oxygen is a true story and starts with Katie Kelley Detmer’s earliest memories of a chaotic event that she survived without a blemish. Well, sort of. Detmer’s life has been a series of unexpected events and obstacles that she has had to hurdle. From getting divorced to dating a man sometime after who was trouble but seemed wonderful at the time, and later watching her children go through challenges, including her son being told he wouldn’t be a football player; miraculously, Detmer has always landed on her feet.

“My book isn’t about my ex-husband or why my marriage failed but rather a story about starting over with three kids and traveling down that unchartered path that so many woman travel. I didn’t want this to be a negative or dark book but rather a book of hope laced with plenty of humor even though at the time it may not have seemed funny” said Detmer. “Sharing the trials and tribulations about ‘that guy’ I dated after my divorce was critical to my book as so many woman I have met over the years have ‘that story’. Things don’t always end well in relationships, including marriages. Yes, sometimes an ex can be awful and painful, but my story isn’t about those things. It’s about picking yourself up, dusting off the bad memories and starting over. I want readers to know that things aren’t always that bad and with hope and oxygen, all things are possible.”

Hope & Oxygen takes readers full cycle throughout Detmer’s journey and the tiny opportunities that come along to keep her moving forward through it all.

“Everyone can tell you it is impossible, but it’s not. We do need companionship, be it family, friends or a special person in our lives,” commented Halo Publisher Lisa M. Unima. “I believe it was faith and the importance of her children that helped get Katie through it all. Women email her to share their stories, and that truly shows the inspiration Hope & Oxygen gives readers.”

You can purchase Hope & Oxygen through Halo Publishing’s website (http://halopublishing.com), Amazon and B&N.

Biography:
Katie Kelley Detmer is the proud mother of three children. She grew up in New England, went to college in Boulder, Colorado and currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She is an outside enthusiast and has traveled the world cultivating lifelong friendships and memories.

Hope & Oxygen by Katie Kelley Detmer, publisher Halo Publishing, Int., ISBN: 9781612443690; Price: $14.95

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa M. Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176
San Antonio, TX 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com
http://www.halopublishing.com

Anecdotes And A Philosphy Of Life From A Family Of Sixteen

Is there an uneasiness that tugs at you from your interior? What is the meaning and purpose of life? Do you want to live in the world without being of the world? How can one achieve true happiness and fulfillment? These are questions addressed in BETTER BY THE DOZEN, PLUS TWO, subtitled Anecdotes and a Philosophy of Life from a Family of Sixteen, written by James and Kathleen Littleton, parents in the process of raising fourteen living children.

This unique and inspiring book unmasks many of the fundamental errors of our time, with the authors offering a concrete hierarchy of values or priorities to live by in the midst of what they describe as a seriously disordered modern dominant culture. It is designed to be an appealing and interesting read for anyone and everyone intended to move the reader to serious reflection on the state of his or her life, and to hopefully come away with some helpful resolutions of a spiritual and/or practical nature.

The Littletons offer experience and insights into subjects including faith, family, living by a hierarchy of values, marriage, motherhood, openness to life, miscarriage, formation of children, service, dealing with difficulties of life, and the importance of having a sense of humor

***Links to Publication: http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/littleton or

http://www.amazon.com/BETTER-THE-DOZEN-PLUS-TWO/dp/tags-on-product/1430323981 

About the Authors:
James Littleton, Catholic revert, speaker, spiritual guide, radio guest, contributor toCatholic.net and Catholiclane.com; co-author, with his wife Kathleen, of Better by the Dozen, subtitled Anecdotes and a Philosophy of Life from a Family of Sixteen andauthor of soon to be published Healed through Cancer and Other Adversities. Jim and his wife, Kathleen are parents of nineteen children, fourteen living on earth, ages twenty-six to six, and five living in heaven. He is available as a speaker or retreat or workshop presenter on a wide range of Healing, Faith and Family topics. His guest appearances on television and radio programs include: EWTN Live with Fr. Mitch Pacwa, November 11, 2009; EWTN’s Bookmark with Doug Keck, May 9, 2010; Light of the East, host Fr Thomas Loya; The Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio; Kresta in the Afternoon on Ave Maria Radio; The Doctor Is In with Coleen Mast on Ave Maria Radio; and Speak Now with Susan Konig on Sirius Satellite Radio the Catholic Channel; Radio Maria, Lost and Found, with Traci Matheu. He has been featured in numerous articles including Zenit, Lifesite News, Immaculate Heart Messenger Magazine, the Chicago Tribune, and many more.

James can be reached with questions, comments, interview or speaking engagement requests at jamesmlittleton@gmail.com.

BOOK CONTENTS
1. How We Came to Be a Family
2. How We Came to Live our Faith
3. Hierarchy of Values
4. Marriage
5. Motherhood
6. Openness to Life
7. Miscarriage
8. Formation of Children
9. Called to Service
10. On the Cross
11. Importance of Having a Sense of Humor

Praise for Better by the Dozen, Plus Two:

“Here’s a family you won’t forget. And reading about them will brighten your day and deepen your faith. I was blessed in meeting them because their three oldest girls attended or attend Ave Maria University —and we’re hoping the 11 younger siblings will follow in their footsteps! You’ll find 16 reasons for being joyfully counter-cultural.”
Fr. Joseph D. Fessio, S.J.
Editor, Ignatius Press and Theologian in Residence, Ave Maria University

“In Better by the Dozen, Plus Two James and Kathleen Littleton have written a truly profound book that may change your family forever. Through Scripture, Catechism, family anecdotes, and simple “how to” practical advice, this work will challenge and inspire all families both large and small. Throughout the book one thing is clear; the Littleton family perseveres and thrives because of God’s Sacramental Grace. Read this book and be encouraged. Read this book and be awed. Read this book and learn how you, too, can raise a family firmly rooted in Faith and Love for Christ and His Church.”
Mark and Elizabeth Matthews
Authors of Precious Treasure, the Story of Patrick and A Place for Me

“For those looking to invite God not just to their wedding, but also into their marriage, this is a must read. The Littleton ‘s personal journey in striving to be open to God’s will, and then to live his will, offers the inspiration and tools to accomplish this in our own lives.”
Kris Cortes
Co-founder, Virtue in Action and Our Faith in Action

Praise Posted on Amazon.com:

Superb! Superb! Superb! March 28, 2011I read this book at least once a year. I am now in my fourth reading since purchasing it. You will fall in love with this large, Irish Catholic family, as I have. Jim and Kathleen Littleton are devout Catholics who have not been afraid to make radical choices when it comes to living a Christ-centered life or raising a family in such a way that goes completely against the grain of the dominant culture. They have been such an inspiration to me. In fact, after my husband read this book, he decided to become a Catholic! The Littletons have 14 living children. In this book, they will share with you what they are convinced are God’s Hierarchy of Values, namely, God, Spouse, Children, Work, and then Service Work/Apostolate. They also discuss Marriage, Motherhood, Openness to Life, Formation of Children, Service, Cross-Carrying, and the necessity of possessing a sense of humor. Whenever I become discouraged as a parent, I know that it’s time to take this book off of the shelf and read it again. It is the only Catholic book on parenting and devotion that I continue to read over and over again. I eagerly await their next book, and hope that one day, there will be one. 5.0 out of 5 stars Superb! Superb! Superb! March 28, 2011 By Tara ( Alamogordo, NM)

Jim and Kathleen are a beautiful example of understanding, living, and teaching the Catholic faith. I felt like I wanted to be adopted by them! 5.0 out of 5 stars Motivating, October 12, 2007 By Suzanne Earl St. Joseph, pray for us! ( Illinois )

This book is proof that current cultural wisdom is wrong and that the Catholic teaching on openness to life is right. Who knows better, you or God? The Littletons are an excellent example of the generosity God is asking for. One important lesson pointed out by James and Kathleen Littleton is that the world looks at children as a burden which actually belittles the contribution that children bring. They are not just empty stomachs and brains demanding to be fed and sent to college. They are persons who contribute to the family from the day they are brought into it–and more and more as they mature. This book was like a pleasant stroll through a different world in which values were properly prioritized. I only wish there were more anecdotes about the children’s interaction with each other and the hostile world. I loved the one about two older kids saving 10 seats in a theater during the previews while the younger ones waited in the lobby so they didn’t have to look at all the junk in the previews. A good gift for your teenaged sons and daughters. A mandatory gift for Pre-Cana classes. Good idea for Engaged- and Marriage Encounter Weekend attendees. Five Stars Countercultural May 21, 2012 By Jeffery R. King.

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