On the Feast of St. Andrew
Last year beginning on November 30th, the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, I prayed the St. Andrew Christmas Novena. If this novena was a traditional nine-day novena, it would end on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. However, this novena is actually prayed much longer. It is prayed throughout all four weeks of Advent! “It is piously believed that whoever recites the St. Andrew Christmas prayer fifteen times each day from the feast of St. Andrew until Christmas day will obtain the favor requested.”
With our little Bud due on Christmas (or New Year’s depending on which ultrasound you went by) I prayed for a safe delivery and healthy baby… This year we are celebrating his very first nameday today! Yes, even though it wasn’t even considered before he was born, we ended up naming Bud after this great saint. We were also so excited to learn that it also happens to be his Godfather’s Confirmation name! (Coincidence? I don’t think so!)
Preparing for Advent :: O Antiphon Gifts
Ever since our oldest children were very little, we have been implementing an old monastic custom in our home of providing special treats, representing each of the “O Antiphons,” on the days leading up to Christmas. Each night, after our family rosary, we pray the O Antiphon for the day, sing O Come, O Come Emmanuel (which was inspired by this ancient tradition), and then give the children a special treat. Some years it has been little gifts for the family, some years it is all food related, and some years it is a mix of both. You can see some of my past posts from 2007-2011 by scrolling through the archives and visiting Catholic Cuisine.
The picture above is from last year, but I have this year’s gifts set aside or ordered, and I plan to wrap them soon (in gold wrapping paper for these “Golden Nights”), attaching the various O Antiphon Ornaments from Jesse Tree Treasures to each package. We’ll pull out our O Antiphon House and (since I don’t have any plans to deliver a baby this Advent!) I will probably include some extra treats at mealtimes as well.
The Benedictine monks arranged these antiphons with a definite purpose. If one starts with the last title and takes the first letter of each one – Emmanuel, Rex, Oriens, Clavis, Radix, Adonai, Sapientia – the Latin words ero cras are formed, meaning, “Tomorrow, I will come.” Therefore, the Lord Jesus, whose coming we have prepared for in Advent and whom we have addressed in these seven Messianic titles, now speaks to us, “Tomorrow, I will come.” So the “O Antiphons” not only bring intensity to our Advent preparation, but bring it to a joyful conclusion.
The O Antiphon Prayers begin on December 17th and end on the 23rd, which is the last Vespers of Advent, since the evening prayer on the 24th is the Vigil of Christmas. Our family just loves this little tradition, and it is such a fun way to teach the children about these beautiful prayers of the church and also increase their excitement as Christmas gets closer! Here are the treats that I choose for this year:
Since the symbol for wisdom is a book, I often choose a new Catholic Book for our family. This year I happened to run across this beautifully illustrated book at our local Catholic Book Store. I’ve been saving it for a special occasion and plan to wrap it up for the first of the O Antiphons this year!
In past years we have given the children Around the Year: Once Upon a Time Saints, the beautiful A Catholic Child’s Picture Dictionar, Novena: The Power of Prayer, new children’s prayer books for Mass, and a craft kit to make Christmas Bookmarks.
We usually emphasize the word “house” in this Antiphon, and have made our Gingerbread Houses or Gingerbread Cookies on this night. We have given the kids a fun new Gingerbread House Cookie Cutter, Gingerbread Houses and Mini Village Kits. We have also roasted marshmallows over a fire, drawing from the reference to “Moses in the burning bush.”
This year I totally am streaching it and giving the kids the Little House on the Prairie DVD. My husband had bought it for me when it first came out (it was $29 back then and now it’s only $4.99!!) and we all enjoyed it so much! Years ago we lost one of the (two) DVD’s and it’s just not the same watching only half the movie. The kids are going to be so excited!
I couldn’t decide between this set of 12 Red Glitter Poinsettia Ornaments and Miracle of the Poinsettia, so I ended up purchasing both (and wrapping them together) for this year’s O Root of Jesse Antiphon gift.
In the past I have purchased our Poinsettia Plant for Christmas, new books including The Legend of the Poinsettia and The Miracle of the First Poinsettia, baked Poinsettia Cupcakes, made recipes with root vegetables including Hearty Beef Stew and Carrot Cake, given the kids Old Fashioned Root Beer Drops or served Root Beer.
Since this is initially a monastic tradition, and on this night, the monk in charge of the wine cellar would provide a special bottle of wine. We usually always serve a special drink with dinner. Sometimes I also serve a Key Lime Pie as well! Last year I purchased a couple key hook rails from Target to use to hang our Rosaries!
This year Charlotte almost talked my into buying this awesome puzzle, but since I had already purchased Key Puzzle/Brainteaser!
I love wooden stacking toys!!! And I think the kids do too! 😉 We already have the Rainbow, Fire, Water Waves, Stone Cave, and the Little Flower Wooden Stacker. Rose will be receiving the Wooden Fairy Tale Village and Bud will be receiving the Stacking Birds for either Christmas or on their birthdays! When I ran across this set of blocks, I immediately thought it would be a perfect gift for this O Antiphon!
Other past ideas include a surprise trip to town (complete with mugs of Cocoa) to view Christmas Lights, decorating our own house or tree with Christmas lights, eating “O Dayspring Ice Cream,” and adding the Kurt Adler 10-Light Candle with Gold Dish Light Set to our Christmas Tree!
Earlier this year I finally ordered one of the beautiful sets of Three Kings Gifts! Every Christmas the kids put together a Christmas Play for their Daddy & I, and these will make such a fun and beautiful addition to their usual props! .: December 23rd :.
For the last of this year’s O Antiphons I ended up purchasing the beautiful 500-Piece Stained Glass Jigsaw Puzzle.
In the past the children have been given special Holy Cards or Coloring Books, including the beautiful Eucharistic Adoration: With Saints And Symbols Of The Eucharist Coloring book, added various Children’s Nativity Sets to our collection, made a Chocolate Nativity Scene, and received the Holy Family Puzzle with a lovely embroidered Mass bag from Catholic Embroidery.
A Little Golden Books Baby Shower
Last night we had a Baby Shower for my dear friend Trina who is due on December 1st with her 8th child! (Her SIXTH boy in a row, after two girls!) We had the shower at my friend Kristin’s home (the same friend who also hosted Our Little Man’s Baby Shower!) and as always she decorated her home as cute as can be! It was so much fun and I have a ton of pictures to share with you all!
Here is a peek at the invitation I mailed out, minus a few of the details. Inspired by this invitation, but not having the time for a lot of assembling and wanting more than just a printable to write the details on, I ended up making my own using this background picture and adding the text that I wanted to include. I printed them on card stock, adding all the details on the back of the card.
Note to self: Next time be sure to add “turn over for details” or something along those lines! Most people didn’t turn over the card until someone mentioned it to them. Also, it’s not the best idea to address the envelopes at 2am… You might end up sending someone two invitations, while neglecting to send that same person’s daughter and granddaughter their invitation. Whoops! Thankfully they figured it out, and everyone made it to the shower!
As you can see on the invitation, one of the things we asked our guests to do was “bring a book instead of a card!” Surprisingly, despite the huge collection of books that Trina already has for her (homeschooled) children, she only received one duplicate! I was going to give her a copy of The Blueberry Pie Elf or One Morning in Maine (my two favorite childhood picture books, which my Dad would always read to us!) but I ended up deciding on a a copy of My Golden Children’s Bible – it matched our “Golden” theme after all.
Also, since Trina wasn’t in need of any large baby items we decided to collect money to give her for a little house cleaning help! Her youngest son, who is two, has been in a lower body cast (he broke his femur in October) and it’s been a difficult last trimester, to say the least! (Her little guy should hopefully be getting his cast off this week, and her due date is Saturday!)
Kristi made the cutest little picture book garland and had picture books everywhere! She has quite the collection!!! It all looked so adorable!
I printed out a Children’s Book Scramble that I ran across online! Oh my goodness, what a FUN game! We ended up having two women tie with 13 correct answers. How many of the real titles can you figure out?
1. Emerald Yolky Food With Accompanying Pig Product
2. Evening Salutations to the Celestial Orb
3. Soft Cotton Bunny Toy
4. Trifecta of Minute Swine
5. Pretty Girl Slumbering
6. Unsightly Aquatic Bird
7. Which Female Cares for Me?
8. Brunette Furry Mammal, Brunette Furry Mammal, I Ask About Your Observations
9. Locale of the Concrete Walkway’s Termination
10. Be Off Canine, Be Off
11. Famished Butterfly Predecessor
12. Fedora Wearing Feline
13. Locale of the Untamed Creatures
14. A Breeze Blowing Through the Salix Trees
We also had everyone write their favorite picture book on a slip of paper and Trina had to try and guess whose was whose as she opened her gifts – with a prize for the first correct guess! It was so interesting, and I have a few new books that I want to check out! And everyone that brought diapers or wipes was entered into a raffle for a prize. (Kristi provided all the prizes, and wrapped them up so CUTE and coordinated with the theme!)
Kristi made cute little bookmarks for everyone, in addition to decorating bottles of hand sanitizer for everyone to take home as party favors!
My girls were very excited to be able to attend the shower!
Please say an extra prayer for a safe delivery and healthy baby!
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 boring straight lines. (And I’ve added a square scalloped punch to my wish list!)
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:
0 Comments