Another Soldier of Christ!

Another Soldier of Christ! ❤️

Conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

On September 14th, our sweet “Rose” received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Joan of Arc. Our pastor, Fr. Rapoport, FSSP, administered the sacrament, as he had been given faculties by the diocesan bishop. Unfortunately her dad was out of state on wildfire assignments (he was gone for a couple months this past summer..) and two of her siblings down south working and off at college couldn’t make it either, but the rest of us were able to be there for her special day!

Her dad and I gave her a beautiful missal cover and her own Latin Mass missal. She ended up choosing the 1962 Daily Roman Missal (like mine) instead of the New Roman Missal: Father Lasance (that her dad and some of her siblings have – I watch for sales at Sophia Institute Press for this one). We love both of them! The Daily Roman Missal is a little smaller and easier to hold for smaller hands.

Aunt JoAnn flew in from Oregon to be her confirmation sponsor and surprised her with a pair of stunning crucifix hoop earrings to wear for her Confirmation. She choose St. Scholastica as her patron who happens to be a twin, just like her sponsor!

We weren’t able to find a dress she loved as much as the one her older sister picked out, so she borrowed the dress! (She also borrowed it for her My Fair Lady birthday party last December. It’s such a fun dress!)

I loved getting to hold my little niece/goddaughter during the Mass. It was so special having JoAnn and baby Lucy here to celebrate with us.

Since I was still recovering from my second leg surgery (one of my first times wearing dress shoes/flats instead of a boot or flip-flops!), we kept things simple for the celebration. A Costco cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries made for the perfect dessert.

She was also gifted this beautiful rose bead rosary handmade by her Great Uncle Tom, with beads from my grandmother’s (her great-grandmother’s) rosary making supplies. ❤️ 😭 🌹 So incredibly special!

(Find the pictures from our oldest three, number four, and number five’s Confirmations in the archives.)

O Heavenly Spirit! Third Person of the adorable Trinity! Whom I have received and most fervently adore, deign to take eternal possession of my soul; create and maintain therein the purity and sanctity which become Thy temple. O Spirit of Wisdom: preside over all my thoughts, words, and actions, from this hour to the moment of my death. Spirit of Understanding! Enlighten and teach me. Spirit of Counsel! Direct my youth and inexperience. Spirit of Fortitude! Strengthen my weakness. Spirit of Knowledge! Instruct my ignorance. Spirit of Piety! Make me fervent in good works. Spirit of Fear! Restrain me from all evil. Amen.

– Jesus, Make Me Worthy

St. Scholastica, ora pro nobis!

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende. 

Looking through my drafts folder for the post I had started about Rose’s Confirmation this fall, I realized I had never shared this one either!

Life got extra hard at the beginning of 2023. (Seems to be a trend at the start of each year!) The following week we had to cancel our trip to Fatima, Portugal for my baby brother’s “destination wedding.” (It was going to be my first time traveling overseas- maybe someday I’ll still get the chance to go.) During that same time, I experienced an early miscarriage, in addition other health issues. We had talked about traveling to Colorado for Easter (with all three of my BIL’s there for Holy Week and Easter) but most of the kids came down with hand-foot-mouth during Lent and were sick up until Holy Week. Then came the devastating news while we were in North Dakota, the night before our oldest two sons’ graduation at UMary…

At this Confirmation Mass, we didn’t realize how little time we had left with Father D. Gordon as our pastor. We sure miss him, but it was such an incredible blessing for our family to have those years with him nearby.

Conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation

On January 21, 2023 our 15 year old son (along with many other teens from our parish) was Confirmed in the Extraordinary Form by his uncle who had been delegated and given facilities by the bishop!

That makes four sacraments now (Baptism, First Confession, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation) that he has received from his uncles. He was baptized by Fr. Terrence Gordon and then First Confession, First Holy Communion (he was so little!) and now Confirmation from Fr. Dennis Gordon.

He asked his older brother to be his sponsor and choose St. Francis of Assisi. He didn’t know it at the time, but St. Francis is also the saint that two of his grandparents (both my dad and my mom) choose as their confirmation saint! Francis was also his great grandfather’s first name (my mom’s dad – Francis Aloysius) and we had named him after him when he was born, giving him my grandpa’s middle name as a second middle name since he was born on the feast of St. Aloysius.

Just missing our oldest son since he was still in college at UMary… and at the March for Life in DC that day!
Our second son had completed his degree in December, a semester early, and went back for graduations that spring.

He requested a taco dinner and I ordered a cake from Costco to celebrate afterwards.

Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende. V. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur; R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. Amen.

St. Francis of Assisi, ora pro nobis!

Lord, Have Mercy: Book Review + Giveaway

Lord, Have Mercy Book Review

Have you seen the latest release from St. Paul Center, Lord, Have Mercy? My husband and I read through it together last night and loved it. We will definitely be adding it to our resources as our seven year old continues preparing for her First Confession and First Holy Communion!

My brain is still recovering from putting together this year’s massive gift guide (be sure to enter the amazing giveaway for over $4,000 in prizes if you haven’t already!) so Sean wrote a short review, before leaving for his adoration hour last night, to share with you all this morning for it’s launch! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for a coupon code!

Lord, Have Mercy Book Review

“Lord, Have Mercy” by epic Catholic bible scholar Scott Hahn and his coauthor, Emily Stimpson Chapman compose a biblical engaging story of the Sacrament of Confession.  

Adam and Eve in the Garden
Eve taking a bite of the apple

Beginning with the Fall of Adam and Eve, Scott and Emily lead us to the Redemption of Man.  Intriguingly, we are given a glimpse into how the Kings and Prophets of old were subject to the same deceits of Satan as Adam and Eve.  They faced evil without the grace of the Sacraments which only Christ could bring.  

In “Lord, Have Mercy”, the parent and child will appreciate Confession as Christ’s great act of mercy upon us and upon the whole world!

Order Your Copy Today

You can purchase a copy of Lord, Have Mercy over at St. Paul Center and save 10% with coupon code: JESSICA10

(The coupon code is valid November 18, 2024 through December 16, 2024)

Also available at Amazon.

Giveaway

I was sent two copies of this book, and I’d love to share one with you! There’s just one quirky detail—the covers are bound upside down! (Oops! I’ve already let the publisher know, and they’ll be keeping an eye out for more like this.) Want to snag one of these unique copies? Just leave a comment below by November 25, 2024, and I’ll randomly pick someone to send it to!

You can find more book lists and reviews in the archives here.

Click here if you are on the home page to get to comment box: Leave a Comment

2024 Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide + Giveaway

Welcome to our Annual Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide and Giveaway! Get ready for a curated selection of gift ideas and a chance to win amazing prizes. Once again I’ve gathered suggestions from every member of our family to ensure there’s something for everyone. We’ve got a wide variety of recommendations to make your holiday shopping a breeze!

First I’d like to thank all of the generous giveaway sponsors who help make this possible, enabling us to spread awesome prize packages to lots of families once again this year! So grab your favorite beverage, take a moment to unwind, and enjoy browsing our carefully curated annual Christmas Gift Guide!

You can also find my lists from the last nine years here (2023), here (2022)here (2021)here (2020)here (2019)here (2018)here (2017)here (2016) and here (2015)  as well as even more Catholic gift ideas listed in my past Easter posts as well: 100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas and Easter Symbols: Catholic Gift Ideas.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Additional affiliate links included.

New Finds for Advent

New Finds for Christmas

St. Nicholas – December 6th

Other great books include: St. Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins (Review can be found here), The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale and Drinking with St. Nick: Christmas Cocktails for Sinners and Saints.

Scroll through all of our past St. Nicholas posts here.

Our Lady of Guadalupe – December 12th

We have the items in the top row, the rest are things that caught my eye including a few that I will be purchasing!

A few additional books and audio books include: Cloak of Roses – Our Lady of Guadalupe from Regina Martryum Productions, Our Lady of Guadalupe Pop-Up Book – You can get a peek at the inside here, Guadalupe Mysteries: Deciphering the Code, and Our Lady’s Wardrobe – My girls love this picture book!

You can also check out the Our Lady of Guadalupe Pillow Case from Prayer Pillowcases! We also love the Our Lady of Guadalupe Puzzle, if you can find it, and we usually celebrate with an Our Lady of Guadalupe Brunch or Dinner after Mass! Our Lady of Guadalupe Mexican Mocha Coffee is a perfect addition!

Scroll through all our past Our Lady of Guadalupe posts here.

Santa Lucia Day – December 13th

Santa Lucia Braided Bread or Lussekatter – Bake extra for a friend!  Plus White Dress for Young Women to pair with Red Ribbon ❤️

Scroll through all of our past St. Lucy posts here.

Favorite Nativity Sets

We have Fisher PricePlaymobil and Shining Light Doll Nativities too, and the Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar, but I especially love our wooden versions! I also love our Schleich Nativity but it’s hard to find, same with A Child Is Born from Naturally Catholic.  Fontanini Holy Family (a wedding gift – also available from The Catholic Co.) was the beginning of our Fontanini Collection. Our 11 year old gets a new addition every year from his godparents. ❤️

Our children have once again taken an active role in this year’s gift guide! I asked each of them to list nine gift ideas for me to share. Most of their suggestions are things they already own, with a few desired items included. Here are their answers:

Please note: Our children usually unwrap three gifts from my husband and I on Christmas morning. The kids also draw names on the first Sunday of Advent for Christkindl and end with a family Christkindl gift exchange. It’s always the first thing they want to do after our morning prayers (or morning Mass if we didn’t make it to the Midnight Mass) on Christmas Day! They also receive books on Epiphany (which often include many books that have been given to me to review, or school books for the next semester). The gift suggestions listed below have been received over a number of different years/occasions, handed down from older siblings, or on their wish list.

Captain’s Picks – Age 24

I suppose it’s that time of year again… already?! Not sure how reflective this list is gonna be of my age group but anywhooo here’s my list.

Honestly, I can’t stress this enough: time with family is superior to anything anyone could buy. You can always get “stuff,” but you’ll never get time back. With that being saiddd, if like in my case, you can’t be with family, something handmade is always gonna be better too because in making whatever it is you put a little bit of yourself in that creation and when you receive a gift like that it feels like the person is there with you (if that makes any sense). Anyway, I’m sure y’all knew that but hand crafted is 🤌. Stick around though if you wanna see what you could add to a personalized gift 🤪

Last year was our first Christmas without “Captain”… He sent the sweetest most thoughtful letters and gifts to each of us. We were all in tears… 💔 We were also thankful for FaceTime!

  • A Calendar (or even better, a Whiteboard Calendar) – Gotta be responsible now and make sure I don’t miss any important meetings 🤪 Just ordered myself a magnetic whiteboard calendar, and I gotta say it’s been extremely helpful with keeping track of everything. (So is the Apple Watch I received last year!)
  • Snacks – I gotta say this is always a treat when I receive some snacks in the mail from the family and I can pop em open during a movie or take em with me to work or whatever. Very versatile 😅
  • Books or Barnes & Noble Gift Card – I personally have been getting back into reading again, which has been great, so receiving a new book or gift card would be pretty hype. (For his birthday I sent him copies of two of his favorites: Moby Dick and Old Man and the Sea.)
  • Small Kitchen Appliances – “Small kitchen appliances?” “SMALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES!!” (cue video clip – 1:02 mark fits too perfectly) 😂 But seriously, living on your own you appreciate new kitchenware!! (Some of his new favorites are Nutribullet Ultra Deluxe Single-Serve Blender, Rapid Egg Cooker, add more….)
  • Fun T-shirt – You can never go wrong with a comical shirt or something that takes you back to your younger days!  Life is too hard to take it seriously all the time. 🤪
  • Water Bottle/Jug – Hydration is key! Hydration is key! Since moving to Arizona, where the summers are a tad warm, I’ve gotten myself a gallon water jug along with a couple other smaller bottles just so I always have water near. No matter where you are, getting a new water bottle to take to the gym/hiking/camping etc is always fun. Alsooo, a part two to this gift that would be awesome are stickers to go with it! (I’m a literal kid 😭😭😂😂)
  • Something Religious – (Okay need something more serious 🧐😂) A gift list wouldn’t be complete without some sort of religious item. Preferably something that helps with strengthening prayer life as it’s hard to maintain a healthy prayer life when you’re out living on your own and no longer at a Catholic school.
  • Board or Card Game – I think I had this on last year’s list, but games are always nice to have especially when you have friends over.
  • Something Hobby related – I myself have a few hobbies going (gym, sports, scuba, guitar) and receiving something small like a new gym bag, sports equipment, or guitar stings, etc. is always exciting.

Ranger’s Picks – Age 22

Twinkle Toe’s Picks – Age 21

  • Fahlo Turtle Tracking Bracelet – I love anything ocean and this bracelet makes it personalized. It’s a beautiful accessory that connects you with a turtle around the world.
  • Champions of the Rosary – My godparents gave me this book for my graduation and I absolutely love it. It truly did bring a whole new meaning of the rosary to me. The history from the start of the rosary, the stories of the miracles, and the “champions of the rosary” who helped it become as wide spread as it is today.
  • Paint by Numbers and Pendleton Packable Outdoor Blanket for painting at the park – This paint by number had been my summer project. It allows anyone, regardless skill level, to create a beautiful art piece. It also is so therapeutic so if you have had a long/rough day at work or need a distraction from your daily worries, this is a great and non expensive solution.
  • Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Converse (White Monochrome) – These white Converse shoes go with almost everything! They’re such a good way to make a dress/skirt more casual and they’re so comfortable. I had knock off Converse since college but wore them out and then got real ones for my birthday! I will say, the real ones are so much more comfortable.
  • Wave Ring and Star Ring to Stack – I got these rings a couple years ago and if you ever have that ring or necklace that you never take off, that’s these rings for me. It’s mainly just a reminder to me that I whenever I feel lost, confused or alone, I know that Mary is there to show me the way. She’s the guiding star on the way to Christ. (We bought my Wave Ring on a trip to the coast and added a ring of stars later. This Stella Maris Stacking Set from Telos Art is really cute too!)
  • JBL Waterproof Speaker – I love this speaker, especially since it’s water proof. It’s amazing for paddleboarding, lake days, and skiing without the worry of an accident happening like a splash or being caught in a rainstorm.
  • Earrings – My sisters and I finally got our ears pierced this year and having faith themed earrings helps me feel excited about wearing earrings. Its a minimalistic approach of having an outward expression of the faith.
  • BEIS Mini Weekended (Limited Edition Plaid) (Save $20 off your first purchase with the referral link) – This is a MUST HAVE for traveling. It fits underneath an airplane seat, it is spacious for carrying all of your traveling necessities, and has a separate compartment on the bottom to keep shoes/toiletries separate or to organize your packing to your liking. It also has a computer compartment which is amazing if you’re like me and bring your work with you. The best thing about it though is it’s so stylish and I get compliments everywhere I go.
  • Lovely War – I’m a sucker for romance novel as well as anything related to the World Wars (not as big of a world war pro as a couple of my siblings but it’s really amazing to read about the sacrifices so many people have made). Lovely War is a story of a pianist, a would-be architect shipped off to war, a Belgian singer who lost her family at the hands of the Germans, and a black American solider in a jazz military band. If you love romance or are a world war fanatic, this is for you!

Chiquita’s Picks – Age 19

  • Gold Hoop EarringsMom here. I’ll add my comments in italics… She picked up this set at Walmart after the older girls all got their ears pierced together this summer!
  • Linen Pants (cream/white) – Her older sister bought her these when she was heading back to school at the end of summer.
  • Heatless Hair Curling RibbonShe has the Skinny Curling Ribbon™ Kit Limited Edition Olive.
  • Hallow!!! 😁… also a repeat. Plus AirPods – I’ve been promised a Power Point on the reasons why we need a Family Subscription to Hallow! I’m still waiting… 😉
  • Miraculous Medal Slider Necklace from Telos Art Shop – My miraculous medal slider necklace, but I I’ve already done that before… like TWICE! Maybe give it honorable mention or something 😂  (Use code ROSES for 10% off!) 
  • That wicker basket you got me – It was actually a Straw Tote Bag from Gap! Out of stock now but similar to this one.
  • Um um… my sunglasses (they’re somewhere at home but they are the BEST!) – I bought her cheap ones from either Old Navy or American Eagle, knowing she’d lose them! lol
  • I really like my Sacred Heart Rosary from Come Holy Spirit… also a repeat – It was a Confirmation gift back in 2020!
  • My purse!! 👌👌 – Last Christmas I got her this Sak Ventura Leather Backpack during a great pre-Christmas sale!
  • Skiing stuff is always awesome – We are all taking a break from skiing this year… 🤕
  • Fitbit is still a godsend… but also a repeat – We have matching ones and I really love mine too!
  • I love my laptop cover It really does look cute on her MacBook Pro which she saved up to purchase before college! We just got her the cover! 😅
  • I feel like there was a book that I wanted to add but I can’t think of it right now… Oh! The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis is really good! And Becoming Mrs. Lewis which was kinda slow at the beginning but still good. – I purchased them back in 2016 individually – Out of the Silent Planet (1), Perelandra(2) and That Hideous Strength (3) but you can also find them together as a set.

Scout’s Picks – Age 17

  • Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones – Red’s a fiery color! 😉 I highly recommend Beats Solo Headphones if you don’t have them yet. 🔥
  • LEGO Natural History Museum – I haven’t built this LEGO set yet because I haven’t made space anywhere to display it (still working on that 😅) But it’s an awesome set, as are most of the modular buildings LEGO comes out with, and I would recommend just about any of them 😃 especially this one.
  • Canvas Backpack (Large) – I actually love this backpack. Mom gave it to me for my birthday, and it’s probably the nicest backpack in the house. 😉 I love the colors, and there’s lots of space inside. Also has a charging port, if you’re interested in that kind of thing (I haven’t found a use for it yet). Overall just a great backpack for guys!
  • Great Adventure Catholic Bible – “Don’t just read the words of the Bible … understand them.” This book should be every young man’s favorite. I’ll let you know when I finish it for the first time 😂🫢
  • St. Michael Leather Bracelet – It just doesn’t get classier than a St. Michael bracelet 😮‍💨🔥 (SAVE 10% with coupon code ROSES)
  • Leather Journal with extra Notebooks – I love leather books. This book is beautiful, and you can write in it and even swap out the book inside for a new one but keep the cover. You can write in it and use it for just about anything: school, a journal, just writing, drawing, etc. Highly reccomend 📝
  • Wilson Cast Away Volleyball – “WILSSSSOOOOOOONNN!!!!!!!” – Tom Hanks, Cast Away
  • Dr. Squatch Star Wars Soap– Dr. Squatch shower soap is the most manly soap out there. I loved using the Star Wars soap collection throughout the seasons; they have great variety and they lasted me nearly the whole year. The “Only Hope Soap” is my favorite. (You can also find some of the individual bars on Amazon. Awesome stocking stuffer! All four of our boys will find some in their stockings this year.)
  • adidas Men’s Park Street Sneaker (Older brother loves his Sambas) – These shoes are peak 😎 Worthy investment.

Rose’s Picks – Age 14

  • Crucifix Hoop Earrings – Finally convinced my older sisters to get our ears pierced 🥳 and these are my favorite earrings! Holy and super cute? 👌 Can’t get any better then that!
  • Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones – Rose Gold – Headphones are always a great idea!! It was SO nice to have these for long bus rides to golf tournaments this year. Good to just drown out the noise sometimes and listen to some good music or audiobooks. 🙂 (Airpods are always a really good idea too..but I don’t have those 👀)
  • Jambu Women’s Snow Boot – These are very cute, warm and can go with a lot! Perfect for this time of year 💯
  • The Reading Journal – Perfect gift for girls like me who love reading books 🙂
  • The Jane Austen Gift Set: A Puffin in Bloom Collection – Told u I love books 😁 Jane Austen’s books are easy to read, lots of fun and are filled will tons of drama. Plus these ones are just so pretty u have to get them!
  • Kala Ukulele – I absolutely love my ukulele!! I am literally addicted 🙂 Never regretted buying it for one second! 😊
  • Mary Poppins Bag – This is great for holding pens and such. And the quote!
  • Lego Ukulele – Lego and Ukulele! That’s pretty hard to beat, not going to lie. 🙃
  • Yeti 18oz Water Bottle – Seafoam – This is actually a really nice water bottle! And keeps your water cold for a while! Picked it out myself. 😁
  • Cute Cat Backpack – Literally such a cute backpack! Perfect size – not too small and not super big either – and it’s covered in cats 😱 Who doesn’t like cats?!!? I get so many compliments on it when I go out.

Bud’s Picks – Age 12

  • Hobbit or LOTR T-Shirt – His (not exactly what is pictured) was a birthday gift for his older brother in 2018 that was eventually passed down to him. His hockey teammates all love it too!
  • LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Medieval Castle Toy, Transforms from Castle to Tower to Marketplace, Includes Skeleton and Dragon Figure, with 3 Minifigures and Catapult – He actually has received this set twice and would love to have a third for his Medieval set up so he could have all three configurations at the same time.
  • “My Own Mug” – A birthday gift from an older sister last year, I had never seen him get so excited about a gift and truly happy to have his “VERY OWN mug!”
  • Star Wars Clue – “From my Godparents! So fun!!”
  • Nathan Hales’ Hazardous Tales – Long time favorites and still adding to his collection. Last December for his birthday it was Above the Trenches. You can find all 12 here!
  • Mylec Steel Junior Hockey Goal for Indoor + Outdoor (52” x 43”) – The boys love this for playing street hockey! Definitely need a Stick Black Protector for off ice along along with stick tape to keep it on.
  • St. Francis Socks from Sock Religious– “These socks are AMAZING!” and he also added “I just have one pair that I’ve worn so many times they have a hole in them now… Holy socks!” (He is hoping for another pair and I just noticed they have his patron saint now!)
  • LEGO Star Wars Boba Fett Starship – “Awesome!”
  • Hey Dude Boots – These unfortunately didn’t fit him our fast growing boy for long, but he loved them while they did! Stinks that the mens version is so much more expensive at the moment!

Grace’s Picks – Age 7

Joy’s Picks – Age 5

Baby Gifts

Includes some darling things I’ve run across lately and some of my newest little niece/goddaughter’s favorites:

Favorite Wooden Toys

This list doesn’t change much from year to year but links are updated where necessary:

  • Fagus Wooden Trucks and Vehicles  – German crafted and made of solid Beechwood. We have been collecting for awhile and have the Limited Edition Red Fire Engine, Jeep, Snow Plow add on, Container Tipper Truck, Front End Loader, Conveyor Belt, and the Excavator, Tractors and Trailers. My little girls love them even more than their older brother did when they were younger! Look for them in the US at The Wooden Wagon and Bella Luna Toys.
  • Grimms Spiel und Holz Wooden Toys – Grimm’s Counting Rainbow (similar to this) with Grimm’s Natural Semicircles Building Set.
  • Ostheimer Toys – Collectible hand carved figures made in Germany and finished with non-toxic stains and finished with natural oils. Collections include: Family Figures, Fairy Tale Characters, Farm Animals, Woodland Animals, Zoo Animals, and landscape pieces, such as Trees, Fences, Ponds, Grass and much more!  We have been collecting these for years now. They have gotten hard to come by the past couple years (frequently out of stock everywhere in the US) and have really increased in price, but we still love them.  You can find them in the US at the same stores as the Fagus Vehicles above. (Here are lookalikes from an Etsy shop in the US)
  • Interlocking Blocks – I keep a basket of these (2 or 3 sets of 92) in a basket in our living room and they are played with daily! I’ve blogged more about these here.
  • Saint Blocks from Almond Rod Toys 
  • Thomas the Train Wooden Train Track, Buildings and Trains 
  • Melissa & Doug Medieval Folding Castle – We bought this over ten years ago and it’s still a favorite. We have (and LOVE the Princess Castle too- it was the first one I purchased of the two) but unfortunately it’s not currently available. Also, wood toys have at least doubled in price… Back then I paid around $50 for each! They have been played with by all of our children and are still getting played with frequently! We also have the Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse.
  • Wooden Peg Dolls – Perfect for painting dolls as gifts for younger siblings! 😉
  • Grapat Sorting Toys – I bought a couple of these for Easter Baskets and planning to add more in this year’s stockings and next year’s Easter Baskets. Our little girls love them!  They are also great for using along with their Fagus Dump Truck, Trailers and Conveyor Belt.

Gift Ideas for Catholic Women

  • Breville Brushed Stainless Steel Espresso Machine – We bought this in March of 2023 for a good deal less than the current price… I haven’t learned how to use it yet but some of our older kids have gotten really great at making coffees!
  • Wish List: Starry Night Christmas Tree Springerle Cookie Mold to add to my collection of Springerle Cookie Mold from House on the Hill.
  • Everyday Packing Totes from Austen Fowler – I love these! An adjustable leather strap converts the largest tote into a stadium and TSA compliant handbag which was perfect for my recent trip south to visit our oldest son and for the Celtic Thunder concert he took me to! (SAVE 15% with coupon code ROSES – or 25% OFF with EARLY25)
  • Kristin Lavransdatter – I also have a set of vintage hardcovers I picked up years ago, but I prefer the Penguin Classics Deluxe edition. At over 1100 pages, the trilogy is beautifully produced, deckle edged, with smooth, cream-colored paper, translated by Tiina Nunnally. I finally moved it to the top of my “to-read stack” and, even though I’ve had limited reading time this year, I’m getting close to finishing it! (I also still really love the Reading Journal I featured last year!)
  • Alabaster Holy Family Statue – 6.3″– A gift from my daughter last Christmas. So beautiful!
  • St. Therese Apron available (with additional styles as well) over at Catholic Cuisine
  • Holy Face Rosary from Come Holy Spirit Rosaries
  • UGG Classic Short Boots – Another gift from my older kids last Christmas (they spoiled me!) and these have been so great as the weather turns cold up here in the north and I still struggle to wear any narrow shoes after my leg surgeries this year. I also got my first pair of Birkenstocks over the summer and wore them nearly daily!
  • Wish List: Someday I would love to buy or build a Wayside Shine for on our property. Isn’t this gorgeous?!

Gifts Ideas for Catholic Men

Some suggestions from Sean:

Last year I asked one of my brother-in-law ‘s (all three of my husband’s brothers were ordained priests) to give me some ideas on gifts for priests and he suggested “Gift Cards to Sporting Goods Stores”. That’s definitely a thoughtful and flexible option that caters to diverse hobbies and interests. Whether it’s athletic gear, outdoor equipment, or fitness accessories, gift cards to sporting goods stores offer a choice for priests to enjoy their preferred activities.

St. Joseph

Board Games – Family Favorites

  • Captain’s pick (age 24) – Catan (he has this edition and pretty much every add on) followed by Settler’s of America. (His collection is now down in Arizona with him and I need to at least get the base game again and the expansion! City and Knights was the favorite add on around here too.)
  • Ranger’s pick (age 22) – Cover Your Assets (2021 Edition with man holding pig on cover) – (This game moved out with him this fall so Grace recently discovered the newer edition under her pillow when she lost her first tooth while everyone was recently home! All nine of them had so much fun playing it together once again. I’ve got my eyes on Cover Your Cookies for our youngest!)
  • Twinkle Toe’s pick (age 21) – Unsolved Case Files (Her most recent was Avery Gardner)
  • Chiquita’s pick (age 19) – Know Theyself! The Game of Temperaments (Also available directly from Sophia Institute Press.)
  • Scout’s pick (age 17) – The Grizzled (The 14 and 12 year old agreed that it’s a great game, just hard to learn. “The instuctions are in French or something so he had to watch a video or something to learn and teach us!)
  • Rose’s favoite (age 14) – Stuff Happens (Disclaimer: We went through the deck and removed a bunch of cards.) and Deck of Cards for games like Spoons and Liar, etc
  • Bud’s favorite (age 12) – Bang! (We had 4th edition, which moved down south with our oldest earlier this year! Some of the newer versions have some questionable card images. Considering getting the Bullet edition.)
  • Grace’s Favorite (age 7) Bluey Monopoly Junior –  “Michael had me for Christkindl last year and gave it to me! It’s like I have to move my person and then buy it, and if someone else lands on it they have to pay me. Very fun game, you should play with me! It’s for four players!”
  • Joy’s Favorite (age 5) – Wooden Chess Set – She loves playing chess! She was teaching me how to play the other morning while everyone else was still asleep. I had no idea she even knew how to play! Her 12 year old brother has been teaching her ❤️

Other past favorites include: Bird Bingo, Cat Bingo, Catan, Chameleon, Code NamesPaydayClue Retro Edition, Escape from Colditz: 75th Anniversary Edition, Guess Who?, Lord of the Rings Monopoly (we have this older edition) and Monopoly, Lord of the Rings Risk, Raccoon Tycoon, Ticket to Ride, Trekking the National ParksWWII Axis & Allies, What do you Meme?

Christmas Puzzles

Our family loves putting together puzzles during Advent and Christmas.  Here are some puzzles that are currently available to purchase: 

Advent & Christmas Music

*We also love the Christmas music from Celtic ThunderMichael BubleBing Crosby and so many others! I’d love to hear your favorites!

2025 Catholic Calendars and Planners

Here are the links to all of our book lists, our 2024 Advent Book Basket (coming soon) and the list of books our children will receive this year on the feast of St. Nicholas.

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Shower of Roses Christmas Giveaway

This year I’m giving away 25 PRIZES with a combined value of over $4,000!

(There will be 25 winners – one for each prize.  You have more than one way to earn entries so you could possibly win more than one prize! Thank you so much to all these generous businesses for sponsoring the annual Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide Giveaway! Please consider supporting their businesses with your Christmas Shopping this year.)

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Regina Martyrum Productions

Prize #1 – The complete collection of Catholic Saint Stories which can be either streamed online or can be downloaded! Over 25 hours of inspiring Catholic stories. Each story is carefully crafted from historical events or private revelation and presented with dramatization through dialogue, narration, sound effects, and music. Experience Catholic history like never before! Sponsored by Regina Martyrum Productions ($550+ Value)

Includes:

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7 Swords

Prize #2 – Immaculate Conception bundle featuring: St. Catherine Laboure doll complete with felt headpiece ($9), Durable Miraculous Medal fire colored bead necklace made especially for Mothers with babies or toddlers ($20) and an Original Mixed Piece “Redemption” ($300) executed combining Pyrography and Acrylic medium on 7.8″x7.8″ wood board. This original piece was painstakingly wood burned by hand, with the centerpiece being completed in acrylic and certain details accentuated with paint. This piece highlights Mary’s role as the New Eve.  You can find in depth explanation of the different aspects of it on my website 7swordsblog.weebly.com. Visit Etsy shop here: 7 Swords ($329 value)

SAVE 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSES (expires 12/25/2024)

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Catholic Art By Aleesa and Caitlin

Prize # 3 – I’m Aleesa, a creative mamma who loves our faith! A favorite thing to do every year is make something special for Jessica’s readers! This year my daughter @ascenderedeo is including a custom painted 5×7 watercolor saint portrait, 4×6 Marian print of Our Lady of Fatima, holy card bookmarks with her art, hand painted wood rosary hanger with Our Lady of Guadalupe. To add a little sparkle, I have made some sacramentals for you: a pale peridot crystal rosary with broze St. Benedict center, 16 inch satin ribbon miraculous medal necklace and earrings to match, a handmade scapular (the panels have been touched to the relic of St. Jude’s arm and there are medals sewn to the back of each scapular), and lastly a handpainted holy water bottle. Sponsored by Ascendere Deo ($250 Value)

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Shining Light Dolls Package 1

Prize #4 –  Wooden Mass Kit Playset, Catholic ABC Blocks, St. Joseph Wooden Prayer Candle, Nativity Holy Family Rag Doll Set, St. Therese Rag Doll, Mother Teresa Rag Doll and Come and See: Saints A to Z – An Alphabet of Catholic Saints – shaped board book sponsored by Shining Light Dolls ($217.92 Value)

SAVE 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG

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Shining Light Dolls Package 2

Prize #5 – Catholic Brick – St. Michael the Archangel Interlocking Brick 3D Model, Father John Catholic Priest Rag Doll 14 Piece Set, Father Mark Catholic Priest Rag Doll 14 Piece Set, Father Paul Catholic Priest Rag Doll 14 Piece Set, Wooden Baptism Playset and My Catholic Book of Prayers sponsored by Shining Light Dolls ($219.94 Value)

SAVE 10% with coupon code SHOWEROFROSESBLOG

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Come Holy Spirit Rosaries

Prize #6 – 3 month gift subscription to Catholic Chaplet of the Month.  This one of a kind gift features a new chaplet devotion every month: Infant of Prague (month 1), Our Lady of Sorrows (month 2), and St. Joseph (month 3).  Each box comes with a handmade solid bronze chaplet, curated prayer card, and comprehensive digital guide to help you learn, pray, and grow in holiness.  Membership also includes access to an exclusive VIP Facebook group.  Boxes ship once for three months:  Dec 15, Jan 15, and Feb 15.  Sponsored by Come Holy Spirit Rosaries. ($198 Value)

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The Purgative Way

Prize #7 – Three games shipped to up to three different locations; you can have 1-3 for yourself or they’ll directly ship the others to your friends or relatives sponsored by The Purgative Way. ($194.97 Value)

BONUS: Order The Purgative Way for $14.99, to just cover the cost of shipping, with coupon code SHOWEROFROSES (limited to first 300 games)

You can find my review here and also a caution to remove moral dilemma cards for younger players. I would order this game just for the gorgeous flash cards to go along with The Baltimore Catechism!

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Pelican Printery House

Prize #8 – A petite original painting, approximately 5″ x 7″, watercolor and Japanese Sumi inks on bristol board. “JMJ” in honor of the names of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph from Pelican Printery House. ($175 Value)

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Telos Art Shop

Prize #9 – Free subscription to our 2025 Quarterly Subscription Box! Each quarter a new item will arrive in the mail with a unique piece of jewelry and a special note behind the inspiration of each piece. Centered around the liturgical seasons, boxes will be sent within each quarter (April-May, July-September, October-December) with a theme related to a special feast day or celebration. By the end of 2024 recipients will receive four handmade gifts. Sponsored by Telos Art Shop ($165.00 Value)

Save 10% with coupon code ROSES

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Author Leslea Wahl

Prize #10 – 12 teen books and a “Yes, I Really Do Need All These Books” mug. Three teen novels by Leslea Wahl: Where You LeadInto the SpotlightCharting the Course, Four short stories by Leslea Wahl: all for One series and Five CatholicTeenBooks Visible & Invisible anthologies: SecretsGiftsTreasuresAshes, and Shadows sponsored by author Leslea Wahl ($150 Value)

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St. Florian’s Soap

Prize #11 – 8oz Hand and Body Cream, Soap, 2oz Body Oil, Perfume, Bath Bomb, and Rose Gold filled and Austrian Crystal bracelet (you choose the size!). Scent is Blush: Blush is a radiant fragrance evoking a sun-kissed morning. It opens with vibrant Pomelo Zest, Orange Peel, and sweet White Peach, creating a joyful atmosphere. The heart reveals Seaside Rose, Floating Lotus, and Peach Peony for a serene, uplifting feel. Warm Sugar Crystals and comforting Vanilla Bean in the base provide a lingering softness. Blush is an experience of joy and serenity, perfect for any occasion. Sponsored by St. Florian’s Soap ($131 Value)

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Sophia Institute Press

Prize #12 – Includes Fiat Traditional Catholic Planner, Super Habits, The Illustrated Liturgical Year Calendar (Christmas Cycle), and The Illustrated Liturgical Year Coloring Book Volume I : (Christmas Cycle 2024-2025) sponsored by Sophia Institute Press ($112.84 Value)

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Almond Rod Toys

Prize #13 – 10 Saint Blocks of the winners choice! Baby safe and toddler tough, AlmondRod blocks are prayerfully designed by Lindsey, a Catholic mother of 9, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. These durable and versatile blocks are created to inspire prayer and further learning in kids of all ages – with over 300 saints to choose from! They can be used for imaginative play, building, stacking, or collecting for display. Lindsey’s original artwork adorns the front and the back provides a quote or a prayer chosen to inspire little ones and the one that cleans up behind them. The little hard maple blocks are just the right size for small hands, precision cut and silky smooth, measuring 2 3/4  x 1 1/2 x 3/4 inches. Handmade in Midwest USA. Sponsored by Almond Rod Toys ($108 Value)

Use coupon code NATIVITAS at www.AlmondRodToys.com by December 18 to receive 15% off saint blocks

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My Little Patron

Prize #14 – My Little patron offers adorable illustrated saints to encourage the faith and educate! We’ve put together a special collection for you. Beautiful large blue Marian kids rosary, Our Lady of Czestochowa kids apron, our newest printable Marian Memory Match game, Our Lady of Sorrows printable PDF, Divine Mercy Chaplet and coloring page printable PDF, A custom set of printable holy cards (you get to choose 8 saints that get laid out in a printable for you), our Rosary Guide PDF (choose traditional three mysteries set or contemporary 4 mysteries set).  Sponsored by My Little Patron. ($108 Value)

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The Rose Picker

Prize #15 – St. Therese Rosary from The Rose Picker ($105.33 Value)

Save 10% with coupon code MYFAVORITE

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January Jane Shop

Prize #16 – Humans of Heaven, 8×10 Holy Family Folk Print, Saint Polaroid Minis 1st Edition, Wooden Christmas Ornament sponsored by January Jane Shop ($104.95 Value)

Save 10% with coupon code: LXZ-NTU27UL (or clicking here)

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Ignatius Press

Prize #17 – Includes a set of 4 books by Judith Bouilloc plus The Swiss Guard and Young Saints sponsored by Ignatius Press ($103.94 Value)

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS ARE LIVE – FREE Shipping on US orders of $70 & up

20% OFF* Storewide • 50% OFF Select Titles
40% OFF Select Children’s Titles40% OFF Fiction Favorites
40% OFF Family Favorite DVDs

No coupon necessary. Offer expires December 3, 2024 11:59pm PT

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Rycraft Cookie Stamps

Prize #18 – Set of 8 Cookie Stamps with Recipe Booklet (Includes: #416 – Snow Star, #463 – Christmas Ornament, #020 – Frosty, #355 – Trumpeting Angel, #023 – Holly Sprig (1), #030 – Christmas Tree, # 368 – Nativity and #271 – Jolly Santa) sponsored by Rycraft Cookie Stamps ($103.92 Value)

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Forestville Candle Company

Prize #19 – 2 Saint Candles, 2 White Beeswax Taper Sets, 1 Advent Set, and 2 3″ Beeswax Pillars sponsored by Forestville Candle Company. ($103 Value)

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Saintly Hearts

Prize #20 – Quiet Mass Set, Quiet Nativity Set, Nativity Busy Book, the Mary: Color and Pray Purse and the Catholic Straw Toppers sponsored by Saintly Hearts ($102.96 Value)

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St. Augustine Academy Press

Prize #21 – A package of 9 books which includes Loving and Giving, Our Friends in Heaven Trilogy and Bible Stories for Baby Hands sponsored by St. Augustine Academy Press ($102.65 Value)

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Catholic Family Crate

Prize #22 – Mary Dress Up Magnet Playset, St. Thérèse of Lisieux Little Way Inspiration Cards, Parts of the Mass Ring, Pray by Sticker: Paint-by-Number Sticker Book, Holy Family Hearts Tote, Bible Basics: Jesus’s Life on Earth (New Testament Part I) and Crush King Herod from Catholic Family Crate  ($101.94 value)

Save 20% off sitewide with SHOWEROFROSES 24 (for subscriptions, the discount applies to the first month only)

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St. Mary’s Messenger

Prize #23 – (1) ONE YEAR Subscription for St. Mary’s Messenger Magazine (valued at $19.95) PLUS These (5) Amazing Books!!!  The Miracle of the Dancing Sun at Fatima “Messages from Mary”, I Am God’s Storyteller by Lisa M. Hendey, I’m A Saint in the Making by Lisa M. Hendey, Because I Love You by Max Lucado, and The Night of Las Posadas sponsored by St. Mary’s Messenger. ($100 Value)

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Mary’s Mantle

Prize #24 – The Bundle inludes 2 cotton scarves, one is gold and one is white with embroidery. The Rosary is handmade with job’s tear seeds grown by us in Virginia with a pardon crucifix and miraculous medal. The Rosary is crocheted with cotton and threaded through twice for extra strength. I have 3 boys (and a 4th boy on the way) and they have not been able to break this! I have not posted the Rosary on my website as I need to make more, but hope to by the end of the month. I made it this way to keep a natural material but more durable than the chain Rosaries which get pulled out of my hands by babies and break. Sponsored by Mary’s Mantle ($100 Value)

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The Catholic Cartoon

Prize #25 – Three copies of The Catholic Cartoon Collection No 1 sponsored by Joshua Masterson at The Catholic Cartoon. ($56.97 Value)

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Join the Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide Giveaway

Enter via the Rafflecopter Box Below

Earn numerous bonus entries by exploring the sponsors’ websites and social media! Giveaway concludes at 11:59 PM PST on December 2, 2024. Winners will be announced in this post on December 3rd!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Having issues with Rafflecopter? Feel free to reach out via email or message with your name and email address, and I’ll manually add you.

If you have trouble commenting on this blog post, you can also leave a comment over at Instagram instead or send me an email with it and I can add it manually too.

Explore our book lists, our 2024 Advent Book Basket (coming soon – past book baskets), and the selection of books our children will receive this year on the feast of St. Nicholas. Find Advent planning tips in our Archive and The Advent Season in Our Catholic Home.

For additional inspiration, check out our Gift Guides from 2015 to 2023.

Click here if you are on the home page to get to comment box: Leave a Comment

Bargain Priced Books: Get 3 for the Price of 2 Sale!

I am always on the look out for bargain priced books and Amazon is currently having another Get 3 for the Price of 2 Sale! 📚 (I don’t know how long this one will last!)

There are so many great books included in this sale and it’s a perfect time to stock up on gifts for Christmas, Epiphany and Easter!  As I was scrolling though I compiled another list below of some of the books I have purchased over the years and a couple that are currently in my cart.  There are so many more and you can shop all items here

Please note:  All links are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Bargain Priced Books – Currently Priced Over $20

Bargain Priced Books – Currently Priced Between $10-20

Bargain Priced Books – Currently Under $10.00 

Bargain Priced Books – Christmas Books

Updated to add that The Lion in the Box and Between Us and Abuela from last year’s St. Nick list are both included too!

Scroll through more children’s Christmas books.

Scroll through all 3 for Price of 2 here.

Check out this year’s St. Nick books too!

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas + Our Annual St. Nicholas Giveaway

– New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas –

Once again, as the holiday season approaches, and we bid farewell to All Saints’ Day and Martinmas, it’s time to shift our focus to the upcoming feast of St. Nicholas. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving preparations (we hopefully have family coming to visit, weather permitting!), we are all looking forward to our family’s annual Advent traditions including celebrating St. Nicholas Day which is coming up so quickly!

On the morning of December 6th, our children wake up to discover their letters to the Holy Child and St. Nicholas have disappeared, replaced with treats in their slippers. New Christmas Books, sometimes new slipper or shoes (when needed) oranges, chocolate gold coins, candy canes, and a note from St. Nicholas himself.

Pictures from St. Nicholas Day 2023 or scroll through all past posts tagged St. Nicholas

Over the years, our children, who are now mostly teenagers and young adults, have continued to receive a new Christmas book as an integral part of this beloved tradition of ours. After 25 years our collection is huge and yet we still keep finding wonderful books to add. I look forward to passing down these treasured Christmas books to them when they start their own families one day.

Below you will find the list of new Christmas books I picked out for this year.

Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Additional affiliate links included to TAN BooksIgnatius Press, Sophia Institute Press and Holy Heroes as well.

For Our Young Adults

The Road to Bethlehem: Daily Meditations for Advent and Christmas

I included this book in last year’s New Finds for Advent but it took my until this year to order a copy. During the recent sale at TAN Books I ended up ordering four more copies to give to all of our older children this Advent.

Also available from Amazon here.

Twinkle Toes

The Twelve Cats of Christmas

… or CelticKittens as you’ll find her over on Instagram, I picked up a copy of The Twelve Cats of Christmas. “This joyful Christmas story combines the warmth and spirit of a timeless holiday classic with the funny and familiar quirks of cats—from their ability to squeeze into small spaces to their penchant for bird-watching, and more.”

Scout – 17

Mystery in White (British Library Crime Classics)


Our older kids love mysteries. Last year I got one of the girls Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, this year it’s a British Crime Classic for our 17 year old. I haven’t read it but it sounds like one he might enjoy over his Christmas break from all the dual-credit college courses he has been taking.

“The settings of train, blizzard, and the eerily welcoming home are all engrossing. Dorothy L. Sayers characterized Farjeon as ‘unsurpassed for creepy skill in mysterious adventures.’ This reissue proves it.” ―Booklist STARRED review

Rose – 14

The Catholic Cartoon Collection No. 1

Rose recently asked for a comic book and I think she is going to LOVE The Catholic Cartoon Collection!

Enjoy the fun, hectic, and holy moments of the everyday life of Fr. Otto and his parish in this very first Catholic Cartoon collection! Artwork by Joshua Masterson

I found myself laughing and relating as I skimmed through the collection of comics!

The Light of Christmas Morning

She is also getting The Light of Christmas Morning. I just love the illustrations in this book. Another beautiful addition to our collection.

Bud – 12

The Two-Tall Swiss Guard

“Andreas was a new Swiss Guard, and he was proud to be one of the soldiers who kept the pope safe in Vatican City. He was also very tall. From riding in small cars to crossing busy streets and even getting his uniform properly fitted, life in Rome was a big adjustment for Andreas. He felt lonely, out of place, and just too tall.

On Christmas Eve, Andreas was sad. This was his first Christmas away from his home in Switzerland, and he missed his family. But that all changed after a surprise meeting with Pope John Paul II, whose kindness filled Andreas with joy!

Based on a true story, The Too-Tall Swiss Guard is a timeless tale with awe-inspiring illustrations of the Swiss Guard, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Eternal City that teaches children about courage, generosity, and trusting in God. As readers journey with Andreas, they see how God created each person and all our unique traits for a purpose.”

Bambinelli Sunday: The Most Wonderful Surprise of All

I bought the original version back in 2013 for one of his brothers and we read it every Advent. I decided to gift our current 12 year old his own copy now that it’s been republished by Ignatius Press!

Grace – 7

Christmas in Heaven

I think this has to be my favorite new picture book this year! I actually re-read it aloud to my husband after reading through it the first time.

The publisher’s description describes it better than I ever could:

In charming rhyming verse, Christmas in Heaven tells the poignant story of a little boy who is sad because his grandmother has passed away. It is Christmastime, and the boy asks his grandfather where his grandmother might be. The grandfather responds by telling the boy his fondest hope—that his grandmother is in Heaven.  

The boy closes his eyes as his grandfather describes that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday and that a great, festive party is taking place in Heaven. It’s a scene filled with angels and saints, music and laughter, joy and love, and most of all, abundant life!

This beautiful little book will give children an unforgettable vision of Heaven while strengthening in them the theological virtue of hope — a hope that will assist them throughout their lives in dealing with fear, grief, pain, and suffering.

And my favorite part? I LOVE how it cleverly includes the saints!

It will also introduce them to the incredible world of the saints. Indeed, the most beloved saints and angels make appearances in Christmas in Heaven, all doing the things they’re best known for:

  • St. Honoré, patron saint of bakers, is making Jesus’ birthday cake
  • St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, is leading the choir
  • St. Lucy, patron saint of the blind, is lighting the Christmas tree 
  • St. Gabriel is blowing his horn
  • St. Nicholas is leaving presents under the tree
  • St. Thérèse is giving out flowers
  • St. Francis is surrounded by little animals
  • St. Patrick is handing out shamrocks

The book includes a helpful two-page glossary with short descriptions of each saint depicted.

You can also order it directly from Sophia Institute Press here.

(Or possibly win a copy below!)

Chicka Chicka Ho Ho Ho

When I saw the new Christmas themed Chicka Chicka book I had to grab a copy for our collection!

Joy – 5

My First Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker

“The My First Story Orchestra series brings classical music to life for little children through illustrated retellings of classic ballets, operas, and musical stories paired with 6 10-second sound clips of real orchestras playing the music.

This ended up in my shopping cart during a recent Costco shopping trip. She is going to love pushing the buttons to hear the music on each page and the illustrations are lovely!

Oliver Elephant

Another sweet book with lovely illustrations!

ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS

I also have a copy of My True Love Gave to Me: A Children’s Catechism for the Twelve Days of Christmas on order from TAN Books, but it hasn’t arrived yet. I plan to either include this in this year’s Advent Book Basket or give it to the kids as one of our O Antiphon Treats. Really looking forward to seeing it in person. (Also available at Amazon here.)

FREE PRINTABLES


You can download my St. Nicholas labels over at Dropbox with either Black or Green text… And here is the link to my original St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins from 2010 and the updated version in 2019!

SAINT NICHOLAS GIVEAWAY

Once again this year I will be hosting FOUR Advent and Christmas giveaways here on the blog:  this St. Nicholas Giveaway, the 2024 Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide + Giveaway, another Advent Book Basket giveaway and finishing up with another O Antiphon giveaway!  Here is the first giveaway in preparation for the feast of St. Nicholas!

Enter for a chance to win one of the following seven prizes:

Rycraft Cookie Stamps

Prize # 1 – Includes: #001 – Santa Claus, #031- Noel Stocking, #317 – Old St Nick, #357 -Santa on the Rooftop, and #413 – St Nicholas from Rycraft Cookie Stamps ($64.95 Value)

Shining Light Dolls

Prize #2 – Includes St. Nicholas Plush Doll, St. Nicholas Mini Puzzle, Our Lady of Guadalupe Mini Puzzle, Nativity Cookie Cutters and Stamps Set and Saint Friends Wooden Puzzle Set sponsored by Shining Light Dolls ($60.95 Value)

(Check out their new Advent and Christmas book and toys!)

Save 10% at Shining Light Dolls with Coupon Code: SHOWEROFROSESBLOG

Sophia Institute Press

Prize # 3 – Includes Christmas in Heaven and The Melody of Love sponsored by Sophia Institute Press ($35.90 Value) – Also on Amazon here and here.

Author Patrick O’Hearn

Prize #4 – Incudes Our Lady of Sorrows: Devotion to Mary’s Seven Sorrows for Children and Nursery of Heaven written by author Patrick O’Hearn ($32.90 Value) – Also available on Amazon here and here.

I posted a review of the beautiful Our Lady of Sorrows book earlier this year.

The Catholic Cartoon

Prize #5 – Includes: The Catholic Cartoon Collection: No 1 by Joshua Masterson ($18.99 Value)

St. Augustine Academy Press

Prize # 6 – Includes Saint Nicholas: Patron of Children sponsored by St. Augustine Academy Press ($17.95 Value)

*Our candle and handcarved Ostheimer St. Nicholas isn’t included but you can find him here, or a similar one from an Etsy shop for much less here.

I posted a review of beautiful new book last year. You can find the review here!

Ignatius Press

Prize #7 – Includes: Bambinelli Sunday: The Most Wonderful Surprise of All sponsored by Ignatius Press ($14.99 Value)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

Please leave a comment on this post and then enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: If you have any trouble with Rafflecopter just send me an email or message with your name/email address (and required comment for the blog post if you are unable to add it yourself) and I can add you manually. I’ve been looking for alternatives, but haven’t found a free option yet that offers what I need for these annual giveaways that I love hosting for you all! 

More Suggestions from the Archives

Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 20172018201920202021, 2022 and 2023

Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning or Epiphany: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

You can find the rest of our booklists here or scroll through all our past St. Nicholas Day Celebrations in the archives.

Even more St. Nicholas themed gifts can be found in these past posts filled with Christmas Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers from 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023

Read about our family traditions: 

The Advent Season in Our Catholic Home

Scroll through past posts featuring the Feast of St. Nicholas

Click here if you are on the home page to get to comment box: Leave a Comment

Celebrating Martinmas: Books, Treats and Lantern Walk

Every year on November 11th (which is also Veteran’s Day!) we love celebrating Martinmas, the Feast of St. Martin of Tours! We pull out our handmade lanterns for our annual sunset lantern walk, enjoy a treat, and read books about this inspiring saint.

Saint Martin, Saint Martin
Saint Martin rode through wind and snow
On his strong horse, his heart aglow
He rode so boldly through the storm
His great cloak kept him well and warm

By the roadside, by the roadside
By the roadside a poor man arose
Out of the snow in tattered clothes
He said please help me with my plight
Or I shall die of cold tonight

Saint Martin, Saint Martin
Saint Martin stopped his horse and drew
his sword and cut his cloak in two
One half to the beggar man he gave
And by this deed a life did save

Saint Martin, Saint Martin
Saint Martin rode through wind and snow
On his strong horse, his heart aglow
He rode so boldly through the storm
His goodness kept him well and warm

You can find Charlotte’s FREE COLORING PAGE here.

Our 12 year old created his own little St. Martin and the Beggar out of his LEGO. ❤️

St. Martin of Tours

The Mantle of Charity: St. Martin of Tours – Patron of Tailors

printed from Treasure Chest of Fun & Fact years ago (using the images I created pdfs and little folded booklets)

Snow of Martinmas and The Sword and the Cape

ST. MARTIN TREATS AND COOKIES

More details and the FREE PRINTABLE tags can be found in this post from 2013.

MARTINMAS LANTERN WALK

In many countries, including Germany, Martinmas celebrations begin at the eleventh minute of the eleventh hour of this eleventh day of the eleventh month. Bonfires are built, and children carry lanterns in the streets after dark, singing songs for which they are rewarded with candy.  (In our case it’s usually cookies and St. Martin bags or a bonfire with s’mores !)

You can find a tutorial for making our mason jar Martinmas Lanterns here.

I go with my bright little lantern
My lantern is going with me
Above me the stars are shining
On Earth shines my lantern for me

St. Martin of Tours, ora pro nobis!

Order Your Advent Candles + Wooden Advent Wreath Giveaway!

With Advent beginning on December 1st, it’s time for my annual reminder to get prepared! 🕯️

If you’re looking to order Advent candles for your wreath, there are some lovely options below! The dear nuns at The Cloister Shoppe have beautifully crafted candles ready to ship, and they tend to sell out quickly as the season draws near. You can also check out the 100% Beeswax Advent Candles in Lavender and Rose from Forestville Candle Company, hand-poured by two talented college students. These are also available in Deep Violet and Rose!

Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a special giveaway!

100% Beeswax Advent Candles from The Cloister Shoppe

For many years, our family has been ordering the exquisite 100% Beeswax hand-poured tapers created by the talented Dominican Nuns at The Cloister Shoppe. These candles have been the centerpiece of our Advent wreath, casting a warm and comforting glow as we gather for dinner each night throughout the Advent season. The craftsmanship and love put into each taper make these candles a cherished part of our yearly celebrations.

*Also pictured above is my 2024 Fiat Liturgical Planner – you can get the 2025 one for 40% OFF with coupon code EARLYBIRD40 through tomorrow – 11/11/24!

In these pictures, you can see Joseph and Mary making their journey down our Advent Path. About seven years ago I decided to create a path down the center of our table for Advent, using our Jesse Tree ornaments for each day of the season. The first year was a simple countdown path made from doilies, but the following year, I incorporated our wooden Jesse Tree Ornaments from Jesse Tree Treasures.

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Candle in the center is from Clear Creek Abbey. (Also available from Amazon.) While I’ve yet to bring myself to burn it, it adds a lovely and meaningful touch to our Advent decorations

More Favorites from The Cloister Shoppe

Each year, I make an effort to plan in advance and order additional candles to be blessed on Candlemas (February 2). This ensures that we have them ready for the new liturgical year and the upcoming Advent season. Here are some I have purchased over the years:

Click here to visit the Cloister Christmas Shoppe!

Advent Taper Candles from Forestville Candle Company

You can also find gorgeous 100% Beeswax Advent Candles—hand-poured in Lavender and Rose by two talented Catholic college students, Abbey and Anna, over at Forestville Candle Company! 🌲 These candles are also available in Deep Violet and Rose, perfect for adding that traditional Advent touch.

Abbey and Anna sent me a couple of sample sets, and I absolutely love them! Their craftsmanship and attention to detail really shine through.

I mentioned the book All About Advent and Christmas: Sharing the Seasons of Hope and Wonder With Children (also available at Amazon) in last year’s New Finds for Advent section of my annual gift guide. Highly recommend!

Advent Candle Crafting for Children

Our children have also really enjoyed crafting their own candles using the 100% Beeswax Advent Candle Kit from Illuminated Ink. This hands-on Advent project is a wonderful way for children to actively participate in preparing for the Advent season.

You can also order the Advent Candles kit from Holy Heroes along with An Advent Hope. They also carry All About Advent and Christmas if you’d like to get all three from one place!

Save 10% with coupon code GORDON

Advent Wreaths Around Our Home

In our home, we like to set up two Advent wreaths during this special season.

The taper Advent Candles find their place in an Advent Wreath on our dining room table, where we light them each night during dinner, creating a warm and beautiful atmosphere.

Additionally, we have a larger wreath adorning the coffee table in our living room. This one is lit during our family rosary each evening, and we leave it aglow while unwrapping and reading from our cherished annual Advent Book Basket.

I still miss the pillar candles I used to buy from the Benedictine Monks when they were still making them. Currently, I opt for these 3×3 candles in purple and pink. (You can find more Advent Wreath-related posts here.)

There was one particularly ambitious year when I even hung our Advent Wreath like the Von Trapp family! 🕯️🎶

Advent Wreath Socks and Sweatshirts

Speaking of Advent wreaths, don’t miss out on the delightful Advent Wreath Socks from Socks Religious – they’re so much fun! I loved using mine the past couple Advents and look forward to taking them out again next month. I also have my eyes on this fun Advent Sweatshirt!

Wooden Advent Wreath Giveaway!

Advent is right around the corner, and while the Double-sided Advent to Christmas Wooden Wreath Set from Shining Light Dolls is sadly out of stock this year, I have one to give away to a lucky winner! 🎉

To enter, leave a comment sharing your favorite Advent tradition or a new Advent resource you’re excited to try this season and then claim your entry using the rafflecopter box below!

Click here if you are on the home page to get to comment box: Leave a Comment

If you have any issues please contact me and I can assist with getting you entered in the drawing. Domestic/US Shipping is included. International residents are welcome to enter but would be responsible for any additional shipping costs. Giveaway ends November 19, 2024 at 11:59PM PST and winner will be announced on November 20th in this post.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY AT RAFFLECOPTER HERE or EMBEDED BELOW:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I posted a review of this sweet Wooden Advent Wreath for Children last year here.

You can also save 10% on other toys at Shining Light Dolls with coupon code: SHOWEROFROSESBLOG

“It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope.” — Pope Benedict XVI

For more Advent Planning:  

The Advent Season In Our Catholic Home

Celebrating the Saints: Our 2024 Saint Costumes

Celebrating the Saints: Our 2024 Saint Costumes

For the FIRST TIME EVER we had all NINE of our children together for All Saints Day! The younger kids woke up to a surprise on the morning of All Hallows’ Eve and then the four oldest kids spent some of the afternoon figuring out costumes so they could all dress up this year!

This year’s saint costumes: Crusader/St. Louis and the Last Crusade, St. Longinus, St. Martha, St. Therese as St. Joan of Arc, St. Lazarus, St. Anna Wang, St. Isaac Jogues, St. Brigid and St. Germaine.

Crusader – St. Louis and the Last Crusade


The Crusader costume was an impulse purchase at Party City a few years ago, and one of our younger boys used it for the first time last year.

St. Longinus

Pulling out one of his old costumes that he thought “might still fit!” He first wore it in 2015 for St. Maurice. Scout (Snuggles lol) wore it as St. Martin in 2021 and Bud wore it last year for St. Florian. You can find the costume here and helmet here. I purchased the sword from an Etsy shop for one of our past Hobbit parties!

Sts. Martha, Mary and Lazarus

One of our kids dearest friends dressed up as St. Mary to complete the Mary, Martha and Lazarus group costume!

The girls used a couple dresses from their closet adding scarves/veils, and for Lazarus our 17 year old was thrilled to get new white shoes (he really needed new shoes anyway and his size had dropped to just $25!) along with AE “Heather Frost” hoodie and joggers to add simply wrap with gauze.

St. Therese as St. Joan of Arc

She really wished she had more time to make her costume, she always comes up with something amazing, but with limited time she decided to go with something similar to her costume from 2012, using the same Fleur-di-lis shield anyway. The Sword was an Etsy purchase one year. She and her brother quickly made some armor out of foam and twine.

St. Anna Wang

Saint Anna Wang is a Chinese Roman Catholic martyr who is recognized as one of the patrons of the Catholic Church in China. She was born in 1886 in the Hebei province of China and died on July 9th, 1900, at the young age of 14. Her feast day is celebrated on July 9th each year.

I haven’t shared the pictures yet, but this past summer, my youngest daughter asked for a “Princess Party” and her older siblings all delivered big time! They all dressed up and she was in heaven. Our 19 year old really wanted this costume, but we picked it out a couple days before the party and it arrived halfway through! First half of the party she was one princess, second half she was another. Rose decided to use it for All Saints Day, inspired by Stella Marigold Art’s Paper Doll, and looked beautiful as St. Anna Wang.

St. Isaac Jogues

He has been studying American History in a live online class with Philip Campbell this year and really wanted to be St. Isaac Jogues. I was worried for a moment when the “fake blood” he had me put on his face wasn’t coming off my fingers… I was picturing him having a half red forehead the next day for our family photo, but thankfully it all washed off!

His costume was inspired by this print.

St. Brigid of Kildare

She was determined to choose a saint with red or ginger hair and wear a wig this year! The rest of the costume is handed down from years ago. The painting of St. Brigid is one of our original art paintings from Heather at Sleightholm Folk Art.

St. Germaine Cousin

O Saint Germaine, look down from Heaven and intercede for the many abused children in our world. Help them to sanctify these sufferings. Strengthen children who suffer the effects of living in broken families. Protect those children who have been abandoned by their parents and live in the streets. Beg God’s mercy on the parents who abuse their children. Intercede for handicapped children and their parents. 

Saint Germaine, you who suffered neglect and abuse so patiently, pray for us. Amen +

She really wanted to wear this dress that I bought a few years back, in 2021 for Grace. It fit her perfectly! She picked out a rosary that she wanted to add and we pinned three Jellycat lambs including this one from their stuffed animal collection around the hem of the dress in addition to the one she wanted to hold. She carried her older sister’s “Woolo” by Russ Lamb (maybe similar but bigger to this one). Read about St. Germaine here!

You can see many of their saints costumes from over the years here. I also shared more pictures from this year’s All Hallows’ Eve Party here.

All Saints in Heaven, pray for us! 

All Hallows’ Eve Party 2024

This year’s All Hallows’ Eve Party was extra special—it was the first time we had all nine of our kids together for the feasts of All Saints and All Souls! I shared about the surprise visit from two of our young adult kids here. We kept things simple but festive, with a cozy potluck dinner featuring our family’s favorite chili and pumpkin cupcakes.. The kids had a blast dressing up as some of their favorite saints, and we played a few fun games.

Here are some pictures from the party!

More costumes pictures and details:

Celebrating the Saints: Our 2024 Saint Costumes

Party Decorations and Games

More details and FREE printables:

All Saints’ Day Banner Tutorial and Free Printable

All Saints’ Guessing Jars: 12 More for 2024

Invitations

Obviously the bottom of the invites included time, address and RSVP details. ☺️

Party Food

What I prepared:

  • Chili for a CrowdThis year I made a Quadruple Batch but some of our guests couldn’t make it at the last minute so we had a leftover pot full. It still was all eaten within a few days. My kids all love it! I used the recipe linked, but doubled the peppers and celery, replaced one can of diced tomatoes with tomato sauce, subbed one can of black beans for one of the kidney beans, and used maple syrup instead of sugar. Then quadrupled it in my two large pots. SO GOOD!
  • Diced onions and cheese for on top of the Chili
  • Hot Dogs and Buns
  • Meatballs in the Crock Pot
  • Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
  • Cheesecake – from Costco
  • Water Bottles
  • Wine – My husband pulled out a couple bottles from his favorite Southern Oregon Wineries that he brought back from all his firefighting assignments there this past summer. He was gone so much this year!
  • Trader Joe’s Spiced Apple Cider, warmed

This year our guests brought:

  • Pizza (A super fun HUGE pizza!)
  • Side Salads
  • Other Hearty Appetizers including Shrimp
  • Delicious Bread for with the Chili

All Saints Guessing Jars

More details and FREE printables:

All Saints Guessing Jars – 12 More for 2024

All Saints Scavenger Hunt

More details and FREE printables:

All Saints Scavenger Hunt – Fifth Edition

Saint-O-Lanterns

Carving Our 2024 Saint-O-Lanterns

Saint-O-Lanterns – 2024

All Saints in Heaven, Ora Pro Nobis!

Another Soldier of Christ!

Another Soldier of Christ!

Another Soldier of Christ! ❤️ Conferral of the Sacrament of Confirmation on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross On September 14th, our sweet "Rose" received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Joan of Arc. Our pastor, Fr. Rapoport, FSSP, administered the...

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Veni Sancte Spiritus

Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.  Looking through my drafts folder for the post I had started about Rose’s Confirmation this fall, I realized I had never shared this one either! Life got extra hard at the...

2024 Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide + Giveaway

2024 Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide + Giveaway

Welcome to our Annual Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guide and Giveaway! Get ready for a curated selection of gift ideas and a chance to win amazing prizes. Once again I've gathered suggestions from every member of our family to ensure there's something for everyone....

All Hallows’ Eve Party 2024

All Hallows’ Eve Party 2024

This year’s All Hallows’ Eve Party was extra special—it was the first time we had all nine of our kids together for the feasts of All Saints and All Souls! I shared about the surprise visit from two of our young adult kids here. We kept things simple but festive, with...

Prayer of Mothers

Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.


Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (blog nicknames)

A Little About Me

Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

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