A Golden Books Baby Shower Cake and Cupcakes!
I haven’t had much time for blogging the past couple days, as we have been focusing on getting back to school after Thanksgiving, and getting ready for a book themed Baby Shower that I co-hosted with a friend this evening!!
The older girls and I just got home and I did take lots of pictures to share, but since they are all still in my camera, here are a few pictures of the cake and cupcakes I took earlier today!
Originally I planned on making a homemade cake and cupcakes, but at 7:30 last night, while mixing up the Pumpkin Cupcakes, I realized we were completely out of eggs – even after buying 5 dozen last week! So I ended up deciding to make things a little easier on myself and headed to Costco for eggs and a pre-made Chocolate Cake!
This morning I made a cute little banner with a couple bamboo skewers, yellow ribbon, a small hole punch, and these printable book covers!
I actually glued two books back to back before cutting them out, to make the banner two sided, and used my small hole punch to add holes for the ribbon. And, being in a hurry, I didn’t do the best job centering all the books. :/
I also ended up making some candy books to add to the cake, using my open book chocolate mold. (I mixed light blue with a little dark blue candy to match the party colors!) Have I ever mentioned how much I love candy molds?! 😉 They are so easy and always add such a cute and personalized touch, even to pre-made cakes!
Using the same printables from Aesthetic Nest I also made cupcake wrappers and toppers. I just couldn’t seem to cut a straight line with my pinking sheers, or any of my other pretty scissors for that matter, so I used my paper cutter and just cut
Anyways, I was happy with how it all turned out and couldn’t wait to share at least a few pictures with you all! I’m off to try and get some sleep, if it’s even possible after all the chocolate and coffee I consumed this evening… Good night and God bless!
On the Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria
A Special Gift…
Note: The author of this book, who kindly and generously gifted me with a copy of Saint Christopher following my post about their Saint Catherine of Alexandria book, has offered a special to my visitors here at Shower of Roses. If you would like to order any of the books from Potamatis Publishing, they will refund 10% and ship the books at no charge! Just mention that you “found them from Shower of Roses!”
Precious Moments :: On the Feast of Bl. Miguel Pro
And guard you that you never belie the robes you wear.
For white bespeaks untainted a heart both tried and true;
And red tells love the sainted and holy martyrs knew.
*This morning Snuggles served his very first Mass, alongside his older brothers! We have been very blessed with a dear retired priest in our area who has allowed our boys to start serving Mass for him, on Friday mornings, at the age of five!
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
We are home from Mass, the turkey is in the oven (my mom and little sister came over after Mass to help!), the boys are playing football in the years with their Uncle David (my youngest brother), and more of my family will be coming over soon!
I have so very much to be thankful for today, including all of you – my online friends and visitors here at Shower of Roses. I can’t tell you how much I treasure your friendships, prayers and support! May God bless you all!
Twenty Favorite Movies
I frequently receive emails asking for movie suggestions for both adults and children. We have never had TV reception, but we do enjoy watching movies! Last night I asked my husband if he would be interested in sharing his favorites with you all. Before he left for work this morning he gave me the following list of 20 favorites, just in time for the long Thanksgiving weekend. He even included a little about each movie, who it’s appropriate for, and even some of his favorite quotes! (Though we do have some favorites in common, my own list would look a little differently and definitely wouldn’t include that quote he shared from Becket! Hmpfh… Maybe I should just let him make Thanksgiving dinner this year! lol) Be sure to leave him a comment and perhaps I can talk him into writing another post about his favorite resources for training our Altar Boys. 🙂
20. Valkyrie (2008)
Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language
True story of the assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler where Catholic Army officer of the Third Reich, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg masterminds a plan to save Germany from Hitler. Powerful and suspenseful. Another one of those movies that you can’t hold your breath on – unfortunately, we all know how this one ends. Great story of courage, love of country, and defiance against tyranny.
19. The Great Escape (1963)
Not Rated (Violence)
The true story of the largest and most daring P.O.W. escape from what was supposed to be the most contemporary escape-proof stalag of the Third Reich.
18. The Enemy Below (1957)
Not Rated
A WWII naval cat and mouse between a U.S. destroyer and the German U-Boat it is tracking. The honor and code of chivalry in combat is displayed here even in modern warfare.
17. The Miracle of Marcelino (1955)
Fictional story of an abandoned baby left at the doorstep of an Italian monastery. When nobody will adopt the child, the monks raise him themselves and are transformed by the love and affection between him and a mystical visitor. Longing for a mother to see and love, Marcelino is granted his wish.
16. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Not Rated (Violent) – Adults and adolescents
Gang of drifters, mostly at odds with life, get hired by a Mexican village to rid them of El Guapo – I mean Calvera. Star studded cast with Charles Bronson, Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and James Coburn. Inspired by the foreign film The Seven Samurai and inspired the modern movie The Three Amigos.
Calvera: If God didn’t want them sheared, he would not have made them sheep.
Village Boy 2: We’re ashamed to live here. Our fathers are cowards.
O’Reilly: Don’t you ever say that again about your fathers, because they are not cowards. You think I am brave because I carry a gun; well, your fathers are much braver because they carry responsibility, for you, your brothers, your sisters, and your mothers. And this responsibility is like a big rock that weighs a ton. It bends and it twists them until finally it buries them under the ground. And there’s nobody says they have to do this. They do it because they love you, and because they want to. I have never had this kind of courage.
15. Come to the Stable (1949)
Not Rated
Heartwarming fiction for all audiences. This amusing film follows two nuns who come to America to establish a hospital to fulfill a promise. Good message of faith and hope.
14. I Confess (1953)
Not Rated (Adult theme)
Recommended for dads and moms and other adults in the house – not really for adolescents.
Alfred Hitchcock fiction about Father Michael Logan, a priest who is confronted by the local government authorities to break the seal of confession. The only fault in the film is the murky interior struggle the priest has with a former girlfriend. Probably inspired the heinous movie, Priest. Filmed in beautiful Quebec.
13. The Endurance – Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2000)
Rated G – Adults and adolescents
Gripping documentary narrated by Liam Neeson. True story of men who conquered despair. Just when you think they’ve had enough, new and more daunting challenges befall the ill-fated Antarctic voyagers. Incredible adventure story.
Famous Quotes: “Until our food ran out, we each had one meal a day: a biscuit which we looked at for breakfast, sucked on for lunch, and ate for dinner.”
12. Going My Way (1944)
Not Rated
Bing Crosby plays his usual role of the suave and debonair priest . . . enough said.
Watch for this quote: “A golf course is nothing but a poolroom moved outdoors.”
11. A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Rated G
Story of man’s pride and fall when King Henry VIII rejected the Church to obtain a divorce and remarriage. To quell his conscience, the King tried to force Sir Thomas More to submit . . .
Sir Thomas More: When a man takes an oath, he’s holding his own self in his own hands like water, and if he opens his fingers then, he needn’t hope to find himself again.
10. Becket (1964)
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and violence
Do not watch this with your kids. Emotionally dramatic movie throughout. It captures the tension between former friends King Henry II and the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Thomas a Becket. Thomas a Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.
The quote of the film: In that Lord Gilbert has rendered no act of contrition or repentance, and is at the moment, at liberty in the land, we do, here and now, separate him from the precious body and blood of Christ, and from the society of all Christians. We exclude him from our Holy Mother Church and all her sacraments, in heaven, or on Earth. We declare him excommunicate and anathema . . . [slams candle to the ground] Monks: [response] So be it.
And we can’t forget this classic: King Henry II: “I can do nothing. I’m as useless as a woman.”
9. Michael Collins (1997)
Rated R for violence and language
The daring and bold true story of the establishment of the Irish Free State in the 1920’s. Great historical drama, but don’t get your hopes up watching this film – we all know how it ends.
Great quotes to watch for:
Michael Collins: “We have a weapon more powerful than any in the whole arsenal of the British Empire! That weapon is our refusal!”
Michael Collins: “We won’t play by their rules, Harry. We’ll invent our own.”
8. The Day the Sun Danced: The True Story of Fatima (2005)
Not Rated
The inspiring animated for children true story of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, whose great faith and courage brought the message of Our Lady of Fatima to the entire world. The earnest message of Fatima is repeated here to help inspire children in praying the rosary with devotion.
7. The Reluctant Saint (1962)
Not Rated
Based on the true story of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, patron saint of aviators – for obvious reasons as depicted in the movie. Great message that “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” The other lesson here is how God lifts up the lowly and humble; whereas, the proud, He casts down in the conceit of their heart.
6. Padre Pio: Between Heaven and Earth (2009)
Not Rated (Adult Drama)
One of several recent films on the newly ordained Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. This 2009 film with Michele Placido playing the Capuchin monk from his stigmata through his adult life contains several real events and quotes of the man as it journeys through his life in San Giovanni Rotundo. The most authentic of the film versions will make you chuckle at his sense of humor and stand in awe at his marvels.
5. For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012)
Rated R for war violence and some disturbing images, including child torture
A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929); a war by the people of Mexico against the atheistic Mexican government. Fitting for our time when government intrusion into religion is escalating. We are to ask ourselves: ‘how far would you go for your faith?’ Having been falsely accused of bombing, Blessed Miguel Pro was arrested and shot by a firing squad. Before the order to fire was given, he spread his arms in the form of a cross. His execution is depicted in the closing credits.
Favorite quote: “Men will shoot bullets but God decides were they land.”
4. Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa (2005)
Not Rated
Animated for children. Based on historical facts and tradition here is the true story of the boy whose love and care for others make him one of the most popular figures of all times. Today, more than sixteen centuries later, the entire world celebrates the kindness and generosity of the man we call Santa Claus. Great message of courage and steadfast hope for our current age institutional hostility towards religion.
3. The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Touching depiction of the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes to Bernadette Soubirous. The pompous government officials think she is nuts, and do their best to suppress the girl and her followers, and the church wants nothing to do with the whole matter until the miracle at the grotto transforms the village – and the world.
2. Rudy (1993)
Rated PG for profane language (many instances using God’s name in vain)
Played by Catholic actor Sean Astin, this is the real life story of Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, a walk-on hopeful to overcome great odds to star in Notre Dame’s collegiate football team. Great inspiring message of perseverance and long-suffering.
1. Saint Teresa of the Andes (2009)
Not Rated (subtitled) 450 minutes on 3 discs.
The story of a Carmelite who was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1993. Keep your handkerchiefs handy, her story will make even a grown man cry.
Fire Camp, a Greek Orthodox Monastery, and a New Book
I was just uploading pictures from our small point-and-shoot camera and ran across some that my husband took at fire camp a couple months ago. It reminded me about the picture book I wanted to share with you all, which he picked up on his way home!
While driving home he ran acroos a Greek Orthodox Monastery and Gift Shop in Washington State and decided to stop and look for a couple gifts to bring home.
He especially loved the icon pictured above, but ended up deciding on some amazingly delicious coffee and pastries. He also brought home a picture book, Saint Catherine by Dionysios & Egle-Ekaterine Potamitis (imported from Greece), to give to one of our daughters on November 25th, her name-day! (Love him!!)
I pre-read it earlier this evening, and even though it is written from the Greek Orthodox perspective (versus Roman Catholic) I really enjoyed the story and the way the authors presented the beauty of martyrdom. The illustrations are gorgeous and I am looking forward to reading it to the children. (I have been eyeing a couple of the other books from this author/publisher, especially Saint Christopher and My Warrior Saints, but they are rather expensive…)
UPDATE: The Author/Publisher has generously offered FREE SHIPPING and a 10% discount to my visitors! Just mention “Found you under Shower of Roses!” Visit Potamitis Publishing to place an order!
Like our Lucia, Saint of Light book, I also happened to find the Audio Version of Saint Catherine available online! Here are the links for anyone who would like to listen to the story:
Preparing our Hearts for Christmas :: A Soft Manger, Christkindl, and a Letter to the Christ Child
Each Advent, as we prepare for Christmas, our children love creating a soft place for the Infant Jesus to arrive on Christmas morning by placing a piece of straw (or raffia) in the manger for each of their extra prayers, good works, and sacrifices.
This year, as some of the children get older, we have decided to expand on this tradition by incorporating the Christkindl tradition which Maria von Trapp shares in her book Around the Year with the Trapp Family. (Unfortunately this book is out of print, but you can find the complete text at EWTN. Many years ago I printed it out in it’s entirety!) Growing up my family enjoyed doing this during Advent, and it was also encouraged at Christendom College when I was a student! (I still remember the funky glasses and “pet bug” I found in my mailbox which my Christkindl – also known as Kris Kringle – left me as a gift! lol)
Mrs. Von Trapp explains the tradition much better than I ever could so I am just going to share a quote:
… And then comes another exciting moment. Once more the mother appears with the bowl, which she passes around. This time the pieces of paper contain the names of the members of the family and are neatly rolled up, because the drawing has to be done in great secrecy. The person whose name one has drawn is now in one’s special care. From this day until Christmas, one has to do as many little favors for him or her as one can. One has to provide at least one surprise every single day–but without ever being found out. This creates a wonderful atmosphere of joyful suspense, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Perhaps you will find that somebody has made your bed or shined your shoes or has informed you, in a disguised handwriting on a holy card, that “a rosary has been said for you today” or a number of sacrifices have been offered up. This new relationship is called “Christkindl” (Christ Child) in the old country, where children believe that the Christmas tree and the gifts under it are brought down by the Christ Child himself.
The beautiful thing about this particular custom is that the relationship is a reciprocal one. The person whose name I have drawn and who is under my care becomes for me the helpless little Christ Child in the manger; and as I am performing these many little acts of love and consideration for someone in the family I am really doing them for the Infant of Bethlehem, according to the word, “And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.” That is why this particular person turns into “my Christkindl.” At the same time I am the “Christkindl” also for the one I am caring for because I want to imitate the Holy Child and render all those little services in the same spirit as He did in that small house of Nazareth, when as a child He served His Mother and His foster father with a similar love and devotion.
Many times throughout these weeks can be heard such exclamations as, “I have a wonderful Christkindl this year!” or, “Goodness, I forgot to do something for my Christkindl and it is already suppertime!” It is a delightful custom, which creates much of the true Christmas spirit and ought to be spread far and wide…
On the first Sunday of Advent we will draw names. (I’m thinking the oldest five children this year, but if any of you have done this before and have suggestions or advice, I’d love to hear it in the comment box!) I also plan to have the children write a letter to the Christ Child this year, also inspired by Maria Von Trapp:
…And there is still one very important thing to do for Advent. According to Austrian custom, every member of the family writes a letter to the Holy Child mentioning his resolutions for the weeks of Advent and listing all his wishes for gifts. This “Christkindl Brief” (letter to the Holy Child) is put on the window sill, from whence the Guardian Angel will take it up to heaven to read it aloud to the Holy Child…
Update: Our children tuck their letters into their shoes on the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas so that he can pick them up and deliver them to the Christ Child.
Preparing for Advent :: A Few Fun Finds for 2012
As you might have noticed, I’ve been spending some time preparing for Advent! Each year my goal has been to be ready before the baby arrives by the first Sunday of Advent, having all my shopping completed, but that doesn’t always happen. I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week already! Anyways, I still have quite a few decisions to make for this year but, like I did last year, I thought I’d share a few of the new things I have set aside for this Advent.
The last couple years we have been assembling a puzzle (or two!) each Advent. In 2010 we assembled the Our Lady of Guadalupe Puzzle. Last year the kids loved The Nativity in the Woods Puzzle, followed by the gorgeous Holy Family Jigsaw Puzzle and the They Come Bearing Gifts Puzzle for Epiphany. For this year I considered the Peaceful Prince Jigsaw Puzzle and this O Star of Bethlehem Snow Globe Puzzle, but in the end I settled on this beautiful Glorious Nativity 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle. (I’m also planning on ordering this one for one of this year’s O Antiphon Gifts, but more on that later!)
We always set up a card table to use for assembling our Advent/Christmas Puzzles. This year I purchased a beautiful Silent Night Table Cover to place over the card table. (For those of you that don’t have a second table option for puzzles, this Stow & Go might be a good solution.)
I have our Advent Prepare and Rejoice Mantel letters ready to go, and this year I will also be covering our mantel with this lovely Silent Night Mantle Scarf! (It is also available from Catholic Embroidery.)
Our He’s Coming! The Importance of Advent CD by the Altar Gang isn’t new, we’ve owned it since it came out 5 years ago, but it hasn’t been pulled off the shelf in quite some time. I think my younger children, especially, are going to love listening to it! Here are links to the MP3 download and CD, or you can purchase them from Holy Heroes.
After seeing Catholic Embroidery‘s recommendation, I pre-ordered Advent at Ephesus from The Benedictines of Mary. According to their website, a significant amount of the proceeds will go directly to their community. In addition to assisting them with their present needs, the funds will also go towards the future construction of our permanent monastery building! (I ordered mine directly from the sisters, but it is also available from Amazon.)
Almost Wordless Wednesday {Christmas 2004}
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