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Trina’s Used Book Sale

May 5, 2014 | | 0 Comments

This year I asked my friend Trina if she wanted to participate in my annual online curriculum sale link-up.  She is a Catholic home-educating mother of eight (baby to senior in high school!) and I first met her while her husband was the Youth Minister at our parish.  She has been such a blessing this year, coming out a few days a month (most Tuesday mornings) to help tutor all of our older children in Saxon Math and work with our first grader using Primary Arts of Language.  Last week was her last day for this school year and I miss her already!

If you are interested in purchasing any books from Trina, pictured in this post, please leave a comment listing the books you would like, along with your email address. (The email address box is now part of the comment form here at Shower of Roses and it won’t be displayed publicly.)  I will forward the comment/email notifcation directly to Trina so she can get back to you with the total including shipping, along with her Paypal email address.  She will also be following the comments on this blog post.

Shipping will be a flat rate of $4.00 for 1-3 items (if they will fit in a padded envelope) and $7.00 for a box of any size, to help cover the cost of packaging and media rate postage in the United States.

Out of consideration for Trina and everyone else participating in the Curriculum Sale Blog Hop, please only request items that you intend to purchase and are able to submit payment for promptly, preferably within 24 hours, unless other arrangements have been made. I’ve disabled comment moderation for a few days so that the comments/requests will show up immediately and will also update the post as quickly as possible with “sales pending.”

Thank you!



(Note:  I’ve started adding links to this post for your convenience. Most links are affiliate links.)



All TEACHING TEXTBOOKS. All spiral books are missing some pages.

Math 3 Spiral + Answer Booklet – $5 Reduced to $2.50

Math 4 Spiral + Answer Booklet – $5  (SOLD)

Math 4 CD’s + Spiral + Answer Booklet – $55 (SOLD)

Math 5 CD’s + Answer Booklet – $50 (SOLD)

Math 6 Spiral + Answer Booklet – $5 Reduced to $2.50




Saxon Math 5/4 Softcover Homeschool Student Edition, 3rd Edition – $10 (SOLD)

Saxon Math 5/4 Hardcover Student Edition @1990 – $3 Reduced $1.50

Saxon Math 6/5 Hardcover Student Edition, 3rd Edition – $10 Reduced $5.00 (Sale Pending)

Saxon Math 6/5 Hardcover 2nd Edition – $3 Reduced to $1.50

Saxon Algebra Hardcover Student Edition + Solutions Manual, 2nd Edition – $5 (SOLD)

Intermediate Algebra, Gustafson~Frisk, Hardcover, 8th Edition, Teacher Edition – $2 Reduced to $1

Horizons Math 2 Workbook, Book 2 (writing on first 5 pages, rest is unused) – $4 (SOLD)




FIRST FORM LATIN, Complete Set + set of unopened Flashcards
(In like new condition, except first 3 lessons in student workbook & quizzes/test book have been filled in. Remaining 31 lessons untouched.)
Teacher Manual
Workbook & Test Key
Student Workbook
Student Text
Quizzes & Tests Book
CD
Unopened set of Flashcards
ALL $30  (SOLD)



The Evangelization of the New World: Hispanic Influence in American History – $5  (SOLD)

Before America (Sharkey, Margaret, Furlong) – $5  (SOLD)

The Old World & America + Answer Key (Rev. Philip J. Furlong) – $9  (SOLD)

Our Pioneers & Patriots + Answer Key (Rev. Philip J. Furlong) – $11  (SOLD)

The Usborne TIME TRAVELER (Hardcover) – $6 (SOLD)



Chester Comix (history), all brand new. $2.50 each. ALL 15 for $25. (SOLD)
Slavery’s Storm
Freedom Train
Heroic Folk
Government
Revolutionary City
War for Independence
Exploring the Americas
Founding Fathers
Virginia Geography Tours
Moving & Grooving
Ancient Africa
Vital Virginians
Tar Heel Tales
Reconstruction Junction
The Jamestown Journey



Sound Beginnings, 4th Edition. Julia M. Fogassy. Published by Our Father’s House.
Spiral Teacher’s Manual
Composition Notebook
Worksheets
CD
Flashcards
Extra composition sheets
ENTIRE SET $50 Reduced to $25.00 (SOLD)



BUILDING CHRISTIAN ENGLISH by Rod & Staff Publishers. All in great condition.
English 2 “Preparing to Build” Student Book + Teacher Manual – $13 Reduced to $6.50
English 3 “Beginning Wisely” Student Book + Teacher Manual + Worksheets – $15 (SOLD)
English 4 “Building with Diligence” Test Booklet + Worksheets – $3 Reduced to $1.50
English 5 “Following the Plan” Student book + Teacher Manual + Test Booklet – $15 (SOLD)



LITTLE HOUSE Series. Set of 9 books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Softcover. Like new. Entire set $15 (SOLD)
Little Town on the Farm
Farmer Boy
Little House on the Prairie
These Happy Golden Years
Little House in the Big Woods
The First Four Years
By the Shores of Silver Lake
On the Banks of Plum Creek
The Long Winter



365 Ways to a Smarter Pre-Schooler – $2 Reduced to $1

The rest are large, oversized workbooks:

Pre-School – Grade 1: The Complete Book of Numbers & Counting (missing 100 of 326 pages) – $1 Reduced to 50¢

Scholastic Success with Kindergarten (like new) – $3 Reduced to $1.50

BIG First Grade Book + CD (4-5 pages have writing on them) – $3 Reduced to $1.50

Complete Book of Phonics, Ages 4-8. (missing 50 pages) – $1 Reduced to 50¢

Super Book of Phonics Skills, Grades 1 and 2 – $2 Reduced to $1



Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess by Richard Platt (softcover) – $2 Reduced to $1

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (softcover)- $2 Reduced to $1

If all the Swords in England by Barbara Willard (softcover) – $3 (SOLD)

White Stallion of Lipizza by Marguerite Henry (softcover) – $3 Reduced to $1.50

Walk the World’s Rim by Betty Baker (softcover)- $2 Reduced to $1

The Singing Tree by Kate Seredy (softcover) – $1 (SOLD)



The Catholic Book of Character & Success by Edward E. Garesche (softcover) – $3 Reduced to $1.50

These are our Freedoms (Seton Reader 7-1) (softcover) – $4 (SOLD)

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius by Anthony Mottola (softcover) – $2 Reduced to $1

Lives of the Artists, Vol. 1, by Georgio Vasari (softcover) – $1 Reduced to 50¢

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: Missionary of Charity by Mary Kathleen Glavich (like new, softcover)- $3 (SOLD)

Leading the Little Ones to Mary by Sister Mary Lelia (new, softcover) – $2 (SOLD)



SCORING HIGH Test Booklets (Terra Nova CAT)

Level 1 Teacher Edition – $6 Reduced to $3

Level 2 Student Book (unused) + Teacher Edition – $10 Reduce to $5

Level 3 Teacher Edition – $6 Reduced to $3

Level 4 Student Book (unused) + Teacher Edition – $10 Reduce to $5

Level 4 Teacher Edition – $6 Reduced to $3

Level 5 Student Book (answer bubbles at bottom of pages have been cut out) + Teacher Edition – $8 Reduced to $4

Level 5 New Edition, Teacher Edition – $6 Reduced to $3

Level 7 Student Book (unused) – $5 Reduced to $2.50

Level 8 (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) Student Book (answer bubbles at bottom of pages have been cut out) + Teacher Edition – $8 Reduced to $4



(many of the following syllabi have pencil writing throughout the book)

Mother of Divine Grace Kindergarten Syllabus @2003 – $4 Reduced to $2 (Sale Pending)

Mother of Divine Grace 3rd Grade Syllabus @2003 – $4 Reduced to $2 (Sale Pending)

Mother of Divine Grace 4th Grade Syllabus @2003 – $4 (SOLD)

Mother of Divine Grace 5th Grade Syllabus @2003 – $4 (SOLD)

Mother of Divine Grace 6th Grade Syllabus @2003 – $4 (SOLD)



Composition Workshop (Sadlier-Oxford) – Level Blue Student Book + Teacher Guide – $3 Reduced to $1.50 

Composition Workshop (Sadlier-Oxford) – Level Green Student Book + Teacher Guide – $3 Reduced to $1.50 

Composition Workshop (Sadlier-Oxford) – Level Green Student Book (4 available) – $2 each Reduced to $1 each

Composition Workshop (Sadlier-Oxford) – Level Orange Student Book + Teacher Guide – $3 Reduced to $1.50 

The Writing Road to Reading (Bishop Spalding) – $2 (SOLD)

The Complete Writer: Writing With Ease Workbook Level 2 (like new) – $10 (SOLD)

Composition for Young Catholics (Seton) – $6 Reduced to $3



Spelling Power, 10th Anniversary Edition (Adams-Gordon) Book + Activity Task Cards – $15 (SOLD)

MCP Spelling Workout B Student Edition (pencil writing on first 7 pgs) + Teacher Edition – $10 (SOLD)

Wordly Wise 3000 Book 1 + Teacher Key – $3 Reduced to $1.50

Vocabulary Workshop Level D (Sadlier-Oxford) (2 available) – $2 each  Reduced to $1 each



Easy Grammar: Grades 5 & 6 – $4 Reduced to $2

Alpha-Phonics: A Primer For Beginning Readers (Blumenfeld) – $5 Reduced to $2.50

Voyages in English 6 + Teacher Manual & Key – $10 Reduced to $5

Horizons Level 1 Phonics & Reading: Reader 2, Workbook Book 2, Teacher’s Guide – $5 all Reduced to $2.50

Little Angel Reader Teacher Manual + Reader B + Reader D – $10 (SOLD)



Reading Street (Scott Foresman) Student Book 3.1 – $5 Reduced to $2.50

Reading Street (Scott Foresman) Student Book 5.1 – $5 Reduced to $2.50

The Abracadatlas (Addison-Wesley Reading Program) *some water damage – $1 Reduced to 50¢

Reading 7 for Young Catholics, “Thinking Skills” – $4 (SOLD)

Reading 8 for Young Catholics, “Comprehension” – $4 (SOLD)

Reading Comprehension: Stories of the Saints (Elaine Woodfield) – $2 (SOLD)



The Usborne Book of Knowledge: Five Books in One (hardcover) – $3 (SOLD)

Usborne “Starting Point Science” volume 1 (hardcover) – $2 Reduced to $1

The Usborne “Book of Science: An Introduction to Biology, Physics & Chemistry” (softcover) – $2  Reduced $1

“Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy & Physiology” (hardcover, book slighty warped) – $13 (SOLD)

“Biology: God’s Living Creation” 2nd Edition (A Beka) (softcover) – $3 (SOLD)

“Science, level 2” (McGraw-Hill) (hardcover) – $3 Reduced to $1.50

Everyday Discoveries: Amazingly Easy Science & Math Using Stuff You Already Have (MacDonald) – $2 Reduced to $1

TOPS Learning Systems #10 “Analysis” Grades 5-10 – $3 (SOLD)

TOPS Learning Systems #13 “Cohesion/Adhesion” Grades 7-12 – $3 (SOLD)



The Older Beginner Piano Course (James Bastien) (Softcover) – $1 (SOLD)

Kids Classics Collection, Volume 1 (Softcover) – $1 Reduced to 50¢

The World Almanac for Kids 1998 (softcover) – .50 Reduced to 25¢

Standardized Test Lessons in Reading Book A – FREE with purchase

CBEST Preparation Guide – FREE with purchase

The BOXCAR CHILDREN SERIES. All softcover. $1.50 each or all 12 for $10. (Sale Pending)
(Blue Book) Mystery of the Hidden Painting
#51 Mystery on the Train
#52 Mystery of the Lost Mine
#53 Guide Dog Mystery
#55 Mystery of the Secret Message
#56 Firehouse Mystery
#57 Mystery in San Francisco
#58 Mystery at the Alamo
#59 Outer Space Mystery
#60 Soccer Mystery
#78 Mystery in the Computer Game
#88 Mystery of the Mummy’s Curse
#89 Mystery of the Star Ruby



Father Lovasik Books:
The Our Father & Hail Mary (6 3 available) – $1 each Reduced to 50¢ each
The Parables of Jesus (5 2 available) – $1 each Reduced to 50¢ each
The Works of Mercy (9  6 available) – $1 each Reduced to 50¢ each
Great Women of the Bible ( 4  1 available) – $1 each Reduced to 50¢ each
Our Lady of Guadalupe (2 available) – $1 each  (SOLD)
St. Paul the Apostle (6 3 available) – $1 each Reduced to 50¢ each
Prayers for Everyday (3 available) – $1 each  (SOLD)

Pauline Books Comics:
St. Elizabeth – $1 (SOLD)
St. Clare of Assisi – $1 (SOLD)
St. Bernadette –  $1  (SOLD)
St. Joan of Arc – $1 (SOLD)
St. Martin –  $1 (SOLD)
St. Vincent de Paul – $1  (SOLD)
St. Maximilian Kolbe –  $1 (SOLD)
St. Bernard of Clairvaux –  $1 (SOLD)
St. Therese of Lisieux –  $1 (SOLD)
James Alberione, Hero for the Gospel –  $1 (SOLD)


Please leave a comment or email Trina directly at millenheft7(at)gmail(dot)com if you have any questions.  Thank you! 

Listing a few more books for my mom…

May 5, 2014 | | 0 Comments

My mom doesn’t have nearly as many books as she did last year, but she did find a few more to add to this year’s Curriculum Sale Blog Hop!   

If you are interested in purchasing any of the items in this post, please leave a comment listing the books you would like, along with your email address. (The email address box is now part of the comment form here at Shower of Roses and it won’t be displayed publicly.) I will send you a private email with your total, including shipping, along with payment information.

The books in this post will be shipped directly from my mom, Jo.  Paypal payment is preferred, though contact me privately if this isn’t an option. Out of consideration for myself and anyone else who might like to purchase books from this post, please only request items that you intend to purchase and are able to submit payment for promptly, unless other arrangements have been made. If multiple visitors request the same book it will be sold to the first request.  I’ve disabled comment moderation for a few days so that the comments/requests will show up immediately.

Shipping will be a flat rate of $4.00 for 1-3 items and $7.00 for 4+ items, to cover the cost of packaging and media rate postage in the U.S.

Note: All of these books are in good-very good condition.  Some has wear to covers from being on a shelf or in boxes and some have names written on the inside. I have included links for your convienence. Most links are affiliate links.

No Fear Shakespeare: Hamlet, $3.00 (SOLD)

No Fear Shakespeare: King Lear, $3.00 (SOLD)

No Fear Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew, $3.00  (2 available) (Sale Pending)

No Fear Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, $3.00  (2 available) (Sale Pending)

Rosetta Stone Handbook for Teachers $2.00 Reduced to $1.00

The Rosetta Stone User’s Guide $2.00 Reduced to $1.00

The Rosetta Stone Lingua Latin I  $8.00 Reduced to $4.00


Rosetta Stone Workbook Answer Key, Spanish, Level 2  $2.00 Reduced to $1.00

The Rosetta Stone Language Library Level II (Spanish)  $2.00 Reduced to $1.00

– Or purchase all 5 books for $10.00 Reduced to $5.00


Writing Strands Level 7 (pen cover), $4.00 Reduced to $2.00 (Sale Pending)

Writing Strands Level 6 (birdcage cover), $4.00 Reduced to $2.00 (Sale Pending)
Writing Strands Level 6 (pen cover), $4.00 Reduced to $2.00

Writing Strands Level 5 (birdcage cover), $4.00 Reduced to $2.00 (2 1 available)

Writing Strands Level 4 (birdcage cover), $4.00 Reduced to $2.00 (Sale Pending)

Writing Strands Level 3 (pen cover), $4.00 Reduced to $2.00 (Sale Pending)

Maps, Charts and Graphs E – United States and Its Neighbors, $5.00 (SOLD)

Maps, Charts and Graphs F – Eastern Hemisphere, $5.00 (SOLD)

Maps, Charts and Graphs G – The World, $6.00  (2 available) (SOLD)

Maps, Charts and Graphs H – United States Past and Present, $6.00 (SOLD)

Student Thesaurus, $2.00 Reduced to $1.00

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 6th Edition $2.00 Reduced to $1.00

Quest of a Hemisphere Student Study Guide, $5.00 Reduced to $3.00

Kolbe Academy Church History III and Morality Reader, $12.00 Reduced to $8.00

Geography Coloring Books, $10.00 (3 2 available) Reduced to $6.00

Please leave a comment, or email me directly, if you have any questions. 

Thanks for taking a look!


A Mother’s Day Giveaway

May 4, 2014 | | 0 Comments

Last year I purchased a copy of My Sisters the Saints… I really enjoyed reading Colleen’s inspiring story and this week I have THREE copies to giveaway sponsored by Debbie at Saints 365!

Debbie is a Catholic homeschooling Mom, theology student and part-time Account Manager for Lighthouse Catholic Media. She blogs at Saints 365, where she provides reflections designed to encourage one another in “striving for the heights of holiness in the trenches of everyday life”.

Debbie is offering to send a copy of Colleen Carroll Campbell’s book My Sisters the Saints, along with her Lighthouse CD talk entitled Feminine Genius to (3) Shower of Roses readers. The giveaway will be open until Saturday night and I will announce the three winners in this post next Sunday, May 11th – Mother’s Day!

Debbie would love for you to visit her at www.saints365.blogspot.com and say “hi!” You can find out more information about Lighthouse Catholic Media there as well.

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Picture Books and Raging Battles

May 3, 2014 | , , , , | 8 Comments

Last Sunday afternoon, following the canonization of Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II, I happened to capture a few darling pictures of our little two year old looking through one of the books that he found in April’s Book Basket.   (Note: This post contains affiliate links.) 

In an effort to “Keep it Real” I also took a few pictures of the battle that was raging just ten feet away. It was definitely inspired by a new St. Michael pillow, some new books, and the St. George The Dragonslayer Iron Whirligig we had purchased after seeing Charlotte’s and had just set up outside near our garden.

It’s a good thing I had a zoom lens on the camera!

Can you tell that Rose is surrounded by brothers?

She had dressed herself in two of her favorite kitty shirts layered, a long skirt, and a pink playsilk.

Bud ignored the whole thing and just kept reading about JPII!

Sponsor Love: Quarterly Update & Current Specials

May 3, 2014 | | 0 Comments

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to all of my new (and returning!) sponsors for the next quarter (May/June/July) here at Shower of Roses. Please consider visiting and supporting these wonderful online businesses and blogs.  You will find quite a few specials and coupon codes listed below, and be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the upcoming dates for the Shower of Roses annual Online Curriculum Sale Blog Hop!

Please welcome my new sponsors by visiting their websites:

Holy Learning
Holy Learning is a mom-owned, small Catholic company created to help Catholic families and teachers supplement their educational programs. Our products are meant to help parents and educators teach the Catholic faith using hands-on materials and projects. Our primary product is the Faith Folder, which is our version of a lapbook but we also carry Faith Rings, Faith Cards and an Adoration Guidebook. New products are continually being developed. All of the products are available in digital pdf file format. Print materials are only made available by special request and on a limited basis. 

This month you can purchase Three Faith Folders for $25
with coupon code “325” effective May 1-31, 2014.
Saints 365
Saints 365 is a Catholic blog by Debbie Gaudino, a happily married, homeschooling Mom of 2 children who is currently studying theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville. The subtitle of the blog is “Striving for the heights of holiness in the trenches of everyday life”. Visit Saints 365 for down-to-earth reflections which draw from the scriptures, the wisdom of the saints and church teachings and join us as we all strive together to live out the “universal call to holiness”.

Bridgie & Green
Bridgie & Green is founded on the belief that everyone can incorporate a little bit of their Catholic heritage into their everyday accessories. A homemaker and homeschooling mother to six, she handcrafts affordably priced gorgeous little things for like-minded people who want to show the world who their friends are while standing out from the Catholic crowd. She also, life allowing, knits and crochets adorable items for babies and kids.

Give her a try with coupon code “SHOWER10” 
for 10% off your first order.

Please visit my returning sponsors:

    

Holy Heroes is currently offering lots of great resources for Celebrating the Canonization of John Paul II.

Prayer Pillowcases has recently released 2 new Pope Saint John Paul II designs!

    

Catholic Embroidery is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on all Sacramental Keepsakes!  Just enter FIRSTCOMMUNION at checkout.  Enter code MOTHER before Midnight on May 6th in the comment section when ordering one of our Mother’s Crown Embroidered Handkerchiefs and receive a FREE Tapestry Bookmark of your choice. (Don’t forget to include which style you’d like!)

Mama’s Notebooks is currently offering 20% OFF ALL PRODUCTS for the Month of May in honor of Our Lady! NOTE: You can also save an additional 10% until May 11th with coupon code MOM10.

    

Jesse Tree Treasures creates beautiful quality gifts for the liturgical seasons.  Any of their sets would make a great gift for upcoming sacraments!

Gail Giron Designs has many lovely items that would make gorgeous Mother’s Day gifts!

    

Catholic Child is the perfect place to find great First Communion gifts, and they also have many beautiful Marian products to bring more on Mary into homes this month!

Holy Heroes is currently offering a free copy of Glory Stories CD vol 1: The Story of Blessed Imelda Lambertini & The Story of St. Juan Diego.  You can order the FREE CD here.

Sacred Heart Books & Gifts is one of my favorite online stores for finding excellent Catholic books and curriculum at discounted prices!

   

Sew Sweet by Shannon offers a wide variety of handmade accessories and clothing for children.  My girls are in love with the darling tote bags and headbands they received for Easter and I can’t wait to surprise them with coordinating Pink and Purple Color Block Skirts.  Custom orders are welcome and Shannon is always so helpful!  

Waltzing Matilda Makes… only has a limited inventory left following Easter, and I’m sure the last Mother Teresa Saints N’ Stitches Pillow Doll will sell soon, but do keep an eye on the Etsy shop.  Charlotte’s pillow dolls are the cutest and my little ones just love the saints (here and here) they discovered in their Easter baskets!

Sew Many Booties is offering FREE SHIPPING with coupon code SUMMERROSES good thru June 30th.

Catholic Cuisine offers beautiful embroidered aprons for sale, shipped directly from Catholic Embroidery. Any of the Catholic Aprons available here, including the exclusive “Catholic Cuisine” apron, would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift!

Our family is very grateful for the support of both my sponsors and visitors!
If you are interested in advertising at Shower of Roses,



I have had many requests to host the annual Online Curriculum Sale Blog Hop earlier this year, so I’ve decided to host two! (You can find last year’s book sale here.) The first link up will be posted sometime on Monday, May 5th and remain open until May 15th. The second link up will run, as usual, from August 1st to 7th. Shower of Roses visitors are welcome to participate in one or both of the link ups. See you soon!

Feasts & Seasons :: Our May Book Basket

Apr 30, 2014 | , , | 4 Comments

At the beginning of each month I fill a basket with books featuring the the various saints whose feast days will be celebrated during the month and place it in the living room. Throughout the month I will find the children curled up on the couch reading books they have chosen from the basket, either on their own or to their younger siblings.  I also choose books from the basket for some of our afternoon family read-alouds. Our collection started very small and we have continued adding additional books over the years which we have either purchased or have been given as gifts. Some are picture books, some are chapter books, and some are collections of saint stories. This post is a work in progress and I will continue adding links as I sort through our collection.

Month Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary:

Mother’s Day:

May 1st, St. Joseph the Worker (New. Trad.):

May 1st, St. Peregrine (Hist.):

May 3rd, St. Philip & James the Less (New) (Trad. – May 11th):

May 4th, St. Monica (Trad.) (New – Aug 27th):

May 4th, St. Florian (Hist.):

May 10th, St. Comgall:

May 10th, St. Damien Joseph de Veuster of Molokai (New):

May 12th, Blessed Imelda Lambertini (Hist.):

May 12th, St. Pancratius (Hist.):

May 13th, Our Lady of Fatima (New):

May 14th, St. Matthias (New) (Trad. – Feb. 24th):

May 15th, St. Isidore the Farmer (New, Hist.):

May 15th, St. John Baptist de la Salle (Trad) (New – April 7th):

May 15th, St. Dymphna (Hist.):

May 16th, St. Brendan the Navigator (Hist.):

May 19th, St. Dunstan (Hist.):

May 19th, St Ivo (Yves) (Hist.):

May 20th, St. Bernardine of Siena (New, Trad.):

May 21st, St. Christopher Magallanes & Comps (Saints of the Cristero Wars) (New):

May 22nd, St. Rita of Cascia (New; Trad./some places):

May 25th, St. Bede the Venerable (New) (Trad. – May 27th):

May 26th, St. Philip Neri (New, Trad.):

May 27th, St. Melangell:

May 28th, St. Germanus (Hist.):

May 30th, St. Felix I (Trad.):

May 30th, St. Joan of Arc (Trad./some places):

A Couple of our Read-Alouds for May:

Lenten Dinner for our Children on Good Friday

Apr 30, 2014 | , , , | 6 Comments

Every year our children look forward to our Lenten Dinners which were originally inspired Alice’s Lenten Teas. I’ve already shared pictures from our Holy Thursday Dinner, but I still haven’t had a chance to share the pictures from this year’s simple dinner for the children on Good Friday.

We spent the afternoon in town attending the Veneration of the Cross at 3pm and then came home and served a simple dinner for our children while their Dad read to them from the Holy Bible and My Catholic Faith (affiliate link). You can find the pictures from our 2009, 2010, and 2011 Good Friday dinners in the archives for Good Friday. I didn’t have the time to post the pictures from this year during Holy Week but still wanted to post them here on the blog:

~ Water ~
Glasses of Water to drink and a bowl of water for washing hands… 
“Pilate took water and washed his hands before the crowd saying, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood.” Matthew 27: 24
~ The King’s Crown ~
A Small Bean, Cheese and Chip Crown… 
“And Pilate asked Him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ And He answered him, ‘You have said so.'” Mark 15: 2
~ Out of Envy ~
Chunky Guacamole is Green for “envy”
“[H]e perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered Him up.” Mark 15: 10
~ The Purple Cloak ~
Once again Grape Fruit Leather was served for the Purple Cloak.
“And they clothed Him in a purple cloak . . . .” Mark 15: 17
~ The Crown of Thorns ~
The Crown of Thorns were made by my the children with Ritz Crackers, Peanut Butter, and Pretzels.
“. . . and, plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him.” Mark 15: 17
~ Golgotha Eggs ~
My husband drew skulls on the Golgotha Egg this year using Food Decorating Pens.
“And they brought Him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of the skull)” Mark 15: 22
~ The Seamless Garment ~
Using my kitchen scissors, I quickly cut the tortillas to look like a seamless garment and sliced a couple of cheese sticks for the dice used to cast lots. 

“But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.'” John 19: 23-24
~ The Two Robbers ~
This year I picked up a Basil Plant at the store to plant in the garden and pulled some leaves off to serve with our Good Friday dinner. The two fresh sprigs of Basil are used to represent the two robbers. Alice originally suggested using Basil since “According to The Herb Society of America, legend has it that the Basil plant grew around the site of Christ’s crucifixion. The Victorian Language of Flowers lists Basil as symbolic of both hatred and best wishes. The taunting thief and the good thief come to mind.”
And with Him they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left.” Mark 15: 27
~ Vinegar to Drink ~
“And one ran and, filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.'” Mark 15: 36
~ The Temple Curtain ~
Bud wasn’t too happy when his big brother helped him tear his Temple Curtain (aka Napkin) in half…
“And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Mark 15: 38
~ The Roman Centurion ~
100 Cherry Tomatoes represent the 100 Roman Centurion.
“And when the centurion, who stood facing Him, saw that He thus breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God.'” Mark 15: 39
~ Laid in the Tomb ~
I skipped the menu item for “Laid in the Tomb” this year and the boys came up with a Lego Version instead! 

“And he brought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.”

The Bible readings, recipes and shopping list can be found at Cottage Blessings. We didn’t use them this year but you can find the small card stock signs I created at Scribd.

Now to sort through the pictures from Easter Sunday and our daughter’s birthday! 🙂 

*The image at the top of this post is a photo I took and posted to Instagram while reading Easter by Fiona French (affiliate link). 

Public Service Announcement

Apr 29, 2014 | | 13 Comments

Be sure to check your Driver’s License Expiration Date every so often (especially if you live in a state where driver’s licenses are valid for years and the renewals can easily be forgotten) or you might unexpectedly find yourself with an expired license (over a year!) and need to ask your wife to drive you to the DMV so you can re-take both the written and driving tests! One test down, one more to go…

Happy Monday! 

Commemorating the Canonization of Two Popes

Apr 27, 2014 | , , , , , | 8 Comments

Today is a historic day in the Catholic Church as two popes are canonized. Here are seven ways to commemorate this day with children:

1 – Picture Books

There are many excellent picture books available about the Papacy and Pope John Paul II.  Our three oldest children, who were born during Pope John Paul II’s life each received a new book about this new saint in their Easter baskets this year. Many of these books are available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts, Catholic Child, and through my affiliate links below. Here is the list of the books in our book basket:

Our Holy Father the Pope: The Papacy from Saint Peter to the Present – An excellent book for teaching children about the Papacy.  Includes two pages on Pope John Paul II

Lolek – The Boy Who Became Pope John Paul II – My husband’s parents gave our children this book for Christmas one year.  It is an excellent book for children on the life of this new saint!

Karol from Poland: The Life of Pope John Paul II for Children

Blessed John Paul II: Be Not Afraid – Short Chapter Book for children ages 8 and up from the Encounter the Saints series.

A Boy Who Became Pope: The Story of Saint John Paul II – This is a new favorite.  I especially love the illustrations!

Pope John Paul II Comic Book – Not one of my favorites, but the children all have enjoyed the comic book format of this book.

I’m still waiting for our new copies of the following two books to arrive:

John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint

Karol: The Boy Who Became Pope: A Story of Saint John Paul II – This book will be released soon from Neumann Press and can also be pre-ordered directly from TAN/Neumann Press.

2 – Coloring Pages

I printed out copies of this John Paul II coloring page from St. John the Baptist Religious Education.

Herald Entertainment is currently offering a Free Download of this Pope John Paul II Coloring Page.

Holy Heroes has a Downloadable Coloring Book available here.

Catholic Playground has a 40 page Pope John Paul II Coloring and Activity Book available for $12.

3 – Lap Books

If you never downloaded the Papal Lap Book and Unit Study I created during the Election of Pope Francis, now is another great time for a Unit Study on the Papacy.

Holy Learning, formerly Faith Folders for Catholics, also has a brand new download available: The Canonization of Two Popes Double Faith Folder!

4 – Audio

Pope Saint John Paul II “Be Not Afraid” Glory Stories is available from Holy Heroes
Tells the dramatic story of Pope Saint John Paul II, from his childhood life in a free Poland to his dramatic and even miraculous experiences under Nazi occupation in WWII and during Soviet Communist oppression thereafter. You and your children will learn things about his life growing up that developed into his simple spiritual practices that even busy families can imitate. You’ll appreciate better how to cooperate with Divine Providence and how to explain it to your children. Funny, exciting, and fast-moving, this story will reveal memorably some of the secrets of one of the greatest and most beloved Popes of all time.


5- Catholic Cuisine

You can find a few ideas over at Catholic Cuisine including Papal Polenta, Kremówka Papieska (Papal Cream Cake), and John Paul II Sugar Cookies.

I’m planning on serving Polenta with dinner and made Keys of Heaven Candies for my children using this Key Mold and Yellow Candy Melts.

6 – Gift Ideas

Prayer Pillowcases has recently come out with a new Pope John Paul II Pillowcase

St. John Paul II hand-painted wooden doll from St. Luke’s Brush

John Paul II Saints n’ Stitches Pillow Doll from Waltzing Matilda Makes

Saint John XXIII of Rome Felt Saint Softie from Saintly Silver

Catholic Child also has a great selection of gifts commemorating St. John Paul II including Prayer Pillowcases, Books, DVDs and more.

Portraits of Saints has some beautiful Holy Cards of St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II

7- Watch the Canonization

You can find live coverage on EWTN: From Blessed to Saint! Join Pope Francis as he prepares to celebrate Holy Mass in honor of his predecessors, John XXIII and John Paul II, before canonizing them as official Saints of the Catholic Church. EWTN’s LIVE coverage of this event begins at 10 p.m. ET, Saturday, April 26 on #EWTN, with encores at 7 p.m. ET, Sunday, April 27 & at 11 p.m. ET, Monday, April 28. Visit www.ewtn.com/canonization/2popes/index.asp for a complete schedule of events and programming.

You can also watch the whole canonization on YouTube:

St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II, Ora Pro Nobis!

Saint George and the Dragon

Apr 23, 2014 | , | 13 Comments

With the feast of St. George falling on Easter Wednesday this year, following a weekend filled with way too much cake, I decided to make a Veggie Platter for the feast of St. George instead of a dragon cake or our Saint George Cookies. Our veggie platter was inspired by a couple snake themed veggie trays I found through a google image search, with the addition of some lettuce wings at the suggestion of Charlotte’s oldest son.  I thought it turned out great and my children love it! You can find the directions over at Catholic Cuisine.

We will devour the dragon with dinner this evening with dinner, after reading a couple new picture books about St. George that one of our boys discovered in his Easter Basket including: Saint George & the Dragon by Jim Forrest and The Saint Who Fought the Dragon: The Story of St. George (affiliate links).

Saint George & the Dragon, with it’s gorgeous traditional iconographic style illustrations, is definitely a new favorite.

I also printed out the following St. George’s Day poem to read aloud at dinnertime. It was written by one of my visitors here at Shower of Roses, Eliana Murphy.  She said it is actually the the lyrics to a St. George’s musical medieval-style miracle play and granted me permission to post it here at Shower of Roses. Thank you for sharing it with all of us, Eliana!

The Ballad of St. George
by Eliana Murphy
Ye lords and ladies, listen well
And hear the tale we have to tell
How good St. George the dragon slew
And won a lady’s heart so true.
The sun was shining o’er the lea
As he came riding merrily
Adventure seeking, far or near
If death should come, he wouldst not fear.
Behold a maiden, pale and fair,
With hair of gold and beauty rare.
But in her eyes her tears do glow
As to St. George she tells her woe.
“Fair knight, this land is full of death,
Burned by a dragon’s fiery breath.
He now demands my life to kill
And of my flesh he’ll have his fill.”
“Fear not, fair maid. Now dry thy tears.
I’ll mend thy sorrow, calm thy fears.
Now though this dragon do his worst,
I’ll free thy land of his great curse.”
“Sir knight, thou speakest mighty well.
And if this dragon thou dost fell,
My father, king of all the land,
Wilt then reward thee with my hand.”
Who thunders now across his path?
The fearsome dragon, full of wrath.
With breath of fire and mighty wings
Cruel claws that grab, a tail that stings.
Come now, brave knight, the dragon kill,
And of God’s glory have thy fill.
And if thy soul be true and bold,
The maiden’s heart is thine to hold.
Be glad, ye people, now rejoice!
Come dance and sing with cheerful voice.
Acclaim the hero, this brave knight.
Who killed the dragon with great might.
“Fair knight, thou broke the dragon’s spell,
Our hearts give thanks to thee full well.
Now to my daughter pledge thy troth,
And may Our Great God bless thee both.
The people shouted and did sing
To see him honored by the king.
Then to the maiden he was wed,
And now for all a feast was spread.
Be glad, ye people, now rejoice!
Come dance and sing with cheerful voice.
For joined as one fore’er shall be
This holy knight and his lady.
Our song is o’er; our play is done,
But now thy story has begun.
Wilt thou be bold, thy dragons slay?
Or wilt thou turn and run away?
Ye gentle folk, we bid farewell.
Here ends the tale we had to tell,
How good St. George the dragon slew,
And won a lady’s heart so true.

Saint George, Pray for Us! 


You can scroll through additional posts in honor of St. George in the archives.


Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-25, Ranger-23, Twinkle Toes-22, Chiquita-20, Snuggles-18, Rose-15, Bud-13, Grace-8 and Joy-6 (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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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-25, Ranger-23, Twinkle Toes-22, Chiquita-20, Snuggles-18, Rose-15, Bud-13, Grace-8 and Joy-6 (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

Please Visit My Sponsors…

This Week's Popular Posts

Shower of Roses Affiliate Links

All About Spelling
All About Reading
All About Reading Giveaways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

looking-back

  • ▼2026 (1)
  • ►2025 (31)
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  • ►2007 (148)

Posts About:

Shower of Roses Alphabet of Saints

A Papal Unit Study & Lap Book

Shower of Roses Easter Gift Guides



All Saints Party Printables

All original photographs and written material are ©2007-2025 Shower of Roses. I'd love for you to link back to me, but please do not copy or take content from this blog without permission. Click here for my Copyright Terms & Conditions. Thank you for visiting!