Saint Philomena Original Art Giveaway

by | Aug 11, 2024 | , , , | 32 Comments

Happy Feast of Saint Philomena! I’m excited to celebrate by hosting a special giveaway in her honor. Last year, I reviewed the book My Name is Philomena: A Saint’s Story which was written and beautifully illustrated by Fr. Peregrine Fletcher. To make this feast day even more special, Fr. Peregrine has generously sent me one of his original illustrations to pass along to one of you!

If you haven’t ordered a copy of My Name is Philomena or Fr. Peregrine Fletcher’s other book, The Snail and the King (our review here), be sure to check them out. Each book tells an inspiring story and features captivating illustrations that make them perfect addition to your family’s collection.

My Name is Philomena is available directly from TAN Books or over at Amazon. You can find The Snail and the King over at Amazon here.

You can find additional books for August feast days here.

“And yet a bride I soon became,

What happy providence!

His lance which set me to the tomb

Released my soul to meet my groom,

My long awaited Prince.”

GIVEAWAY

My Name is Philomena Original Art

by Fr. Peregrine Fletcher, O. Praem.

Image was rendered in colored pencil

Please enter the giveaway by leaving a comment on this post and claiming your entry through the Rafflecopter box below. 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 August 14, 2024 at 11:59PM PST and winner will be announced on August 15th, the feast of the Assumption!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

St. Philomena, pray for us!

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party

by | Jul 11, 2024 | , , | 3 Comments

When our daughter requested a Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party for her 7th birthday, I knew we were in for a sweet adventure. With bright colors, adorable decorations, fun party games, and lots of great friends, it turned out to be an incredible celebration!

She had been talking about it for months and had literally invited “everyone and their grandparents!” as one of her sisters told her oldest brother when he asked who would be coming. It was so much fun to bring her party theme to life and create all sorts of special memories for her and her friends!

I started my planning by ordering a couple handmade Strawberry Shortcake and Lemon Meringue dresses from Blu Moon Design over at Etsy! My girls are pretty tiny (just now outgrowing sizes 5 and 3) so I ordered them size 7 and 5 so they’d have extra length and fit for awhile. I also ordered this Strawberry Beret and these Green & White Knee High Striped Socks and paired them with their AG Peek-A-Boo Wellies since I forgot to look for brown Mary Janes. Super cute!

On the day of her birthday, the weather was gorgeous and we were also incredibly blessed to have three Sisters from the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart join us for the birthday party! Our little girls had just spent the previous two days with them at Morning Star Day Camp and their presence added such a special touch to the day, making it even more meaningful and memorable.

My Uncle Tom and Aunt Toni also came to the party! We have really loved having them nearby since we moved up here six years ago. My mom is the 8th of 13 children and he is the eldest. He reminds me so much of my grandmother and it’s so fun to hear him share stories with my children. The birthday girl was especially excited to receive her very own jar of his special homemade jam in her birthday gift from them!

She so wished that her cousin and oldest brother/godfather could have made it, but they both called and she got to visit with them over Facetime.

Homemade Decorations

Other than buying a couple red plastic tablecloths (this makes clean up so much easier) I made my own banner and food labels! I shared all of the printables I created here.

We also filled the book cart with lots of berry and spring/summer themed books including a few new ones!

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party Menu

Good morning. Welcome to Strawberryland. You can’t see it? Just a dot on the map. Ah, finest strawberries this side of the rainbow. The personal strawberry patch of Miss Strawberry Shortcake. She lives in a shortcake. That sounds like fun. And she tends to her fun in the rain and the sun. That’s Custard, her calico cat on the floor. But we’ll let them both sleep for just a dream more.

Main Dish and Sides

Desserts

Drinks

  • Orange Blossom’s Party Punch
  • Strawberry Lemonade
  • Lime Chiffon’s Sparkling Limeaid
  • Lem and Ada’s Sparkling Lemonade
  • Peach Blush’s Sangria (adults only)

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party Games!

I ran across some great game ideas for our Strawberry Shortcake theme! I also considered Strawberry Bingo or some of our lawn games from our Anne of Green Gables Birthday Party. Here is what we ended up doing:

Strawberry Stomp

For this game, children try to keep all the “strawberries” ( red balloons ) up in the air while the music is playing. When the music stops all the kids grab a “strawberry” balloon. Draw a name from a hat (or whatever you have on hand), and that child must bust their balloon and complete the challenge inside to win a prize. Keep the challenges short and fun. Some examples include:

  • Rub your tummy while patting your head
  • Twirl around five times fast
  • Sing your favorite song in a funny voice 
  • Crabwalk across the floor
  • Give out three berry nice hugs
  • Describe your favorite yummy dessert
  • Options are endless, come up with additional ideas!

After completing the challenge, the child rejoins the game but won’t be called again to pop a balloon. Make sure you have enough balloons so every child can grab one when the music stops. (Have twice as many balloons as players.) To make the balloons look like strawberries, use a marker to add strawberry seeds.

Supplies: Red Ballons, Music

Pie Making Race

A fun twist on a classic relay race! In this game, children are divided into teams, each given spoons to pick up “berries” (colored ping pong balls- red for strawberries, blue for blueberries and pink for raspberries) and run them to their team’s pie tin. It’s a delightful mix of teamwork, speed, and a little bit of friendly competition!

Each team is tasked with making a different kind of pie will only collect berries for that pie. For example, the team assigned to strawberry pie will only collect red ping pong balls.

To play: Scatter the different colored ping pong balls on one side of the yard. On the other side set up a table with a different pie tin for each team. Assign each team a kind of pie and give each player a spoon. At the start, everyone runs to the field of ‘fallen berries,” places one on their spoon, and rushes back to their team’s pie tin. The team that finishes their pie first wins.

Supplies: Red, Pink and Blue Ping Pong Balls, three Pie Dishes, White Plastic Spoons.

After the little kids completed their round all the big “kids” wanted a turn! Pink team won!

Catch the Purple Pie Man

“Aw, what’s the matter, kiddies? Did your can spring a leak!? (pulls off his disguise and giggles)“

The Peculiar Purple Pie Man, who lives in the Pie Tin Palace up on Porcupine Peak, is the notorious villain in Strawberryland. He is a mischievous, greedy baker who often seeks to undermine Strawberry Shortcake and her friends. In this game, he has stolen all the strawberry treats (candy). The kids must chase him to get them back.

To Play: Someone takes on the role as the Purple Pie Man. The children chase and try to tag him. When tagged, the Purple Pie Man must stop. The only way to be released is to throw out a handful of candy and make your escape while the children are all collecting it. Keep playing until all the candy is gone.

Purple Pie Man Costume: I ordered this Chef Hat, Bib Apron and Purple Mustache.

Since the Purple Pieman frequently referred to himself in the third person and always performed a quick jig after doing so. Mr. Sun describes him as a “misanthropic fathead with a skinny physique.”

You can watch the video over at Instagram!

All that running and basically being a “Human Pinata!” definitely wiped out the “Peculiar Purple Pie Man” but the kids are all still talking about that game. It was such a hit!

Honey Pie Pony

The kiddos also got to visit Honey Pie Pony, aka Chesterton, our new next door neighbor!

Strawberry Shortcake’s Birthday Cake

A bite of strawberry shortcake can turn any bad day around!

You can find our little birthday reel over at Instagram with a couple more video clips.

Birthday Gifts

She was given so many sweet and thoughtful gifts from all her friends! I had ordered her this cute Strawberry Shortcake backpack when it was on sale and some of her siblings got her some other 80s themed toys (Tenderheart Care Bear, My Little Pony) and a little Strawberry Shortcake doll. She also loved, loved, loved this set of pens from one of her friends and has been taking it everywhere!

Happy 7th birthday to our berry sweet and spunky girl!

Strawberry Shortcake Party Printables

by | Jul 11, 2024 | , | 0 Comments

Strawberry Shortcake Party Printables

“Good morning, my friend!” I had so much fun coming up with party plans and a menu and then making these Strawberry Shortcake Party Printables for our daughter’s 7th birthday! Once I got started I got on a roll and just kept going with more and more ideas… I didn’t use all of them, but came close! 🙂

Invitation

Click and save the image on the right to add your own text!

Berry Sweet Birthday Banner

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Banner
Birthday Banners

Strawberry Shortcake Banner Printable

Strawberry Shortcake Party Printables: Food Labels

I probably could have just kept going, and I did add a few more to the ones pictured below, but here are lots of options based on many of the Strawberry Shortcake cartoon characters!

Strawberry Shortcake Food Labels

Strawberry Shortcake Food Labels

Strawberry Shortcake Game & Activity Signs

Strawberry Shortcake Pie Making Race
Catch the Purple Pie Man Game
Strawberry Stomp
  • Pie Making Race
  • Catch the Purple Pie Man
  • Strawberry Stomp
  • Honey Pie Poney

Click on any of the images below to save and print.

Pie Making Race Game
Catch the Purple Pie Man Game
Strawberry Stomp Game
Honey Pie Pony

Party Pictures: Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party

“Hope your day is simply delicious!”

Café Ole’s Bean Dip – Party Size

by | Jul 11, 2024 | | 0 Comments

My kids LOVE this bean dip recipe. I’ve made it probably a half dozen times this year and it never lasts long. We decided to call it Café Ole’s Bean Dip for our recent Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party!

Café Ole’s Bean Dip – Party Size

Ingredients:

  • 2 – 16 ounce cans refried beans
  • 2 cups chunky salsa
  • 16 oz shredded Mexican Cheese blend
  • 1 1/2 cups sour cream
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, (or more to taste)
  • tortilla chips (love these for a grain-free option)

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients: transfer to a 9×13 baking dish. I love my Pampered Chef Stone Rectangular Baker for this recipe.
  2. Bake dip at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
  3. Serve with tortilla chips and salsa.

Optional ways of preparing:

Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or until heated through, stirring intermittently. The slow cooker is ideal because it keeps the dip warm.

Microwave: Heat in a microwave safe bowl for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted and smooth. Stir every couple of minutes. (My kids do this with leftovers, just less time.)

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake

by | Jul 2, 2024 | , , | 5 Comments

Our daughter had pretty elaborate hopes and wishes for her Strawberry Shortcake themed party for her 7th birthday! It was a fun distraction for me to come up with decorations, party games, and a menu, while trying to keep it fairly “simple” and asking for lots of help from her older siblings as I continue to recover from this broken leg and surgeries.

I saw soooo many cute ideas for her Strawberry Shortcake birthday cake but decided to keep it simple yet still berry delicious. I still managed to mess it up! Thankfully we had quite a crowd coming so both of the cakes, the trifle, and all the other treats were enjoyed by all and we didn’t end up with much left over.

This light and summery dessert is perfect for any occasion, combining the sweetness of ripe strawberries and fluffy homemade whipped cream (the added cream cheese made it even more delicious!) and I’m sure we will make it again!

Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake

Supplies

  • 3 – 9″ Yellow or Vanilla Cakes
  • 2 pints of Strawberries
  • Homemade Whipped Cream Filling
  • Cake Platter
  • Cake Topper

Note: I highly recommend lining the cake pans with parchment paper to avoid it sticking, or you might end up with a Strawberry Shortcake Trifle like I did on my first attempt! 😉

Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe

  • 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 3/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese, full fat (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/4 cup died strawberries

Directions:

  1. Place the mixing bowl and beater in the freezer for at least 5 minutes, while you gather the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Add heavy whipping cream to the chilled bowl and beat until it starts to thicken.
  3. While beating, add 1/4 cup (reserving the rest) of the powdered sugar into the cream.
  4. Continue to beat and add the vanilla.
  5. Beat until light and fluffy and soft peaks form.
  6. Remove whipped cream from bowl and place in larger bowl.
  7. In the now empty mixing bowl, place the cream cheese and blend until very smooth. Once smooth, add in the remaining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and beat until fully combined.
  8. By hand, fold in 1/4 cup diced strawberries and the whipped cream mixture starting with a large scoop and then continuing with the rest once the mixture has gotten a bit fluffier. Be sure to not over mix!

Assemble the Cake

  1. Place one layer of cake on your cake platter. Top with 1/3 of whipped cream filling, spreading it with an icing spatula to level, and then a layer of strawberries.
  2. Repeat with another layer of cake, whipped cream, strawberries, and then again for final layer.
  3. Garnish cake with additional strawberries, candles and maybe a cake topper!
  4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving. Best when served within 1-2 hours of assembly.

I ended up making an additional smaller 4″ cake as well since one of my children’s dearest friends was celebrating an 18th birthday the same day! She scheduled her party for the following day so she could be at our daughter’s. ❤️ (You can see that my middle layer on the small cake was from my first attempt at baking the cakes…)

Coming soon: Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party! Find other past party themes and cakes here.

More from the archives: Strawberry Shortcake Trifle & Strawberry Shortcake’s Creamy Cookie Dip

Strawberry Shortcake’s Creamy Cookie Dip

by | Jul 2, 2024 | | 0 Comments

Another berry delicious and fun recipe we included in the birthday party menu was our Strawberry Shortcake’s Creamy Cookie Dip inspired by Play Party Plan.

Strawberry Shortcake’s Creamy Cookie Dip Recipe

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping (thawed)
  • ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
  • 3 TBS strawberry ice cream topping
  • assorted dipping items (strawberries, cookies, animal crackers, graham crackers, etc.)

Instructions

  • Combine cream cheese, sour cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
  • Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
  • Add almost all the chopped strawberries and in mix just enough to evenly distribute the strawberries throughout the mixture.
  • Drizzle strawberry ice cream topping over the dip and gently fold it into the mixture.
  • Place the rest of the strawberries on top.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping treats such as cookies, graham crackers, whole strawberries, or pretzels.

Additional Notes

  • Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to five days.
  • Use the softer strawberries to mix into the dip and keep the firmer ones for dipping.
  • Top with graham cracker crumbs for a strawberry cheesecake flavor.

The dip went very quickly during the party and I completely forgot to refill the bowl with more from the fridge but my children all enjoyed the rest of it the next day!

Coming soon: Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party! 

Check our other past party themes and cakes here.

More from the archives:

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle and Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

by | Jul 1, 2024 | , | 0 Comments

When life gives you crumbled cake, make Strawberry Shortcake Trifle! This was originally supposed to be a Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake, but when the cakes stubbornly stuck to my baking pans and fell apart I went to bed and decided to start over in the morning… 😭 While my second attempt at baking the birthday cake was in the oven I decided to turn my first cakes into a trifle. So glad I did!

“Many of life’s failures are people who didn’t realize how close they were to success when they gave up!”

It was an unplanned addition to the birthday party menu but the fresh berries, strawberry sauce, and a delicious homemade whipped cream perfectly disguised my flop of a cake and it was such a hit!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe

Vanilla or Yellow Cake

Use recipe of your choice. Mine was simply boxed cake mix.

Strawberry Sauce

  • 1lb strawberries, pureed
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Puree strawberries in blender. Add the strawberry puree, sugar and vanilla to saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Boil for one minute, remove from heat and set aside to cool while you make the whipped cream.

Homemade Whipped Cream

  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tbs vanilla

Place mixing bowl in freezer for a few minutes till it’s cold. Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla to the bowl and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Assemble Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Place half of cake pieces in bottom of trifle bowl, covered with chopped strawberries and then half of the strawberry sauce, followed by half of the whipped cream. Repeat with one more layer of each and then top with extra chopped strawberries to decorate the top.

More pictures from the Strawberry Shortcake birthday party coming soon!

Scroll through all our past birthday parties here.

Graduation Party Candy Buffet {More Printables}

by | May 30, 2024 | , | 1 Comment

Graduation Party Candy Buffet

Looking for more Graduation Party Candy Buffet options? You’re in luck! 🎓

Every spring and summer, my inbox gets flooded with requests for additional printables to sweeten up graduation celebrations! Everyone seems to want my ‘Class Rings’ sign, and a few others have been in high demand too. While I try my best to send them out via email, l’m not always the quickest to respond, especially this year as I slowly recover from a broken leg and surgery. 😅

So, guess what? You can finally just download them below! 🥳

Class Rings Graduation Party Candy Buffet
Goodbye Kisses Graduation Party Candy Buffet
Honor Rolls Graduation Party Candy Buffet
Teacher's Pet Graduation Party Candy Buffet

This printable includes:

  • Class Rings
  • Nerds (not pictured)
  • Teacher’s Pet
  • Honor Rolls
  • oFISHally Graduated
  • Goodbye Kisses

If you’d like to use my Graduation Party Candy Signs, you can download them here.

(Click here to find the link to my original printable.)

Ofishally Graduated

From the Archives:

High School Graduation Party {Class of 2019}

High School Graduation Party {Class of 2021}

Graduation Party Candy Buffet {Free Printables}

Graduation Cap Cupcakes

End-of-School Interviews

The Snail and the King

by | Mar 18, 2024 | , , | 0 Comments

The Snail and the King by Fr Peregrine

Have you seen the brand new picture book from the author and illustrator of My Name is Philomena? The Snail and the King will be released tomorrow, March 19th, just in time for Easter!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of The Snail and the King, where Fr. Peregrine Fletcher’s captivating narrative and stunning illustrations convey profound truths about faith, perseverance, and the boundless love of our Heavenly Father. This heartwarming tale is destined to become a cherished favorite among both young readers and those young at heart, inspiring a deeper longing for heaven and a joyful surrender to God’s divine plan.

A Reflection From the Author

“I first wrote the story eleven years ago. The story’s concept—a snail on long and difficult journey—came to mind came to mind while I was on a retreat discerning my vocation. Needless to say, I was feeling pretty slow, being twenty-five years old at the time and with little sense of clarity about my future. Yet in the midst of this struggle, I remember being struck by the confidence which the Scriptures and the saints place in our weakness. As God told St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). In this same spirit, St. Therese wrote the following about God to her sister Marie:

What pleases Him is that He sees me loving my littleness and my poverty, the blind hope that I
have in His mercy… understand that to love Jesus, to be His victim of love, the weaker one
is…the more suited one is for the workings of this consuming and transforming love.


I had read verses and writings like this many times before, but now it was time to really live them out. However slow, God would lead me along His path and would continue to do so—through all of the twists, turns, and trials along the way. And with this is mind, I started feverishly drawing in a sketchbook, scribbling many ideas and images, until suddenly this story was born. For more than a decade it remained patiently in a sketchbook, and now I am pleased to be able to share the story with you.”

Read more here!

The Story

“When all of the creatures of the wild are invited to King’s castle, a little snail sets out on his journey to the ship that will take him there. And with only three days until the ship sets sail, there isn’t a moment to lose! In this parable, join the snail on his exciting adventure through the wild and discover how he’s able to overcome many trials in order to meet the King.“

Order a Copy or Enter Giveaway!

I’m eagerly looking forward to reading The Snail and the King to my children! One of them will discover it in their Easter Basket this year. Purchase a copy directly from Joannes Press or over at Amazon here.

Enter the giveaway I am hosting over at Instagram for a chance to win a signed copy!

Baskets of Books for Easter {and a Giveaway!}

by | Mar 17, 2024 | , | 69 Comments

As Easter approaches once again, our family tradition of filling our children’s Easter baskets with books continues. As a family with nine children spanning from preschool to young adults, finding the right books for each age group can be a daunting task but one I look forward to each Christmas and Easter!

Once again, our children’s Easter baskets are set to overflow with an abundance of books, ready to captivate and inspire them throughout the spring season. I have always loved searching through local bookstores and watching for publisher sales year-round. (Quick tip: TAN Books offers fantastic $5 deals every month!) Additionally, I’m fortunate to receive review copies of new releases from generous authors and publishers, allowing me to handpick the perfect additions to our family library. I am always requesting extra copies when possible to share the joy with some of you! Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for a chance to win one a set of new releases from both Sophia Institute Press and Emmaus Road Publishing!

Note: Before I share the book list, I do want to mention that I haven’t read all of these books. I make my decisions based on recommendations, reviews, publishers, and the past work of some of the authors/illustrators. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please purchase directly from publishers when possible! 

P.S. I can’t even begin to tell you how hard this post was to get photographs for on one leg… Definitely a workout! 😉

Captain – 23

Ranger – 22

Twinkle Toes – 20

Chiquita – 18

Scout – 16

Rose – 14

Bud – 12

Grace – 6

Joy – 4

Baskets of Books for Easter Giveaway

Enter using the Rafflecopter Box below for a chance to win one of the following two prizes!

Prize #1 – Sponsored by Sophia Institute Press

Includes: Our Lady of Sorrows: Devotion to Mary’s Seven Sorrows for Children (see my review here), The Story of the First Easter Bunny, and Goodnight Jesus: A Children’s Bedtime Story ($53.85 value)

Congratulations, Cindy G!

Prize #2 – Sponsored by Emmaus Road Publishing

Includes: We Have A Pope and The Supper of the Lamb ($35.90 value)

Congratulations, Amelia D!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway concludes at 11:59 PM PST on March 23, 2024.

Winners will be announced on Palm Sunday.

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.

You can find links to all my other book lists here and our past Easter posts in the archives including our 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016,  2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Baskets of Books for Easter.

One of these years I’ll make an updated gift guide… In the meantime:

100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas

Easter Symbols Gift Ideas :: More Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas

Easter Baskets on Easter Sunday (2018)

Scroll through all past Easter Baskets here…

Strawberry Shortcake Party Printables

Strawberry Shortcake Party Printables

by | Jul 11, 2024 | , | 0 Comments

"Good morning, my friend!" I had so much fun coming up with party plans and a menu and then making these Strawberry Shortcake Party Printables for our daughter's 7th birthday! Once I got started I got on a roll and just kept going with more and more ideas... I didn't...

Café Ole’s Bean Dip – Party Size

Café Ole’s Bean Dip – Party Size

by | Jul 11, 2024 | | 0 Comments

My kids LOVE this bean dip recipe. I've made it probably a half dozen times this year and it never lasts long. We decided to call it Café Ole's Bean Dip for our recent Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Party! Café Ole's Bean Dip - Party Size Ingredients: 2 - 16 ounce...

Strawberry Shortcake’s Creamy Cookie Dip

Strawberry Shortcake’s Creamy Cookie Dip

by | Jul 2, 2024 | | 0 Comments

Another berry delicious and fun recipe we included in the birthday party menu was our Strawberry Shortcake's Creamy Cookie Dip inspired by Play Party Plan. Strawberry Shortcake's Creamy Cookie Dip Recipe Ingredients 8 ounces cream cheese (softened at...

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

by | Jul 1, 2024 | , | 0 Comments

When life gives you crumbled cake, make Strawberry Shortcake Trifle! This was originally supposed to be a Strawberry Shortcake Birthday Cake, but when the cakes stubbornly stuck to my baking pans and fell apart I went to bed and decided to start over in the morning......

Graduation Party Candy Buffet {More Printables}

Graduation Party Candy Buffet {More Printables}

by | May 30, 2024 | , | 1 Comment

Looking for more Graduation Party Candy Buffet options? You're in luck! 🎓 Every spring and summer, my inbox gets flooded with requests for additional printables to sweeten up graduation celebrations! Everyone seems to want my 'Class Rings' sign, and a few others have...

The Snail and the King

The Snail and the King

by | Mar 18, 2024 | , , | 0 Comments

Have you seen the brand new picture book from the author and illustrator of My Name is Philomena? The Snail and the King will be released tomorrow, March 19th, just in time for Easter! Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of The Snail and the King, where Fr....

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-23, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-20, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-16, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-6 and Joy-4 (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.

My Other Blog: Catholic Cuisine

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